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Action Comics #1 (DC, 1938) CGC GD+ 2.5 Cream to off-white pages. The comic that officially launched the Golden Age rightfully claims the distinction of being the most valuable of any comic book. Superman's first appearance makes it a no contest between this and the comic book currently ranked second most valuable, Detective Comics #27. Of the 27 copies of Action Comics #1 that CGC has certified to date, nearly one-third are restored copies. Even at this modest grade, CGC has awarded a higher unrestored grade to 13 copies, only four of which earned better grades than VG+ 4.5! Our unrestored offering shows some foxing along the edges, mostly along the front spine, and has a moderate piece out at the top left front. But holding an otherwise complete copy of the Holy Grail of comic collecting still gives us goosebumps! Overstreet 2004 GD 2.0 value = $38,250.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3566 | Jul 29, 2004

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Wally Wood - Weird Science #13 Cover Original Art (EC, 1952). One of the finest artists to illustrate the pages of EC Comics, Wally Wood had a style that was instantly recognizable to his legion of fans. Perfectly at home with virtually all of the genre comic books published, for many, Wood's genius shone through most brightly in his science-fiction work. A classic SF theme is delineated on this spectacular cover: a technologically superior alien race is worshipped by native "primitives" as a god-like messiah from on high come to visit, in "He Walked Among Us." Wally Wood has combined design elements of the quasi-medieval with the prehistoric and the futuristic in this alien tableau overflowing with detail. The cover's image area measures approximately 13.5" x 19". The title logo and lower caption banner are replacements; otherwise the art is in Excellent condition. This cover is nothing short of a Wally Wood SF masterwork!
Auction 751 | Lot: 3806 | Jul 29, 2004

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The Amazing Spider-Man #3 (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages. Here's the highest-graded copy known to CGC of the first appearance of Doctor Octopus! Interest in Doc Ock has never been higher since he hit movie screens; these days every kid (and darn near every adult) in America knows the character. Ock may well be the best-known Marvel villain of all before the summer's through, moving this issue way up on the list of Silver Age keys. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko certainly packed plenty of story into this 12-cent gem. The origin story of the former Otto Octavius is recounted, the Human Torch appears, and Flash Thompson and J. Jonah Jameson find new ways to make Peter Parker's life difficult. As if that weren't enough, there's the art of the incomparable Ditko, and of course this copy's impeccable condition. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $4,200.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3667 | Jul 29, 2004

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Adventure Comics #48 Larson pedigree (DC, 1940) CGC Apparent NM- 9.2 Slight (A) Off-white to white pages. This key Golden Age issue features the very first appearance of early superhero the Hourman. The hero, whose powers last for one hour from the time he takes a dose of Miraclo, went on to become a charter member of the Justice Society as well as starring in this title for many an issue. The caped hero is drawn on the cover and inside the comic by Bernard Baily. Among the book's other stories is a tale featuring Hourman's future JSA colleague the Sandman (drawn by Ogden Whitney). The other "name" artists include Bob Kane and Paul Gustavson. Overstreet lists this key issue among the top 30 most valuable comic books of all. With no unrestored copies grading at better than VF+ appearing on CGC's census, this specimen from one of the most respected pedigrees is second to none in attractiveness. CGC notes, "Restoration includes: small amount of color touch on cover." Overstreet 2004 GD 2.0 value = $2,188; VG 4.0 value = $4,376; FN 6.0 value = $6,564; VF 8.0 value = $16,400; VF/NM 9.0 value = $25,700; NM- 9.2 value = $35,000.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3574 | Jul 29, 2004

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Al Feldstein - Weird Science #7 Cover Original Art (EC, 1951). This masterpiece has all of the hallmarks that an EC SF fan-addict craves: spacemen, rocket ships in outer space, and a voluptuous space girl striking a proud pose, spotlighting her space age "headlights." Hoo-HAH! This spectacular cover must number among Al Feldstein's finest SF images. The title logo and caption box at the bottom are replacements; otherwise the art is in Excellent condition. The image area measures 13.5" x 19.5". Al Feldstein's SF art has a razor sharp clarity and precision that ranks it among the tableaux by such visionaries as Chesley Bonestell and Hannes Bok.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3749 | Jul 29, 2004

