US Comics
Chronology : 1938
1938 The Perfect Superman
2011 SOLD 2.161 M$ with no applied buyer premium
Even Superman does not reach perfection. However, with a 9.0 CGC graded copy of Action Comics # 1, it has never been so close.
This 1938 edition, first issue of this magazine and the first appearance of Superman, is the most prestigious of all for collectors of comic books. Only Detective Comics # 27, first appearance of Batman, could make it a little shade.
For CGC (Comics Price Guide), 9.2 describes a volume kept flat, clean, with supple and not yellowed paper, vibrant colors, undamaged staples. 9.0 means that some qualities required for the 9.2 are not quite reached.
Since I created this group in 2008, we were lucky to follow some increases of prices of these two outstanding books. In February 2010, two specimens, both 8.0, simultaneously reached $ 1M: Detective Comics # 27 at auction in Heritage, and Action Comics # 1 on private sale by Comic Connect. The following month, Comic Connect sold $ 1.5M an Action Comics # 1 graded 8.5.
The 9.0 copy of Action Comics # 1 is auctioned on the web on November 30 by Comic Connect, an auction house operating from New York. A specialized collector cannot find better and the price is unpredictable. 15 days before the conclusion of the sale, the bidding is already at $ 1.3 million and the reserve price is met. The cover of this lot is shown on the article shared by ActuaLitté.
Seven hours before the end of the sale, the highest price ever paid for a comic book at auction is already exceeded.
Associated Press is sharing this video on YouTube.
POST SALE COMMENT
This is the first copy in the history of comic books to exceed $ 1.5 M. It was sold $ 2.161 M. The auction house does not charge the buyer.
This 1938 edition, first issue of this magazine and the first appearance of Superman, is the most prestigious of all for collectors of comic books. Only Detective Comics # 27, first appearance of Batman, could make it a little shade.
For CGC (Comics Price Guide), 9.2 describes a volume kept flat, clean, with supple and not yellowed paper, vibrant colors, undamaged staples. 9.0 means that some qualities required for the 9.2 are not quite reached.
Since I created this group in 2008, we were lucky to follow some increases of prices of these two outstanding books. In February 2010, two specimens, both 8.0, simultaneously reached $ 1M: Detective Comics # 27 at auction in Heritage, and Action Comics # 1 on private sale by Comic Connect. The following month, Comic Connect sold $ 1.5M an Action Comics # 1 graded 8.5.
The 9.0 copy of Action Comics # 1 is auctioned on the web on November 30 by Comic Connect, an auction house operating from New York. A specialized collector cannot find better and the price is unpredictable. 15 days before the conclusion of the sale, the bidding is already at $ 1.3 million and the reserve price is met. The cover of this lot is shown on the article shared by ActuaLitté.
Seven hours before the end of the sale, the highest price ever paid for a comic book at auction is already exceeded.
Associated Press is sharing this video on YouTube.
POST SALE COMMENT
This is the first copy in the history of comic books to exceed $ 1.5 M. It was sold $ 2.161 M. The auction house does not charge the buyer.
1938 An Authentic Superman
2016 SOLD for $ 960K including premium
The appearance of the superheroes is a key step in the history of comics and a point of no return. Action Comics # 1 was published on April 18, 1938 by the recently created Detective Comics company with a nominal date of June 1938. This issue is the undisputed holy grail of the hobby, with the incredible strength of Superman displayed on cover page.
Superman is a character with supernatural powers. By adapting it to the comic book format, its authors Siegel and Shuster had the fruitful idea of transforming their monster originally derived from the Frankenstein story into a propagator of good, tireless defender of widows and orphans. Detective Comics agreed to exploit this innovative conception. An exclusive contract is signed.
An Action Comics # 1 in very good condition graded 9.0 by CGC was sold for $ 2,16M without any added buyer's fee by Comic Connect on 30 November 2011. This micro-market characterized by seeking the best possible condition is very similar to the T206 Wagner baseball card of which a copy has reached the same price level on March 29, 2013.
