comic books
1934 Tintin en Amérique published by Casterman
2008 SOLD 63 K€ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The character of Tintin first appeared in 1929 in the supplement of the journal "le Vingtième Siècle". Its creator, Hergé, offers him adventures in the country of Stalin and makes him accompanied by the dog Snowy (Milou). The following year this strip is collected in an album of 138 pages under the title "Les aventures de Tintin reporter du Petit Vingtième au pays des Soviets." The drawings are in black and white.
The price of Tintin albums depends on the rarity of the issue, on the condition, and on the signatures, dedications or original drawings that may improve it.
Let us start with rarity: in its press release from the sale of September 27 in Paris, Artcurial expects 30 K € from lot 13, a "Tintin en Amérique" from the very first issue published by Casterman (1934), almost mint condition.
Let us consider now the handwritten inscriptions:
Lot 7 of the sale of September 27 is an album Tintin in the Land of the Soviets signed "Tintin" (by Hergé) and "Milou" (by his wife). It is a serialized copy of the first thousand. In very good condition but with the corners slightly worn out, it is estimated 28 K €.
From virtually the same description but with a few small tears, serial number 3 had been sold 40 K € fees included by Artcurial on November 17, 2007 (34 K € excluding fees, source: "la Gazette de l'Hôtel Drouot", paper copy). It was dedicated to a friend of Hergé who inspired (perhaps) the character of Haddock.
For subsequent prints and for copies in lesser good condition, prices are falling rapidly.
A copy of the 9th thousand with worn-out cover is estimated at 9 K €, by Néret-Minet et Tessier in Paris (Drouot) on September 22 (Lot 236).
POST SALE COMMENT
Artcurial obtained excellent results on both rare items:
63 K € including fees for Lot 13.
58 K € including fees for Lot 7.
The album described above at Néret-Minet et Tessier has not been sold.
The character of Tintin first appeared in 1929 in the supplement of the journal "le Vingtième Siècle". Its creator, Hergé, offers him adventures in the country of Stalin and makes him accompanied by the dog Snowy (Milou). The following year this strip is collected in an album of 138 pages under the title "Les aventures de Tintin reporter du Petit Vingtième au pays des Soviets." The drawings are in black and white.
The price of Tintin albums depends on the rarity of the issue, on the condition, and on the signatures, dedications or original drawings that may improve it.
Let us start with rarity: in its press release from the sale of September 27 in Paris, Artcurial expects 30 K € from lot 13, a "Tintin en Amérique" from the very first issue published by Casterman (1934), almost mint condition.
Let us consider now the handwritten inscriptions:
Lot 7 of the sale of September 27 is an album Tintin in the Land of the Soviets signed "Tintin" (by Hergé) and "Milou" (by his wife). It is a serialized copy of the first thousand. In very good condition but with the corners slightly worn out, it is estimated 28 K €.
From virtually the same description but with a few small tears, serial number 3 had been sold 40 K € fees included by Artcurial on November 17, 2007 (34 K € excluding fees, source: "la Gazette de l'Hôtel Drouot", paper copy). It was dedicated to a friend of Hergé who inspired (perhaps) the character of Haddock.
For subsequent prints and for copies in lesser good condition, prices are falling rapidly.
A copy of the 9th thousand with worn-out cover is estimated at 9 K €, by Néret-Minet et Tessier in Paris (Drouot) on September 22 (Lot 236).
POST SALE COMMENT
Artcurial obtained excellent results on both rare items:
63 K € including fees for Lot 13.
58 K € including fees for Lot 7.
The album described above at Néret-Minet et Tessier has not been sold.
1938 first Superman
2016 SOLD for $ 960K by Heritage
An Action Comics # 1 in very good condition graded 9.0 by CGC was sold for $ 2,16M in 2011. As it also happens for coins or bank notes, a few examples have qualities that outperform their certified grade. On August 4, 2016, Heritage sold for $ 960K at 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.
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.
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.
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.
1938 an appealing superman
2018 SOLD for $ 450k
The breakthrough of the comic books is the # 1 of Action Comics published in 1938 by D.C. Comics in 200,000 copies launching the prodigious career of Superman.