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Marvel Mystery Comics #3 Larson pedigree (Timely, 1940) CGC VF/NM 9.0 Off-white to white pages. One of the big names in Golden Age comics never wrote or drew a single story. We're talking about Lamont Larson, whose treasure trove of key 1940s issues has entered collecting lore. The Larson copy of this early Timely issue just happens to have earned the highest grade that CGC has assigned among the handful of unrestored copies that have been certified. The mesmerizing cover featuring the Angel is by Alex Schomburg. Inside the comic, Bill Everett, Carl Burgos, and Paul Gustavson rendered their classic Sub-Mariner, Human Torch, and Angel stories respectively. Also notable are an early Ka-Zar appearance as well as what Overstreet speculates may be the first time a television was shown in a comic book. While this remarkable book has CGC's blue Universal Grade label, CGC does note, "Very minor amount of glue on spine of cover." This is a most attractive copy of a Gerber "uncommon" book. Overstreet 2004 VF/NM 9.0 value = $13,955; NM- 9.2 value = $19,000.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3656 | Jul 29, 2004

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John Romita Sr. and Harry Rosenbaum - The Spectacular Spider-Man #1 Cover Original Art (Marvel, 1968). For the premiere issue of their new black and white magazine featuring Spider-Man, Marvel brought in "men's magazine" artist Harry Rosenbaum to paint the finished cover. Working from John Romita's tight cover design, Rosenbaum rendered the image in acrylic paint on illustration board, striving to create a striking three dimensional image of the webbed wall-crawler in action. The magazine hit the stands in April of 1968, at the very zenith of the Silver Age. "Lo, this Monster" featured plot elements that made it contemporaneous with the sub-plots in Amazing Spider-Man #59. Harry Rosenbaum also painted the cover for Skywald's Nightmare #4, but it is comic book legend John Romita's terrific composition that captures the excitement and essence of the Spider-Man we all know and love. The image area measures approximately 11.5" x 15", and the lettering "placement indication" is painted on an acetate overlay. The art is in Excellent condition. The cover art for Spectacular Spider-Man #2 commanded a sensational price in Heritage Comics' 2002 Signature auction, and this piece will certainly be a welcome addition to even the most distinguished collection.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3797 | Jul 29, 2004

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The Amazing Spider-Man #6 (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages. Memorable villain the Lizard made his first appearance in this issue. He returned many times over the years, and no wonder -- every appearance had drama built in, as Spidey always had to pull his punches for fear of hurting the Lizard's innocent alter-ego (yet the scaly one had no such compunctions about whomping the Webhead). The cover and interior art are by Spider-Man's signature artist, Steve Ditko. A pristine copy of one of Spider-Man's earliest appearances is one of the safest comic book investments around in our opinion, and this specimen is one of the finest available. To date, only one copy of this issue has received a higher grade from CGC. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $2,700.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3670 | Jul 29, 2004

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$17,192 or more
Detective Comics #1 (DC, 1937) CGC GD/VG 3.0 Off-white pages. Here's the first issue of the comic book that gave DC its name! Detective is the longest-running comic book series of all, having been in continuous publication for 67 years and counting. It was only the third title DC published, following More Fun Comics and New Adventure Comics. Overstreet ranks the premiere issue among the 15 most valuable comic books of all. That's if you can get your hands on one: Overstreet and Gerber both term the issue "scarce." Adding to its significance, it's the first successful comic book ever to be devoted to a single theme. That theme was of course detection, and too many gumshoes to list made their first appearances here. The most notable was hard-boiled private eye Slam Bradley, who was a regular in the comic for the next ten years. He was created by none other than Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Other artists in the issue are Creig Flessel, Fred Guardineer, and Paul Gustavson. A word about the cover: the character is often mistaken for Fu Manchu, and though that Sax Rohmer character did appear in later issues of Detective, the fellow you see here is Chin Lung, drawn by Vincent Sullivan. This is one of only three unrestored copies that CGC has certified to date. CGC notes, "Cover detached." Overstreet 2004 GD 2.0 value = $8,333; VG 4.0 value = $16,000.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3591 | Jul 29, 2004

