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Dear Lonely Hearts #5 cover
Cover: Marty Elkin
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Dear Lonely Hearts #5

Apr 1954 · Comic Media · 0.10 USD
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"Tea with Terror" is a poignant 1954 tale from Dear Lonely Hearts #5, where Elsa’s correspondence with a mysterious man named Clint takes a shocking turn when she finally meets him in person—only to recoil in horror at his disfigured face, believing him to be the infamous wrestler “The Monster.” After her regret sets in, her heartfelt apologies go unanswered, until a surprising return visit from Clint—now cured and transformed—brings closure and a quiet, tender reconciliation. The story, illustrated with expressive detail by Marty Elkin, whose art defines both the cover and interior, captures the fragile hope of second chances with a restrained, emotional precision.

Contains 4 stories
Tea with Terror
6 pp · Crime, Romance
Terry SaundersHarry SmithJim BarryMildred Norton

In "Tea with Terror," a charming young man named Harry earns a meal at Terry’s home by offering to do chores, but his nervousness spikes when a knock at the door brings police detective Jim, who warns Terry about a killer marking his victims with an “X.” When Jim leaves, Harry’s polite act shatters—revealing himself as the very maniac he’d been warned about, the “X” now etched on a mirror, a knife in hand. Just as the tension peaks, Jim returns—not to arrest, but to ask Terry for a date—catching the killer off guard.

Mountain Love
6 pp · Romance
Sally HallJohnsie BoltonDr. Jim

In "Mountain Love," Sally, a city teacher new to a rural hamlet, finds herself caught between the earnest affection of farmer Johnsie and the protective concern of Dr. Jim. As tensions rise during a community picnic, a moment of miscommunication leads to a dramatic confrontation that forces Sally to reconsider her understanding of the people around her. The story unfolds with quiet intensity, exploring connection and clarity in a world where intentions are not always what they seem.

I Laughed at my Love
7 pp · Romance
Elsa BrownMildred NortonClint CarrollMother MurphyBig Jim

In "I Laughed at my Love," Elsa’s quiet romance built on letters takes a shocking turn when she finally meets Clint in person—only to recoil in horror at his appearance as the feared wrestler "The Monster." Heartbroken and ashamed, she sends apologies that vanish into silence, until a mysterious stranger returns her money and reveals the truth: Clint’s transformation wasn’t just physical, but born of illness. The story unfolds with quiet ache and tender redemption, as a chance encounter rekindles what once seemed lost.

A Man Worth Loving
6 pp · Romance
Bobbie WilsonJack ParrPierre

In "A Man Worth Loving," Bobbie’s skiing vacation with artist Jack takes a turn when ski instructor Pierre makes a move on her, sparking tension that forces Jack to defend her honor—and her future. As the slopes turn tense, Bobbie must decide whether her heart truly belongs to Jack, or if she’s willing to trade her freedom for love.

ComicBooks.com Value

Our Model is In Beta
Raw (Good) $650
CGC 8.0 · 1 in census $4,222*
CGC 7.5 none in existence
CGC 7.0 · 1 in census $2,815*
CGC 6.5 none in existence
CGC 6.0 · 1 in census $2,044*
CGC 5.5 none in existence
Show all 8 grades
CGC 5.0 none in existence
CGC 4.5 · 1 in census $1,394*
* estimate — limited direct-sales data at this grade
Our model’s value — refined as new sales data arrives · CGC census counts shown where available

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Full credits

artist, inker Marty Elkin
cover pencils, inks Marty Elkin

Reprints

Reprinted in All True Romance #33 (1958)

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