The surviving quantity of unrepaired copies is less than 50. This figure includes the conserved copies which have been cleaned by a professional to ensure the longevity of these fragile papers. This maintenance may include sealing voids around the staples.
Grading is done by CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) on a scale of 0.5 to 10.0. The eye appeal of the color of the paper and the beauty of the printed colors are graded as a single characteristics by CVA (Comic Verification Authority) which affixes a tamper-proof sticker on the CGC label.
The two best Action Comics # 1 have been rated Very Fine / Near Mint 9.0. One of them was sold for 2.161M with no applicable buyer's fees on November 30, 2011 by Comic Connect. The other one reached $ 3.2M on eBay in August 2014. None of these two copies had a CVA sticker visible on the pre-sale photos.
Collectors take a great consideration on the visual appeal. A Fine - 5.5 downgraded from Very Fine - 7.5 due to defects in margins and staples was sold for $ 960K including premium by Heritage on August 4, 2016. Its paper is Cream to off-white.
On March 6 online, Comic Link sells an Action Comics # 1 as the first lot in this timed auction. The beautiful paper is off-white. It is graded Fine / Very Fine 7.0 Conserved by CGC and Exceptional by CVA.
The surviving quantity of unrepaired copies is less than 50. This figure includes the conserved copies which have been cleaned by a professional to ensure the longevity of these fragile papers. This maintenance may include sealing voids around the staples.
Grading is done by CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) on a scale of 0.5 to 10.0. The eye appeal of the color of the paper and the beauty of the printed colors are graded as a single characteristics by CVA (Comic Verification Authority) which affixes a tamper-proof sticker on the CGC label.
The two best Action Comics # 1 have been rated Very Fine / Near Mint 9.0. One of them was sold for 2.161M with no applicable buyer's fees on November 30, 2011 by Comic Connect. The other one reached $ 3.2M on eBay in August 2014. None of these two copies had a CVA sticker visible on the pre-sale photos.
Collectors take a great consideration on the visual appeal. A Fine - 5.5 downgraded from Very Fine - 7.5 due to defects in margins and staples was sold for $ 960K including premium by Heritage on August 4, 2016. Its paper is Cream to off-white.
On March 6 online, Comic Link sells an Action Comics # 1 as the first lot in this timed auction. The beautiful paper is off-white. It is graded Fine / Very Fine 7.0 Conserved by CGC and Exceptional by CVA.
1938 Online with Superman
2009 SOLD 317 K$ with no applied buyer's premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
In the market for magazines and albums of strips and comics, the more desirable are the first numbers of the series. Besides the prestige afforded by the possession of a number 1, we feel a more cultural reason: at number 1, success is not guaranteed, and the number of printed and sold copies is still low.
I have already discussed in this column about Action Comics No.1, where Superman made his first feat in June 1938. I do not repeat here, and invite you to read this article "The Birth of Superman", where I gave as usual a brief description and some information on the context of the creation of the work.
For these multiple items, condition is heavily changing the price. The copy that I described in my article, in good condition, has reached 115 K $ including expenses at Heritage on 22 May 2008.
The new one is in exceptional condition. The paper has kept its original freshness. It could not remain at a low price! It is sold without a reserve price by Comic Connect in a sale on the web and by phone that ends on March 13. The international press has been informed, and announces that the price could reach 400 K $. Thirteen days before the sale, we already have 38 bids and 220 K $.
Knowing the importance of this lot, Comic Connect offers credit facilities to the lucky winner. This house does not charge a buyer premium.
In the market for magazines and albums of strips and comics, the more desirable are the first numbers of the series. Besides the prestige afforded by the possession of a number 1, we feel a more cultural reason: at number 1, success is not guaranteed, and the number of printed and sold copies is still low.
I have already discussed in this column about Action Comics No.1, where Superman made his first feat in June 1938. I do not repeat here, and invite you to read this article "The Birth of Superman", where I gave as usual a brief description and some information on the context of the creation of the work.
For these multiple items, condition is heavily changing the price. The copy that I described in my article, in good condition, has reached 115 K $ including expenses at Heritage on 22 May 2008.
The new one is in exceptional condition. The paper has kept its original freshness. It could not remain at a low price! It is sold without a reserve price by Comic Connect in a sale on the web and by phone that ends on March 13. The international press has been informed, and announces that the price could reach 400 K $. Thirteen days before the sale, we already have 38 bids and 220 K $.