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Steve Ditko - Amazing Spider-Man #13, page 12 Original Art (Marvel, 1964). Hold on to your web-spinners, Spidey fans! This page hails from "The Menace of Mysterio" and Spider-Man and Mysterio are battling in every panel, as the wall-crawler tries to land a blow on his crafty nemesis. Steve Ditko's work on the Amazing Spider-Man assured him of a spot in the comic book Hall of Fame in 1990. His peer and fellow Marvel titan Jack Kirby once remarked, "You can point to any picture that Steve Ditko makes and say, 'Ditko did that.' He's got a definite style that you recognize anywhere. He's a wonderful conceptualist." Many fans consider Ditko's work on Spider-Man to be the high point of a brilliant career. Mike Benton explained why when he wrote in his indispensable book Masters of Imagination, "Ditko was immersed in the Spider-Man universe and he covered the walls of his Manhattan studio with maps and drawings of Aunt May's house, the Daily Bugle offices, and the campus of Empire State University." In short, Steve Ditko showed a dedication to his craft that went far beyond that of a simple wage earner. The image size of this terrific page measures 12.5" x 18.5", and the art is in Excellent condition. Face front true believer -- if you crave a Sturdy Steve Ditko Spider-Man action page, here it is!
Auction 751 | Lot: 3742 | Jul 29, 2004

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Catman Comics #1 (Holyoke Publications, 1941) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages. After proving himself in Crash Comics, Catman was given comics' equivalent of the corner office: his own title. And since his original outfit wasn't exactly the cat's pajamas, he got a spiffier costume as well. The blue garb you see here would itself only last for two issues... perhaps to avoid confusion with any other characters out there whose names ended in -atman, if you get our drift. Charles Quinlan drew both the sock-it-to-'em cover and an interior story. Inside the comic, the heroes backing up the feline crimefighter include Blaze Baylor, the Deacon, Rag-Man and Dr. Diamond. Catman is on many a want list -- even when you can find them they tend to be low grade, brown, brittle etc. That makes it all the more pleasing to lay eyes on this one, which has fresh cover colors of the kind usually only seen on pedigree books. This is the highest-graded copy of this issue that CGC has certified to date -- you could search from here to Katmandu and not find a better one! Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $5,000.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3524 | Jul 29, 2004

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Fantastic Four #1 (Marvel, 1961) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white pages. Here's the third most-valuable comic of the Silver Age, and the comic that started the Silver Age as far as Marvel was concerned. Jack Kirby's cover is one of the most recognizable of all. It's the origin and first appearance of the Fantastic Four (Mr. Fantastic, the Thing, the Invisible Girl, and the new incarnation of the Human Torch), with a story by Stan Lee and art by Kirby. The book also has the first appearance and origin of the FF's first opponent, the Mole Man. The earliest version of the characters is fascinating: Reed Richards was a pipe-smoking scientist straight out of a monster mag, the Thing hadn't yet taken on the Yancy Street patois he was later known for, and the FF was strictly a plainclothes group with no costumes in sight. The backstory of the issue's creation is intriguing in itself. Legend has it that Stan Lee was considering abandoning comic books as a career if the experiment didn't pan out. It was a success, all right, and this book is a comic milestone that would be the centerpiece of almost any Marvel collection. Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $8,925.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3680 | Jul 29, 2004

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Alex Schomburg - Green Hornet #21 Cover Original Art (Harvey, 1944). America's favorite World War II cover artist does it again with this magnificent action-packed illustration. The Green Hornet and his sidekick Kato stop the Japanese saboteurs, against the backdrop of a busy naval port with more going on in this one cover than many titles could produce in a year's time! Schomburg's use of white-out is particularly impressive here, creating highlights as the guns blast away, and speed lines as one gunman topples down the hatch. This large Golden Age art board measures 15" x 20", with an image area of 12.5" x 18". The outer borders show some wear, with minor soiling and some damage to the lower corners, but the art area remains in Very Good condition, clean and problem free. The original masthead, including the Green Hornet logo and all type blurbs, is missing and has been replaced by a carefully-created replica on matching paper. WWII-era cover art like this doesn't come along too often, so stockpile those funds -- you're going to want this one!
Auction 751 | Lot: 3798 | Jul 29, 2004

