Heritage Auctions
Comics and Animation News
In This Issue:
Sunday and Monday Comics, Animation, and Art Weekly Online Auction
Trivia Question
The Five Rarest Lev Gleason Comics (Maybe)
Trivia Answer
Comics Grader
Around Heritage Auctions
Cover of the Week: You're Overdressed, Bub
Current Auctions
August 19, 2020
Sunday and Monday Comics, Animation, and Art Weekly Online Auction
Sunday and Monday Comics, Animation, and Art Weekly Online Auction
Auction Ends:
August 23-24, 2020
Live Session at 6:00 PM CT

Highlights of this week's auction include:

Journey Into Mystery #83 (Marvel, 1962) CGC FN+ 6.5 Off-white to white pages Journey Into Mystery #83 (Marvel, 1962) CGC FN+ 6.5 Off-white to white pages
The origin and first appearance of Thor. Jack Kirby cover and art. Steve Ditko art. Currently #6 on Overstreet's list of Top 50 Silver Age Comics. Overstreet 2019 FN 6.0 value = $6,125; VF 8.0 value = $17,500. CGC census 8/20: 62 in 6.5, 169 higher.
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Tomb of Terror #1-3 and 7 Group (Harvey, 1952) Condition: Average FN Tomb of Terror #1-3 and 7 Group (Harvey, 1952) Condition: Average FN
Includes issues #1, 2 (Lee Elias cover), 3 (bondage cover, atomic disaster story), and 7. Elias, Warren Kremer, and Bob Powell art. Approximate Overstreet value for group = $525.
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Atom-Age Combat #5 (St. John, 1953) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages Atom-Age Combat #5 (St. John, 1953) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages
Flying saucer cover and story. Final issue. Overstreet 2019 VF 8.0 value = $177. CGC census 8/20: 1 in 8.0, 1 higher.
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Chester Gould Dick Tracy Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 5-19-56 (Chicago Tribune Syndicate, 1956) Chester Gould Dick Tracy Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 5-19-56 (Chicago Tribune Syndicate, 1956)
From his Capone-and-Dillinger-styled mobsters of the 1930s and his flamboyant grotesque killers of the 1940s, Gould turned during the 1950s to juvenile delinquency as a source of horrors. His most effective such characters, Flattop, Jr., and Joe Period, dominate this interlude between crimes as they plot mayhem. The setting is young Flattop's customized automobile, which contains living quarters and a kitchen with getaway wheels. Seething menace aplenty between these degenerate creeps. Ink over graphite on Bristol board. Dimensions, 16.5" x 5". Excellent condition, with toning and handling wear commensurate with age.From the Ray Edw Collection.
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Sleeping Beauty Princess Aurora, Prince Phillip, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather Production Cels Group of 4 (Walt Disney, 1959) Sleeping Beauty Princess Aurora, Prince Phillip, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather Production Cels Group of 4 (Walt Disney, 1959)
Four fantastic production cels featuring Princess Aurora, Prince Phillip, and the three good faries; Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. Filled with jealousy, the evil witch Maleficent curses Princess Aurora to die on her 16th birthday. Thanks to Aurora's guardian, she only falls into a deep sleep that can be ended with a kiss from her betrothed, Prince Phillip. These cels were hand-inked and hand-painted acetate. The cels have been trimmed and framed. The frames each measure about 5" x 7" and 6" x 8". Frames are sold as-is. Cel condition is Very Good.
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Batman #171 (DC, 1965) CGC VF 8.0 Cream to off-white pages Batman #171 (DC, 1965) CGC VF 8.0 Cream to off-white pages
First Silver Age appearance of the Riddler, his first appearance since 1948. The 1966 Batman TV pilot was based on this story. Overstreet 2019 VF 8.0 value = $544. CGC census 8/20: 54 in 8.0, 87 higher.
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Josie #28 (Archie, 1967) CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white to white pages Josie #28 (Archie, 1967) CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white to white pages
Monkees cover reference. Dan DeCarlo cover and art. Overstreet 2019 NM- 9.2 value = $55. CGC census 8/20: 1 in 9.2, none higher.
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Gothic Blimp Works Group of 4 (East Village Other, 1969) Condition: Average NM- Gothic Blimp Works Group of 4 (East Village Other, 1969) Condition: Average NM-
The notorious Underground tabloid was a treasure trove of great (and mostly never reprinted) art from the best in the business -- R. Crumb, S. Clay Wilson, Vaughn Bodé, Gilbert Shelton, and more. Here's a choice collection of nice copies, including #1, 4, 6, and 7. Nice, flat copies that were never folded. Approximate Fogel's 2015 Underground Price & Grading Guide value for group = $1,700.
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Conan the Barbarian #1 Boston Pedigree (Marvel, 1970) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages Conan the Barbarian #1 Boston Pedigree (Marvel, 1970) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages
Origin and first comic book appearance of Conan. Brief first comic book appearance of Kull. Currently ranked #23 on Overstreet's Top 25 Bronze Age Comics list. Barry Smith cover and art. Overstreet 2019 NM- 9.2 value = $625. CGC census 8/20: 178 in 9.6, 76 higher.
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Pitfall! - Wata 9.6 A++ Sealed, 2600 ActiVision 1982 USA Pitfall! - Wata 9.6 A++ Sealed, 2600 ActiVision 1982 USA
Second best-selling video game for the Atari 2600 at 4 million copies sold. Designed by David Crane. Credited with creating the side-scrolling platform video game.
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Bo Hampton and Armando Gil Moon Knight #38 Story Page 23 Original Art (Marvel Comics, 1984) Bo Hampton and Armando Gil Moon Knight #38 Story Page 23 Original Art (Marvel Comics, 1984)
This mysterious page is set in Chicago, and features the villainy of Zohar! Created in ink over graphite on Bristol board with an image area of 10" x 15". With faint toning around the edges, text are all paste-ups with some faint toning, text paste-up missing in first panel leaving adhesive residue, 2nd text balloon in last panel has tape on it, adhesive residue spots with minor surface dirt in panels, an ink smudge on bottom left corner, the top edge and bottom right corner are trimmed, and slight creasing to bottom left corner. In Very Good condition.
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Pinky and the Brain 'Hoop Schemes' Production Cel (Warner Brothers, 1997) Pinky and the Brain "Hoop Schemes" Production Cel (Warner Brothers, 1997)
From the final episode of Pinky and the Brain's second season "Hoop Schemes" (a play on the title of the documentary Hoop Dreams) here is an amazing hand-painted original production cel of BOTH title characters Pinky and the Brain. The episode involves Brain's plan to take over the world by assembling a celebrity basketball team, only for his own insatiable ego to get in the way. This exact moment can be seen at the 9:22 mark. This depiction of the hilariously mismatched duo features them in full figure, large and centered on a single cel, and they measure 6.75" x 5.5". The cel itself shows minor handling wear, and it comes with a Warner Brothers seal and certificate of authenticity. Taped to a printed background for presentation purposes, the condition overall is Very Good.
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Browse the entire auction here.

