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Jumbo Comics #1-8 Mile High pedigree Group (Fiction House, 1938-39) Condition: Average VF+. Significant, scarce high-grade comics are our stock-in-trade, but seldom if ever have we offered a run of issues that brings those factors together the way this one does. Consider that these are the huge oversized issues from the early run of the title -- each one measures 10.5 x 14.5", which for today's collector means they're far too large for CGC to encapsulate, and for collectors over the past sixty-plus years, it's meant that these books are quite difficult to store and keep in nice condition. Finding any of these oversized copies in anything above VG would qualify as a triumph. But these Mile Highs took our breath away!

Indeed, any copy of these first eight is quite a find! We had never laid eyes on #5-8 before, and issue #7 even holds the distinction of being a "10" on the scarcity index of Gerber's Photo-Journal Guide To Comic Books, a rating which Gerber assigned to comics with less than 5 known copies in existence.

The condition is up to the usual standard for the Edgar Church books, which is amazing for comics in this unwieldy size. The page quality is white wherever white pages are possible, and what we mean by that is that some of the issues, like #1, were printed on alternating red and green paper! All that separates these copies from being NM- or above is some minor edge stress here and there, but it's of the kind that wouldn't be bothersome on even a regular-size copy, never mind one of these oversized giants.

Issue #1, in VF/NM condition, is the most striking copy of the bunch, and of course the most valuable book in the group. It's the first published comic book work by Jack Kirby (as he is known today; he called himself "Jack Curtiss" in one story and "Curt Davis" in another). It's also got two other major premieres: the issue is the first comic book published by Fiction House, and it's got the first appearance of Sheena, Queen of
Auction 820 | Lot: 4218 | May 13, 2006

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$125,475 or more
Daring Mystery Comics #1 Denver pedigree Timely, 1940) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages. This milestone Timely hit the newsstands just three months after Marvel Comics #1, and well before first issues of better-known titles such as Human Torch Comics and Sub-Mariner Comics. The cover is quintessential Alex Schomburg -- bondage, hooded bad guys, and action galore. The futuristic theme featured the Fiery Mask, a character whose origin and first appearance could be found inside. This brilliant Denver pedigree copy could have come from the "other" premier pedigree from Colorado -- it is magnificent! The issue itself is Gerber "scarce", underscored by the total number of unrestored copies CGC has certified to date, a mere five. And, no other copy has been graded nicer than FN 6.0! Joe Simon contributed interior art. Overstreet 2006 NM- 9.2 value = $33,000. CGC census 03/06: 1 in 9.4, none higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 3592 | May 13, 2006

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Charles Schulz - Peanuts Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 11-16-69 (United Features Syndicate, 1969). One of the great "wannabe" literary lions of the sixties and seventies -- Snoopy -- starts his latest novel off with the immortal opener, "It was a Dark and Stormy Night!" It seems Snoopy stole this line from Edward George Bulwer-Lytton's 1830 novel Paul Clifford. Perhaps inspired by Snoopy's efforts, beginning in 1982, the English Department at San Jose State University has sponsored its own Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest -- a literary competition that challenges entrants to compose an opening sentence to "the worst of all possible novels." But how could anyone top Snoopy? While Snoopy may not be a great writer (yet), Charles Schulz certainly was. In America's Great Comic Strip Artists, comics historian Rick Marschall noted, "The lines of a cartoonist like Charles Schulz -- coming together to form a character, a spirit, an icon -- camouflage the impressive achievement of the cartoonist. He has been the dominant comic artist of his time, approximately forty years, which is almost half of comic-strip history." With a portrait of Snoopy in every panel, this Sunday is sure to delight any Peanuts fan. Charles Schulz inscribed and signed the strip in its first and second panels, "For Wally with friendship and much appreciation -- Sparky." The image area of this Sunday measures 22" x 15", and aside from some mild paper aging to the title stat, the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6361 | May 13, 2006

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Warren Kremer and Sid Couchey - Richie Rich the Poor Little Rich Boy #1 Cover and Complete Stories Original Art (Harvey, 1960). How often do you get a chance to bid on and win the very first cover for one of the most popular Silver Age comic book icons ever created? Back the cover art up with stories that appeared in the same first issue, and how could any collector resist such an offering? Richie Rich proved so popular he headlined no less than 46 titles! Included in this lot are the historic Richie Rich #1 cover (Warren Kremer art), a 1-page Richie Rich story (Sid Couchey art), "Early to Bed" (a 5-page Richie Rich story, Sid Couchey art), a 1-page Pee Wee story (Kremer art), a 1-page Little Dot story (Couchey art), "For the Birds" (a 5-page Richie Rich story, Couchey art), "Uncle Tape's Speedy Fixer" (a 5-page Little Dot story, Couchey art), and "Singing Sensation" (a 5-page Little Lotta story, Couchey art), The cover has an image area of 7" x 10.5", and its logo stat is a replacement. There are a few touches of white-out; otherwise the cover is in Excellent condition. The image area of each story page measures 12" x 18", and the pages average Excellent condition. Also included are the two original Harvey production envelopes in which the pages were stored.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6183 | May 13, 2006

