Valor #3

Valor #3 was published in 1955 as part of the science fiction anthology series released by EC Comics during the waning days of the company's peak. Edited by Harvey Kurtzman and Al Feldstein, the series was an attempt to maintain EC's reputation for high-quality storytelling and art within the sci-fi genre, specifically focusing on historical and legendary figures reimagined through a speculative lens. The title struggled to find a consistent audience during a time when the comics industry was facing increased scrutiny from the Comics Code Authority, leading to a brief publication history that concluded after five issues.

The issue features striking cover art and interior illustrations that showcase the distinctive, gritty aesthetic characteristic of EC's mid-1950s output. Artists such as Wally Wood and Bernard Krigstein contributed to the series, aiming to bring a level of sophisticated, illustrative detail to the scripts that elevated the stories above standard genre fare. While it was not a commercial success at the time of its release, the series has since been recognized by collectors for its production quality and its role as a final testament to the editorial vision of Bill Gaines's publishing house before its transition away from horror and suspense titles.