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Floyd Gottfredson - Mickey Mouse Western Painting "Race for Riches" (No Publisher, 1980). This magnificent and famous painting of Mickey and Horace Horsecollar confronted by evil nemesis Peg-Leg Pete was part of a series of 24 paintings originally commissioned by Malcolm Willits. They were the only full-scene Mickey Mouse paintings that Floyd Gottfredson, artist on the character for an amazing 40 years, ever did. This piece set the record for the highest price at auction of the Willits group, selling at Christie's in 1986 for $32,890 (with buyer's premium). There was something about the classic Western "shoot out" confrontation that set it apart. It represented all the Mickey Mouse adventures in one perfectly conceived and executed painting. Gottfredson's popular "Race to Riches" Western story went from the 1938 Big Little Book, to the newspaper comic strips, to comic books (all by Floyd) to this large 21" x 16" painting. Opaque watercolors were used on board; it has been maintained in a dark room, and is in Excellent condition. This is the first public offering of this incredible work of art since the original mid-80s auction. Additionally, although we've indicated "No Publisher" above, this treasure has been "published" in color in the 1987 edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide for setting a record at the Christies Auction. Later, in 1990, it was represented by Howard Lowery in the Malcolm Willits Collection. Now, it could be the centerpiece of the (Insert Your Name Here) Collection!
Auction 811 | Lot: 5105 | Jun 13, 2004

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Sub-Mariner Comics #1 Larson pedigree (Timely, 1941) CGC VF/NM 9.0 Off-white to white pages. Timely's aquatic anti-hero gets his own title with this Golden Age favorite. Graced with a dynamic Alex Schomburg World War II cover, loaded with 40 pages of Sub-Mariner action, plus another 20 pages featuring that most dapper of all superheroes, the Angel, this is a package no comics fan could resist back in 1941. And how can you refuse now? Subby's creator Bill Everett writes and illustrates the Prince Namor story, with Paul Gustavson doing the same for the Angel. One of the most sought-after Timely keys, this book ranks at number 21 in Overstreet's 2004 list of Top Golden Age books. This Larson pedigree is close to flawless, with some minor staple rust, very light foxing, nice corners, and truly awe-inspiring colors with deep gloss. To date, only one other CGC-certified copy of this issue has been graded VF/NM; none have been graded higher. Overstreet 2004 VF/NM 9.0 value = $32,800; NM- 9.2 value = $45,000.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7336 | Jun 13, 2004

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Charles Schulz - Peanuts Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 9-22-57 (United Feature Syndicate, 1957). Poor ol' gullible Charlie Brown. Once again, he has fallen for Lucy's insincere vow about changing her ways when it comes to holding for a placekick. And, once again, the Lou Groza wannabe winds up flat on his back with a mighty whump. The football kickoff is a famous fall ritual in the Peanuts strip, and this is a fine example of the game of trust and betrayal Charlie and Lucy play. The expressions on Charlie's face vary from annoyance, to bitterness, to determination, and finally, to dismay. Meanwhile, Lucy dupes Charlie with her trustworthy smile. With just a few simple pen lines, Schulz makes his characters come alive, and their actions reveal the inner workings of the human condition. The overall size of the paper is approximately 15.5" x 23.5", in Very Good condition. The art paper has been professionally mounted to another piece of board, is trimmed close to the top and bottom panel borders, and retains its original Peanuts logo.
Auction 811 | Lot: 8045 | Jun 13, 2004

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Alex Raymond - Flash Gordon Sunday Original Art, dated 3-15-36 (King Features Syndicate, 1936). Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon is considered by most to be the finest science fiction/fantasy comic strip ever done, with the period of 1934-1936 being the most desirable for original art collectors due to the large size of the art drawn during those three years. Titled "Three Against Ming," all of the major characters in the Flash Gordon saga appear in this Sunday: Flash, Dale Arden, Dr. Hans Zarkov, and, most impressively, their nemesis, the evil Ming the Merciless. The inscrutable, leering portrait of Ming in panel two must number among the finest ever done; his sinister presence is palpable. Dale turns Ming's weapon of choice, the paralyzo-ray, on his own minions. This insidious device was frequently featured in the "Flash Gordon" movie serial, and is fondly recalled by aficionados. Making this already impressive Sunday even more spectacular is the art for the matching Jungle Jim topper. Jim is being forced into a "shotgun wedding" with the evil Bat-woman, and the line work on her gorgeous visage on the final panel is breathtaking. The Flash Gordon strip's image area measures 24" x 19", while the Jungle Jim topper measures 24" x 11.5". The art is in Excellent condition. Considering all the remarkable qualities of this example, it must number among the top five known Flash Gordon originals. This is a rare and splendid piece for any enthusiast of American comic strip art.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5035 | Jun 13, 2004

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Detective Comics #27 (DC, 1939) CGC FR 1.0 Light tan to off-white pages. This milestone comic book remains one of the hottest collectibles of all, holding second place again this year in the updated Overstreet 2004 Top Golden Age Books list. Only Action Comics #1 outranks the book that introduced Batman in 1939. Co-creator Bob Kane provided the cover and the interior art on the Batman feature, in which Commissioner Gordon also makes his first appearance. You may find a nicer copy, but this one is complete save for the large chunk out of the back cover, and a small piece from the front. And even at FR 1.0, CGC's census lists just nine unrestored copies with higher grades to date, which makes Gerber's "uncommon" estimation ring true. A truly blue-chip comic classic. Overstreet 2004 GD 2.0 value = $31,250.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7046 | Jun 13, 2004