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Winsor McCay - A Tale of the Jungle Imps by Felix Fiddle, "How the Pelican Got His Pouch" Hand Colored Illustration Original Art, dated 2-22-03 (Cincinnati Enquirer, 1903). Biographer John Canemaker detailed the history of Tales of the Jungle Imps in his superb monograph, Winsor McCay, His Life and Art. He wrote, "Of all Winsor McCay's work experiences during his five years on Cincinnati newspapers, none would prove more significant for his future than the proto-comic strip he created for the Enquirer." Forty-three episodes, based on poems written by George Randolph Chester, ran from January 11 to November 9, 1903. The stories took their cues from Rudyard Kipling's approach in Just So Stories for Children. In each episode, an animal's anatomy is "explained" through whimsical stories involving a trio of naughty "jungle imps," and their skirmishes with various species. As John Canemaker notes, "Tales of the Jungle Imps was Winsor McCay's first attempt in an extended series format to bring together all of his eclectic talents in a cohesive graphic style. On each page he found fresh ways to combine his exquisite draftsmanship, dynamic staging, sense of caricature, mastery of perspective, and feeling for motion with his version of the decorative art nouveau style." This delightful episode, the sixth in the series, was drawn in ink and hand colored using watercolor paint. Original illustrations, completely hand colored by Winsor McCay, are a rarity. As a result, the Tales of the Jungle Imps examples used in the Canemaker biography were shot from newspaper tear sheets, rather than originals. The image area of this superb, scarce example measures 18" x 22.5". The story captions are pasted-on, typeset stats. There are some small stains along the borders, and a bit of edge wear to the illustration board; otherwise, the art is in Very Good condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6219 | May 13, 2006

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Richie Rich #1 File Copy (Harvey, 1960) CGC NM+ 9.6 Cream to off-white pages. If you're a Harvey collector, bookmark this page, because you're looking at the only 9.6, and highest-graded copy overall, that CGC has certified of this issue to date. It could be said that this issue started the whole Richie Rich phenomenon -- while the Poor Little Rich Boy had been a backup feature in every issue of Little Dot, and had two Harvey Hits tryout issues devoted to him, this series proved that he could carry his own book, and of course it wasn't too long before he was starring in many titles simultaneously, becoming one of the best-known characters in comics. Warren Kremer provided the visuals for this early outing (with Richie being waited on by Hawkins, this was before Cadbury took over as butler!). As with all Harveys, finding this in high grade is a tall order, and even a Fine copy would be a four-figure book. This lot presents an opportunity to own something nobody else has! Overstreet 2006 NM- 9.2 value = $3,200. CGC census 4/06: 1 in 9.6, none higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 2269 | May 13, 2006

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Bernie Wrightson - Frankenstein, Splash Page 88 Original Art (1976). "I slaked my thirst at the brook; and then lying down, was overcome by sleep." So reads the caption for this dazzling piece of fantasy illustration. When one hears the name Bernie Wrightson, a variety of macabre images swirl through the brains of comic-book and horror fans. Bernie Wrightson's life-long affection for the Frankenstein mythos proved to be a constant inspiration for the artist. In Christopher Zavisa's monograph, Berni Wrightson: A Look Back, Wrightson mused, "Ever since I first started working professionally I drew the monster into various things. You can find him in just about everything from fanzines to Swamp Thing. It seems as though my whole career up to this point has been in preparation for an illustration of the novel." This spectacular piece has an image area that measures 11" x 16" and is in Excellent condition, without the use of corrective white-out.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6460 | May 13, 2006

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Captain America Comics #1 (Timely, 1941) CGC FN+ 6.5 Cream to off-white pages. The origin and first appearance of Captain America, this is one of the ten most valuable comic books in Overstreet's ranking, and it brings together everything you could ask for. It was a groundbreaking book: though Cap wasn't the first patriotic hero, he was the best of the bunch thanks to the fantastic visuals of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. The cover with Cap punching Hitler came months before the USA entered the war, and at a time when most comics were referring to the Nazi menace in an oblique fashion if at all. Then there's the fact that Cap's most memorable villain, the Red Skull, first appeared in the issue, as did Cap's sidekick Bucky. Simply a must for any Timely/Marvel collector! Overstreet 2006 FN 6.0 value = $21,950; VF 8.0 value = $51,000. CGC census 3/06: 4 in 6.5, 11 higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 3575 | May 13, 2006

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Four Color (Series One) #1-12 Bound Volume (Dell, 1939-40). We here at Heritage have had the good fortune to see many bound volumes of Dell comics pass through our doors during the recent years, but nothing has impressed this cataloger as much as this incredible book. It collects the first twelve issues of Dell's original Four Color series, in a beautifully preserved hardback volume. The comics inside are breathtaking, despite the fact all were trimmed during the binding process. All were apparent VF or better copies before binding; all have retained most of their original cover gloss and supple interior paper quality. And what comics they are -- #1 (Dick Tracy -- the first color comic book devoted to this character), #2 (Don Winslow of the Navy -- considered "rare" by Overstreet), #3 (Myra North), #4 (Donald Duck, featuring Al Taliaferro strip reprints), #5 (Smilin' Jack -- first comic book), #6 (Dick Tracy -- considered "scarce" by Overstreet), #7 (Gang Busters), #8 (Dick Tracy), #9 (Terry and the Pirates), #10 (Smilin' Jack), #11 (Smitty), and #12 (Little Orphan Annie). The binding itself is remarkable, featuring a light purple cloth cover, with extremely tight, perfect binding. This is quite a contrast to the actual Western Publishing Library volumes, many of which are now coming loose with age and use. We're not sure of the origins of this beautiful volume (it's possible these were from a Western bound volume that has since been professionally rebound), but if the finest set of Four Color comics is your goal, you could do no better than this! Although the inside copies still look VF or better, it's our policy to list VG values for bound volumes. Overstreet VG 4.0 value for group = $4,536.
Auction 820 | Lot: 2448 | May 13, 2006

