X Marks the Spot at Heritage!

DALLAS, TEXAS: Heritage Comics Auctions (HCA) will offer the original art for the cover to X-MEN #138, by John Byrne and Terry Austin, in their upcoming Signature Auction, to be held October 14-15, 2005, in Dallas, Texas.

"The X-Men was one of the most influential, most popular books of the 1970s, 80s and 90s," said Ben Samuels, Consignment Director for HCA, "and one of the biggest storylines ever presented in that title was the "Death of Phoenix" saga, which culminated in the passing of founding X-Men member Jean Grey in issue #137, cover dated September, 1980. This is a storyline that still resonates in comics today, and which is fondly remembered by fans everywhere."

"The issue for which the cover offered here was created, issue #138, immediately followed that landmark story," Samuels said, "and dealt with the aftermath of those tragic events. Simple, elegant and understated, the image shows a bereaved Cyclops, lover of Jean Grey, leaving the team that he helped to found. It's an iconic image that has been copied by numerous artists in the intervening years, and one that will be instantly recognizable to anyone that was reading comics at the time."

"This particular piece," Samuels continued, "was purchased by San Antonio DJ 'Mr. Ed' Lambert directly from John Byrne at a Chicago ComiCon during the early 1980s. In order to get out of the show with the piece, Lambert had Byrne inscribe a 'receipt' on the back of the cover, a receipt that is still plainly visible. With this documentation, we know that Lambert paid Byrne the princely sum of - are you ready? - $30 for this glorious cover. Would that we had all invested so wisely back then!"

"Byrne X-Men covers, especially those inked by his long-time artistic collaborator Terry Austin, are avidly sought by original art collectors," Samuels added, "and this cover in particular, coming out of a long-held private collection, should cause quite a bit of excitement amongst avid X-fans."

This cover carries a pre-auction estimate of $25,000.

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 HeritageComics.com.

HCA 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 HeritageComics.com and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Ed Jaster at EdJ@HeritageComics.com or Lon Allen at LonA@HeritageComics.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@HeritageMoviePosters.com.

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