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Trivia Question
United States of Nintendo

Can you name the first Nintendo Entertainment System game that was developed in the United States?

You'll find the answer further down in this email.

View all video games

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The Five Rarest Lev Gleason Comics (Maybe)
By Barry Sandoval, Heritage Auctions

Our current auction has two of the most desirable Lev Gleason comics in existence: the Mile High copy of Daredevil Battles Hitler and one of the finest known copies of Crime Does Not Pay #22.

But what are the rarest comics by this publisher, who was in business from 1939-56? Read on.

5. Silver Streak Comics #16 (New Friday, November 1941)

5. Silver Streak Comics #16 (New Friday, November 1941)
The $6,000 Guide value, attributable to the Hitler cover, hasn't brought many copies out of the woodwork. We've sold just five in 20 years of auctions.

By the way the company generally known as Lev Gleason was also responsible for comics appearing under the names Your Guide, New Friday, Comic House, and Picture Scoop. The New Friday ones may have had the worst distribution as they seem to be the hardest to find.


4. Uncle Charlie's Fables #3 (Lev Gleason, May 1952)

4. Uncle Charlie's Fables #3 (Lev Gleason, May 1952)
This series ran five issues and all except #1 are hard to find. We've only auctioned issue #3 once ever. "Uncle Charlie" was Charles Biro, indisputably this publisher's most important creator.

The image shown here is courtesy of comics.org.


3. Horse Feathers Comics #3 (Lev Gleason, May 1948)

3. Horse Feathers Comics #3 (Lev Gleason, May 1948)
This Gerber 7" is a book we've only auctioned once ever.


2. Squeeks #5 (Lev Gleason Publications, June 1954)

2. Squeeks #5 (Lev Gleason Publications, June 1954)
Granted, this is not a high-demand book. The 9.2 Guide price is a pathetic 45 dollars!