As it also sometimes happens for coins or bank notes, a few examples have qualities that outperform their certified grade. OnAugust 4 in Dallas, Heritage sells at no reserve as lot 91001 an Action Comics # 1 only ranked FN - (lesser than Fine) 5.5 by CGC.
This copy is exceptional for its color brightness. The paper described between cream and off-white is close to mint condition and the staples are not oxidized. It has therefore already exceeded in its online bidding the reference baseline established at $ 465K for a slightly better Fine 6.0 condition. The press release of 15 July sets a target price at $ 750K.
Previously described as Apparent Very Fine 7.5 by the same certification grading office, it is hampered by a few wounds on margins and spine. A previous tentative to repair it had been undone without damage to the book, which brings to it the much appreciated Blue label granted by the CGC to unmodified authentic copies.
Superman is a character with supernatural powers. By adapting it to the comic book format, its authors Siegel and Shuster had the fruitful idea of transforming their monster originally derived from the Frankenstein story into a propagator of good, tireless defender of widows and orphans. Detective Comics agreed to exploit this innovative conception. An exclusive contract is signed.
An Action Comics # 1 in very good condition graded 9.0 by CGC was sold for $ 2,16M without any added buyer's fee by Comic Connect on 30 November 2011. This micro-market characterized by seeking the best possible condition is very similar to the T206 Wagner baseball card of which a copy has reached the same price level on March 29, 2013.
As it also sometimes happens for coins or bank notes, a few examples have qualities that outperform their certified grade. OnAugust 4 in Dallas, Heritage sells at no reserve as lot 91001 an Action Comics # 1 only ranked FN - (lesser than Fine) 5.5 by CGC.
This copy is exceptional for its color brightness. The paper described between cream and off-white is close to mint condition and the staples are not oxidized. It has therefore already exceeded in its online bidding the reference baseline established at $ 465K for a slightly better Fine 6.0 condition. The press release of 15 July sets a target price at $ 750K.
Previously described as Apparent Very Fine 7.5 by the same certification grading office, it is hampered by a few wounds on margins and spine. A previous tentative to repair it had been undone without damage to the book, which brings to it the much appreciated Blue label granted by the CGC to unmodified authentic copies.
1939 Human Torch at the Top
2019 SOLD for $ 1.26M including premium
The price of a comic book of the golden age depends on its prestige and condition. The first appearance of a superhero is acclaimed : Superman in 1938 in Action Comics # 1, Batman in 1939 in Detective Comics # 27, Green Lantern in 1940, Captain America in 1941. The greatest hits have generated dedicated titles : 'Superman' with a # 1 in 1939 and 'Batman' in 1940.
Superman and Batman are the flagships of Detective Comics. Their main competitor is Timely Publications, which publishes Marvel Comics with a # 1 in October 1939 and Captain America Comics from 1941. Marvel's first superhero is The Human Torch.
Greedy readers have stained the pages. Otherwise, the manufacture was not free from defects and time has yellowed the paper. Unrestored pristine copies are extremely rare.
The reference is provided by the 10-point rating scale used by CGC. VF/NM 9.0 still accepts minor defects. The higher grades are much more demanding. Up to NM 9.4, only small defects remain accepted. 9.2 and 9.4 are differentiated by the wear. At 9.6 minor defects must be few, without wear. Above the defects are negligible (9.8), imperceptible (9.9) or absent (10.0). No trace of handling is accepted at 9.9.
Among the most prestigious books referred above, a Captain America # 1 graded 9.4 with pages between off-white and white was sold for $ 915K including premium by Heritage on August 1, 2019.
A Marvel Comics # 1 graded NM 9.4 off-white pages by CGC is estimated $ 1M for sale by Heritage in Dallas on November 21, lot 91090.
This copy has the highest grade attributed by CGC in this edition. Two copies were graded 9.0. One of them, whose cover and 7 pages had been used by the printer for its accounting of the artists' payment, was sold for $ 227K including premium by Heritage on February 25, 2010.
Superman and Batman are the flagships of Detective Comics. Their main competitor is Timely Publications, which publishes Marvel Comics with a # 1 in October 1939 and Captain America Comics from 1941. Marvel's first superhero is The Human Torch.