Knowing the importance of this lot, Comic Connect offers credit facilities to the lucky winner. This house does not charge a buyer premium.
1938 ALL THE RIGHTS FOR SUPERMAN
2012 SOLD 160 K$ WITH NO APPLIED BUYER'S PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Comic Connect and America's favorite hero, Superman, are well known in this group.
On November 30, 2011, this specialized auction house sold $ 2.161 million the highest graded known copy of Action Comics # 1, where the superhero appears for the first time (please note that Comic Connect does not apply a buyer premium). Such a result will be hard to overcome, unless the same copy comes back some time on the market.
On April 16, online from New York, Comic Connect sells a $ 412 check drawn on March 1, 1938 by Detective Comics in the joint benefit of the two young men who invented the concept of Superman, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
The check contains four justification lines. The first line simply reads: Superman, $ 130. This is the transfer of the ownership rights of Superman to Detective Comics, one of the most prolific acts in the history of American spare time.Here is the link to the catalog.
For the public, the story begins three months later, in June 1938, with the publication of Action Comics # 1 published by Detective Comics.
The price of this check at auction is unpredictable. Americans love anything that relates to success stories. Here is an example in another application domain: on December 13, 2011, Sotheby's sold $ 1.6 million including premium acopy of the founding contract of Apple company.
POST SALE COMMENT
This unusual lot was sold $ 160K. It is a very good price.
(Remind that ComicConnect does not apply a buyer premium).
I invite you to play the video shared by ComicConnect on YouTube before the sale.
Comic Connect and America's favorite hero, Superman, are well known in this group.
On November 30, 2011, this specialized auction house sold $ 2.161 million the highest graded known copy of Action Comics # 1, where the superhero appears for the first time (please note that Comic Connect does not apply a buyer premium). Such a result will be hard to overcome, unless the same copy comes back some time on the market.
On April 16, online from New York, Comic Connect sells a $ 412 check drawn on March 1, 1938 by Detective Comics in the joint benefit of the two young men who invented the concept of Superman, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
The check contains four justification lines. The first line simply reads: Superman, $ 130. This is the transfer of the ownership rights of Superman to Detective Comics, one of the most prolific acts in the history of American spare time.Here is the link to the catalog.
For the public, the story begins three months later, in June 1938, with the publication of Action Comics # 1 published by Detective Comics.
The price of this check at auction is unpredictable. Americans love anything that relates to success stories. Here is an example in another application domain: on December 13, 2011, Sotheby's sold $ 1.6 million including premium acopy of the founding contract of Apple company.
POST SALE COMMENT
This unusual lot was sold $ 160K. It is a very good price.
(Remind that ComicConnect does not apply a buyer premium).
I invite you to play the video shared by ComicConnect on YouTube before the sale.
1938 THE BIRTH OF SUPERMAN
2008 SOLD 115 K$ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
To vary the topics of my articles, I know a good solution: to visit Heritage Auctions Galleries, the important auction house of Texas which always finds objects that one does not find elsewhere, or that nobody other would dare to try to sell.
This evening, I was not disappointed, and thus you either, because their sale of May 22 in Dallas makes us attend the birth of Superman!
In June 1938, Siegel and Shuster created the well-known Superman. To this end, they obtained from DC Comics company the creation of a magazine, to be named Action Comics. Detective Comics magazine published by the same company existed since the previous year.
It was skilful: the two reviews resembled each other, and made a competition which plays the profit of their single editor. The immediate success of Superman carries out Detective Comics to introduce Batman as early as 1939. One will find of course all necessary information in Wikipedia.
Let us return to the collectors and to our sale: it is not a chance if Heritage precisely makes start the golden age of the comics in 1938. Let us examine the most important lots presented by the auction house.
There is especially a n° 1 of Action Comics, in almost mint condition, with a minimum bid of 85 K$ (lot 41001). One sees in cover Superman, the very serious air, raising with arms raised an enormous car in the presence of two terrorized passers by. Like Gargantua before him, Superman, as of its birth, was very strong.
