Incredible Zap Archives May Re-Write the History of Underground Comix!

Dallas, Texas: While it may or may not have been the first Underground Comic Book ever published (there are several earlier publications in existence, such as Joel Beck's THE PROFIT that might lay claim to that title), there's no denying the overwhelming historical importance of ZAP COMIX #1. Printed in 1968 and sold by hand on the streets of San Francisco, this book single-handedly launched the career of cartoonist Robert Crumb, whose work would soon become legendary, and kick-started the Underground comix genre, the effects of which are still being felt today.

"With this lot being offered in our current auction, the history of Underground Comix may have to be rewritten," said Ed Jaster, Vice-President of Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. "From the archives of Don Donahue, Apex Novelties founder and printer of the second edition copies of ZAP COMIX #1, comes this incredible treasure trove of information, receipts, notes, etc. from the halcyon days of the Underground Comix scene, circa 1968."

"Incredibly, Donahue traded Charles Plymell a tape recorder, valued at the time at about $200, for the offset printing press Plymell used to print the first copies of ZAP COMIX #1," Jaster said. "The story that circulated for years was that Robert and his first wife, Dana, took the freshly-printed copies of ZAP #1 from Plymell and hawked them on the streets of San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district from a baby carriage. We now know this is only partially true; it was actually Don Donahue, not Crumb, who was there with Dana. In fact, this lot includes the cash envelope from that day, with sales totals for Dana ($5.50), Don ($3.00 - slacker!) and Mimi, a friend of Dana's ($12.00), dated 2/25/68."

"Also included in this historic lot is a photo of Donahue at his press, his receipts from various dealers for stacks of ZAP #1, and copies of letters, photos, and a Jack Jackson eight-page comic story about the early days of Donahue's flat-mates, Rip Off Press (they all shared a loft in an old, condemned opera house in a bad part of town). Find out the costs of printing the second edition of ZAP, and the share of the profits paid to Crumb ? an amount far too little to mention here, for fear of embarrassing the artist at this late date."

"This is a truly important archive collection," said Jaster, "whose importance in documenting the early days of the Underground Comix movement cannot be overstated. Rarely is one afforded a glimpse 'behind the scenes' at the origins of such a significant social and artistic revolution as this, and the opportunity to possess these important documents may well be a once-in-a-lifetime event."

Zap Comix #1 Publishing Archive Material (1968)

The Zap Comix #1 Publishing Archive Material will be featured in Heritage's upcoming Comics Signature Auction, to be held May 11-13, 2006 in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.HeritageAuctions.com/Comics.

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 www.HeritageAuctions.com.

Heritage 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 www.HeritageAuctions.com and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Ed Jaster at EdJ@HeritageAuctions.com or Lon Allen at LonA@HeritageAuctions.com.

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

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

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