Greedy readers have stained the pages. Otherwise, the manufacture was not free from defects and time has yellowed the paper. Unrestored pristine copies are extremely rare.
The reference is provided by the 10-point rating scale used by CGC. VF/NM 9.0 still accepts minor defects. The higher grades are much more demanding. Up to NM 9.4, only small defects remain accepted. 9.2 and 9.4 are differentiated by the wear. At 9.6 minor defects must be few, without wear. Above the defects are negligible (9.8), imperceptible (9.9) or absent (10.0). No trace of handling is accepted at 9.9.
Among the most prestigious books referred above, a Captain America # 1 graded 9.4 with pages between off-white and white was sold for $ 915K including premium by Heritage on August 1, 2019.
A Marvel Comics # 1 graded NM 9.4 off-white pages by CGC is estimated $ 1M for sale by Heritage in Dallas on November 21, lot 91090.
This copy has the highest grade attributed by CGC in this edition. Two copies were graded 9.0. One of them, whose cover and 7 pages had been used by the printer for its accounting of the artists' payment, was sold for $ 227K including premium by Heritage on February 25, 2010.
1939 Batman takes Flight
2010 SOLD 1.07 M$ including premium
The comics magazines are a regular specialty of Heritage Auction Galleries. It is also, like American coins, a category where price guides take into account the condition of the lots with great detail.
So, when Heritage states that one lot of their comics sale of 25 to 27 February in Dallas may become the most expensive item in its category at auction, we need to pay attention.
This is an exceptional copy in original condition (unrestored) of the issue 27 (May 1939) of Detective Comics, which includes the first appearance of Batman, the crime fighter.
The press release states as the highest price to date a copy of # 1 Action Comics, with the first entry of Superman. We had discussed the sale in this column. This lot was sold $ 317 K with no applied buyer's charge by Comic Connect on March 13, 2009.
Heritage believes that the copy of Batman is more difficult to find in perfect condition because in 1939 such magazines were no longer treated as precious by their fans. Presented without reserve price, it could exceed $ 300K. Here is the press release shared by Heritage with the image of the magazine cover and a link to the catalog.
I already described here in an earlier article the historical link between the two masterpieces. I copy my text:
"In June 1938, Siegel and Shuster created the well known superhero, Superman. To this end, they got from the company DC Comics to create a journal, which was named Action Comics. Detective Comics magazine published by the same company existed since the previous year.
"It was clever: the two journals are alike, and are playing a competition for the benefit of their unique editor. The immediate success of Superman led Detective Comics to introduce Batman as early as 1939."
POST SALE COMMENT
The art market is left in an upward spiral in all categories for lots that fans regard as unique in the market.
Heritage announced that they would exceed the record of comics magazines with this copy of number 27 of Detective Comics in state graded 8.0. This goal seemed certain until the sale by Comic Connect and Metropolis Collectibles in a private transaction, on February 22, of an Action Comics No. 1, also in grade 8.0, at $ 1 million.
The result reached by Heritage is remarkable: $ 1.07 million including premium. Record for a comic book, both at auction and for all types of transactions together.
So, when Heritage states that one lot of their comics sale of 25 to 27 February in Dallas may become the most expensive item in its category at auction, we need to pay attention.
This is an exceptional copy in original condition (unrestored) of the issue 27 (May 1939) of Detective Comics, which includes the first appearance of Batman, the crime fighter.
The press release states as the highest price to date a copy of # 1 Action Comics, with the first entry of Superman. We had discussed the sale in this column. This lot was sold $ 317 K with no applied buyer's charge by Comic Connect on March 13, 2009.
Heritage believes that the copy of Batman is more difficult to find in perfect condition because in 1939 such magazines were no longer treated as precious by their fans. Presented without reserve price, it could exceed $ 300K. Here is the press release shared by Heritage with the image of the magazine cover and a link to the catalog.
I already described here in an earlier article the historical link between the two masterpieces. I copy my text:
"In June 1938, Siegel and Shuster created the well known superhero, Superman. To this end, they got from the company DC Comics to create a journal, which was named Action Comics. Detective Comics magazine published by the same company existed since the previous year.