One finds also other "incunabula" of the comics, like the n° 27 of Detective Comics, with Batman in cover (lot 41024, minimum bid 40 K$), the n° 1 of 1939 of the Superman magazine (lot 41072, minimum bid 16 K$) and other reviews of the time whose covers resemble each other so much that it is supposed that they also come from the same source of production.
POST SALE COMMENT
The sale confirms the excellent health of this market. The top lot, number 41001, rose to 115 K $. That with Batman (41024) made 65 K $ and the lot 41072 sold at 28 K $. All items in this category seem to sell easily.
The above prices include the costs.
To vary the topics of my articles, I know a good solution: to visit Heritage Auctions Galleries, the important auction house of Texas which always finds objects that one does not find elsewhere, or that nobody other would dare to try to sell.
This evening, I was not disappointed, and thus you either, because their sale of May 22 in Dallas makes us attend the birth of Superman!
In June 1938, Siegel and Shuster created the well-known Superman. To this end, they obtained from DC Comics company the creation of a magazine, to be named Action Comics. Detective Comics magazine published by the same company existed since the previous year.
It was skilful: the two reviews resembled each other, and made a competition which plays the profit of their single editor. The immediate success of Superman carries out Detective Comics to introduce Batman as early as 1939. One will find of course all necessary information in Wikipedia.
Let us return to the collectors and to our sale: it is not a chance if Heritage precisely makes start the golden age of the comics in 1938. Let us examine the most important lots presented by the auction house.
There is especially a n° 1 of Action Comics, in almost mint condition, with a minimum bid of 85 K$ (lot 41001). One sees in cover Superman, the very serious air, raising with arms raised an enormous car in the presence of two terrorized passers by. Like Gargantua before him, Superman, as of its birth, was very strong.
One finds also other "incunabula" of the comics, like the n° 27 of Detective Comics, with Batman in cover (lot 41024, minimum bid 40 K$), the n° 1 of 1939 of the Superman magazine (lot 41072, minimum bid 16 K$) and other reviews of the time whose covers resemble each other so much that it is supposed that they also come from the same source of production.
POST SALE COMMENT
The sale confirms the excellent health of this market. The top lot, number 41001, rose to 115 K $. That with Batman (41024) made 65 K $ and the lot 41072 sold at 28 K $. All items in this category seem to sell easily.
The above prices include the costs.
1938-1940 THE SUPER HERO OF THE ART MARKET
2010 SOLD 143 K$ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
In 2010, the market of art and collectibles has found a super hero, quite unexpected but not unknown: his name isSuperman.
Going into our archives :
February 28, 2009 :
I have already discussed in this column about Action Comics No.1, where Superman made his first feat in June 1938.
For these multiple items, condition is heavily changing the price. The copy that I described in my article, in good condition, has reached 115 K $ including expenses at Heritage on 22 May 2008.
The copy to be sold by Comic Connect is in exceptional condition. The paper has kept its original freshness.
March 14, 2009 :
Result : 317 K $. The auction house does not charge the buyer.
February 25, 2010 :
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.
And now, the news :
The series continues! Yesterday, Comic Connect said that they sold a copy of Action Comics No.1 for $ 1.5 million. It is the only known copy being graded 8.5. It had not gone on the market for 17 years. The sale was made at a fixed price on the web.
Heritage includes in its sale of 20 to 22 May in Dallas two volumes bound circa 1960 containing the first 24 issues of Action Comics (1938-1940). This lot has a quality and a defect. Protected by the binders, magazines and covers remained exceptionally fresh. But as often, page edges have been trimmed for reasons of alignment during assembly.
For this reason, the grade is only 4.0, the guide value of the whole being less than 150 K$. The recent results mentioned above, however, could inflame the desires of collectors, especially since some issues are virtually unobtainable as individual copies.
POST SALE COMMENT
The result is significant. Sold 143 K $ including premium, this lot in bound volumes did not reach the total of the values of individual copies.
In 2010, the market of art and collectibles has found a super hero, quite unexpected but not unknown: his name isSuperman.
Going into our archives :
February 28, 2009 :
I have already discussed in this column about Action Comics No.1, where Superman made his first feat in June 1938.
For these multiple items, condition is heavily changing the price. The copy that I described in my article, in good condition, has reached 115 K $ including expenses at Heritage on 22 May 2008.
