The title is known to millions as the best way in the world to get out of a book report. What we know to be Classics Illustrated was created by Albert L Kanter as a means of bringing fine literature to kids everywhere. It was known as “Classic Comics” until issue # 35 when it became the more familiar “Classics Illustrated”. The title proved to have some serious legs, lasting over 25 years with approximately 169 different books. Over the years, Classic Illustrated reprinted each individual title many times. This issue of Robin Hood is the very first one. Collectors refer to this as the Original Edition. Of all the early Classics Illustrated books, this is still a fan favorite. Its art, by Louis Zansky, is crisp and clean with precise lines that are exciting. The inking is very detailed and serves the action well. Of all the earlier covers (they started to use painted covers with issue # 81), many feel that this one ranks among the publisher’s very best. The cover is perfectly balanced. The top three quarters is given to just two images, the logo and Robin Hood. But, the action on the lower quarter is frenetic and nicely detailed. The pages are off-white. The book is CGC-certified VF 8.0 According to their census; this copy is tied with two others as the highest graded copy they have seen.