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Alex Raymond - Flash Gordon Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 3-14-37 (King Features Syndicate, 1937). Alex Raymond was a cartooning wunderkind who was never content with his achievements or drawing techniques, but instead was driven to experiment with fresh approaches to comic strip storytelling. During an acclaimed period of 1936-38, Raymond brought an unparalleled feeling of romance to Flash Gordon. His lush drybrush inking was inspired by the work of "hall of fame" illustrators Matt Clark and John LaGatta. Writer Don Moore stocked the Flash Gordon storyline with pulp magazine archetypes that combined such seemingly incongruous elements as science fiction gadgets with swashbuckling costumes and physical stunts. Thus, ray guns, sword fights, space ships, alien animal mounts, space helmets, and Arthurian capes, were all mixed together to create an epic fantasy adventure that transcended any earthly time period or geography. This Sunday showcases Flash Gordon's unmatchable athleticism and heroism. Panel five is a famous, oft-reproduced scene of Flash's triumph over near-insurmountable adversity, as he single-handedly fells a rampaging behemoth, the dinosaur-like Gwak. In keeping with the primitive motif of this episode, Dale Arden takes center stage in the final panel, and she goes tribal, decked out in a fur bikini that would turn even Raquel Welch, buxom star of "One Million Years B.C.," green with envy. This spectacular Sunday has been long held in a Raymond family member's collection and is being offered to the public for the first time. In addition to this Sunday, the lot also includes a print made from a candid family snapshot of Alex Raymond relaxing at his Stamford, Connecticut home, shortly before his tragic death. The strip has an image area of 20" x 16". The illustration board has been light struck around the edges; otherwise the art is in Very Good condition. Don't miss this opportunity to land a fantastic Flash Gordon strip from a pea
Auction 820 | Lot: 6308 | May 13, 2006

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Charles Schulz - Peanuts Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 8-20-54 (United Features Syndicate, 1954). Poor ol' Charlie Brown -- as usual, he gets no respect from the other kids. In this case, he gets laughed at by the queen of fussbudgets, Lucy Van Pelt. Regarding Charlie Brown's personality, Charles Schulz has said, "Sure, he's wishy-washy, but I like him. I didn't mean to give him a failure face in the beginning -- I just wanted him to have an anonymous bland round face while the others had more character in theirs." This terrific daily is printed on page 256 of Fantagraphics Books' The Complete Peanuts 1953 to 1954. The image area of the daily measures 27" x 5". The paper was folded between panels two and three; otherwise the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6356 | May 13, 2006

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Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott - Fantastic Four #5, page 6 Original Art (Marvel, 1962). Caught in the master plan of Dr. Doom, Johnny Storm, Reed Richards, and Ben "the Thing" Grimm are about to be sent "Back to the Past!" This magnificent chapter splash was created by the twosome most fans consider to be the art team-supreme on the FF -- Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott! This was the first FF issue that Joe Sinnott worked on, and his inks are at their most refined on this page. His brush control is mind-boggling! Sinnott even details Johnny and Reed's irises in panel one, and the Thing's skin is beginning to show hints of the slate-like "scaling" that would become his hallmark look. It's such a shame that Sinnott didn't return to the title again until issue #45. The image area of the art measures 12.5" x 18.5" and is in Excellent condition. Don't miss out on your chance to own this early Kirby/Sinnott Marvel masterwork!
Auction 820 | Lot: 6160 | May 13, 2006

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Bernie Wrightson - Frankenstein Illustration, Preliminary Study Original Art (circa 1976). Bernie Wrightson's detailed value "study" for a Frankenstein illustration is more finely rendered than most other artists' finished pieces! Inspired by the fine pen work of Franklin Booth, Wrightson poured all of his talent into the Frankenstein book, and spared no effort to produce a masterpiece. This superb drawing has an image area that measures 13" x 21", and is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6461 | May 13, 2006

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Superman #1 (DC, 1939) CGC Apparent VG/FN 5.0 Extensive (P) Cream to off-white pages. Not only is this one of the five most valuable comic issues ever published, it's one of the most significant comics ever published as well. At a time when all comics were either newspaper-strip reprints, cartoon-character vehicles, or anthology titles like Action or Detective, this series devoted an entire comic to a character who was created for the comic book medium... and this new series was a huge success! The famous cover is by Superman's co-creator Joe Shuster. To get an idea of how this book electrified kids of the time, just ask Ron Seawright, who bought this very copy at a drugstore in Hermosa Beach, CA as a young boy in 1939: "A friend of the family told me excitedly about 'a new comic that just came out about a strong man with a cape who could fly, jump over buildings, lift cars and everything'," he says, "back then they didn't have a word for superhero." A few years later, the patriotic youngster, whose father was in the service, did what he could for the war effort by taking his comic collection to donate to a USO paper drive, even parting with his Detective Comics #27. But Mr. Seawright, now 72, told us to pass this on to our bidders: "I didn't donate my Superman comics to the USO... I saved them for you." CGC notes, "Restoration includes: color touch, pieces added, tear seals, cleaned, reinforced." Overstreet 2006 GD 2.0 value = $18,250; VG 4.0 value = $36,500; FN 6.0 value = $54,750.
Auction 820 | Lot: 3525 | May 13, 2006