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Daredevil #1 (Marvel, 1964) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages. Daredevil, star of a movie (with more to come?) and one of the most popular Marvel characters, made his first appearance in this issue. Though artist Bill Everett penciled only this one issue, his art and Stan Lee's emotion-packed origin story made the character a success from the get-go. Also making their debuts were loyal pal Foggy Nelson and Matt Murdock's unrequited (or so he thought) love Karen Page. It's hard to find legitimate NM copies of this book, owing partly to the predominantly white cover background. Indeed, only two unrestored copies have received higher grades from CGC to date. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $3,800.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3677 | Jul 29, 2004

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Flash Comics #62 Mile High pedigree (DC, 1945) CGC NM/MT 9.8 White pages. Take one look at this comic and you'll have nothing to say except "Wow!" The first Hawkman story drawn by Joe Kubert is virtually eclipsed by the stellar condition of this incredible comic. This is by far the highest CGC-graded copy of this issue to date (the runner-up is a distant 9.0), and among the highest-graded of all Golden Age comics. If you dare open the slab for a very, very careful read, you'll find the aforementioned Hawkman tale, an adventure of the Flash himself (with art by E. E. Hibbard, who also drew the cover), and the hilarious blunders of Johnny Thunder. But we'll forgive you if the outside interests you more than the inside in the case of this exceptional book. If you want the best, here it is. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $1,400.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3599 | Jul 29, 2004

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Captain America Comics #1 (Timely, 1941) CGC VG+ 4.5 Cream to off-white pages. Visionary comic creators Joe Simon and Jack Kirby tapped into the zeitgeist to produce the perfect hero for 1941: Captain America. He became one of the most beloved characters of all, that's why this comic is one of the most treasured of all. There was certainly plenty of evil afoot in '41, and the fiend behind most of it, one Adolf Hitler, gets a well deserved punch in the face on one of the most famous comic book covers ever. Two other pretty important characters made their debuts in the issue: the evil Red Skull, who would menace Cap for the remainder of the century, and Cap's loyal sidekick Bucky Barnes. Simon and Kirby drew the origin story, while the cover is a solo effort by Kirby. This unrestored copy has been read a few times in its day (who wouldn't read the great origin story over and over?), but it's very appealing overall, with very nice page quality and no major flaw that would detract from your enjoyment. You'll see what we mean when you look at the cover scan -- this is a copy any comic fan we've ever known would be ecstatic to have. Overstreet 2004 VG 4.0 value = $13,888.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3641 | Jul 29, 2004

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Steve Ditko - Amazing Spider-Man #37 Page 19 Original Art (Marvel. 1966). Meanwhile, back at the ranch... there's trouble plenty! From Sturdy Steve Ditko's next-to-last issue of ol' Web-head comes this great action-filled page of art. Taken from the "Once Upon a Time... There was a Robot!" story written by Stan Lee, this page features the evil Professor Stromm, his gang and one of his robot creations. The page measures approximately 13.5" x 20.5", with an image area of 12.5" x 18.5". The page is in Excellent condition; consider this an excellent chance to add a Ditko Spider-Man page to your collection!
Auction 751 | Lot: 3740 | Jul 29, 2004

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Wally Wood - All-Star Comics #65 Complete 17-page Story "The Master Plan of Vandal Savage" Original Art (DC, 1977). Wally Wood plotted and drew this spectacular story. As a result, he threw the entire catalogue of "Woodworks" into the story: SF architecture and gadgets, lavish double lighting schemes, "op art" special effects, heroic Wood poses, robots, time travel, beautiful women, and so on; no detail was spared, Wood went all out for All-Star Comics! Many aficionados consider this to be the best Wally Wood version of the traditional DC superheroes ever done. The epic thriller stars Superman, Power Girl, the Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, and the Star Spangled Kid, as they battle the deadly Vandal Savage. The last page features cameos by Wildcat, Hourman, and the villainous Icicle. Merlin even cameos! The image area of each page measures 10" x 15". There are signs of some slight paper aging on some of the pasted-on "op art" patterns, as well as some minor art corrections; otherwise the art is in Excellent condition. Hooray for Wally Wood, and the Golden Age DC super-heroes; this Bronze Age masterpiece is the story for you.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3809 | Jul 29, 2004