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The Flash #123 Western Penn pedigree (DC, 1961) CGC NM 9.4 White pages. "Flash of Two Worlds" was a landmark book for comic fandom. To the delight of all readers, it introduced the concept that the Golden Age DC heroes still existed, living on a parallel world (later dubbed Earth-Two). The revolutionary idea paved the way for countless subsequent crossovers, all of which were fan favorites. In the story, Barry Allen blunders into the other dimension quite by accident. The Central City native finds himself in a place called Keystone City, a name he recognizes from... reading Golden Age comic books! This sets up an amazing thrill for comics fans as Barry meets the Golden Age Flash, Jay Garrick. To everyone's relief, the two get along swimmingly. The origin of each hero is recounted, and the team-up begins. All of it was rendered in the clean, appealing style of Carmine Infantino, who drew both the cover and the interior art. This bright, fresh, exciting copy is the best one you'll find on our particular Earth -- this is the highest grade that CGC has assigned for this issue to date. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $2,000.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7158 | Jun 13, 2004

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Carl Barks and Tom Wood - Walt Disney's Donald's Date Six Original Watercolor Illustrations (Good Housekeeping Magazine, 1939). Carl Barks did storyboarding as part of a "duck unit" for the Walt Disney "Donald Duck" cartoons, including "Mr. Duck Steps Out". This cartoon was originally planned using the working title of "Donald's Date." Disney artist Tom Wood carefully reviewed these storyboards and selected key scenes to use as publicity art, in the form of watercolor illustrations for Good Housekeeping Magazine. These six cartoon illustrations have been matted together in a professionally crafted frame. The "Walt Disney's Donald Duck" logo art in the upper left measures 2.5" x 6.5". The five remaining cartoon illustrations each measure 6" x 8.5". The overall framed size of this piece is 26.5" x 30". Carl Barks has signed the piece in the lower left cartoon art illustration and titled it, "Mr.Duck Steps Out. Storyboard script." The art is in Excellent condition and the delicacy of the watercolor is beautiful. Donald and Daisy Duck, along with the loveable and incorrigible Huey, Dewey and Louie, all appear in this wonderful lot.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5048 | Jun 13, 2004

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Hal Foster - Tarzan Sunday Original Art Comic Strip Art, dated 6-25-33 (King Features Syndicate, 1933). Edgar Rice Burroughs' world-famous creation, Tarzan, has enjoyed phenomenal success in a never ending series of books, movies, and radio and TV shows, but comic strip history was made when Hal Foster was selected in 1929 to illustrate the adventures of the Lord of the Jungle for the newspapers. The feature was an immediate sensation, and led Foster from a career in magazine and advertising illustration, into a 42 year stint in cartooning. His work became the "gold standard" for action-adventure cartoon illustration. This Sunday is one of the earliest Foster originals known to exist, and features Tarzan in no fewer than seven panels. This dramatic page from the "Egyptian" story line was presented to Edgar Rice Burroughs as a gift from Hal Foster. To the right of the "Tarzan" logo, in the first panel, an inscription reads, "To Mr. Burroughs -- author of Tarzan -- with kindest personal regards -- from Harold R. Foster." The piece measures 20" x 27.5", in Excellent condition, and would certainly serve as a showpiece even in the finest collection.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5016 | Jun 13, 2004

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Haunt of Fear #15 (#1) Gaines File pedigree 2/11 (EC, 1950) CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white to white pages. The first issue of one of EC's famous horror titles also was a first for the Old Witch, her first appearance. Johnny Craig's cover gave way to exquisite drawings by Craig, Harvey Kurtzman, Al Feldstein, and Wally Wood. And, oh! The horrors! This unbelievable copy, at NM/MT 9.8, is one of only two with this grade atop CGC's census. And to top it off, this is a "scarce" issue! Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $3,800.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6003 | Jun 13, 2004

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All-American Comics #16 (DC, 1940) CGC VG+ 4.5 Cream to off-white pages. After the Big Four of Action Comics #1, Detective Comics #27, Marvel Comics #1, and Superman #1, Overstreet lists this milestone issue next on its Top Golden Age Books list. Overstreet calls it "rare," while Gerber designates it "scarce," but you get the picture. To date, CGC hasn't awarded a higher grade than FN- 5.5 for an unrestored certified copy, so don't eschew this because you feel the grade isn't high enough. This is one of the nicest copies you will find of the book that has the origin and first appearance of the Golden Age Green Lantern. Sheldon Moldoff is responsible for the cover, while creator Martin Nodell does the GL story inside. DC's other Sheldon, of the Mayer variety, also contributes with a Scribbly feature. Overstreet 2004 VG 4.0 value = $18,286.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7014 | Jun 13, 2004

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John Romita Sr. - Amazing Spider-Man #111 Cover Original Art (Marvel, 1972). It's Bronze Age web-slingin' action as drawn by the one and only Jazzy John Romita Sr.! The size of the image is approximately 10" x 15.25", and it's in Very Good condition. The cover retains its original logo and type stats. There are a few minor glue stains, and white-out art corrections in the Gibbon's face, and Kraven's fur, where it overlaps the title logo. Some blue-line pencil shows under the inked art, revealing a wonderful insight into the jazzy one's creative working methods. Romita signed the art in the lower right border. Original Spider-Man cover art by Romita! Don't let the chance to own this wonder swing on by you.
Auction 811 | Lot: 8371 | Jun 13, 2004