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Neal Adams - The Brave and the Bold #80 Cover Original Art (DC, 1968). By this issue of The Brave and the Bold, Batman was the anchor, especially since Neal Adams was drawing it, and the new Steve Ditko creation, the Creeper, was into the third issue of his short-lived series, Beware the Creeper. Batman and the Creeper battle the freakish half-man, half-insect, Hellgrammite, is this cover illustration brought to menacing life by Neal Adams' skilled hand. It's pure Neal Adams, at his best! The art has an image area of 10" x 15". There is some glue staining, especially at the upper left corner (from a missing logo paste-up), and the attached paste-ups exhibit a bit of aging; otherwise the condition is Very Good. Includes a hand-painted color guide for the cover, which has an image area of 7" x 10.25". Although the guide has some overall aging, its condition is also Very Good. (Total: 2 Items)
Auction 820 | Lot: 5376 | May 13, 2006

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Steve Ditko - Amazing Spider-Man #10, page 9 Original Art (Marvel, 1964). Wallopin' web-snappers -- when's the last time you saw a Spider-Man scene as spooky as the one on the top panel tier of this pulse-pounding page? Steve Ditko's uncanny talent for combining the otherworldly with the superheroic has seldom been more astounding. Montana finally pulls Spidey down to earth in panel six but he and his fellow Enforcers (Fancy Dan, the Ox, and the Big Man) soon live to regret that move. This page has it all: web-spinning, city-swinging, a cast of cutthroat villains, and Spider-Man in nearly every panel -- face it, tiger, you'll hit the jackpot with a winning bid on this super-spectacular! The image area of the art measures 12.5" x 18.5", and the art is in Excellent condition. Add this superb Steve Ditko Spider-Man showpiece to your collection!
Auction 820 | Lot: 5553 | May 13, 2006

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Charles Schulz - Peanuts Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 4-7-65 (United Features Syndicate, 1965). As comics historian Rick Marschall has pointed out about Peanuts, "the Great American Strip often takes place during the Great American Pastime." This droll daily from the sixties is a terrific example of why we root for Charlie Brown, especially when he's on the baseball diamond. Frieda and Lucy co-star in this daily, while Charlie Brown bravely bears their gardening banter -- they're more interested in begonias than baseball. The strip was signed and inscribed by Charles Schulz in the upper border. The image area of this daily measures 27" x 5.5". The strip has been lightstruck, and as a result, the paper surface has darkened. The strip was folded between panels two and three; otherwise, the daily is in Very Good condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6357 | May 13, 2006

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Sensation Comics #1 (DC, 1942) CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white pages. This key comic is listed among the 30 most valuable comics by Overstreet, and our copy is one of the best you'll find. It's the second appearance of the number one superheroine in comics, Wonder Woman, in an issue released just one month after she was first seen in All Star Comics #8. Also making their debuts were two other DC heroes of note, neither of whom had super powers but both of whom packed a punch: Mr. Terrific and Wildcat. H. G. Peter drew the Wonder Woman story; the issue's other artists include Sheldon Moldoff, Irwin Hasen, and Howard Purcell. The number of existing copies of this issue is "less than average" according to Gerber. Coupled with Wonder Woman's ever-increasing popularity, that means this book will only become more sought-after with the passage of time. Overstreet 2006 VF 8.0 value = $19,950; VF/NM 9.0 value = $34,475. CGC census 3/05: 4 in 8.5, 3 higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 3482 | May 13, 2006

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$89,250 or more
Johnny Craig - Haunt of Fear #7 Cover Original Art (EC, 1951). Rotting corpses that dig their way out of a grave to exact a gruesome and ironic revenge became a hallmark of the EC horror line. However, a simple festering corpse isn't quite enough for true EC horror fan-addicts. Johnny Craig once outlined his approach to setting the proper horror mood -- "Fear is horror too. Suspense, many things can be considered horror." The image area of this tense cover scene measures 13.5" x 19". The title logo and the portraits of the horror hosts are stats. The art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 5529 | May 13, 2006

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Steve Ditko - Amazing Spider-Man #22, page 9 Original Art (Marvel, 1965). After their big heist, the Ring-Master's troupe is now operating solo, and while "Ringo" plots his revenge, a certain wall-crawler pays him a visit, in this "hypnotic" page by Steve Ditko. Our hat's off to Ditko, who polished off another shiny Silver Age masterpiece, in this page from the Stan Lee story, "The Clown and His Masters of Menace!" The image area of this page is 12.5" x 18.5", and the condition is Excellent.
Auction 820 | Lot: 5555 | May 13, 2006

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Johnny Craig - Vault of Horror #21, Cover Original Art (EC, 1951). With his heart-stopping ability to create quiet, mounting terror, Johnny Craig was tapped by Bill Gaines to create the first cover of Vault of Horror, and every ensuing issue through the end of the run nearly five years later. In this particularly grisly cover by Craig, the remains of a psychotic zoo keeper's victim have emerged from an alligator pit to exact retribution. "He did some of our best covers," Gaines recalled. "Including the infamous severed head cover, which may be the most famous cover ever in comics, and certainly the only one ever to be the focus of an inquiry before the United States Senate." A slow, meticulous craftsman, in a career that spanned four decades, that Craig's relatively small body of work has been influential and well-remembered is testimony to his skill. The image area of this horrific masterpiece measures 13" x 18.5", and, aside from some light staining on the original logo stat, the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 5531 | May 13, 2006