"It was clever: the two journals are alike, and are playing a competition for the benefit of their unique editor. The immediate success of Superman led Detective Comics to introduce Batman as early as 1939."
POST SALE COMMENT
The art market is left in an upward spiral in all categories for lots that fans regard as unique in the market.
Heritage announced that they would exceed the record of comics magazines with this copy of number 27 of Detective Comics in state graded 8.0. This goal seemed certain until the sale by Comic Connect and Metropolis Collectibles in a private transaction, on February 22, of an Action Comics No. 1, also in grade 8.0, at $ 1 million.
The result reached by Heritage is remarkable: $ 1.07 million including premium. Record for a comic book, both at auction and for all types of transactions together.
1939 Here is Batman again !
2010 SOLD 657 K$ including premium
Until 2009, the magazine of the first appearance of Superman reigned unchallenged in the market for comics. It now has a formidable rival in Detective Comics # 27, the first issue where Batman is coming.
I told the story in February. It is now experiencing an episode as exciting as the previous ones, at Heritage in Dallas on August 5.
The Batman from my previous article was sold $ 1.07 million including premium. It was graded 8.0, and the auction house had observed that such magazine was more difficult to find in perfect condition than its predecessors when comics were a real novelty.
The success of the sale in February gave to another customer the idea to sell his copy, illustrated in the press release shared by the auction house. It is rated 7.5 (therefore just below the previous one) and its provenance may inspire collectors of all kinds.
In 1974, the current owner had bought it from a bookseller in Hawaii for $ 1,200, a considerable sum at that time for this type of piece. He then made a little investigation and discovered that it had not changed hands after being bought at a newsstand when it was
released in 1939.
Buyers of 2010 do not worry that the market could be flooded with copies of this quality. The biddings started yesterday on the web have already exceeded $ 400K, including fees.
POST SALE COMMENT
This copy has reached 657 K $ including premium. Such a price is slightly higher than what was expected for its condition. The comic magazine market is particularly strong this year, and the accurate story of its discovery in 1974 was certainly a factor in its favor.
I told the story in February. It is now experiencing an episode as exciting as the previous ones, at Heritage in Dallas on August 5.
The Batman from my previous article was sold $ 1.07 million including premium. It was graded 8.0, and the auction house had observed that such magazine was more difficult to find in perfect condition than its predecessors when comics were a real novelty.
The success of the sale in February gave to another customer the idea to sell his copy, illustrated in the press release shared by the auction house. It is rated 7.5 (therefore just below the previous one) and its provenance may inspire collectors of all kinds.
In 1974, the current owner had bought it from a bookseller in Hawaii for $ 1,200, a considerable sum at that time for this type of piece. He then made a little investigation and discovered that it had not changed hands after being bought at a newsstand when it was
released in 1939.
Buyers of 2010 do not worry that the market could be flooded with copies of this quality. The biddings started yesterday on the web have already exceeded $ 400K, including fees.
POST SALE COMMENT
This copy has reached 657 K $ including premium. Such a price is slightly higher than what was expected for its condition. The comic magazine market is particularly strong this year, and the accurate story of its discovery in 1974 was certainly a factor in its favor.
1940 Early Success for Batman
2013 SOLD 570K$ including premium
Introduced for the first time in Detective Comics # 27 in May 1939, Batman, perhaps less intimidating than Superman, immediately captivated the audiences. In the first months, the authors begin to surround him with companions and to equip him by extraordinary gadgets.
In less than a year, he takes his autonomy as the principal hero of a new magazine that bears his name. Simply dated Spring 1940, Batman # 1 offers interesting innovations including the creation of the Joker and Catwoman, two villains.
Historians note that the Dark knight kills another character in this # 1. This is a unique event because his authors withdrew him the right to such irreversible actions. The aim was rather to surround the flying justiciar with many secondary characters that young readers were pleased to recognize. Hergé had a similar approach.
On August 1 in Dallas, Heritage sells the best known copy of Batman # 1. Graded 9.2 by CGC, it is characterized by the almost perfect condition of the fragile yellow background of the cover. For this great copy from an issue that belongs the short list of the most prestigious comic books, $ 500K are expected. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
The result, $ 570K including premium, is in line with the expectation.