The copy to be sold by Comic Connect is in exceptional condition. The paper has kept its original freshness.
March 14, 2009 :
Result : 317 K $. The auction house does not charge the buyer.
February 25, 2010 :
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.
And now, the news :
The series continues! Yesterday, Comic Connect said that they sold a copy of Action Comics No.1 for $ 1.5 million. It is the only known copy being graded 8.5. It had not gone on the market for 17 years. The sale was made at a fixed price on the web.
Heritage includes in its sale of 20 to 22 May in Dallas two volumes bound circa 1960 containing the first 24 issues of Action Comics (1938-1940). This lot has a quality and a defect. Protected by the binders, magazines and covers remained exceptionally fresh. But as often, page edges have been trimmed for reasons of alignment during assembly.
For this reason, the grade is only 4.0, the guide value of the whole being less than 150 K$. The recent results mentioned above, however, could inflame the desires of collectors, especially since some issues are virtually unobtainable as individual copies.
POST SALE COMMENT
The result is significant. Sold 143 K $ including premium, this lot in bound volumes did not reach the total of the values of individual copies.
1939 first Batman
2010 SOLD for $ 660K by Heritage
A Detective Comics # 27 was sold for $ 1.08M by Heritage in February 2010. 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 that sale gave to another owner the idea to sell his copy. In 1974, He had bought it in 1974 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.
Graded VF- 7.5 with off-white paper by CGC, it was sold for $ 660K by Heritage on August 5, 2010, lot 91055.
The success of that sale gave to another owner the idea to sell his copy. In 1974, He had bought it in 1974 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.
Graded VF- 7.5 with off-white paper by CGC, it was sold for $ 660K by Heritage on August 5, 2010, lot 91055.
1939 MARVELOUS ACCOUNTING
2010 SOLD 227 K$ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The huge success of the publishing company DC Comics, with Superman and Batman, generates competition. As early as October 1939, a newcomer, Timely Publications, publishes the first issue of Marvel Comics magazine. We see its cover page in the Timely Comics article of Wikipedia. The new hero, the Human Torch android, is already in action.
From this first issue, the printer has taken a very well printed copy with perfectly centered pages, to record his accounts. In the vicinity of the drawings are noted the price paid to the artist and the check number and date. We find there that the author of the cover drawing has received $ 25 for this artwork.
This copy, which had no reason to be read or laminated, remained in perfect
condition, not needing any repair, making it a piece much coveted by collectors. Curiously,
since its appearance on the market in 1993, it has often changed hands,
which makes it easy to predict its price: around $ 200K.
It is coming back at auction at Heritage in Dallas on February 25.
POST SALE COMMENT
High price indeed, but predictable, as I announced: 227 K $ including premium. In art auctions, the frequent sale of the same work frightens the buyers. In this example, this effect does not apply to comic books.
The huge success of the publishing company DC Comics, with Superman and Batman, generates competition. As early as October 1939, a newcomer, Timely Publications, publishes the first issue of Marvel Comics magazine. We see its cover page in the Timely Comics article of Wikipedia. The new hero, the Human Torch android, is already in action.
From this first issue, the printer has taken a very well printed copy with perfectly centered pages, to record his accounts. In the vicinity of the drawings are noted the price paid to the artist and the check number and date. We find there that the author of the cover drawing has received $ 25 for this artwork.
This copy, which had no reason to be read or laminated, remained in perfect
condition, not needing any repair, making it a piece much coveted by collectors. Curiously,
since its appearance on the market in 1993, it has often changed hands,
which makes it easy to predict its price: around $ 200K.
It is coming back at auction at Heritage in Dallas on February 25.
POST SALE COMMENT
High price indeed, but predictable, as I announced: 227 K $ including premium. In art auctions, the frequent sale of the same work frightens the buyers. In this example, this effect does not apply to comic books.
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.
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.
1956 SUPER ARITHMETIC FOR SUPER HEROES
2009 SOLD 180 K$ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
In this group, we know now DC Comics, which created from 1935 the super heroes including Superman and Batman. In 1956, this company is seeking to renew the genre, and creates the magazine Showcase. The idea is to test new characters for whom an issue is devoted, and who are to come again if they have the expected success.