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Steve Ditko - Amazing Spider-Man #12, page 12 Original Art (Marvel, 1964). Face Front, faithful ones! This spectacular Spider-Man page is nothing short of a web-swinging wonderment. This ever-lovin' page showcases Peter Parker swinging up to a rooftop in order to don his Spidey suit, Liz Allen and Flash Thompson in a tense tiff over "puny Parker," Spidey springing into action with spider-speed, and finally, the webbed wall-crawler saving desperate Manhattanites from a leaping lion and a belligerent bear. It's a Silver Age showpiece from the inspired pen and brush of "Sturdy" Steve Ditko and the typewriter of Stan "the Man" Lee. The image area of the art is 12.5" x 18.5", and it's in Excellent condition. Add a mighty Marvel masterwork to your collection.
Auction 820 | Lot: 5554 | May 13, 2006

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Al Feldstein - Weird Fantasy #7 Cover Original Art (EC, 1951). This piece incorporates all of the elements that a collector looks for in a science fiction cover. It has spacemen, rocket ships in outer space, and a voluptuous space girl striking a pose for all her admiring fans. The piece certainly qualifies as a "headlight" cover, and is arguably the best example of that genre that Feldstein ever produced. This stellar cover has an image area of 13.5" x 19.5", and the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 5582 | May 13, 2006

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Charles Schulz - Peanuts Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 4-3-53 (United Features Syndicate, 1953). In the early days of Peanuts, the other kids (in this case, Patty and Schroeder) were especially insensitive to the tender feelings of good ol' Charlie Brown. Charles Schulz wrote that Charlie Brown started out as "a flippant little guy, who soon turned into the loser he is known as today." In many ways, Charlie Brown was based on Charles Schulz's own painful experiences. Writer Hugh Morrow revealed Schulz's bleak high-school life in a 1957 Saturday Evening Post article. "He never dreamed of asking a girl for a date, for he was confident the answer would be negative. While he did make the golf team, he lost his only important match -- and then lost the consolation round as well. Life was one grand snub; Schulz was astonished if anyone from the school said hello after school hours. 'I wasn't actually hated,' Schulz reminisces. 'Nobody cared that much.'" This poignant strip is printed on page 40 of Fantagraphic Books' The Complete Peanuts 1953 to 1954. The image area of the daily measures 27" x 5". Aside from a fold between panels two and three, and a few minor stains in panels one and two, the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6355 | May 13, 2006

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Showcase #22 Green Lantern (DC, 1959) CGC VF/NM 9.0 Off-white pages. Feast your eyes on this, Silver Age fans, it's the sole highest-graded copy of the first appearance of the Silver Age Green Lantern! For whatever reason, this issue's very difficult to find even in FN or better, so we were wowed by this census-topper. Especially pleasing to the eye is that it's such a well-centered copy, as so many have part of the white back cover showing on the front and spoiling the fun. Not only does Hal Jordan make his debut here, the book also has the first appearances of Abin Sur (the alien who gives Hal his powers) and Carol Ferris (Hal's love interest and also his boss!). Gil Kane handled the cover and interior art. Overstreet 2006 VF/NM 9.0 value = $5,592; NM- 9.2 value = $8,000. CGC census 3/06: 1 in 9.0, none higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 2101 | May 13, 2006

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Fantastic Four #4 (Marvel, 1962) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages. Here's a beautiful NM copy of one of the most significant issues of this title's long run, the first Silver Age appearance of the Sub-Mariner! Prince Namor, a star of the Timely comics of the 1940s, hadn't been seen in a comic at all since the mid-1950s, and Jack Kirby's panel sequence that shows the Human Torch "shaving" a derelict's beard to reveal the Sub-Mariner's face is one of the most memorable images of early Marvel comics. In issues to come, Sub-Mariner, now a quasi-villain, would star in many an epic Fantastic Four tale. This is indisputably one of the highlights of our Silver Age selection, and would be an upgrade to most any collector's FF run. Overstreet 2006 NM- 9.2 value = $5,800. CGC census 4/06: 6 in 9.4, 1 higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 2189 | May 13, 2006

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Four Color (Series One) #13-25 Bound Volume (Dell, 1941-42). Here's the second half of the original Four Color run, in a beautiful bound volume similar to our previous lot. Included are #13 (Walt Disney's Reluctant Dragon), 14 (Moon Mullins -- first issue), 15 (Tillie the Toiler -- first issue), 16 (Mickey Mouse Outwits the Phantom Blot -- the first solo Mickey comic book), 17 (Walt Disney's Dumbo, the Flying Elephant), 18 (Jiggs and Maggie -- first issue), 19 (Barney Google and Snuffy Smith -- first issue, as well as first with Four Color on the cover), 20 (Tiny Tim), 21 (Dick Tracy), 22 (Don Winslow), 23 (Gang Busters), 24 (Captain Easy), and 25 (Popeye, featuring strip reprints by Segar). As before, these are incredible copies, with off-white, supple pages and glossy covers. The binding is very tight and clean, with no hint of any problems whatsoever. All comics appear to have been VF or better before being trimmed and bound. A simply outstanding bound volume, filled with incredible Four Color treasures! Overstreet VG 4.0 value for group = $4,246.
Auction 820 | Lot: 2449 | May 13, 2006