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E.C. Segar - Popeye Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 8-21-38 (King Features Syndicate,1938). J. Wellington Wimpy's gift for gab is showcased in this side-splitting Sunday. His scheme to pitch woo at Olive Oyl is drawn with the timing and staging of a true comedic genius. As the final tier shows, there is no doubt that the hilarious E. C. Segar ranks right alongside other giants of humor such as Jack Benny, Groucho Marx, and Bob Hope. As Segar once said, "Popeye is much more than a goofy character to me. He represents all my emotions, and he is an outlet for them. I'd like to cut loose and knock the heck out of a lot of people, but my good judgement and size hold me back." The art is in Excellent condition, and the size is approximately 21.5" x 18". With Popeye, Olive Oyl, and Wimpy on an E. C. Segar drawn page, this Sunday will create quite a stir among comic strip collectors.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5037 | Jun 13, 2004

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Flash Comics #1 (DC, 1940) CGC Apparent VF/NM 9.0 Slight (P) Off-white to white pages. One of the classic DC keys, this introductory issue features the first appearances of not one but two all-time great DC legends, Hawkman and Flash. Shelly Moldoff, Hawkman's preeminent artist, was assigned the cover, creating a classic image that every comics fan recognizes. Though all else pales by comparison in a comic that introduces Hawkman and Flash, we'd be remiss if we didn't note that Shiera Sanders, who would soon become Hawkgirl, makes her first appearance as well. Overstreet ranks this issue as the eighth most valuable Golden Age comic. Flash #1 is capable of turning the heads of even the most jaded collectors. CGC notes, "Restoration includes: cover and centerfold reinforced, cover cleaned, interior lightened." Overstreet 2004 GD 2.0 value = $6,200; VG 4.0 value = $12,400; FN 6.0 value = $18,600; VF 8.0 value = $46,500; VF/NM 9.0 value = $71,750.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7051 | Jun 13, 2004

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Police Comics #1 Windy City pedigree (Quality, 1941) CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white to white pages. One of the more significant issues of the Golden Age has the origin and first appearance of Plastic Man and the first appearance of Phantom Lady (not to be confused with Fox Features' version), and a passel of some of the best Golden Age artists around. Would you believe a Gill Fox cover, with interior work by Will Eisner, Reed Crandall, Jack Cole, Paul Gustavson, and Fred Guardineer? The premiere issue is listed by Gerber as "uncommon," and our pedigree offering is by far the highest-graded copy CGC has certified to date. Number two lags behind at a mere VF- 7.5! This one's a gem. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $10,500.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6244 | Jun 13, 2004

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Gill Fox - Police Comics #11 Cover Original Art (Quality, 1942). The pliable Plastic Man emerges from a test tube to squirt a chemical in a mad scientist's eye. The image size of this gem is approximately 9" x 12", on 11.5" x 14.75" paper. The title logo is a replacement with white-out, otherwise the art is in Excellent condition. The character line-up running down the left edge is all original art, not stats, and it features superb portraits of The Spirit, Manhunter, #711, Chic Carter, and the Human Bomb. Fox's art shows the influence of his peers and close friends Jack Cole and Lou Fine. Fox's first cover for Quality was a Doll Man cover for Feature Comics #54 in March of 1942, and he soon followed it with this, his most renowned Plastic Man cover. In a recent interview he recalled, "I remember when Jack [Cole] brought in the first Plastic Man and we were all elated. It was something with a totally different look and thinking. Arnold recognized fairly quickly that he had a hit here." Gill Fox became an editor for Quality, and the editors did the early covers in-house. Fox would do a cover rough and then submit it to Everett "Busy" Arnold for approval. The covers were only about 10-15% larger than the reproduction size. Fox explained in a Jim Amash interview for Alter-Ego, "We had a lot of shields and titles, so it was different than the interior pages. They were made smaller for speed. That made them easier to color, which we did by codes." This is an opportunity to own a highly coveted piece of Golden Age history, and you'd do well to bid on this piece, even if you have to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your collecting budget a tad.
Auction 811 | Lot: 8199 | Jun 13, 2004

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Frank Frazetta - Little Annie Fanny Unfinished Painting Original Art (Playboy, undated). This spectacular watercolor of Little Annie Fanny was painted by Frank Frazetta in the mid-1960s as a try-out for Harvey Kurtzman. Kurtzman was a longtime friend of Frazetta, and he knew that Frazetta could draw and paint sexy women like no one else. He desperately wanted Frazetta's help for his "Little Annie Fanny" feature that appeared in Playboy magazine. Kurtzman approached Hugh Hefner with the idea of hiring Frazetta. Hefner told Kurtzman: "Get him to do a little coloring of Annie and show it to me. I want to make sure he can draw women." The rest is history. Frazetta painted the study in a lush and detailed style, adding a lot of beautifully blended colors, wonderful sexy energy, and a perfect "on model" rendition of Annie. The story goes that Hefner was so impressed with the original art that he added it to his own collection. Years later, Kurtzman got it from him as part of a contractual settlement and kept it until his death. At that point Denis Kitchen obtained it from the Kurtzman estate and sold it to Alex Acevedo of the Alexander Gallery. Subsequently, Dave Winiewicz showed the original art to Frazetta and verified the above story. Frazetta was quite amused that Hef needed proof that Frazetta could draw women! The art measures 12" x 7.5", and is beautifully matted.
Auction 811 | Lot: 8207 | Jun 13, 2004

