Piracy #4 (April–May 1955) – Key Highlights
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Publisher: EC Comics
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Cover Artist: Reed Crandall
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Editor: Al Feldstein
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Publication Date: April–May 1955
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Genre: Adventure, piracy, and historical fiction
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Pages: 36 pages
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Original Cover Price: $0.10
🔥 Key Significance
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Part of EC Comics' late New Direction line, featuring tales of high-seas piracy, mutiny, treachery, and maritime adventure.
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Features an outstanding roster of EC artists, including Reed Crandall, George Evans, Graham Ingels, and Bernie Krigstein.
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The dynamic cover by Reed Crandall features a dramatic swordfight.
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The lead story, "Pirate Master," offers an unusual twist on pirate bravado when the ruthless Captain Satan discovers that even he has something to fear: his mother-in-law.
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All five features were later reprinted in Gemstone's Piracy #4 (June 1998).
📖 Story Highlights
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Pirate Master – 7 pages. Pencils and inks by Reed Crandall. Pirate commander Captain Satan (Juniper Dell) loses his fearsome reputation when he captures a ship carrying his mother-in-law.
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The King's Buccaneer – 1-page text story.
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By the Book – 6 pages. Written by Carl Wessler, with pencils and inks by George Evans. Midshipman David Price tries to persuade sailor Harper to follow the rules, but Harper has his own interpretation of the book.
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The Sheba – 6 pages. Pencils and inks by Graham Ingels. Ben becomes convinced that the ship The Sheba is trying to kill him.
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Inheritance – 7 pages. Pencils and inks by Bernie Krigstein. Emile Divigny incites a mutiny in an attempt to claim his brother's title and lands.
📌 Additional Details
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Cover Pencils and Inks: Reed Crandall.
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Interior Artists: Reed Crandall, George Evans, Graham Ingels, and Bernie Krigstein.
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Story Writer: Carl Wessler ("By the Book").
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Coloring: Marie Severin.
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Reprint History: All five features were reprinted in Piracy #4 (Gemstone, June 1998).
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Format: 36 pages, full color.
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Original Cover Price: 10 cents.
A terrific example of EC's New Direction era, featuring a memorable pirate-themed cover by Reed Crandall and interior artwork from four exceptional EC artists. The blend of dark maritime drama, mutiny, and even a touch of humor makes Piracy #4 an appealing issue for EC collectors.