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Four Color #1-12 Bound Volume (Dell, 1942). The great Four Color bound volumes keep coming with this collection of Series II comics. Included are: #1 (Little Joe), 2 (Harold Teen), 3 (Alley Oop -- first issue), 4 (Smilin' Jack), 5 (Raggedy Ann and Andy -- first issue), 6 (Smitty), 7 (Smokey Stover -- first issue), 8 (Tillie the Toiler), 9 (Donald Duck Finds Pirate Gold -- featuring art by Carl Barks and Jack Hannah), 10 (Flash Gordon -- classic issue featuring Alex Raymond strip reprints), 11 (Wash Tubbs), and 12 (Walt Disney's Bambi -- first issue). Not too bad a line-up, hmm? All the comics appear to have been in VF or better before being trimmed and bound, and all sport remarkably supple interior pages. The outer binding is clean and tight -- a very solid book. Overstreet VG 4.0 value for group = $2,502.
Auction 820 | Lot: 2450 | May 13, 2006

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Charles Schulz - Peanuts Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 2-25-67 (United Feature Syndicate, 1967). Lucy and Linus star in this sixties Peanuts daily, during that era when protesting and freedom of speech were all the rage. Queen fussbudget, Lucy Van Pelt, can't help but add her "two cents" on each and everything her little brother, Linus, does, even when it comes to "stamping out things." Somehow, Lucy's sage advice to Linus seldom works out. The image area of this daily measures 27" x 5.5". Aside from a fold between panels two and three (which virtually all Peanuts dailies have), the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6358 | May 13, 2006

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Charles Schulz - Peanuts Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 7-14-69 (United Features Syndicate, 1969). When it seems the little red-headed girl may move out of Charlie Brown's life forever, his whole life flashes before his eyes. The seldom-seen little red-headed girl became the symbol of unrequited loved for a whole generation of Peanuts readers, and this is an exceptionally poignant daily. Linus co-stars in this melodrama. The image area of the strip is approximately 27" x 5.5". The daily was folded between panels two and three; otherwise, the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6359 | May 13, 2006

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All-American Comics #16 (DC, 1940) CGC Apparent VF+ 8.5 Extensive (P) Off-white pages. The story with Green Lantern's origin and first appearance is what makes this one of the five most valuable comic book issues. The main reason it's valued higher than the debuts of other top DC heroes (Wonder Woman, the Flash, etc.) is because of the scarcity of the book: Overstreet calls it "rare," while Gerber gives it a 7, meaning "scarce." The origin has been called an updated version of the "Aladdin's Lamp" story -- it's by Martin Nodell, credited as "Mart Dellon," who created the character and got some help on this issue's script from Bill Finger of Batman fame. The issue's cover is by Sheldon Moldoff. Incidentally, the comic is far from an all-superhero affair -- the backup features include Mutt and Jeff as well as Sheldon Mayer's comic artist character Scribbly. CGC notes, "Restoration includes: color touch, pieces added, tear seals, cleaned, reinforced." Overstreet 2006 GD 2.0 value = $9,650; VG 4.0 value = $19,300; FN 6.0 value = $28,950; VF 8.0 value = $77,200; VF/NM 9.0 value = $138,600.
Auction 820 | Lot: 3304 | May 13, 2006

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Hal Foster - Prince Valiant Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 7-25-43 (King Features Syndicate, 1943). This Prince Valiant Sunday, #337, features many of the hallmarks any Hal Foster fan would have on his "wish-list" -- Vikings, sailing scenes, outstanding figure drawing and panel compositions, a character stamp, and five striking portraits of Val! This Sunday hails from "The Long Voyage to Thule" storyline. Val has just brought Lady Olga and her daughter Katwein ashore, from their shipwrecked vessel, the "Poseidon." This Sunday also features one of the last character "stamps" (Eric the Saxon). The stamp feature ended just two strips later. Hal Foster was elected to membership in Great Britain's Royal Society of Arts, an honor very few Americans can claim. The Duke of Windsor called Prince Valiant the "greatest contribution to English literature in the past hundred years." The strip, one of the most successful adventure series of all time, won the prestigious Banshees' "Silver Lady" award in 1952, and the National Cartoonists Society's "Reuben" award in 1957, as well as its "Gold Key" award in 1977. This Sunday has an image area of 26" x 34". The first panel tier was cut from the page (and later rejoined with tape, on the back of the page); otherwise, the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6003 | May 13, 2006

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Batman #14 (DC, 1943) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages. No copy of this issue has been graded higher by CGC to date, so have fun feasting your eyes on this one! We've seen too many lesser copies of this that show Batman peeling back the page to reveal an expanse of "smudgy" white, that's not the case on this original-owner copy. This issue's cover by Jerry Robinson is just the second cover appearance of the Penguin. As if the Bumbershoot Bandit weren't enough, Batman and Robin also bust up a Nazi spy ring in the tale "Swastika over the White House." Overstreet 2006 NM- 9.2 value = $4,400. CGC census 3/06: 1 in 9.4, none higher. From the Collection of Harold Curtis.
Auction 820 | Lot: 1021 | May 13, 2006