But it is also the only Lev Gleason comic we've never sold a single copy of. Gerber gave it a scarcity rating of 6.

The image shown here is courtesy of comics.org.


1. Captain Battle Comics #2 (New Friday, 1941)

1. Captain Battle Comics #2 (New Friday, 1941)
Heritage has sold only one copy of this one in our 20 years!

This was the second and last issue of the first series. A volume 2 with two additional issues followed.


And now we come to some comics that would be at the top of this list, except for the fact that we doubt they really exist. Overstreet mentions some specials called The Best of Crime Does Not Pay, published each year from 1944-1953. Gerber's Photo-Journal lists them as well, giving each a scarcity rating of 8.

There is definitely a 1953 issue which is uncommon, we've sold just seven copies of that one in 20 years. But we will go ahead and assert that the 1944-1952 issues do not exist. If you have information to the contrary, please let us know!

Please note that no professional statisticians were consulted in assembling this list, and this is for entertainment purposes only.

Want to add any of these to your Heritage wantlist? Just click here.

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Trivia Answer
The first Nintendo game to be developed in the United States was … Paperboy, released in 1988!

Paperboy - Wata 9.4 A Sealed [Oval SOQ TM, Later Production] (Atwood Collection), NES Mindscape 1988 USA
Paperboy - Wata 9.4 A Sealed [Oval SOQ TM, Later Production]
(Atwood Collection), NES Mindscape 1988 USA
Sorry, there's no prize for getting it right (not even two dollars), but you certainly can bid on the Wata 9.4 copy we're auctioning. Here is the link to do so.

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Comics Grader Wanted
Do you have knowledge of vintage comic books? Then apply your analytical and research skills in our unique and fun environment. Heritage Auctions, a well-established auction house with over 40 years of longevity, is seeking a talented Comic Grader to join our Comics Department in Dallas. Heritage Auctions (HA.com) world's largest collectibles auctioneer and one of the fastest growing auction houses in the world with sales in fine jewelry, luxury accessories, watches, wine, coins, books and manuscripts, fine and decorative arts, entertainment, music, and more!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Grade comic books
  • Select comics for submission to certification services
  • Research and estimate values of comic books.
  • Use Word, Excel, and proprietary Heritage software to compile listings of the consigned items.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Must have a strong knowledge of Silver Age and later comics, and a strong interest in Golden Age comics; experience grading comics is strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS: Individual will need to be able to lift boxes full of comics weighing up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Individual must be able to work in a fast-paced team environment.

The following are attributes that we are seeking in all employees at Heritage:
  • Self-motivation, intelligence, and strong work ethic.
  • Willingness to learn.
  • Ability to follow set standards and take direction.
  • Ability to analyze and propose solutions to problems.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-project, and dynamic environment.
  • Absolute drive to complete projects on time and in a detailed manner.
  • Excellent organizational skills: accurate and thorough.
  • Excellent communication skills: listening, writing, and verbal.
Heritage Auctions welcomes and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, mature workers and persons with disabilities. EOE

Please submit CV to Experts@HA.com.

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Around Heritage Auctions
Only Known Sandy Koufax Jersey Worn at Ebbets Field Could Bring $1 Million+ in Heritage Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction

1956 Sandy Koufax Game Worn & Signed Brooklyn Dodgers Jersey, MEARS A9
The only known home white jersey that Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax is known to have worn at famed Ebbets Field could bring $1 million or more in Heritage Auctions' Summer Platinum Night Sports Collectibles Catalog Auction Aug. 29-30.

A few home Koufax jerseys from the years after the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, and a couple of grey road jerseys from before the move have reached the auction block before. But this 1956 Sandy Koufax Game Worn & Signed Brooklyn Dodgers Jersey, MEARS A9 (estimate: $1,000,000+) is the only jersey known to exist that Koufax wore while pitching at Ebbets Field.

Getting a jersey from Koufax is not just another garment from generations past. More than half a century after he threw his last Major League pitch in 1955, many still consider him the greatest left-handed pitcher who ever lived. Said former Dodgers scout Al Campanis, "There are two times in my life the hair on my arms has stood up: the first time I saw the Sistine Chapel, and the first time I saw Sandy Koufax throw a fastball." When Campanis watched Koufax's fastball, the Dodgers immediately offered the young southpaw a contract.