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Captain America Comics #1 (Timely, 1941) CGC Apparent VF 8.0 Slight (P) Off-white pages. This is one out-and-out exciting comic book. Its publication lit a spark that led to so very many spectacular things. Whose coming-out party was the most impressive: Captain America's? Or Joe Simon and Jack Kirby's? All three went on to brilliant careers, and this one story influenced every comic creator who ever picked up a pencil thereafter. Plus, with the possible exception of Superman, no character has been imitated, paid homage to, or just plain ripped off as many times. Oh by the way, one of the all-time great villains, the Red Skull, made his first appearance here. And one of the all-time most despicable villains, Hitler, got a haymaker to the face on the Jack Kirby cover, with Cap connecting on the punch many millions dreamed of landing. CGC notes, "Restoration includes: cover cleaned, cover & centerfold reinforced." Overstreet 2004 GD 2.0 value = $6,944; VG 4.0 value = $13,888; FN 6.0 value = $20,832; VF 8.0 value = $49,200.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7265 | Jun 13, 2004

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Charles Schulz - Peanuts Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 2-24-63 (United Feature Syndicate, 1963). Lucy and Schroeder are having some communication problems -- she wants to talk about their theoretical nuptials, and he can't even comprehend the words she is speaking! "My Aunt Marian was right...," Lucy laments, "never try to discuss marriage with a musician!" This wonderful early-'60s Peanuts Sunday is a classic example of one of the most important interpersonal dynamics of the entire series -- namely, hard-edged fussbudget Lucy and her hopeless devotion to the indifferent Schroeder. Like Charlie Brown and his endless attempts to fly a kite, Lucy never gave up trying to win Schroeder's devotion. Tenacity, it seems, was a lesson Charles Schulz really wanted to teach. The artwork measures 23" x 16" and is in Excellent condition, with a few light brown stains in several panels. But these hardly detract from the wonderfully vibrant artwork of Schulz at his zenith, and from the simple elegance of his writing. A truly sublime example of the master at work.
Auction 811 | Lot: 8046 | Jun 13, 2004

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Batman #1 (DC, 1940) CGC VG 4.0 Off-white pages. One of comics' most noteworthy issues, Batman #1 started a run that continues to this very day, at 600 issues and counting. The front and back cover colors pack the impact of a swinging batrope kick, and Bob Kane's stirring cover image has become ingrained into the pop-culture psyche. This issue is as as significant for its villains as for its heroes, as both the Joker and the Catwoman (called "the Cat" here) make their first appearances! This respectable specimen of this hard-to-find gem has some top border wear that keeps it from obtaining a higher grade. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history! Overstreet 2004 VG 4.0 value = $13,888.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7023 | Jun 13, 2004

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Superman #2 (DC, 1939) CGC VF 8.0 Cream to off-white pages. Superman's second issue is an all-Jerry Siegel/Joe Shuster affair consisting of daily strip reprints. The book is simply striking, the effect enhanced by our having never offered a copy this nice. In fact, there may be only one nicer copy in existence, if CGC's census data is any indication. The premier certifier of collectible comic books has ordained just one copy nicer to date, at a barely better VF+ 8.5. Go ahead - make your day! Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $8,205.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7076 | Jun 13, 2004

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Charles Schulz - Peanuts Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 8-5-54 (United Feature Syndicate, 1954). Linus offers Snoopy a taste of his thumb. Aak -- Phooey! -- that'll teach him not to beg! The paper measures an overall 6.5" x 29", with an image area of 5" x 24". The strip has been folded between panels two and three (this is very common with Peanuts dailies, as Schulz would fold them in half in order to mail them to the syndicate), but otherwise is in Excellent condition. Charles Schulz recounted the development of Snoopy: "I'd always been drawing little dogs in the [Li'l Folks] strip, so I named one Snoopy, the one I would be using the most. The real dog who was the forerunner of Snoopy was named Spike. He was bigger than the beagle that Snoopy turned out to be, but he was kind of a wild dog marked in a way similar to Snoopy." Part of the charm of this early example is the much more naturalistic behavior of the beloved beagle. This art is sure to be hotly pursued, so get your bids in early.
Auction 811 | Lot: 8044 | Jun 13, 2004

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Harrison Cady - Peter Rabbit "Boisterous Barbecue" Only Known Surviving Painting (1935). This incredible painting is a demonstration of complicated ink and watercolor work done to perfection. There is no white-out used, and the extreme range of colors didn't run. Harrison Cady expertly adapted Peter Rabbit to the newspaper strips from the popular book series in 1920, and he did the long-running Sunday strip from 1920 to 1948. This painting may be the best work of its kind. You'll have trouble counting the myriad of characters and humorous situations. We're not sure how many hours Cady spent drawing, inking, and coloring this piece, but it's obvious why there aren't more illustrations like this around! "Boisterous Barbecue" is a picnic seen through the eyes of Peter Rabbit. It is the only full-size Harrison painting known to exist. Signed and dated 1935, this was originally published in full color. It measures 24.5" x 17.25", and is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5059 | Jun 13, 2004