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$20,125 or more
Famous Funnies: Carnival of Comics #nn (Eastern Color, 1933) CGC VF+ 8.5 Cream to off-white pages. You are looking at the second comic book ever published! This promotional giveaway, a collection of newspaper reprints, was the brainchild of the father of the modern comic book format, M. C. Gaines. An experiment using this freebie turned out to be one of the key moments in the history of comic books: Gaines put price stickers (10¢) on a few copies and arranged to have some newsstands try to sell them. They sold out, providing early proof that demand for the format existed. Of course, the content of the comic was quite desirable, as some of the best-known funnies of the day, including Joe Palooka, Mutt and Jeff, and Dixie Dugan, are inside. Gerber's The Photo-Journal Guide to Comic Books lists the comic as "rare. " As for this copy, the condition is amazing considering the book's age -- even a Golden Age book in VF+ is a nice find, and this is from the Platinum Age, five years before Action Comics #1 and many years before preserving comics in top condition crossed anyone's mind. There are currently only two unrestored copies of this issue that have been graded higher by CGC. The CGC holder for this comic has a crack at the top right corner. Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $5,480; VF/NM 9.0 value = $8,740.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3531 | Jul 29, 2004

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All-Flash #1 (DC, 1941) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white pages. Kids of the forties got 64 pages of their favorite speedster for a dime, and this one was all Flash (as opposed to Flash Comics which had multiple features). Anyone who was new to the Flash got a refresher in this issue on how Jay Garrick got his powers. The book has an E. E. Hibbard cover and interior art, with scripts by Gardner Fox (the writer who's most identified with our hero, and for that matter with the Silver Age Flash as well). There's even a brief feature on Hibbard and Fox inside the mag. This key comic, the hero's first solo title, is ranked among the fifty most valuable comic books by Overstreet, and the still-lush colors of this copy certainly impress. Only three copies of this issue have been certified with higher grades by CGC to date. Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $10,313.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3582 | Jul 29, 2004

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All-Flash #10 San Francisco pedigree (DC, 1943) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages. If you've wondered why the San Francisco collection inspires so much awe, a look at this comic would tell you all you need to know. Whether you look at the unsmudged black front cover, the superb colors on the back cover, or the white pages, the result is to abandon all hope that there might be a nicer copy of this book. The content of the comic, as the title might indicate, is all Flash (save for a one page humor fill-in) and all of the stories were drawn by E. E. Hibbard. The cover, also by Hibbard, features comic relief characters Winky, Blinky, and Noddy. Unsurprisingly, this is the highest-graded copy, and the only one graded above VF-, that CGC has certified to date. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $1,300.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3583 | Jul 29, 2004

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$10,800 or more
E. C. Segar - Popeye Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 9-13-35 (King Features Syndicate, 1935). "I yam what I yam, and tha's all I yam!" With these immortal words, Popeye puts forth his credo for all to hear, and no amount of stomping on the floor from Olive will make him change his ways! This unusual Sunday strip is unrestrained with adult content, and would be considered "cutting edge" in today's papers. Popeye's ability to be flexible is tested in this side-splitter from Segar. Tricked into a serious dalliance with Olive Oyl's friend, all is fine with our hero until Olive wants equal rights! Segar, who created Popeye, and drew the feature from 1919 until 1938, claimed that the spinach-eating champion represented his own emotions; it's clear he was involved in a romantic problem with this one! Popeye was generally good-natured and faithful to his one true love, Olive; here we see the frustrations this single love can bring. The page is in Excellent condition, and the size is approximately 21.5" x 18"; there is a small tear in the margin that does not reach the art. With a major character in every panel, this incredible page should stir up considerable interest among collectors.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3712 | Jul 29, 2004

