Crown Comics #3 (1945)
Written by: John Ostrander; Art by Tom Mandrake (Published DC Comics, 1992)
Get ready for action with Crown Comics Issue 3, published in 1945! This vintage golden age gem features a thrilling lineup of heroes and adventures, including the first appearance of Voodah, a groundbreaking jungle hero, alongside the Red Rooster and his sidekick Pinky in “The Case of the Kidnapped Heir,” the daring Liberty Scouts, and more! Dive into a classic collection of wartime thrills and captivating artwork that defines an era. A must-have for any serious Golden Age collector!
A Groundbreaking Moment
Crown Comics #3, published by McCombs Publishing in Fall 1945, holds a pivotal, yet often overlooked, place in the history of Black representation in comic books. This issue is primarily celebrated for introducing Voodah, a character widely considered the first Black superhero in comic book history.
Breaking the Golden Age Rule
At a time when positive and prominent Black characters were virtually absent from mainstream media, Voodah’s emergence marked a quiet but significant shift, portraying an active protagonist rather than a stereotypical caricature; a feature very common in the Golden Era of comics.
Further amplifying its historical weight is the involvement of Matt Baker, a trailblazing Black artist whose dynamic artwork brought Voodah to life, adding a crucial layer of authenticity and cultural resonance to the character’s debut in an industry largely devoid of Black creative voices.
Despite some complexities surrounding Voodah’s later portrayals (where he was reportedly depicted with lighter skin in subsequent issues) and ongoing debates over earlier, less prominent Black characters, Crown Comics #3 remains a cornerstone for Black audiences in comic history. Its rarity and historical significance are reflected in its value in the collector’s market.
By the Numbers
According to the CGC Census, as of June 2025, there are a limited number of Crown Comics #3 copies graded. For instance, a CGC 9.0 copy sold for an all-time high of $6,600 in September 2024, and a CGC GD+ 2.5 copy sold for an undisclosed amount (requires sign-in to view) in November 2024. These sales underscore the book’s importance, not just as a collectible, but as a tangible testament to the nascent movement for diversity in a medium that would eventually grow to embrace a wider spectrum of humanity, honoring the pioneering efforts of those who dared to envision a more representative future.
References:
CGC Census: https://www.cgccomics.com/census/
GoCollect (Crown Comics #3 Value): https://gocollect.com/comic/crown-comics-3
Heritage Auctions (Crown Comics #3 sales data): Search “Crown Comics #3” on Heritage Auctions’ past sales to find specific lot results. (e.g., https://comics.ha.com/itm/golden-age-1938-1955-/adventure/crown-comics-3-mccombs-publishing-1945-cgc-gd-25-off-white-pages/a/122448-17174.s)
CovrPrice (Crown Comics #3 sales data): https://covrprice.com/issue/crown-comics-vol-1-3/