"Teams generally issued two road jerseys and two home jerseys each season, meaning this is one of six home Brooklyn jerseys ever made for Koufax," Heritage Auctions Vice President Dan Imler said. "That this is the only survivor of that group is more significant than merely a jersey from a great player. Koufax was born and raised just a few miles from Ebbets Field, and the Dodgers personified the diverse Brooklyn borough in which they played. The same team that helped Jackie Robinson break the sport's color barrier also made a star of a local kid from the neighborhood in Sandy Koufax."

As Koufax navigated a 12-year career that ended with him becoming the youngest player ever enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, his overwhelming talent shaped the national perception of him and broke down cultural barriers. Like Robinson, Koufax initially represented an under-represented demographic in the game: once viewed as the local Jewish player from the neighborhood around Ebbets Field, his utter domination of the game's best hitters earned him the nickname "The Left Arm of God."

The sleeves are cut short in a style similar to that which Koufax wears in the official 1956 team photo. Otherwise, the jersey remains in fine condition and features Koufax's autograph and the words "1956 Brooklyn Dodgers" in Koufax's hand.

For images and information on all lots in the auction, visit HA.com/50029.

More information about Sports & Sports Memorabilia Auctions

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Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder!

And these beauties in this week's Tuesday Jewel Box Online Auction shouldn't be passed up. This auction closes August 25, with a live auction beginning at 9PM CT.

Featured Items

Pink Diamond, Diamond, White Gold Ring
Pink Diamond, Diamond, White Gold Ring

This band ring is simple in design, intersecting ovals, but the juxtaposition of the pink and white diamonds makes it oh so scrumptious!

Diamond, Rose Gold Ring
Diamond, Rose Gold Ring

It's only a honeycomb pattern, but the stacking of the diamonds in a pyramid pattern creates a 3-D effect. A compliment to this effect, is the open spaces between them!
Diamond, Gold Necklace
Diamond, Gold Necklace

The diamond riviere is made more daytime friendly by the addition of gold S bars between them! I can picture this peeking out of an open collar shirt.

Unmounted Tourmalines
Unmounted Tourmalines

Aren't your creative juices flowing, looking at this large group of tourmalines of all colors and various shapes? I see a pair of earrings, one centered by the emerald cut rubellite, the other by the emerald cut green tourmaline. Or perhaps it's a cascading pendant to be hung from a leather cord?
More information about Jewelry Auctions

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Cover of the Week: You're Overdressed, Bub
X-Men Wolverine, Beast, Ka-Zar Production Cel (Marvel Studios, c. 1992-97)
When we asked Wolverine to comment on this cel, he said "If I'd known about the dress code I would have worn my Weapon X outfit!" Seriously, this is one of several Marvel cels in this week's auction. You can take a closer look and bid here.

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Current Auctions
Important Important: All auctions until further notice will be online only and without in-person lot viewing. Take advantage of our high resolution images and videos to place bids up until the auction starts, and then continue to bid during the auction using Heritage Live which includes live streaming audio and video.
  You can also receive complimentary, virtual lot consultation for bidding in any auction.
  Our specialists are available to answer your questions and provide unbiased guidance for specific lots via phone, email and video apps. Simply send your list to Bid@HA.com or call 877-HERITAGE (437-4824) for assistance.
Comic & Comic Art Auctions
September 10 - 13 Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction - Dallas #7234
September 10 - 13 Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction - Dallas #7234
View Lots
Sunday Internet Comics Auction
Sunday Comics
August 23-24
Live session @ 6PM CT
View Lots

OTHER SIGNATURE
AUCTIONS
Art of the West Month-long - Aug. 21
Grand Cape Neddick Cottage - Aug. 25
Summer Platinum Night Sports Collectibles Catalog - Aug. 29-30
The Partnerone Collection Sports Card Catalog - Sept. 10
The Adem Karisik Collection of Canada World Paper Money - Aug. 31
OTHER INTERNET
AUCTIONS
Weekly US Coins - Aug. 18-19
Weekly World Coin - Aug. 19-20
Certified American Tokens & Medals US Coins Special Monthly - Aug. 22
Sun. Sports - Aug. 23
Sun. Movie Posters - Aug. 23
Tues. Jewelry - Aug. 25
Tues. US Currency - Aug. 25
Tues. World Currency - Aug. 25
Music City Gold & Platinum Special Monthly - Aug. 29
A Special Selection of Mexican 8 Reales Special Monthly - Aug. 30
Urban Art Monthly - Sept. 2
Classic Commemoratives US Coins - Sept. 15
Auction Schedule | Order a Catalog
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