This is a complete list of Special Issues of Classics Illustrated published separately from the main series (with GEMs highlighted). The list includes links for the following: (a) Wiki page (from the Grand Comics Database, or GCD), (b) e-book (available upon request), and (c) More info on each comic (via optional posts by various contributors).
Please note that the list is sortable by each column. (Multiple levels of sorting are possible by sorting more than one column in succession, from lowest to highest.) You can also do an instant filtering of the table by entering a character string in the ‘Search’ field.
The set of sixteen Classics Illustrated Special Issues, published by Gilberton from 1955 to 1964, presented non-fiction stories in an expanded format of 96 pages, which nicely complemented the classic fiction presented in the regular Classics Illustrated issues which had 48 pages. The beautifully crafted special editions afforded young readers a wealth of informative material that exceeded in scope anything attempted previously in the comics medium. With these Special Issues, Albert Kanter (the founder of the Classics Illustrated group of comics) reached the pinnacle of his ambition of using comic books as an educational medium.
The Classics Illustrated Special Issues featured the creative contributions of many notable writers and artists who brought these stories to life. These contributors were the same group of talented writers and artists who also worked on Classics Illustrated. Together, they skillfully captured the essence of each story, such as the classic retelling of “The Story of Jesus” the dramatic Civil War narrative “The War Between the States” and the trilogy of stories about the history of the American West. The storytelling prowess of these writers and artists elevated the impact and emotional resonance of the source material, leaving a lasting impression on readers and cementing the legacy of these Special Issues as an unforgettable addition to the world of comic books.
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