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More Fun Comics #44 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1939) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages. Any Golden Age book is much More Fun when you own the Mile High copy. This one's no exception, boasting the amazingly vibrant colors that are characteristic of Edgar Church's collection. The man versus octopus scene on the cover was drawn by Creig Flessel, while the big-name artists inside the comic include Bob Kane, Joe Shuster, and Bernard Baily. This is the highest-graded copy CGC has certified for this issue to date, and the only one graded higher than VF+. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $1,950.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7058 | Jun 13, 2004

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Showcase #34 The Atom -- Western Penn pedigree (DC, 1961) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages. Julius Schwartz assigned his big guns on the project to revive another Golden Age superhero; Gardner Fox scripting and the peerless tandem of Gil Kane and Murphy Anderson with the art. High grade copies of key DC Silver Age books aren't that easy to find, and a copy like this Western Penn beauty - well, there just isn't a nicer one anywhere, as CGC's latest census confirms. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $2,000.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7202 | Jun 13, 2004

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Burne Hogarth - Tarzan Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 9-25-49 (United Features Syndicate, 1949). The "Rolling Heads" known as the Ononoes are featured on the most sought-after of the Burne Hogarth Tarzan pages. This outstanding example features a total of 32 of these strange rolling heads. They seem to walk and run on their hands as well. Featured on this page is the villain-king of the Ononoes, Guxa, who is shown in close-up in two panels. In the final panel, Guxa is in the act of plunging a long knife into Tarzan's chest! The "Rolling Head" city is in fact the real star of this page; a city hidden in the jungle of mysterious darkest Africa. Hogarth's city design leaves us with no disappointment; it's a modern-appearing district with an Egyptian/Aztec influence. From the strip's most popular period, this Sunday is pure classic Hogarth, and a perfect representation of his highly detailed work. Measuring approximately 20" x 27", this page is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5027 | Jun 13, 2004

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More Fun Comics #54 (DC, 1940) CGC VF 8.0 White pages. What's a Heritage Signature auction without an enticing copy of DC's first comic series? The striking cover, an Overstreet-dubbed "classic," is by Bernard Baily, who also contributes interior art. Superman's co-creator, Jerry Siegel, scripts two of the stories in this issue. Like so many of the title's issues, this one is "scarce" according to Gerber, and just two CGC-graded copies of #54 have earned higher grades. Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $7,793.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7059 | Jun 13, 2004

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Milton Caniff - Terry and the Pirates Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 7-16-39 (Chicago Tribune- NY News Syndicate, 1939). The ultimate comics femme fatale, the Dragon Lady, is featured in five panels of this fabulous Sunday. Jules Feiffer, having interviewed Milton Caniff about "Terry and the Pirates," revealed, "He created the G-rated 'Terry' with the PG-rated 'Terry' in mind all along. But he well understood that in the chaste moral climate of the 1930s, he had to move with caution and cleverness. And so he did." Pat Ryan, Connie, Big Stoop, April Kane, and Terry Lee all appear on this first-rate page. Milton Caniff disdained cartooning shortcuts and instead mastered locale, lighting, "camera angle" points of view, and dialogue. He used meticulous background research to create adult characterizations with spicy subplots of action and romance. The Dragon Lady fights a guerrilla war, and this Sunday reflects the concerns that many Americans were having about the Japanese invasion of large parts of China. The condition of the art is Very Good; the title logo stat has a glue stain discoloration, and panel five has a paste-on lettering correction, but this original remains a prime example of history's most influential action-adventure comic strip. The image size is approximately 19" x 26". Milton Caniff's storytelling style has influenced untold numbers of cartoonists, and the lucky buyer will treasure this Sunday for years to come.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5006 | Jun 13, 2004

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George Herriman - Krazy Kat Earliest Known Daily Strip Original Art (King Features Syndicate, circa 1910). This is the oldest known example of original art from a Krazy Kat daily strip! The feature began as the bottom tier of Herriman's Dingbat Family, later called The Family Upstairs. Krazy Kat and Ignatz the Mouse were supporting characters in these family-themed strips. In this daily, they finally become the featured stars. Krazy Kat ran as a daily strip from 1910 to 1944 (with Sundays beginning in 1916), ending with Herriman's death. The strip received top priority in Hearst papers, and was rumored to be William Randolph Hearst's favorite strip. This example is unique, and pure Herriman, putting Krazy in the top three panels, and having Ignatz spar with him in the lower tier, as if occupying two floors of the same house. The art measures approximately 11.25" x 4.5", and is in Very Good condition, with a few light stains that do little to detract from the piece. The strip is not dated, as was the custom of the day.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5025 | Jun 13, 2004

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George Herriman - Krazy Kat Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 12-27-31 (King Features Syndicate, 1931). This typically kooky Krazy Kat Sunday features a major character in every panel, including Krazy Kat, Ignatz, and Officer Pup, plus an appearance by the Jail House, surely a character in itself! To top it off, this page has a "brick" gag as well! All this, plus a song by Ignatz, all adds up to one incredible page for Krazy Kat fans. These characters and situations are what made Herriman's Kokonino County sparkle! This Sunday page is dated December 27, 1931. It's night at the beginning and the end of the story -- that's Herriman's method of balancing the art, which works to perfection in this example. Krazy Kat stands tall as one of the most inventive comic strips in American history. Herriman used language as poetry, and there was tremendous visual innovation in each panel. Krazy Kat last appeared 60 years ago, and remains a strip with respected, worldwide popularity. This piece measures 21" x 17.5", and is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5026 | Jun 13, 2004

