Outstanding original comic art page from This Is War #9, published May 1953 by Standard Publications—the final issue of this short-lived Golden Age war series, which ran for only five issues. This dramatic one-page story, titled “The Mythical Armada,” appears on page 32 of the issue and was reportedly first intended for a Date With Danger comic before being reassigned to This Is War.
Set during the Spanish-American War of 1898, the story depicts a clever American agent uncovering a Spanish military intelligence hoax meant to spread panic along the U.S. coast, ultimately leading to Admiral Dewey’s victory at Manila Bay. Rendered in bold black-and-white ink, the page bears the name “McCue,” referring to Chas. McCue, a known letterer for Standard.
The original artboard measures 15" x 22" and shows expected production handling with light toning, scattered smudges, edge/corner wear, editorial notations throughout, and typical signs of age. The artwork itself remains clean and vividly inked, with strong contrast and clear lettering.
A striking example of early-1950s Golden Age comic art—rarely encountered from this publisher and period—combining sharp storytelling, Cold-War-era intrigue, and historical reference in a single, visually powerful page.
With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA