Heritage goes MAD!

Dallas, Texas: Heritage Galleries & Auctioneers (HG&A) will offer a spectacular collection of more than 200 pieces of original artwork from MAD Magazine, most never before offered and largely unreserved, in their upcoming Comic and Original Comic Art Signature Auction, to be held January 20 & 21, 2006, in Dallas, Texas. "We've just reached an agreement with the publishers of MAD Magazine to offer a selection of original art from their archives," said Ed Jaster, Vice-President for HG&A. "This valuable collection includes work by such legendary MAD-men as Don Martin, Antonio Prohias, Sergio Aragones, Jack Davis, and many others. In addition, private collections from MAD contributor Dick DeBartolo, artist Richard Williams, and items from the estate of George Woodbridge will also be offered in this auction." "I'm also very excited to announce," added Jaster, "that this auction will contain items from the personal collections of artist Mort Drucker, and leading historian, collector and author Grant Geissman, whose book, Collectibly MAD, is one of the leading resources on all things MAD!" "MAD was the first satire comic ever published," Jaster said, "and its biting, irreverent humor has been a mainstay of American pop culture since 1952. Originally created by Bill Gaines and Harvey Kurtzman, MAD has had a far-reaching impact on writers, filmmakers, and comedians ever since. This chance to reach inside the MAD vaults is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and will make for a very exciting auction session." "With this collection as an anchor," Jaster said, "there's sure to be lots of attention focused on this auction, and lots of bidding activity as a result, which will no doubt translate into higher prices realized for everyone involved." Auction highlights include:

Richard Williams Cover Art on Canvas - MAD Color Classics #10 - From the Collection of Richard Williams

Doug Webb - MAD #252 Cover Illustration Original Art (EC, 1985).
"This is a tribute of sorts to Bill Gaines' adoration of the Statue of Liberty," said Jaster. "Gaines and his wife Annie, possessed an immense collection of Liberty replicas and paraphernalia, including original prototypes from the sculptor, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi. This cover art was seen by millions, before publication, on a 1984 TV special 'Salute to Lady Liberty.'"

Al Jaffee - MAD #231 Fold-In Back Cover Original Art (EC, 1982).

Jack Rickard - MAD #190 "Presenting the Original Mad Cover - And One Moment Later" Illustration Original Art, Group of 5 (EC, 1977).

Statue of Alfred E., painted grey by George Woodbridge and outfitted with a hand-cast Civil war musket...Woodbridge was an extreme Civil War buff - From the Estate of George Woodbridge

Alfred E. Neuman Cuff Links (EC, 1994). One of very few known sets of these promotional cufflinks give to Mad's distributors - From the collection of Mad writer Dick DeBartolo

Jack Davis - MAD #288 Poison Illustration Original Art (EC, 1988).

Jack Davis - MAD #235 Complete 7-page Story "Rockhead III" Original Art (EC, 1982).

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HeritageGalleries.com.

HG&A specializes in rare, high-grade comic books, as well as vintage comic and animation art, illustration art, classic toys, movie posters and comics-related collectibles.

Prospective consignors and sellers of top-end comics material, toys, and original art are invited to call Ed Jaster at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 288 or Lon Allen at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 261 to discuss their rare comics and original illustration and comic art. Or visit HeritageGalleries.com and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Ed Jaster at EdJ@HeritageGalleries.com or Lon Allen at LonA@HeritageGalleries.com.

Music and Hollywood memorabilia collectors should contact Doug Norwine at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 452 or email DougN@HeritageGalleries.com.

Movie poster consignors, please call Grey Smith at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 367 or email GreySm@HeritageGalleries.com.

To reserve your copy of a catalog for any upcoming Heritage auction, please contact Nicole Jewell, c/o Heritage Galleries & Auctioneers, 3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor, Dallas, TX 75219, or call 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272.

MAD editor John Ficarra and DC Comics President Paul Levitz are available for comment by coordinating through David Hyde in the DC Comics Publicity office.

DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.
DC Comics Contact Info:
David Hyde, DC Comics Publicity
212-636-5450
david.hyde@dccomics.com
MAD Magazine and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © E.C. Publications, Inc.