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Marvel Comics #1 (Timely, 1939) CGC VF/NM 9.0 Cream to off-white pages. Have a look at the best of the best -- the highest grade yet assigned for the most sought-after Marvel comic book. For many years, Marvel Comics #1 was listed as the most valuable comic book by Overstreet, and while it has since ceded that spot to Action Comics #1, for the Marvel fan there's no topping this issue here. Certainly no comic book can claim two first appearances as significant as those of the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner, who both made their debuts here (the latter had been used in a promotional comic previously, but hadn't appeared in a newsstand publication until this issue). And that made this comic the start of the Marvel Universe, a set of characters that left its mark on American popular culture, selling millions of comic books and starring in TV shows, movies, and more. The publisher that produced the issue used many different company names over the years and is usually referred to as Timely, but it's only fitting that when the publisher finally had one official name years later, it took its name from this very comic. And the fact that both of the issue's stars were more rebellious anti-heroes than do-gooder types set this comic apart and would characterize Marvel in years to come. The range of characters here includes other familiar names besides the Torch and Sub-Mariner. For one, there's the first comic book appearance of pulp hero Ka-Zar, who would go on to star in several comic series of his own in later years and was a fixture of the Marvel Universe in the Silver Age and beyond. For another, there's the first appearance of the original Angel. 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 in this issue) and Carl Burgos (who
Auction 818 | Lot: 2011 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $161,000.00
More Fun Comics #53 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1940) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages. This issue, the second appearance of the Spectre, is currently #23 in Overstreet's ranking of the most valuable comic books, and the high ranking has to do with the hero's presence as well as the scarcity of the book -- it's a Gerber "8." The Spectre appears in costume on the bondage cover and again at the end of the story, both of which were drawn by Bernard Baily. Only two copies of this issue have been graded above VF as of this writing, and while the Rockford pedigree copy tied this one for the highest grade yet assigned, that one's respectable page quality (cream to off-white) can't match the white pages of this Edgar Church copy. Once again, the Mile High copy stands as the best around -- don't let it pass you by! Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $46,000. CGC census 8/05: 2 in 9.6, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2163 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $77,625.00
Captain America Comics #1 Windy City pedigree (Timely, 1941) CGC VF+ 8.5 Cream to off-white pages. The only thing nicer than seeing the 8.5 on the slab of this key book was seeing the blue "universal" label signifying an unrestored copy! That's because this is one of the most frequently restored comic issues around, with many of the nicest copies (the Mile High copy, for one) bearing purple labels. A mere three unrestored copies of the issue have been certified with higher grades than this gem. This premiere issue is currently #6 in Overstreet's ranking of the most valuable comic books. It's the origin and first appearance of Captain America, written and drawn by the immortal duo of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, and graced by one of the most famous and influential comic book covers of all. It also has the first appearances of Cap's sidekick Bucky and the villainous Red Skull. This particular copy has an interesting story behind it: the Windy City collection was assembled by a mailman who liked collecting #1 issues. He amassed a large collection indeed, extending from Famous Funnies #1 (1934) through the early 1960s. While the collection was assembled in Pennsylvania, it was Chicago dealer Gary Colabuono who introduced the books to the market, thus the "Windy City" moniker. The Captain America Comics #1 stands as one of the real gems of the Windy City hoard -- here's your chance to make it yours! Overstreet 2005 VF 8.0 value = $50,000; VF/NM 9.0 value = $95,000. CGC census 9/05: 1 in 8.5, 3 higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2002 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $63,250.00
Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1 Pay Copy (First Funnies, Inc., 1939) CGC VF/NM 9.0 Cream to off-white pages. This is one of the most famous single copies of a comic book in existence. And here's the most surprising thing about it when you see it up close: you've got to marvel at what a great-looking copy it is! Give our scan a look and you will agree that the issue has earned its VF/NM grade -- the fresh cover colors stack up well even against comics from the famous pedigree collections. Now, terms like "holy grail" are used for collectibles quite a bit, but we feel that nobody could dispute that the Motion Picture Funnies Pay Copy has that status. Its significance and uniqueness make it so. And the reason it is so hotly sought-after is that it has the very first printed appearance of the Sub-Mariner. The comic was never released to newsstands -- it