Chris Foss, owner of the Columbia, SC mega-store, Heroes and Dragons, has recently purchased a complete set of CGC-graded Gaines File science fiction issues from HeritageComics.com and its co-owner James Halperin. The coveted issues, purchased for a low-to-mid six-figure price, are Weird Fantasy 1-22, Weird Science 1-22, Weird Science Fantasy 23-29, and Incredible Science Fiction 30-33.

The set is the result of William Gaines, legendary publisher of MAD, Tales from the Crypt, and dozens of other classic comic titles, putting aside 12 file copies of most EC comics issued between 1950 and 1955. These "Gaines File" copies are now among the most desirable of all comic books. Over 75% of the issues in this amazing set are in 9.4 or 9.6 condition, with Weird Science #5 coming in at 9.8(!).

A few of the books were purchased at Heritage's Signature and monthly Internet-only auctions beginning in March, with the rest coming from Halperin directly during Foss' late June visit to Heritage to view lots for their July 4-6 Wizard World Signature auction.

According to Foss, "I learned that Jim Halperin bought a full set of Gaines File books from Steve Geppi back in March. I collect science fiction comics and had already started to buy a few Gaines File issues from their auctions, so I immediately approached (Heritage's Director of Acquisitions) Ed Jaster about buying the science fiction titles to fill in the rest of my then-incipient set. Ed promised that Jim would offer me the books I needed after all the books came back from CGC, and they were true to their word"

"Chris has been a consistent consignor and bidder in our auctions, so Jim was more than happy to accommodate his request," said Jaster.

Foss tentatively plans to hold the books for a few years as an investment. "I'm just thrilled to be the temporary custodian of these treasures!" he says.

All past Heritage auction records may be viewed along with full-color images, descriptions, and prices, at www.HeritageComics.com, while Foss' Heroes and Dragons can be found at www.HeroesAndDragons.com.