Thus began what fans call the Silver Age of comics. The Showcase number 4, October 1956, where is The Flash, is considered as the true starting point for this new editorial feat.
The copy of this issue 4 presented by Heritage Auction Galleries on May 21 in Dallas is in mint and unblemished condition.
Here we see the full mastery of Heritage on the market for comics. They rely on a third party certificator named CGC that guarantees the condition on a scale of 0 to 10 with accurate decimal figures at the upper end. CGC provides a price guide and statistics of occurrence for the whole range. The copy of Showcase # 4, grade 9.6, has no equivalent on the market, but this arithmetic (clearly hyperbolic) is used to evaluate it at 200 K $.
By registering on the site, we have access to the actual results of the auction house for this issue. We see that it was sold thirty times at Heritage, but never in mint condition. Congrats and thanks to Heritage for this transparency in the expertise.
POST SALE COMMENT
The price obtained, 180 K $ including premium, is very interesting to analyze. I remind that there was no equivalent in this condition on the market.
The lower estimate, obtained by a mathematical algorithm based on a very detailed appreciation of the condition, did not include the premium, as usual. It has been just around a 20% accuracy. Let me tell you that this is a remarkable accuracy for an extrapolation. I still consider as acceptable an accuracy of 30 to 40% in these conditions.
In this group, we know now DC Comics, which created from 1935 the super heroes including Superman and Batman. In 1956, this company is seeking to renew the genre, and creates the magazine Showcase. The idea is to test new characters for whom an issue is devoted, and who are to come again if they have the expected success.
Thus began what fans call the Silver Age of comics. The Showcase number 4, October 1956, where is The Flash, is considered as the true starting point for this new editorial feat.
The copy of this issue 4 presented by Heritage Auction Galleries on May 21 in Dallas is in mint and unblemished condition.
Here we see the full mastery of Heritage on the market for comics. They rely on a third party certificator named CGC that guarantees the condition on a scale of 0 to 10 with accurate decimal figures at the upper end. CGC provides a price guide and statistics of occurrence for the whole range. The copy of Showcase # 4, grade 9.6, has no equivalent on the market, but this arithmetic (clearly hyperbolic) is used to evaluate it at 200 K $.
By registering on the site, we have access to the actual results of the auction house for this issue. We see that it was sold thirty times at Heritage, but never in mint condition. Congrats and thanks to Heritage for this transparency in the expertise.
POST SALE COMMENT
The price obtained, 180 K $ including premium, is very interesting to analyze. I remind that there was no equivalent in this condition on the market.
The lower estimate, obtained by a mathematical algorithm based on a very detailed appreciation of the condition, did not include the premium, as usual. It has been just around a 20% accuracy. Let me tell you that this is a remarkable accuracy for an extrapolation. I still consider as acceptable an accuracy of 30 to 40% in these conditions.
1961 Fantastic Four
2022 SOLD for $ 1.5M by Heritage
In 1961 DC dominates the market of the comic book. Marvel Comics of course does not want to remain behind. Its editor Stan Lee look for fantastic themes that could appeal the modern more mature young readers. Spider-Man will be their huge success in the next year.
By creating the new title Fantastic Four in 1961, they are featuring a gang of four weird characters instead of a classical super-hero. They are Mr. Fantastic, The Thing, Human Torch and Invisible Girl. The cover drawing for the # 1 was prepared by Jack Kirby.
A copy graded NM- 9.2 white pages by CGC was sold for $ 1.5M by Heritage on April 7, 2022, lot 91059.
At the end of the day that title will be one of the most lasting successes of the comic book industry, terminated at Marvel with the # 588 after half a century.
There is no identified connection between these Fantastic Four and the Fab Four nickname attributed to The Beatles from 1964.
By creating the new title Fantastic Four in 1961, they are featuring a gang of four weird characters instead of a classical super-hero. They are Mr. Fantastic, The Thing, Human Torch and Invisible Girl. The cover drawing for the # 1 was prepared by Jack Kirby.
A copy graded NM- 9.2 white pages by CGC was sold for $ 1.5M by Heritage on April 7, 2022, lot 91059.
At the end of the day that title will be one of the most lasting successes of the comic book industry, terminated at Marvel with the # 588 after half a century.