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George McManus - Bringing Up Father Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 1-7-40 (King Features Syndicate, 1940). The Bringing Up Father characters took a tour of the United States in the late 1930s and early '40s. This pinnacle of the strip's run features landmarks of famous American cities, and in this splendid entry, Jiggs and Maggie visit New York, and in particular, their old home town of Brooklyn. This page has since become commonly known as "The Brooklyn Page." Artist George McManus was enthused with this story, and added extra detail and attention to his normally careful work. Jiggs' snooty wife, Maggie, insists on sticking with Jiggs for the day. They check out the sights of Manhattan, ending up in their old neighborhood (a poor section of town) where she gets her comeuppance! Everyone knows her and "some of them are relatives!" The key character, Jiggs, is in every panel of this travel sequence, and there are detailed drawings of the New York skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, along with several crowd scenes, a McManus specialty. This incredible piece measures approximately 16.5" x 15.5", and is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5032 | Jun 13, 2004

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Al Taliaferro - Donald Duck Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 3-29-42 (King Features Syndicate, 1942). This is a scarce "experimental" Sunday page by Al Taliaferro, one of his best examples. There was a short period in 1942 when Taliaferro was allowed by the Walt Disney Studios to experiment with shapes, open undefined panels, and circles. Taliaferro's goal was to break the square panel look, which, in his opinion, was beginning to look a bit humdrum. His experiment was a success, but slowed down his output due to the extra work and planning, so the Studio advised Taliaferro to return to the standard panel layout. This astonishing free-flowing design was not to be seen on the Donald Duck strips after 1942. Donald is featured in all thirteen panels of this amusing World War II "Homefront" Sunday. Taliaferro drew the Duck family strips for over thirty years. His original art rarely enters the open market, and the few examples that do appear are highly prized by collectors. This piece, in Excellent condition, measures approximately 24" x 16".
Auction 811 | Lot: 5041 | Jun 13, 2004

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X-Men #1 U.K. Edition (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white pages. Wow! Did Magneto protect this fabulous copy in a magnetic cocoon? The red logo glistens against a clean white background, and the spine is extremely sturdy. This British edition, much scarcer than the American counterpart, is a must for the Marvel and X-Men fan. And, of course, it is one of the most important Marvel books of the Silver Age. Story by Stan Lee, art and cover by Jack Kirby. No X-Men collection is complete without a copy of this U.K. edition, and this is the highest graded copy. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value (for the U. S. edition) = $13,000.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7482 | Jun 13, 2004

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Green Giant Comics #1 (Pelican Publications, 1940) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages. You're looking at one of the few copies of this book in existence. Overstreet calls it "Rare," while Gerber terms it "Very Rare," signifying that only six to ten copies are thought to still exist. Overstreet also notes that the book was distributed only in New York City, and says that even the book's publisher "believes the book never reached the stands." If, despite all of this, you still believe a nicer copy will come along, let us curb your optimism by noting that only one other unrestored copy has been certified by CGC as of this writing, and that one was a lamentable FR/GD 1.5. Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $7,500.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6181 | Jun 13, 2004

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Tales of Suspense #48 Pacific Coast pedigree (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white to white pages. If this pulse-poundingly perfect pedigree doesn't set your repulsor beams ablaze, we don't know what will! CGC has awarded no grade higher than this copy's -- how could they? It's hard to believe that this comic is over forty years old! Better yet, it's the first appearance of Iron Man's extreme makeover into his now-classic red-and-gold armor, and it sports a gleaming Jack Kirby cover. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $600.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7459 | Jun 13, 2004

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Steve Ditko - The Amazing Spider-Man #36, page 13 Original Art (Marvel, 1966). This outstanding page from the third-from-the-last Ditko story features our favorite Web-Slinger in hot pursuit of the Looter, who has blinded a museum crowd and attempts to drop a large display on their heads while making his getaway. Naturally, Spidey saves the day, and so does the estimable Steve Ditko, rendering this classic page with his usual dynamic figurework and pulse-quickening storytelling. The figure of Spidey in the last panel shows considerable white-out, but otherwise the page is nearly flawless, and measures 13.75" x 20.5". With the upcoming "Spider-Man" movie sequel sure to be another blockbuster, you need to add this webby gem to your collection.
Auction 811 | Lot: 8168 | Jun 13, 2004

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All-Negro Comics #1 Crowley pedigree (All-Negro Comics, 1947) CGC FN+ 6.5 Cream to off-white pages. The epitome of esotericity, this one-shot's back cover promised features on Ace Harlem, Sugarfoot (no, not Will Hutchins), and Snakeoil in the following issue, which, alas, never was published. And apparently not many of this issue, a 15-cent oddity, were published; Gerber gives the book an almost unheard of rating of "very rare," signifying that only 6 to 10 copies are estimated to still be in existence. To further enhance the allure, Overstreet advises the book is "seldom found in fine or mint condition; many copies have brown pages." Yet your friends at Heritage have one of the rare copies in the seldom found grade of FN+, and it's a pedigree copy at that! CGC's census lists this as the second-highest graded copy to be certified to date. We have offered just two other copies over the past 2 1/2 years, the top-rated VF- 7.5, and a GD+ 2.5, both of which enticed vigorous bidding interest, as this offering is bound to do. Overstreet 2004 FN 6.0 value = $2,000; VF 8.0 value = $3,669.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6060 | Jun 13, 2004

