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The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages. Spider-Man is not only Marvel's most famous and enduring character, he's the star of two smash hit movies, with more to come. And Amazing Spider-Man is currently the most collected series in comics, making demand for this debut issue extremely high. It was only the character's second appearance overall after Amazing Fantasy #15. This book is ranked as the fourth most-valuable Silver Age comic book by Overstreet, topped only by the first appearances of the Fantastic Four, the Silver Age Flash, and Spidey himself. The issue also has the first appearance of a key member of Spidey's supporting cast, irascible newspaper publisher J. Jonah Jameson, and also reveals the origin of Jameson's grudge against the Webslinger -- it has to do with Jonah's son, astronaut John Jameson, who also makes his first appearance here and popped up in various storylines in the ensuing years. Lee's winning formula for the character of Spider-Man, plagued by everyday woes like paying the bills, was carried on here in two famous scenes: the first has the hero putting on a performance to make some money only to find out he can't cash a check that's made out to Spider-Man. Then he applies for membership in the Fantastic Four, asking "How much does the job pay? I figure I'm worth your top salary." The quartet of non-profit do-gooders can only shake their heads at that. Spider-Man even finds time to take on his first supervillain, the Chameleon. The story is of course by Lee (who can be forgiven for calling his character "Peter Palmer" in one panel), and the interior art is by Steve Ditko. The cover is billed as a team effort between Ditko and Jack Kirby -- it would appear that Jolly Jack did the layouts, and Sturdy Steve took care of the rest. Since copies of this comic were usually read, re-read, and read again, a 9.4 copy really makes us sit up and take notice. Only four copies of this issue have been certified with higher g
Auction 815 | Lot: 1005 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $55,200.00
Charles Schulz - Peanuts Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 10-3-51 (United Feature Syndicate, 1951). The existential angst of that round-headed kid, and the fleeting loyalty of his flop-eared pup... such are the themes of this exquisite early Peanuts, in which Charlie Brown learns that the price of friendship is the cost of a single ice cream cone. The complex relationship between a boy and his dog is only one of the joys to be found in this four-panel masterpiece, which also demonstrates the sure hand and supple linework of Maestro Schulz, who was only in his second year of drawing the strip (in fact, since Peanuts officially premiered on October 2, 1950, this strip marks the beginning of the strip's second year in syndication). This early installment features the early "versions" of the characters, including Charlie Brown's smaller feet and gi-normous head, and Snoopy's smaller, more puppy-like appearance. Patty, who does a walk-by in panel three, was one of the only other main characters to appear in these early strips, before the cast expanded to include Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, et al. We've had the privilege of offering many early Peanuts strips in the past, but this one is so iconic, so emblematic of the character of Good Ol' Charlie Brown, that we must proclaim it as the finest we've ever put up for public auction. The image area measures 27" x 5", and the art is in Excellent condition, folded (as virtually all of them are) between the second and third panels, and displaying some light smudging at the bottom of the fourth panel, but generally quite gorgeous. The piece has been professionally matted and framed, and is ready to go directly up on your wall.
Auction 815 | Lot: 4313 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $40,250.00
Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott - Fantastic Four #71 Cover Original Art (Marvel, 1967). It was sizzling, non-stop action as the Fantastic Four battled for their lives against the Mad Thinker's unstoppable android! With the Mad Thinker defeated and imprisoned, his nefarious plans for revenge were set into motion when he activated his most powerful creation, sending it on a killer quest to destroy the Fantastic Four, one by one! A pregnant Invisible Girl barely managed to avoid the massive swing of the powerful automaton's fist, the Thing fought the machine valiantly, and pummelled it through a wall of the Baxter building, the Human Torch took the offensive, and barely dodged the blast of a disintegrator, and an exhausted Mr. Fantastic engaged the powerful android, holding a defeated Johnny Storm. FF covers just don't come any more action-packed or heroic than this! The unbeatable team of penciler Jack Kirby and inker Joe Sinnott sent this spectacular Silver Age cover into a totally new dimension of thrills. Joe Sinnott, regarded by many fans as the ultimate FF inker, remarked, "I did make changes for a while, but it wasn't Jack's work then, so I started keeping closer to what Jack had penciled. I did make some changes as I went along, but I changed my approach a little. I gave his figures a slickness that superheroes should have. That genre demands a certain slickness." Most of Marveldom agreed! The art has an image area of 13" x 20" and is in Excellent condition. Jack Kirby signed the cover at the lower left. Don't miss out on this metal-crunching, ray blasting, bone-crushing Kirby and Sinnott masterwork!