was created as a promotional item by the Lloyd Jacquet studio (or "shop") of artists also known as Funnies Inc. It was intended to be a giveaway to be distributed weekly at movie theatres (as demonstrated by the back-cover ad which elaborates on the concept). The Sub-Mariner story even has a box on the last page saying "continued next week," but the concept did not catch on, and no second issue was printed. In fact, the very existence of this comic book was not known to comic fandom until the 1970s. As it stands today, only eight copies of the issue are known to exist. And the most desirable one of the bunch is the Funnies Inc. "pay copy," the office copy in which the amounts paid to the creators of the issue were noted in longhand. The copy came to light as part of Jacquet's estate and has been a storied collectible ever since. It's that Sub-Mariner connection that accounts for the great historical significance of this comic milestone. While this is not a Timely/Marvel publication, we have chosen to include it in the Timely section of this catalog because of the historical significance of the Sub-Mariner in the hist
Auction 818 | Lot: 2020 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $43,125.00
Superman Comics #nn Ashcan (DC, 1939) CGC VF/NM 9.0 Off-white pages. Here's a Superman item that's harder to find than Action Comics #1, or any other published Superman comic for that matter! It's DC's ashcan for its planned Superman title (an ashcan is a mock-up of a comic, produced by hand in very small quantities, for purposes of securing a copyright for a title and/or a logo). Since the danger of Superman rip-offs was very much warranted in 1939, DC's urgency in wanting to secure rights to the title is understandable! There are only two known copies of this ashcan, and both were purchased from Sol Harrison, who became president of DC Comics; this is the higher-graded of the two, we might add. As is typical for ashcans, this one features re-used art -- it's the cover art from Action Comics #7 (by Joe Shuster) and part of the interior of Action Comics #8. That makes this the first time that the now ultra-famous Superman logo appeared on a cover! And that's quite significant, since this is undoubtedly the most famous logo in comics. This item was bound, trimmed, and stapled by hand (and of course never intended to be a collectible) so the fact that there's a VF/NM copy in existence is amazing stuff. Note that if our back-cover scan appears dark, it's because the CGC holder has a couple of extra layers of reinforcing plastic behind the comic, no doubt to make up for this ashcan's having a much lower page count than a standard comic book. Ashcans are not listed in Overstreet. CGC census 7/05: 1 in 9.0, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2233 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $37,375.00
John Byrne and Terry Austin - X-Men #138 Cover Original Art (Marvel, 1980). This cover packed a powerful emotional punch for every Marvel fan who saw it, as it came on the heels of the shocking death of Jean Grey in the previous issue. Scott Summers, aka Cyclops, opts to take a leave of absence from the X-Men in the story, but not before the readers share his poignant reminiscence about the X-Men's early years and Scott's love for Jean. In addition to its significance in terms of the storyline, this piece is notable for depicting all of the surviving original X-Men (Angel, Beast and Iceman in addition to Cyclops) along with the new team. In the final art, the covers of numerous past issues of X-Men were printed behind the figures, adding to the sense of history communicated in the story. You can see John Byrne's cover suggestions in pencil, just above the figures of Professor X and company. A little-known aspect of the issue's history is that in the original version of #137 Jean Grey did not die, and Byrne actually penciled a version of #138 that began with a romantic interlude between Jean and Scott. But according to lore, Marvel editor Jim Shooter decreed that #137 had to end with Jean being punished for her crimes, which resulted in the end of #137 and the beginning of #138 being re-drawn. And the rest is comic book history. Now, the issue stands as a watershed moment in the history of the new X-Men, as the Phoenix saga which had dominated the book for several years was brought to a close, and a new era began in this story, with young Kitty Pryde arriving at Professor Xavier's school to begin her tutelage as an X-Man. This image represents Byrne and Terry Austin at their best, and their best was powerful stuff indeed! The image area measures 10" x 15" and the work is in Excellent condition. The logo, masthead, and title type are recent photocopy replacement art. A copy of the published comic is included with this lot. From the collection of "Mr. Ed" Lambert. (
Auction 818 | Lot: 4091 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $37,375.00
The Flash #105 (DC, 1959) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages. This is the sole highest-graded copy of this issue as of this writing, and there aren't even many close runners-up: only four copies have been graded above VF by CGC to date! And this is a key issue, the first issue featuring the Silver Age Flash in his own title (with numbering that continued where the Golden Age series had left off a decade earlier). This is one of the ten most valuable Silver Age comics according to Overstreet, and the only DCs from that era that top it are Showcase #4, 8, and 9. This debut issue is also notable for having the origin and first appearance of the Mirror Master, plus a retelling of the Flash's origin. Carmine Infantino provided both cover and interior art. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $9,300. CGC census 9/05: 1 in 9.4, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 1238 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $29,900.00