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The Big All-American Comic Book #1 Hawkeye pedigree (DC, 1944) CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white pages. A square bound comic that has 128 pages and is over 60 years old would almost never be found in top condition, so a NM- copy is quite a treat indeed. Boy, did this giant issue offer kids their money's worth; just listing the characters would take us quite a while. This comic is from the days when M. C. Gaines' All-American Comics (which published All-Star Comics, Flash Comics, and Sensation Comics) was essentially a separate branch of DC (home of Detective Comics, Action Comics, and more). We believe every significant All-American Comics character is present in this book, not only top superheroes like Flash, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern (and just about every other Justice Society member too), but humor standbys like Mutt and Jeff, and Sheldon Mayer's Scribbly. The list of artists is pretty impressive, too, including Joe Kubert, E. E. Hibbard, Sheldon Mayer, and others. By the way, it's a significant comic in Kubert's career, as it's the very first time the artist worked on Hawkman. Also, some refer to this as the first DC annual. Interest in the book is mounting -- it was added to Overstreet's list of the 100 most valuable Golden Age books last year, and has retained that status this year. Overstreet 2006 NM- 9.2 value = $15,300. CGC census 03/06: 1 in 9.2, 1 higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 3373 | May 13, 2006

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Charles Schulz - Peanuts Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 4-24-71 (United Features Syndicate, 1971). Sally Brown's struggles with her book reports, papers, and letters are legendary. When it comes to homework, it seems Sally -- like Charlie -- is a chip off the ol' blockhead! But Sally's hilarious misunderstandings also serve to point out what comics historian and critic Rick Marschall has observed: "Charles Schulz became the modern counterpart to the humorists and cartoonists of the 1920s who created and chronicled the 'little man' in the face of a confusing world. Charlie Brown is the 'little man' of our day." Likewise, Sally also struggles to cope with the all-too confusing world of academia. This charming daily has an image area of 27" x 5.5". The art was folded between the second and third panels; otherwise it is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6360 | May 13, 2006

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Wonder Woman #1 Rockford pedigree (DC, 1942) CGC VF- 7.5 Off-white to white pages. How big of a hit was Wonder Woman? Well, this first issue of her own title came out only about half a year after her debut in All Star Comics #8, and she had spent the interim appearing monthly in Sensation Comics. This first issue of the new title started a four-decade run. She has been called "the only mythological character to flourish in the comics format," and we can't think of another to do so until Thor appeared some two decades later. Wonder Woman's early adventures, written by William Moulton Marston and drawn by H. G. Peter, still fascinate today. As you might expect from a #1 issue, the heroine's origin story is retold and expanded upon here. Overstreet 2006 VF 8.0 value = $17,000. CGC census 3/06: 4 in 7.5, 6 higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 3555 | May 13, 2006

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Four Color #25-36 Bound Volume (Dell, 1943-44). The fun continues with this third volume of Four Color (second series) issues, beautifully bound together in this hardcover book. Included: #25 (Andy Panda -- first issue), 26 (Popeye), 27 (Mickey Mouse and the Seven-Colored Terror -- this copy has a slight dust shadow on the front cover), 28 (Wash Tubbs), 29 (Donald Duck and the Mummy's Ring -- classic Carl Barks story and art), 30 (Bambi's Children), 31 (Moon Mullins), 32 (Smitty), 33 (Bugs Bunny Public Nuisance No. 1), 34 (Dick Tracy), 35 (Smokey Stover), and 36 (Smilin' Jack). The comics appear to have been VF or better before being trimmed and bound; other than the dust shadow on #27, all have retained their original cover freshness (most were printed on matte-finish paper) and supple interior page quality. The outside binding is tight and mostly scuff-free. Overstreet VG 4.0 value for group = $1,960.
Auction 820 | Lot: 2452 | May 13, 2006

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Hal Foster - Prince Valiant Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 9-4-49 (King Features Syndicate, 1949). Prince Valiant proves himself to be a master tactician, as well as a brave knight, in this beautifully staged battle sequence. Val and his friends hold their ground against an overwhelming onslaught by an army of Picts by striking wounding blows rather than killing ones. This terrific Sunday is a prime example of Hal Foster's detailed storytelling, and one that is certain to be a treasured showpiece for any original art collector. This strip has an approximate image area measuring 24" x 34". The strip was cut between panel tiers one and two; other than a missing lettering correction in panel one, the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 6005 | May 13, 2006

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Crypt of Terror #17 Gaines File pedigree 2/10 (EC, 1950) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages. This book is currently sixth on Overstreet's list of the most valuable horror books. That's because this is the very first New Trend EC book to hit newsstands! Though the Crypt-Keeper first appeared in Crime Patrol, the book 100 Greatest Comic Books notes, "The impact of the Crypt-Keeper starts in Crypt of Terror #17," and ranks this issue among the 20 greatest comic books. This first issue is #17 because EC continued the numbering of Crime Patrol, then published three issues under this name before the title change to the now-famous Tales From the Crypt. This issue has a Johnny Craig cover, with interior art by Craig, Al Feldstein, and George Roussos. Overstreet 2006 NM- 9.2 value = $4,300. CGC census 3/06: 3 in 9.6, 1 higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 3027 | May 13, 2006