Auction 815 | Lot: 3390 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $34,500.00
Mad #1 Gaines File pedigree 4/12 (EC, 1952) CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white to white pages. Few titles have managed to last as long as Harvey Kurtzman's brain-child, which is still going strong today. Kurtzman drew the cover to this seminal issue, Jack Davis satirized the horror genre, Wally Wood lampooned the sci-fi, John Severin skewed the westerns, and Bill Elder poked fun at the crime stories that EC published. What more could you want? Why, perhaps the most stunning specimen of this important comic! Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $7,000. CGC census 12/04: 3 in 9.8, none higher.
Auction 815 | Lot: 1200 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $32,200.00
Alex Raymond - Flash Gordon with Jungle Jim Topper Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 10-13-35 (King Features Syndicate, 1935). Jungle Jim and Kolo are rescued from a man-eating ant deathtrap and then Jim outshoots his black-hearted nemesis, Romney, in this action-packed episode. This Jungle Jim topper measures an overall 25.75" x 14", while its image area is 25.5" x 12", and the art is in Excellent condition. The lower portion of this set is the matching Flash Gordon Sunday. In this thriller, General Tahl's coup d'etat is overturned, and Flash Gordon is crowned King by Queen Azura; later, Flash pleads with Dale to believe that he does not love Azura, but rather, intends to marry Dale. Flash Gordon, Dale Arden, and Dr. Zarkov all star. The period of 1934-36 is often cited as the most desirable to IFlash Q collectors due to the large size of the art drawn during those three years, as well as Alex Raymond's lush dry-brush inking, which was influenced by the work of magazine illustrators John LaGatta and Matt Clark. The overall size of the illustration board measures 26" x 20.75", while the image area is 25.5" x 20", and the condition of the art is Excellent. Don't let this remarkable gem slip past you without a bid! (Total: 2 Original Art)
Auction 815 | Lot: 4275 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $27,600.00
Charles Schulz - Peanuts Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 1-5-64 (United Feature Syndicate, 1964). If we had to assemble a "Top Ten" list of all-time great Peanuts gags, this classic would have to make the cut. In it, we see the quintessential embodiment of Lucy's dominion over Linus, and all else that she surveys, as she holds up her hand and says "These five fingers... individually they're nothing, but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold!" Boy -- Genghis Khan's got nothing on this crabby little gal. Schulz was at the top of his game at this period in the strip's history; his linework is smooth and seemingly effortless, his characters fully defined, and determined to make us laugh. The image area measures 22.5" x 15.25", and the artwork is in Excellent condition, with moderate overall wear and a few light stains. This is truly iconic '60s Peanuts, and it can be yours. So don't be crabby -- bid like you mean it.
Auction 815 | Lot: 4314 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $25,300.00
The Human Torch #2 (#1) (Timely, 1940) CGC VF 8.0 Cream to off-white pages. One of the most sought-after Timely keys, this comic is ranked among the 25 most valuable comic books of all by Overstreet. The main event is the first appearance of Toro, the Human Torch's sidekick who would appear at the Torch's side on many a cover and in many a story in the ensuing years. By the way, Toro wasn't an android like the Torch, but one of the first mutant superheroes! The book's cover by Alex Schomburg offers not only the fiery duo but also Timely' s other VIP of the day, the Sub-Mariner. It's interesting to note that the heroes were already taking on the Nazi menace in this Fall 1940 issue, more than a year before the U.S. would actually enter the war. The roster of interior artists includes Timely's top talents of the day: Carl Burgos, Bill Everett, Joe Simon, and Paul Reinman to name a few. CGC notes, "Very small amount of dried glue on cover and centerfold." Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $20,800. CGC census 12/04: 3 in 8.0, 2 higher.