Justice League of America #1 (DC, 1960) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages. This #1 issue is currently 13th in Overstreet's ranking of the most valuable Silver Age comics, and our offering is tied for the highest grade yet assigned! You'll notice that #1 doesn't appear on the cover anywhere -- this comic is from the time when a #1 was considered a negative, even for tried-and-true characters like the JLA, who had had a successful debut in the pages of The Brave and The Bold. Murphy Anderson's cover image is one of the more famous covers of the Silver Age, and the story is by the creative team that produced every early JLA appearance: writer Gardner Fox and artist Mike Sekowsky. The issue is also notable for having the first appearance of three-eyed villain Despero. With the JLA still appearing in comics and cartoons to this day, demand for this key book can only increase. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $8,000. CGC census 9/05: 2 in 9.4, one higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 1280 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $29,900.00
More Fun Comics #59 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1940) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages. This Mile High copy has everything you could ask for in a comic book, and you're not ever going to find a nicer copy. The fearsome Spectre appears on the cover, drawn by Bernard Baily. Other features include Doctor Fate, Congo Bill, and the Radio Squad. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $5,300. CGC census 7/05: 1 in 9.4, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2165 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $21,850.00
Wings Comics #1 Mile High pedigree (Fiction House, 1940) CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white to white pages. If you collect Fiction House, it doesn't get much better than this A-plus copy of Wings #1, the first issue of a series that ran for 14 years and provided many thrills along the way. Wings was one of the earliest handful of comic book titles published by the company. It was produced by the Jerry Iger "shop" of writers and artists, and modeled closely on the Wings pulp magazine which was also published by Fiction House. A whole host of characters made their first appearances here, among them Suicide Smith (who appeared in the entire run of this series), Clipper Kirk, and "good girl" character Jane Martin, Ambulance Nurse. This debut issue's cover set the tone for the action-packed series; as Jim Steranko put it, "Wings covers attacked the reader. Thunderbolts, Wildcats, and Avengers roared right off the paper." And this grey tone example is certainly in that vein. The issue's interior artists include Klaus Nordling, George Tuska, and H. C. Kiefer. It's tough finding this issue at all (Gerber rates it a "7"), and of course this Mile High copy is the very best available. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $3,300. CGC census 8/05: 1 in 9.8, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2534 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $21,850.00
Star Spangled Comics #7 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1942) CGC NM 9.4 White pages. Here's the origin and first appearance of the Newsboy Legion! Joe Simon and Jack Kirby created the group, four kids from Suicide Slum who had some brushes with the law, but whom patrolman Jim Harper took into his custody. Aided by Harper (and his alter-ego the Guardian, who also makes his first appearance), the group used its street smarts for good instead of evil, and the kids who bought comics couldn't get enough of the group's adventures. The issue also has the first appearance of Robotman (not the Doom Patrol guy, but a character who enjoyed a long run in this series and later appeared in the All-Star Squadron). This copy's got the amazing colors you associate with a Mile High, so it's no surprise that this is the highest-graded copy in CGC's census. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $9,700. CGC census 8/05: 1 in 9.4, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2190 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $18,400.00
All Star Comics #8 (DC, 1942) CGC VF- 7.5 Cream to off-white pages. The cover scene by artist E. E. Hibbard is seared into most serious Golden Age comic collectors' brains; this is truly one of the most important issues ever, and for multiple reasons. Foremost are the origin and first appearance of Wonder Woman, prime reasons this issue ranks 22nd in Overstreet's listing of the Top Golden Age Books. Other features include Starman and Dr. Mid-Nite becoming members of the JSA, Dr. Fate donning a new costume, and appearances by Shiera and Hop Harrigan. At VF- 7.5, our copy compares favorably to the finest copy CGC has certified to date, which registers VF+ 8.5. This is the finest copy of issue #8 that we have ever offered. Interior art is by Jack Burnley, Sheldon Moldoff, Bernard Baily, and H. G. Peter. Overstreet 2005 VF 8.0 value = $21,600. CGC census 7/05: 2 in 7.5, 2 higher. From the Aviator Collection.