In less than a year, he takes his autonomy as the principal hero of a new magazine that bears his name. Simply dated Spring 1940, Batman # 1 offers interesting innovations including the creation of the Joker and Catwoman, two villains.
Historians note that the Dark knight kills another character in this # 1. This is a unique event because his authors withdrew him the right to such irreversible actions. The aim was rather to surround the flying justiciar with many secondary characters that young readers were pleased to recognize. Hergé had a similar approach.
On August 1 in Dallas, Heritage sells the best known copy of Batman # 1. Graded 9.2 by CGC, it is characterized by the almost perfect condition of the fragile yellow background of the cover. For this great copy from an issue that belongs the short list of the most prestigious comic books, $ 500K are expected. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
The result, $ 570K including premium, is in line with the expectation.
1941 The Super Patriot
2019 SOLD for $ 915K including premium
Throughout the economic crisis of the 1930s, movie-goers temporarily forget their difficulties with the horror films of Universal Pictures. For the same public, Martin Goodman becomes in 1933 editor of pulp magazines. He is 25 years old.
In 1938 and 1939 DC Comics achieve a gigantic success with their superheroes including Superman and Batman. Goodman becomes their main competitor by creating Timely Publications which becomes Timely Comics in April 1941. The first Timely magazine, Marvel Comics # 1, is so successful that its circulation is increased from 80,000 to 800,000 copies in November 1939.
The son of Lithuanian Jewish emigrants, Goodman is sensitive to events in Europe. In addition to his androids, he promotes a super military leader named Captain America, endowed with the physical and intellectual perfection and wearing very prominently the stars and stripes of the US flag.
This super patriot staged by Simon and drawn by Kirby appears for the first time in the # 1 dated March 1941 of the new magazine Captain America. On the cover page, he shoots in a devastating right hook a very recognizable character who is nominally designated as Hitler in the text.
With nearly 1 million copies sold, Captain America # 1 is a great success, showing that it already meets the expectations of young Americans nearly one year before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The best unrestored copies graded by CGC are one almost perfect NM/MT 9.8 and two NM 9.4. One of these 9.4 will be sold by Heritage in Dallas on August 1, lot 91053. Its pages are described between Off-white and White.
In 1938 and 1939 DC Comics achieve a gigantic success with their superheroes including Superman and Batman. Goodman becomes their main competitor by creating Timely Publications which becomes Timely Comics in April 1941. The first Timely magazine, Marvel Comics # 1, is so successful that its circulation is increased from 80,000 to 800,000 copies in November 1939.
The son of Lithuanian Jewish emigrants, Goodman is sensitive to events in Europe. In addition to his androids, he promotes a super military leader named Captain America, endowed with the physical and intellectual perfection and wearing very prominently the stars and stripes of the US flag.
This super patriot staged by Simon and drawn by Kirby appears for the first time in the # 1 dated March 1941 of the new magazine Captain America. On the cover page, he shoots in a devastating right hook a very recognizable character who is nominally designated as Hitler in the text.
With nearly 1 million copies sold, Captain America # 1 is a great success, showing that it already meets the expectations of young Americans nearly one year before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The best unrestored copies graded by CGC are one almost perfect NM/MT 9.8 and two NM 9.4. One of these 9.4 will be sold by Heritage in Dallas on August 1, lot 91053. Its pages are described between Off-white and White.
1963 The Mutants of the Silver Age
2012 SOLD 490 K$ including premium
This is the last straw for the X-Men: the beginning of their development was slow and difficult!
In 1963, the so-called Silver Age of comic books was beginning. New heroes and new villains captivate the readers now tired of Superman and Batman. X-Men is not considered at that time as a major title of Marvel Comics.
Yet, unbeknownst to their creators, these X-Men have in them the germ of the future top success of comic books. The radioactivity created mutants with superhuman powers of infinite variety. They are good, bad or failed, an ideal mix to generate the countless video games so enjoyed by today's consumers.
Twenty years ago, a collector named Doug Schmell appreciated that the Silver Age shall one day reach its heyday on the market. Like for philatelists, numismatists or golden age comics collectors, it was required to own the best possible copy of each type.