Auction 815 | Lot: 2492 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $20,125.00
Marvel Comics #1 (Timely, 1939) CGC GD 2.0 Cream to off-white pages. When it comes to sheer significance, you can't top Marvel Comics #1, a collection of firsts unrivaled anywhere in comicdom. It was the first Timely comic to hit newsstands; of course "Marvel" would later become the name of the company as a whole. As such, this book was effectively the start of the Marvel Universe, the fascinating conglomeration of characters which has collectively sold millions of comic books and left its mark on American popular culture. There's an entire roster of characters making their first appearances here, but we'll start by mentioning the debut and origin story of the first Human Torch, one of the most important characters of Timely's run. The book also boasts the de facto first appearance of the other major Timely character, the Sub-Mariner, who's still a star in Marvel comic books today (a story with the character had been printed in the promotional comic Motion Picture Funnies Weekly, but that book was never released to the general public; Overstreet terms Marvel #1 the Sub-Mariner's first newsstand appearance). There are even more key firsts here -- take the first comic book appearance of pulp hero Ka-Zar, who may have begun as a Tarzan imitation but has starred in his own comic series more than once and guest-starred in innumerable others. Then there's the first appearance of the original Angel, which in itself would be enough to make this a key book, as he was a Timely standby throughout the Golden Age. The cover, showing the Human Torch, is by science fiction pulp illustrator Frank R. Paul. The interior material was the work of the artistic "shop" known as Funnies, Inc. the best-known artists of which are Bill Everett (who created the Sub-Mariner and drew the character's story) and Carl Burgos (who did the same for the Human Torch). Overstreet ranks this book as the third-most valuable comic book of all, and while this copy was gra
Auction 815 | Lot: 1141 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $18,400.00
John Romita Sr. - Spider-Man Aurora Comic Scenes Instruction Booklet Cover and Story Original Art, Group of 6 (Aurora Plastics Co., 1974). Hold on to your spider-signals, True Believers -- this Bronze Age blockbuster includes the cover art and five-page yarn recounting Spider-Man and Kraven the Hunter's epic battle, as immortalized in the famed Aurora Model Kit. John Romita Sr.'s art is at its friendly neighborhood best, as Spidey battles Kraven and his animal horde, a prowling panther and two angry apes; the Hunter has stolen ancient tapestries that contain an imbedded secret in their design, and Spidey soon hands Kraven a humiliating defeat. The art was drawn on Marvel comic book art paper, the image area of each page is 10" x 15", and the art is in Excellent condition. Hints of John's blue penciling can be seen beneath his unparalleled inks. The lot also includes a 10" x 15" photostat of the cover, and model scene, and it includes the logo and other type paste-ups. A Bronze Age John Romita Sr. cover, five page Spider-Man masterwork, with an Aurora model kit tie in? -- face it tiger, it's a triple-collectible! Hang loose, and set your web-shooters on bid -- it's one of Jazzy Johnny's best! (Total: 7 items)
Auction 815 | Lot: 4297 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $17,825.00
Neal Adams - Strange Adventures #211 Cover Original Art (DC, 1968). This tense confrontation scene comes from the very heart of the original Deadman run in Strange Adventures. The art paper measures 16.5" x 11.5", with an image area of 10" x 15". The condition of the art is Excellent. The title logo and other type elements are replacements and have been carefully color-matched to the art paper, adding to the eye-appeal of the cover. The cover has a paste-on art correction that was done by Neal Adams to eliminate a foreground figure's hand that was originally drawn along the left border's edge. This correction area is original art, not a stat. It is applied with such craftsmanship that a very close inspection is needed to even detect it. A rogues' gallery of Deadman's nefarious circus peers is portrayed crouching behind him. While these figures were obscured by the coloring scheme used in the printed comic book cover, here they are seen in vivid detail. Neal Adams' fine-lined inking style was at its most masterful throughout this era.
Auction 815 | Lot: 3023 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $16,100.00
Chesley K. Bonestell - "Double Star" Painting Original Art (undated). Born in San Francisco, Chesley Bonestell was a painter, printmaker, and designer, perhaps most celebrated for his space subjects. Chesley studied at the Mark Hopkins Institute and his strong interest in astronomy soon informed his artwork. Chesley also studied architecture at Columbia University, and was hired by Willis Polk in Berkeley, serving as their chief designer. He worked for Hollywood studios as a matte artist from 1938 to the 1950s and did backgrounds and special effects for outer-space themed movies. His work is in the permanent collections of the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Vincent DiFate, in his SF art monograph, Infinite Worlds has written, "A reluctant participant in SF, his paintings were nonetheless essential in validating the use of astronomical art as an alternative to the garish and meretricious pulp covers that once dominated the magazine stands. His works stand with J. Allen St. John, Frank R. Paul and Richard M. Powers as consequential in molding the look of modern science fiction illustration." This oil on board painting has an image area of 14.75" x 19.25", and is in Excellent condition. This image of a binary star system was identified as the RW Persei system and appeared on page 283 of the Time-Life book, The World We Live In.From the collection of Richard and Wendy Pini. Richard says: "When I worked at the planetarium in Boston's Museum of Science, there were a number of Bonestell pieces that had once been on display, but were sadly being neglected and stored badly. When I left my job there, the director (who knew of my science fiction leanings) asked if I would like either of these paintings as a parting gift. Screwing up my courage, I asked if I could have both. Both paintings appear in "The World We Live In," and the "Double Star" also appeared as the cover to the December 1954 issue of Life magazine."</
Auction 815 | Lot: 4022 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $16,100.00
Suspense Comics #3 (Continental Magazines, 1944) CGC FN+ 6.5 Off-white pages. Few books inspire passion in collectors like Suspense #3. Ever since Ernie Gerber featured this cover in his Photo-Journal, it has consistently been one of the most in-demand books in the hobby. It's one of the scarcer ones as well -- while we're pleased when we see a Gerber "6" or "7," and consider ourselves privileged indeed to get our mitts on an "8," this one's a Gerber "9". Overstreet also notes the comic's rarity, calling it "scarce." Copies of this comic that do come to market always draw significant attention. As if it weren't difficult enough to find any copy of the book, there's the fact that most of the ones that do exist are incomplete, as the four pages in the center are very often missing -- not so with this copy, which is complete and unrestored. As for the cover art, just look at it and you will instantly know why this book attracts attention. It's the work of the great Alex Schomburg. In case you needed any more reasons to bid, the book also has L. B. Cole interior art. With all of the above, it's no wonder the book is ranked among the 100 most valuable Golden Age books by Overstreet. CGC notes, "Very small piece of tape on centerfold at staple." Overstreet 2004 FN 6.0 value = $5,100; VF 8.0 value = $10,200. CGC census 12/04: 1 in 6.5, 1 higher. From the Northern Lights Collection.