Auction 818 | Lot: 3008 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $17,825.00
All Star Comics #6 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1941) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages. One of the most prestigious titles to collect is All Star, and the most prestigious copy to have is the Mile High! And this copy looks newsstand-fresh despite the partially black cover. In the issue, Johnny Thunder joins the Justice Society, but not before the JSAers have a little fun with Johnny by sending him on a fake mission! Johnny replaces the Flash in the super-team. The book has an E. E. Hibbard cover, with interior art by the likes of Bernard Baily and Sheldon Moldoff. Note that the CGC slab has a small (3/4 inch) crack on the back right. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $4,000. CGC census 7/05: 1 in 9.6, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2073 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $17,250.00

Make Offer to Owner
$34,500 or more
Flash Comics #86 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1947) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages. The first appearance of the Black Canary makes this an issue that stands out from the rest in this later part of the title's run. She debuts in the Johnny Thunder feature, and when we first see her she's persuading a lovestruck Johnny to steal for her! But even here it's left in doubt whether she's a villainess or a heroine, as the people she steals from are shown to be crooks themselves. The story's by the character's co-creators, writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino. The issue also boasts a Hawkman story with Joe Kubert art and cover art by Lee Elias. This is the only copy graded above 8.0 by CGC as of this writing. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $3,700. CGC census 7/05: 1 in 9.6, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2144 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $17,250.00
All Star Comics #10 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1942) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages. A glorious Hawkman cover never looked better than on this spectacular Mile High copy, the highest-graded that CGC has certified to date. This time-travel adventure for the Justice Society has art by E. E. Hibbard, Sheldon Moldoff, Jack Burnley, and Bernard Baily. Hibbard is credited with the cover, which has probably the only time you'll ever see Hawkman wearing shorts, and also offers a glimpse of "honorary members" Superman, Batman, Flash, and Green Lantern. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $3,800. CGC census 7/05: 1 in 9.6, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2077 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $16,100.00

Make Offer to Owner
$32,200 or more
Adventure Comics #43 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1939) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white pages. As you gaze upon this pristine Mile High copy, keep in mind how old this comic is -- though the issue number sounds high, this came out at the same time as Action #17, and titles like All Star Comics hadn't even hit the stands yet! Our copy of this Adventure issue is the only one graded above 6.5 that CGC has certified to date. The seafaring cover by Fred Guardineer was an appetizer for an issue packed with adventure yarns. The key character is the Sandman, who made one of his earliest appearances in this story drawn by Bert Christman. Also on hand are characters such as playboy adventurer Barry O'Neill, amiable boxer Socko Strong, and the Federal Men (written by Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel). Bob Kane added a humor feature. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $4,500. CGC census 7/05: 1 in 9.6, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2039 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $14,950.00
Adventure Comics #45 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1939) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white pages. The spectacular Mile High colors are the first thing you'll notice about this copy... and only this copy, as it's the only one graded above 7.5 by CGC to date. This issue's cover, credited to Fred Guardineer, certainly lives up to the title of this series. Of course, the star of the book is the Sandman, drawn inside this issue by Creig Flessel. Bob Kane contributed both humor and adventure features to the comic. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $4,500. CGC census 7/05: 1 in 9.6, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2040 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $14,950.00
More Fun Comics #70 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1941) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages. Putting together a run of More Fun is a difficult endeavor indeed, especially if you're particular about condition. But we're doing our best to help you reach that goal; here's the highest-graded copy of this issue that CGC has certified to date. The lineup of characters includes Doctor Fate (Howard Sherman art), the Spectre (by Bernard Baily), and the Radio Squad (written by Jerry Siegel and drawn by Fred Ray). Also of note is the last installment of the Lance Larkin backup feature. The cover is by Sherman. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $3,200. CGC census 7/05: 1 in 9.6, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2168 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $13,800.00
Blackhawk #9 Mile High pedigree (Quality, 1944) CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white to white pages. We present to you the best known copy of a key first issue! And this is indeed the first Blackhawk issue, with numbering continued from the title Uncle Sam Quarterly title. Legend has it that this new title was originally intended to have various backup features filling up much of the page count, but this debut issue reportedly sold so well that the series quickly became an almost all-Blackhawk affair. The cover is by Al Bryant. As for a white-cover issue in 9.8 condition, if you can acquire this beauty you'll be a happy collector indeed! Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $5,400. CGC census 8/05: 1 in 9.8, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2259 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $12,650.00
All Star Comics #17 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1943) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages. This beautiful Mile High copy is by far the best known to exist; in fact, there isn't even a copy as high as NM- in CGC's census as of this writing, never mind one that could compete with our offering! This issue's notable for being one of only a few to feature Simon and Kirby art -- S&K drew the chapter featuring the Sandman, whom they were also drawing in Adventure Comics at the time. Other artists include Sheldon Moldoff and Bernard Baily; the cover is by Joe Gallagher. Overstreet 2005 NM- 9.2 value = $2,350. CGC census 7/05: 1 in 9.6, none higher.
Auction 818 | Lot: 2080 | Oct 15, 2005

Sold For: $9,775.00

Make Offer to Owner
$19,550 or more

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