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Fantastic Four Annual #1 Pacific Coast pedigree (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages. Did Doctor Doom use his time machine to snatch this NM+ book from the stands in 1963? You'll think so, and so does CGC -- they've awarded no grade higher than this copy's! Intense cover colors (and there are many of 'em) and a razor-sharp spine are some of this specimen's attributes. Then there's the FF's battle with the Sub-Mariner (who's wearing an oddly goofy crown on the cover), plus an early Spider-Man appearance, and 15 pin-ups! Art and cover by Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $1,150.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7417 | Jun 13, 2004

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Don Heck - Avengers #37 Unpublished Cover Original Art (Marvel, 1967). Don Heck's professional career began in 1949 when he started working in the production department of Harvey Comics. Soon he graduated to penciling, and after a memorable stint at New Media Comics, he became a mainstay at Marvel, drawing mystery, Western, and war stories. When the House of Ideas began its Silver Age superhero revolution, Don Heck's first major success as a superhero artist was the legendary Iron Man origin story in Tales of Suspense #39. He then drew a few early stories featuring Thor and Giant Man, but for most Marvelites, it's Heck's long run on The Avengers for which he is most fondly remembered. This cover is an unpublished work created for The Avengers #37, with the title of "To Conquer a Colossus." Captain America, Goliath, Hawkeye, the Scarlet Witch, Black Widow, and the Wasp all attack the Colossus in unison -- he's toast! The title logo and other type elements are a carefully color-matched stat addition, and the art is in Excellent condition. The overall paper size is approximately 15.5" x 22.5" with an image area of 13.5" x 20.25".
Auction 811 | Lot: 8229 | Jun 13, 2004

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Harold Gray - Little Orphan Annie Oldest Known Daily Strip Original Art (Chicago Tribune, 1925). Older Little Orphan Annie original art is rare for a reason: almost every existing original resides permanently at Boston University. Of the few not donated to the University, most were trimmed right up to the panel borders. That makes this earliest-known surviving Annie a unique item and a true treasure. Little Orphan Annie has been a favorite newspaper comic strip for 79 years and is still running today. Annie has been wildly popular in radio, on Broadway, in feature films, and more. Licensed Little Orphan Annie products were prolific. This early example by Harold Gray, who wrote and drew the strip until 1967, has large drawings of Annie and Daddy Warbucks in all four panels, with Sandy, Annie's famous dog, appearing in two. The art measures 20" x 6", and is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5022 | Jun 13, 2004

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Cliff Sterrett - Polly and Her Pals Sunday Comic Strip Original Art 9-11-32 (King Features Syndicate, 1932). Maw's gone off to the country for a spell, leaving a jubilant Paw Perkins and his pet Kitty alone in the house. Then the noises start.... For a very brief period of time, Cliff Sterrett produced a series of Art Deco Polly and Her Pals pages, and this strip is an excellent example from that highly sought-after period. The black areas balance each other perfectly and create a separate Art Deco world. The strip's gag is funny in itself, but under the surface is lurking a sinister, unsettling effect, creating the feeling that someone has when staying alone at night in a big house. Published at the height of the Art Deco period, this strip is overflowing with streamlined lamps, light fixtures, flowers, candles, pillows -- even the reflections in the windows look stylized. Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot would be right at home in this Deco environment. Cliff Sterrett is often compared to Krazy Kat's George Herriman in creating a world unto itself, and there are some common characteristics; however, Sterrett took his own artistic path. The Polly and Her Pals storylines were years ahead of their time. This surviving Sunday shows a timeless comic classic, from a true master of the medium. The page measures approximately 27" x 22", and is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5038 | Jun 13, 2004

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Action Comics #59 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1947) CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white to white pages. This issue has one of the few covers DC produced that had Superman attacking the Nazis; Jack Burnley drew the patriotic scene. The Man of Steel's story is accompanied by a Vigilante feature by Mort Meskin, as well as the Americommando by Bernard Baily, among other tales. From the legendary Edgar Church collection, this is an excellent investment for the Mile High collector. As of this writing, only one copy of this issue has received a higher grade from CGC. Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $700; VF/NM 9.0 value = $1,050.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7001 | Jun 13, 2004

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Sensation Comics #1 (DC, 1942) CGC FN- 5.5 Off-white pages. Wonder Woman continues from her first appearance in All-Star Comics #8 into her own series in this key Golden Age book, and she's not alone -- her fellow Justice Society members Wildcat and Mr. Terrific make their first appearances here. This H. G. Peter cover is one of comics' most famous images, and this respectable unrestored copy will make any collector proud. CGC notes, "centerfold detached." Overstreet 2004 FN 6.0 value = $7,500.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7068 | Jun 13, 2004