Auction 815 | Lot: 1149 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $14,950.00
Jack Kirby and Joe Simon - Bulls Eye #4 Cover Original Art (Mainline, 1955). Jack Kirby and Joe Simon present this thrilling, leather-slapping cover from 1955, featuring their Western scout, Bulls Eye. A beautiful piece of Simon and Kirby art, complete with the original title type paste-ups, this art measures 15" x 20", with a 12.5" x 18" image area. The art has been professionally restored, which is most evident in the upper logo area. The logo is not a stat, but is actually drawn on the board. There is also some aging apparent, especially along the top half of the art, but overall this dynamic illustration is in apparent Excellent condition. Simon and Kirby fans will be especially happy to own this original work of the duo from the peak of their collaborative career. Take aim for Bulls Eye, and you can come out the winner on this one!
Auction 815 | Lot: 3377 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $5,175.00
Lou Fine - Jumbo Comics "Count of Monte Cristo" Page Original Art (Fiction House, 1940). Nothing shouts "Golden Age genius" quite as effectively as an original drawn by the supremely talented Lou Fine -- the art speaks for itself! Fine was influenced by hall-of-fame illustrators such as J.C. Leyendecker, John R. Neill, Harvey Dunn, and Heinrich Kley. Working closely with Will Eisner, Lou Fine pushed the envelope of the art of inking with a brush. Eisner recalled, "Lou was the only guy in the shop besides me who used a Japanese brush. When he picked it up, he put me to shame. He began to feather with it. I was good at it, but not as good as Lou. What a line!" This thrilling page of Lou's derring-do adaptation of Alexander Dumas' "Count of Monte Cristo" ran in an early issue of Jumbo Comics. The page has an image area of 15.5" x 22.5". The paper has aged, and the title logo is a replacement; otherwise the art is in Good condition. Any work by Lou Fine must be regarded as a treasure from the Golden Age of comics!
Auction 815 | Lot: 3226 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $4,025.00
Sub-Mariner Comics #40 Double Cover (Atlas, 1955) CGC NM 9.4 Cream to off-white pages. The Sub-Mariner's creator Bill Everett pulled triple duty on this issue, drawing the cover and interior art as well as writing the story. That lady of the sea Namora puts in an appearance. This is the only copy that has been certified with a grade above 9.0 by CGC to date. CGC notes, "1st cover 9.0, interior cover 9.4." Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $920. CGC census 1/05: 1 in 9.4, none higher.
Auction 815 | Lot: 2508 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $2,875.00
Bill Sienkiewicz and Joseph Rubinstein - The Hulk #13 Splash Page 38 Original Art (Marvel, 1979). Bill Sienkiewicz is a true innovator in the world of comics and illustration. His work has consistently pushed the boundaries, and inspired many of the greatest names working in the field today. He expanded the limits of what comics could be. Sienkiewicz cut his teeth on the Moon Knight yarns of the early 80s, and Moon Knight would ultimately be celebrated as Bill's signature character. During this key period of his career, Sienkiewicz emerged from out of the shadow of an obvious influence, Neal Adams. With a glimmer of the unconventional graphic style which would win him a cult status in the industry, Bill Sienkiewicz penciled, and Joseph Rubinstein inked, this dynamic full page view of the Fist of Khonshu in the splash page from the magazine, The Hulk. Issue #13 featured the story, "The Big Blackmail," written by Doug Moench. This back-up thriller from the Hulk was a true milestone as it was the very first time that Bill Sienkiewicz illustrated Moon Knight; please note, this spectacular splash is a piece of Marvel comics history, it's Bill's very first page detailing the grim avenger! The art has an image area of 10.5" x 15" with some slight smudging along the extreme edges, outside the image area, otherwise it's in Excellent condition. The page was signed by both Sienkiewicz and Rubinstein at the lower right. Bill Sienkiewicz has had a major influence on the style of comic illustration from 1980 onwards. His use of unconventional media has been an influence on many of the artists who followed him. Here's your chance to own some of his early work and share in the Sienkiewicz experience!
Auction 815 | Lot: 4343 | Feb 10, 2005

Sold For: $2,760.00

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