Schmell succeeded. His fabulous collection consists of 682 comic books of the Silver Age, almost all graded NM (near mint) by CGC Comics. To satisfy a demanding collector, it is not enough that a copy is mint, it must also be well centered, well cut and especially in a perfectly white paper. Most of those in the Schmell collection are the best known example, and top series are complete.
Schmell collection, also known as Pacific Coast pedigree, will be separated in the sale of Heritage in Beverly Hills from 26 to 28 July. The most prestigious lot, estimated $ 250K, is the X-Men # 1, CGC graded 9.8. It will be sold on the first day. Here is the link to the catalog.
I invite you to play the video shared on YouTube by Heritage to introduce this collection.
POST SALE COMMENT
The fabulous Schmell collection provided spectacular results, as it was hoped. Collectors can now focus much more closely on the condition of their comic books of the Silver Age.
X-Men # 1, CGC 9.8, presented in the discussion above, was sold $ 490K including premium.
Published in the same year, 1963, the other top piece of the sale, The Avengers # 1 graded CGC 9.6, was sold $ 275K including premium. Here is the link to the catalog.
In 1963, the so-called Silver Age of comic books was beginning. New heroes and new villains captivate the readers now tired of Superman and Batman. X-Men is not considered at that time as a major title of Marvel Comics.
Yet, unbeknownst to their creators, these X-Men have in them the germ of the future top success of comic books. The radioactivity created mutants with superhuman powers of infinite variety. They are good, bad or failed, an ideal mix to generate the countless video games so enjoyed by today's consumers.
Twenty years ago, a collector named Doug Schmell appreciated that the Silver Age shall one day reach its heyday on the market. Like for philatelists, numismatists or golden age comics collectors, it was required to own the best possible copy of each type.
Schmell succeeded. His fabulous collection consists of 682 comic books of the Silver Age, almost all graded NM (near mint) by CGC Comics. To satisfy a demanding collector, it is not enough that a copy is mint, it must also be well centered, well cut and especially in a perfectly white paper. Most of those in the Schmell collection are the best known example, and top series are complete.
Schmell collection, also known as Pacific Coast pedigree, will be separated in the sale of Heritage in Beverly Hills from 26 to 28 July. The most prestigious lot, estimated $ 250K, is the X-Men # 1, CGC graded 9.8. It will be sold on the first day. Here is the link to the catalog.
I invite you to play the video shared on YouTube by Heritage to introduce this collection.
POST SALE COMMENT
The fabulous Schmell collection provided spectacular results, as it was hoped. Collectors can now focus much more closely on the condition of their comic books of the Silver Age.
X-Men # 1, CGC 9.8, presented in the discussion above, was sold $ 490K including premium.
Published in the same year, 1963, the other top piece of the sale, The Avengers # 1 graded CGC 9.6, was sold $ 275K including premium. Here is the link to the catalog.
1986 Dear Old Batman
2013 SOLD 480 K$ including premium
In 1986, Batman is 47 years old. He remained the favorite hero of DC Comics at the risk of becoming obsolete. Superheroes are like politicians or car brands: immobility leads to premature retirement.
Fortunately, DC always has a winning strategy. To restart Batman, they required to the artist Frank Miller a short story in only four issues, which appeared under the title The Dark Knight Returns.
Batman is surrounded by traditional characters from his universe but himself changed a lot. The flying hero becomes a muscular brute, without however reaching the enormity of the Incredible Hulk. And even his mission becomes murky: he is more concerned with personal vendetta than for the welfare of humanity.
Young readers like to be surprised, and this small series was one of the most successful comics of its time. Its original drawings are highly appreciated.
Used as a full-page in issue 3, a drawing by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson was sold for $ 450K including premium by Heritage on May 5, 2011. Batman and a sidekick are staging a violent aerial scene well above the city.
On August 2 in Dallas, Heritage sells the original drawing in black pen and ink, 32 x 45 cm, for the cover of issue 2. Batman in front view takes the pose of Rodin's thinker to express his hatred and aggression.