There is no identified connection between these Fantastic Four and the Fab Four nickname attributed to The Beatles from 1964.
1962 The Silver Age of Spider-Man
2016 SOLD for $ 450K including premium
The silver age of comics is linked to the need for the publishers to follow the rapid changes in society for continuing to catch the attention of the teenagers. Marvel Comics, formerly Atlas Comics, takes the opportunity of this transitional period to become the main competitor to the market leader, DC Comics.
In those ultimate years of the post-war American dream, there is indeed still some place for superheroes and super-villains, but the young readers are now rejecting their infallibility. They identify themselves with characters who are like them clumsy, shy and introverted but whose second hidden life reveals superpowers.
Marvel did not at once find the solution. Launched in June 1961, the magazine Amazing Adventures takes in December the inappropriate name Amazing Adult Fantasy, fortunately simplified as Amazing Fantasy in June 1962. Success comes with the number 15 of August 1962, with the very first introduction of Spider-Man.
The cover page designed by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko shows the man in the arachnid costume in the air between two skyscrapers, carrying in a single hand a damaged villain. The text unambiguously indicates the dual personality of the new superhero who is also the weak Peter Parker whom the world may mock.
This meets exactly what the public desired. The magazine will restart seven months later with a new number 1 under the title of The Amazing Spider-Man.
On February 18 in Dallas, Heritage sells as lot 91113 a copy of Amazing Fantasy # 15 in splendid condition, graded NM 9.4 Off-white pages by CGC, without the chip out that often affects this issue. This comic book is expected in the region of $ 400K. The catalog indicates a population of 4 in that grade and 3 in a higher grade.
In those ultimate years of the post-war American dream, there is indeed still some place for superheroes and super-villains, but the young readers are now rejecting their infallibility. They identify themselves with characters who are like them clumsy, shy and introverted but whose second hidden life reveals superpowers.
Marvel did not at once find the solution. Launched in June 1961, the magazine Amazing Adventures takes in December the inappropriate name Amazing Adult Fantasy, fortunately simplified as Amazing Fantasy in June 1962. Success comes with the number 15 of August 1962, with the very first introduction of Spider-Man.
The cover page designed by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko shows the man in the arachnid costume in the air between two skyscrapers, carrying in a single hand a damaged villain. The text unambiguously indicates the dual personality of the new superhero who is also the weak Peter Parker whom the world may mock.
This meets exactly what the public desired. The magazine will restart seven months later with a new number 1 under the title of The Amazing Spider-Man.
On February 18 in Dallas, Heritage sells as lot 91113 a copy of Amazing Fantasy # 15 in splendid condition, graded NM 9.4 Off-white pages by CGC, without the chip out that often affects this issue. This comic book is expected in the region of $ 400K. The catalog indicates a population of 4 in that grade and 3 in a higher grade.
1962 Incredible Comic Books
2020 SOLD for $ 200K before fees
In 1961 the traditional heroes of DC Comics still seemed to have a bright future. Their competitor Atlas Comics is making a comeback and becomes Marvel Comics. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby are entrusted with inventing a new kind of superhero, targeting a wider age group. The silver age of comic books is launched.
The imagination of the authors is exacerbated by the immediate success of their Fantastic Four. They create monsters in total contrast to the perfection of Superman. They are both terrible and ridiculous, and subject to all human weaknesses.
The Incredible Hulk was one of the first, in May 1962. After six issues, the magazine of this name was suspended, perhaps to avoid competing with Spider-Man, introduced in August 1962, which was very successful. Hulk will come back soon. He is the most exaggerated of the humanoids, without any claim for realism, and that pleases the readers.
The Incredible Hulk # 1 is rare in perfect condition. Among the unrestored copies, CGC graded one in NM 9.4, 6 in NM- 9.2 and 14 in VF/NM 9.0. The color of the paper is also a major characteristic for assessing the appeal of a copy.
A 9.2 White was sold for $ 336K including premium by Heritage on November 15, 2018. A 9.2 Off White to White was sold for $ 326K by Comic Connect on August 27, 2014. A 9.0 Off White to White was sold for $ 275K by ComicLink on August 17, 2016.