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Sad Sack Comics #1 File Copy (Harvey, 1949) CGC NM 9.4 Cream to off-white pages. This amazing copy, which has been recently submitted to CGC, currently occupies the top spot in their census for this book. The reason Harvey fans will go to great lengths to get this issue: it's got the first appearance of Little Dot, who would go on to star in her own comic for over 20 years. But Sad Sack topped Dot when it came to longevity, as this series produced Harvey's longest continuous comic book title run, 287 issues! One reason why this first issue is hard to find is because it featured Sad Sack as a civilian, an unwelcome change at the time to fans who loved his adventures as a soldier and were loath to spend their dimes to see him in this new role. And that's despite a great infinity cover by George Baker! The swift kick to the pants shown here mirrors what most comic dealers would give anyone offering only the Guide price for a high-grade copy; for our part, we expect spirited bidding when this one comes up for auction. Overstreet 2006 NM- 9.2 value = $900. CGC census 3/06: 1 in 9.4, none higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 4418 | May 13, 2006

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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. 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. The art paper measures 16.5" x 11.5", with an image area of 15" x 10". 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.
Auction 820 | Lot: 5377 | May 13, 2006

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Richard Corben - 1984 #1 Cover Original Art (Warren, 1978). It's all-out alien-on-alien action on this awesome Corben cover from the very first issue of Warren's weird-science b/w mag 1984. Corben has rendered every exquisite detail in evocative gray-tones; the piece was then vividly colored in the production process. A stunning space scene by the Heavy Metal master! The image area measures 13" x 17" and the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 820 | Lot: 5523 | May 13, 2006

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Adventure Comics #40 (DC, 1939) CGC GD/VG 3.0 Cream to off-white pages. An unrestored copy of this much sought-after comic is a welcome sight indeed! This issue is currently ranked #11 on Overstreet's list of the most valuable comic books, and it received Overstreet's seldom-used "rare" designation. It's got the Adventure debut of the Sandman, one of the earliest superheroes in comics and the first costumed hero to appear in this long-running series. Overstreet once noted the Sandman's significance as "a transition crime fighter who stuck tenaciously to the trusty regalia of the pulp heroes." The character's first published appearance was in the 1939 New York World's Fair Comics, but this issue's story is believed to have been created before that one. Bert Christman, who later met his death in World War II, was the artist on the feature, but the cover is the work of Creig Flessel, and it's that classic image that solidifies this issue's status as an enduring collectible. Overstreet 2006 GD 2.0 value = $4,500; VG 4.0 value = $9,000. CGC census 4/06: 1 in 3.0, 7 higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 3277 | May 13, 2006

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Superman #2 (DC, 1939) CGC VF 8.0 Cream to off-white pages. This book's on Overstreet's list of the 100 most valuable Golden Age comics, and a mere two copies have been graded higher by CGC to date! The content consists of reprints of the Superman newspaper strip, written by Jerry Siegel and drawn by Joe Shuster and Paul Cassidy. The fact that early stills from the upcoming Superman movie have the character wearing Golden Age-style garb (with the smaller S) can only help the investment potential of this early issue. Overstreet 2006 VF 8.0 value = $8,955. CGC census 1/06: 2 in 8.0, 2 higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 3526 | May 13, 2006

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"Dumbo" Production Cel and Background Original Art (Walt Disney, 1941). Timothy, the quick-thinking little mouse, has convinced the shy Dumbo that he can be a star, in this impressive cel set-up and original background from Disney's masterpiece, "Dumbo." Produced during the war on a lean budget, "Dumbo" was carried by a strong, tight storyline with exceptional characters, and emerged as one of the best, and best loved, animated films of all time. This hand inked, and hand painted image was trimmed out of the original acetate and mounted against the original circus background. The art has an image area of 11" x 8.5", is framed, and in Excellent condition. Includes a certificate of authenticity.
Auction 820 | Lot: 5198 | May 13, 2006

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Showcase #4 The Flash (DC, 1956) CGC VF- 7.5 Off-white to white pages. The first Silver Age comic book according to many, this is the origin and first appearance of the new Flash, Barry Allen. A dynamite new costume, somewhat fancier powers, and the stylish art of Carmine Infantino were the combination that caught the fancy of comic readers and led to the revival of the superhero genre. The second most-valuable comic of the Silver Age, this is a must for anyone who collects that era! Overstreet 2006 VF 8.0 value = $13,500. CGC census 3/06: 4 in 7.5, 11 higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 2085 | May 13, 2006

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The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel, 1963) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages. A great-looking copy of the first issue of the most-collected title in all of comics... what more can you ask for? This one's a Marvel must, thanks to the first appearances of John Jameson, J. Jonah Jameson, and the Chameleon. Steve Ditko drew the cover (over Jack Kirby layouts) as well as the story art. Overstreet 2006 VF 8.0 value = $9,250. CGC census 3/06: 26 in 8.0, 38 higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 2152 | May 13, 2006

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Suspense Comics #2 Mile High pedigree (Continental Magazines, 1944) CGC NM 9.4 White pages. Copies of this title are prized for their rarity and esoteric quality, and this copy adds the dimension of being from Edgar Church's famed collection. A Gerber "scarce," and CGC hasn't certified another copy nicer than FN 6.0. The first appearance of the Mask is here, and contributing artists include Nina Albright (cover), L. B. Cole, John Giunta, and Don Rico. Overstreet 2006 NM- 9.2 value = $3,800. CGC census 3/06: 1 in 9.4, none higher.
Auction 820 | Lot: 4495 | May 13, 2006

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