This artwork fully prepared by Miller himself remained in its original state without added color. It is estimated $ 500K. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
Batman raised $ 480K including premium. This result is very good when considering that it is a recent work, and slightly above the price of the other full-page drawing sold in 2011.
Fortunately, DC always has a winning strategy. To restart Batman, they required to the artist Frank Miller a short story in only four issues, which appeared under the title The Dark Knight Returns.
Batman is surrounded by traditional characters from his universe but himself changed a lot. The flying hero becomes a muscular brute, without however reaching the enormity of the Incredible Hulk. And even his mission becomes murky: he is more concerned with personal vendetta than for the welfare of humanity.
Young readers like to be surprised, and this small series was one of the most successful comics of its time. Its original drawings are highly appreciated.
Used as a full-page in issue 3, a drawing by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson was sold for $ 450K including premium by Heritage on May 5, 2011. Batman and a sidekick are staging a violent aerial scene well above the city.
On August 2 in Dallas, Heritage sells the original drawing in black pen and ink, 32 x 45 cm, for the cover of issue 2. Batman in front view takes the pose of Rodin's thinker to express his hatred and aggression.
This artwork fully prepared by Miller himself remained in its original state without added color. It is estimated $ 500K. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
Batman raised $ 480K including premium. This result is very good when considering that it is a recent work, and slightly above the price of the other full-page drawing sold in 2011.
1990 Marvel on the Web
2012 SOLD 660 K$ including premium
Marvel Comics is a magazine publisher who took advantage of the popularity of the trend of superheroes and supervillains started by the creator of the genre, its competitor DC Comics.
The titles of magazines are diverse, enabling to propose new # 1s to revive the interest of an increasingly demanding public. However, do not confuse these young people. In a unique fantasy world, the same superheroes come back throughout the series.
Appearing for the first time in 1962, Spider-Man is the most popular hero of Marvel Comics, and provides the opportunity in 1990 of the best selling book in the history of modern comics.
The spider hero is easier to dehumanize than Batman, for example. The artist Todd McFarlane reworks the empty eyes of the Arachknight and its relationship with its own intricate web.
The news spreads through appropriate publicity, and Marvel then launch a new magazine simply titled Spider-Man. The # 1 is printed in 2.35 million copies, which will be insufficient to meet demand.
The original drawing in black and white, 25 x 38 cm, signed by McFarlane for the cover of Spider-Man # 1 is for sale on July 26 by Heritage in Beverly Hills. As clever as Spider-Man, the auction house tells in its press release that the estimate, $ 150K, is already outdated. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
There has long been some hope for an increased interest in the original art for comic books, as it is already the case for the French-speaking bandes dessinées. The excellent result of this relatively recent Spider-Man, $ 360K including premium, is going in the right direction.
The original art of another cover of the same artist for the same superhero, also made in 1990, was sold $ 660K including premium in the same sale. Here is the link to the catalog.
The titles of magazines are diverse, enabling to propose new # 1s to revive the interest of an increasingly demanding public. However, do not confuse these young people. In a unique fantasy world, the same superheroes come back throughout the series.
Appearing for the first time in 1962, Spider-Man is the most popular hero of Marvel Comics, and provides the opportunity in 1990 of the best selling book in the history of modern comics.
The spider hero is easier to dehumanize than Batman, for example. The artist Todd McFarlane reworks the empty eyes of the Arachknight and its relationship with its own intricate web.
The news spreads through appropriate publicity, and Marvel then launch a new magazine simply titled Spider-Man. The # 1 is printed in 2.35 million copies, which will be insufficient to meet demand.
The original drawing in black and white, 25 x 38 cm, signed by McFarlane for the cover of Spider-Man # 1 is for sale on July 26 by Heritage in Beverly Hills. As clever as Spider-Man, the auction house tells in its press release that the estimate, $ 150K, is already outdated. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
There has long been some hope for an increased interest in the original art for comic books, as it is already the case for the French-speaking bandes dessinées. The excellent result of this relatively recent Spider-Man, $ 360K including premium, is going in the right direction.
The original art of another cover of the same artist for the same superhero, also made in 1990, was sold $ 660K including premium in the same sale. Here is the link to the catalog.