On May 27 online, ComicLink sells a White in almost impeccable condition, with all its characteristics deserving 9.6 except a hairline crease and a tiny tear in the region of the upper staple. Graded 9.0 by CGC from these observations, it was recognized as exceptional for this grade by CVA. The release is shared by the auction house.
The imagination of the authors is exacerbated by the immediate success of their Fantastic Four. They create monsters in total contrast to the perfection of Superman. They are both terrible and ridiculous, and subject to all human weaknesses.
The Incredible Hulk was one of the first, in May 1962. After six issues, the magazine of this name was suspended, perhaps to avoid competing with Spider-Man, introduced in August 1962, which was very successful. Hulk will come back soon. He is the most exaggerated of the humanoids, without any claim for realism, and that pleases the readers.
The Incredible Hulk # 1 is rare in perfect condition. Among the unrestored copies, CGC graded one in NM 9.4, 6 in NM- 9.2 and 14 in VF/NM 9.0. The color of the paper is also a major characteristic for assessing the appeal of a copy.
A 9.2 White was sold for $ 336K including premium by Heritage on November 15, 2018. A 9.2 Off White to White was sold for $ 326K by Comic Connect on August 27, 2014. A 9.0 Off White to White was sold for $ 275K by ComicLink on August 17, 2016.
On May 27 online, ComicLink sells a White in almost impeccable condition, with all its characteristics deserving 9.6 except a hairline crease and a tiny tear in the region of the upper staple. Graded 9.0 by CGC from these observations, it was recognized as exceptional for this grade by CVA. The release is shared by the auction house.
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.
1984 MUTANT BEINGS IN THE SEWER
2011 SOLD 11.5 K$ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
All geneticists will tell you that most mutations are lethal. Thus, when creating in 1984 the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, their authors, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, did not expect this initiative to be really viable.
The natural environment of the four turtles is the sewer of New York, where they were transformed into human-sized beings by a murky substance before being educated in the martial art of ninjutsu by a gifted rat.
They made their first appearance on the back cover of the first issue, printed in 50 copies, of a comic book titled Gobbledygook. Interested in their future, an editor procured a copy of each of the first two issues, as well as the original art of the back cover. This project did not materialize, and the creators managed otherwise for the phenomenal success of their new offsprings.
These three lots are presented by Heritage in Dallas in a sale planned over three days, from February 24 to 26. Two of them are illustrated in the article shared by the auction house.
Conceived as a parody of the classic comics with a hint of Japanese influence that echoes the success of mangas, this series had a much greater asset to generate the fervor of youth. It contributes to the exacerbation of environmental sensitivity against the threat that our planet is no more in the short term than a huge pile of garbage.
POST SALE COMMENT
The results confirm an observation I had made about Superman: American collectors better like magazines than original drawings. Europeans make the opposite choice.
The first two issues of Gobbledygook were sold respectively $ 11.5 and $ 4.5 K. The original art was sold $ 5.7 K.
These prices include premium.
All geneticists will tell you that most mutations are lethal. Thus, when creating in 1984 the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, their authors, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, did not expect this initiative to be really viable.
The natural environment of the four turtles is the sewer of New York, where they were transformed into human-sized beings by a murky substance before being educated in the martial art of ninjutsu by a gifted rat.
They made their first appearance on the back cover of the first issue, printed in 50 copies, of a comic book titled Gobbledygook. Interested in their future, an editor procured a copy of each of the first two issues, as well as the original art of the back cover. This project did not materialize, and the creators managed otherwise for the phenomenal success of their new offsprings.
These three lots are presented by Heritage in Dallas in a sale planned over three days, from February 24 to 26. Two of them are illustrated in the article shared by the auction house.
Conceived as a parody of the classic comics with a hint of Japanese influence that echoes the success of mangas, this series had a much greater asset to generate the fervor of youth. It contributes to the exacerbation of environmental sensitivity against the threat that our planet is no more in the short term than a huge pile of garbage.
POST SALE COMMENT
The results confirm an observation I had made about Superman: American collectors better like magazines than original drawings. Europeans make the opposite choice.
The first two issues of Gobbledygook were sold respectively $ 11.5 and $ 4.5 K. The original art was sold $ 5.7 K.
These prices include premium.