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Dick Sprang and Charles Paris - Batman Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 2-19-46 (McClure Syndicate, 1946). Dick Sprang began ghosting the Batman feature for DC Comics in 1941. He inked his own work until 1945, and after a stint by Gene MacDonald as inker, Charles Paris took over, and became known as one of the greatest Batman inkers. Sprang went on to do seventy-five Batman stories and thirty-five covers. He once outlined his storytelling approach thusly: "You tried for a variation, and never repeat the same scene, never the same degree of sequential medium shot or closer, long shot. Always vary it. And in all this moving around you try to bring a rhythm into the way you draw the continuity of action and setting. The slant of a building, an exaggerated perspective, leads into the opposite, a bridge, or some other building in the next panel, something that always keeps the reader interested, and alive visually. We're drawing dramatic action stuff, not pretty pictures, so the camera probes, trying to get the best effect of movement and suspense." Dick Sprang Batman dailies are extremely rare, with only three examples known to exist. The image area of this strip is approximately 6.5" x 21.5", and the art, on Craft-Tint board, is in Excellent condition. The strip has been autographed in the lower border by Batman creator Bob Kane, and by Dick Sprang in the first panel. Sprang is considered by many collectors to be the ultimate illustrator of the Dark Knight Detective; don't let this rare chance to own a vintage original piece slip by.
Auction 811 | Lot: 8048 | Jun 13, 2004

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Enric - Vampirella #110 Cover Original Art (Warren, 1982). Painting with a "limited palette" of blood red, yellow, black, and white, Enric, using his unmatched talent as a tonalist, conjures up this vision of Vampirella confronting Balazaar, the demon, as he emerges from a house of horrors. This supernatural tableau pulsates with a mood of taut suspense and lingering evil. As always, Enric proves to be a master at painting the female form, as the enchanting portrait of the gorgeous Vampi demonstrates. The work is oil on canvas paper, and is in Excellent condition. The image area measures 14" x 18.25", and is signed at the lower right corner. Add a little spice to your art collection with this hot tamale.
Auction 811 | Lot: 8187 | Jun 13, 2004

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Star Spangled Comics #17 Double Cover - Mile High pedigree (DC, 1943) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages. A book in this condition, from the Edgar Church collection, and with white pages and fantastic cover colors... under normal circumstances, those factors alone would make this a dream comic. But on top of all that, this has that rare (and sought-after) binding quirk known as the double cover. And we haven't even gotten to the fact that the best artist duo around, Simon and Kirby, drew a Newsboy Legion story in the book. S & K also drew the cover scene, as beleaguered superguy the Guardian once again has his hands full with the ever-pugnacious newsboys. CGC notes, "1st cover 9.2, interior cover 9.6." As of this writing, only one copy of this issue has been graded higher by CGC. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $1,525.
Auction 811 | Lot: 7073 | Jun 13, 2004

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Frank Frazetta - Li'l Abner's Women Magazine Illustration Original Art (Life Magazine, 1959). Here they are... Daisy Mae, Moonbeam McSwine, Wolf Girl, and all the marriageable women of Li'l Abner, created by Al Capp's key artist, Frank Frazetta. He created this unique art in 1958; it was published in the December 9, 1959 issue of Life. Frazetta used pen and ink on heavy illustration board. The unusual Frank Frazetta signature matted with this art actually goes with this piece; it was taken from the 1958 check to Frazetta as payment for completing this complicated study of the women of Dogpatch. Frazetta drew Li'l Abner for six years. This was one of his later works on the feature, as 1959 was his last year at the Al Capp studio. The art image measures 25" x 8.25"; its condition is Excellent.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5018 | Jun 13, 2004

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Mickey Mouse Outwits the Phantom Blot Four Color Series 1, #16 Specially Bound Volume (Dell, 1941). Fandom owes a debt of gratitude to Malcolm Willits. He was the first fan to learn the name and address of Carl Barks, and conducted the very first recorded interview with the "good duck artist" in 1962. Floyd Gottfredson drew the Mickey Mouse newspaper strip for 45 years with similar anonymity. Gottfredson recalled, "Around the late '40s Walt [Disney] himself proposed that we be allowed to sign our names to the strips. The Syndicate threw up their hands in horror... they said believe it or not, the bulk of our fans still think Walt does that himself. The addition of an unknown name would just dilute the sales value of the thing and of course, that made sense." Willits uncovered Gottfredson's name as well, and presented here is Malcolm's magnificently bound copy of Four Color Series 1, #16. On the cover is the title, "Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Outwits the Phantom Blot", with Malcolm Willits' name printed below. This copy was originally a Mint unopened copy when Willits first obtained it in 1953. He sent it off to be bound that same year, and somehow, in the binding process, it received some minor wear. Nonetheless, it remains one of the finest copies known to exist. On a blank page following the book's end paper, Floyd Gottfredson has signed and inscribed the volume, in graphite pencil, "Very best wishes to Malcolm Willits with appreciation for his great interest -- Floyd Gottfredson, Oct. 5, 1967." Gottfredson autographed the book for Willits at the Walt Disney Studios. Mickey Mouse's thrilling adventures as a detective reached their zenith in the 1939 story, "Mickey Mouse Outwits the Phantom Blot." It first appeared in the newspaper strip as four panel dailies, Monday through Saturday, over the course of 16 weeks, running from May 5th to September 9th. Originally, the story ran unnamed in the newspapers; it acquired its title when it was first reprinted in Fou
Auction 811 | Lot: 5155 | Jun 13, 2004

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Shock SuspenStories #1 Gaines File pedigree 3/11 (EC, 1952) CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white to white pages. Only one copy of this classic first issue has received a higher grade from CGC, but once you examine this near-perfect specimen, you'll doubt that anything could conceivably grade higher. Al Feldstein's gripping electrocution cover definitely makes you wonder what it is we aren't seeing. Jack Davis, Joe Orlando, Jack Kamen, and Graham Ingels ignite the interior pages of this gem that comes direct from the famed Gaines collection. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $1,075.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6042 | Jun 13, 2004

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