Original Fred Guardineer cover page from Action Comics #15.
Original Frank Miller page from issue #2 of the Dark Knight Returns.
Neal Adams original Batman cover for issue #210.
This week in the Back Issue Roundup, we start with some amazing auctions going on at your favorite comic book auction houses and then we’ll take a peek at some key comics that have direct connections to some of this week’s new releases. But first, be sure to strap into your extreme cold weather gear because our adventure today takes up deep into the barren, frozen wastes of the Comic Book Back Issue Market!
Golden- and Silver-age Oldies:
Golden- and Silver-age original art has been extremely hot and hard to find for years. But this week, there seems to be a plethora of amazing examples to bid on.
You only have two days left to bid on an amazing original Fred Guardineer cover page from Action Comics #15 (DC,1939) at Heritage Auctions. This was the fifth cover appearance of Superman and the earliest Man of Steel cover-art known to exist. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s not going to be cheap. Currently, this auction is sitting at $120,000, but I’m guessing it sells for at least $175,000. Heritage is also offering an original Frank Miller page from issue #2 of the Dark Knight Returns featuring one of the most iconic Batman images from the series. Currently, the bid is at $28,000, but there’s no way this page sells for less than $30,000. There’s also a beautiful Neal Adams original Batman cover for issue #210 (DC, 1969) featuring a kitschy Catwoman outfit from the silver-age currently at $12,000.
Marvel Girl Pin-up from legendary Marvel artist Jack “The King” Kirby.
Burne Hogarth Tarzan Sunday Comic Strip from 1944.
But that’s not all; Comiclink has an amazing Marvel Girl Pin-up from legendary Marvel artist Jack “The King” Kirby. The pin-up measures 12 inches by 18 inches and is the largest Jean Grey image drawn by Kirby with inks by Chic Stone. This pin-up is a one-of-a-kind page from X-Men #9 (Marvel, 1965) that really highlights Kirby’s amazing line-work and creativity in showing a visual representation of Jean’s telekinetic abilities. The auction is currently sitting at $16,500 and ends Thursday, Feb., 27th. While you’re looking at HA’s February Focused Auction, be sure to check out the original Jack Kirby Fantastic Four pages, some incredible Frank Miller original art from his Daredevil run, Sin City and The Dark Knight Strikes back, and an incredibly rare Burne Hogarth Tarzan Sunday Comic Strip from 1944.
If you’re shopping for high-grade Gold and Silver comics, Heritage is also featuring a Human Torch #2 (Timely/Marvel, 1940) featuring the Submariner in CGC 8.5 condition that’s currently at $14,000. But be prepared to pay way more than that, since this is one of only five Timely comics in this condition or higher.
Human Torch #2 (Timely/Marvel, 1940) featuring the Submariner in CGC 8.5 condition.
Avengers #1 (Marvel, 1963) in CGC 9.4 condition.
X-Men #1 (Marvel, 1963) in CGC 9.4 condition.
Not to be outdone, Comiclink is offering an Avengers #1 (Marvel, 1963) in CGC 9.4 condition. According to the CGC Census, there’re only 11 copies of this comic in 9.4 condition and only three copies in 9.6. The auction is currently at $35,500 and going up. There is also a copy of X-Men #1 (Marvel, 1963) in CGC 9.4 condition. There’re currently 12 copies of #1 in 9.4 condition and only five copies in better shape. It’s not often you see collectors parting with early Marvel key titles, so if you have thousands of spare dollars laying around, start bidding now.
Bronze-Age and Beyond
In current news, DC introduces the Metal Men into the New 52 this week in Justice League #28. I wouldn’t expect this issue do much, but the Metal Men’s first appearance in Showcase #37 (DC, 1962) is definitely a key issue worth owning. Currently, this one guides for $3,000 in 9.8 condition and $6,000 in 9.8 graded condition.
Metal Men’s first appearance in Showcase #37 (DC, 1962).
Thor #411 (Marvel,1989) guest starring the Juggernaut, is the first appearance of the New Warriors.
Over at Marvel, the New Warriors return with a new series this week but, again, I don’t see this issue doing much out of the short term unless we hear TV or movie news about the team soon. If you want a key New Warriors issue pick up, my pick is Thor #411 (Marvel,1989) guest starring the Juggernaut, which just happened to be the first appearance of the New Warriors. Currently you can find this issue for less than $15 in very high quality condition. A copy in CGC 9.6 sold on eBay last November for a little less than $50. Not a bad haul for a comic that’s fairly easy to come by. Buy this one now on the chance that the new series is a hit.
The Comic Speculator is a blog written by WorthPoint Comic Book “Worthologist” Matt Baum that takes a look at each week’s hot new comics and back issues and the comic market place in general. Prices discussed here are taken from the Overstreet Guide to Comics (OVST), Comicspriceguide.com (CPG) and current online auction sales. Sales numbers and rankings are courtesy of ICV2.com. Lists of new comics are courtesy of Previews World and Comics List. Make sure and click on the links to learn more about the titles and creators discussed here. The codes under the prices of new titles discussed are Diamond Comics order codes that can be used to help your local comic retailer in ordering the issues discussed. If you want to hear what this nerd sounds like you can catch him on his podcast, the Two-Headed Nerd Comicast, where he and his friend Joe discuss the latest comic news, review some new comics, and answer your questions.
Matt Baum is WorthPoint’s comic book Worthologist. If you have any questions about these books or anything else in the comic book world feel free to contact Matt or post your question below in the Comic Book Forum in the WorthPoint Forums, located in the Community tab. You can also reply to this article in the “leave a reply” box below. If you need more comic-nerd in your life, you can follow Matt on Twitter, where he’s always screaming about something nerd-related. Thanks to all Matt’s new followers and keep the comments coming!
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