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Robert Crumb - New Yorker Magazine Two Page Story "Street Musicians" Original Art (New Yorker, 1996). For such a huge fan of music, Robert Crumb is known for being picky, even downright cranky about what he will, and won't, listen to. Abhorring modern pop music as crass and noisy, Crumb instead champions the kind of old-fashioned entertainment still occasionally found in America. This finely-crafted two-page strip, which first saw print in New Yorker magazine, examines the "busking" scene as it has existed through the years on the streets. It's an unusually tender tale, told with genuine feeling for the subjects Crumb has observed plying their trade upon a mostly uncaring public. The pages measure 11" x 14"; there's the usual amount of white-out used, but the boards are clean and in Excellent condition. This is quite a lovely little "slice of life" story from a true American master cartoonist.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3815 | Jul 29, 2004

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The Amazing Spider-Man #5 (Marvel, 1963) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white to white pages. One of the most feared villains of all, Doctor Doom, appears in this issue, marking the first time he was seen anywhere but in Fantastic Four. Doom actually wants Spider-Man for a supervillain team-up, thinking Spidey's a bad guy (that's what happens when you get your information from J. Jonah Jameson). The Webhead's having none of it, of course. Other highlights are a brief appearance by the Fantastic Four and the misadventures that ensue when Doom finds high school bully Flash Thompson dressed as the Wallcrawler. And it's all brought to you by artist nonpareil Steve Ditko. This is the second-highest grade that CGC has assigned for #5 to date. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $2,900.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3668 | Jul 29, 2004

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Captain America Comics #2 (Timely, 1941) CGC VF- 7.5 Off-white to white pages. Captain America didn't take kindly to Nazi plans for world domination, and he took his grievances straight to the top -- for the second cover in a row, he faced off with Hitler himself! The cover, by Joe Simon, sees Bucky in bondage, and it's the debut of the round shield which Cap is known for (he lugged a less aerodynamic model in his debut). The interior artists include Simon, Jack Kirby, and Reed Crandall. This issue is listed among the 100 most valuable comic books by Overstreet. Plus, it's harder to find in high grade than its predecessor; as of this writing, only one unrestored copy of this issue has been certified with a higher grade by CGC. Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $8,910.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3642 | Jul 29, 2004

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Action Comics #2 (DC, 1938) CGC VG+ 4.5 White pages. The superhero who started it all, Superman, made his second-ever appearance in this issue, which is why Overstreet ranks it among the 20 most valuable comic books. This copy of the sought-after book won't come cheap, but compared to prices for issue #1 which are usually ten times that amount, it's a steal, particularly in light of the fact that it's just as hard to find as #1! Gerber's Photo Journal gives the book a "scarce" rating. Surprisingly for the modern-day reader, Superman didn't make the issue's cover (Action was an anthology in its early years, featuring a number of different characters). But this cover's a stunner in its own right, a gorgeous adventure illustration by Leo O'Mealia. Inside the comic, the Man of Steel is of course portrayed by his creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, but big-name Golden Age artists Fred Guardineer (drawing Zatara the Magician, probably the best known of the non-Kryptonian characters in the book), Bernard Baily, and Sheldon Moldoff are also among the contributors. Take note of this copy' s outstanding page quality! And don't count on finding a better specimen -- as of this writing, only four unrestored copies of this issue have received higher grades from CGC. Overstreet 2004 VG 4.0 value = $7,076.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3567 | Jul 29, 2004

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Alex Raymond - Flash Gordon with Jungle Jim Topper Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 11-23-41 (King Features Syndicate, 1941). Jungle Jim and Captain Kenedy are on a rescue mission, sailing to the aid of two lovely damsels in distress, Lil and Kitty. This Jim topper measures an overall 7.25" x 17", while the image area is 7" x 15.75". The title stat is a replacement. The lower portion of this set is the matching Flash Gordon Sunday. Flash has returned to earth from Mongo, just in time to help the U.S.A. in its coming battle against the Axis. The Admiral Krogoff served as an allegory for the German threat; just two weeks after this Sunday appeared, Japan would attack Pearl Harbor, and there would be no need for such softened rhetoric. Alex Raymond's use of a "feathered" brush line is flawless on this strip. The overall size of the paper measures 16.25" x 13.25", and the condition of both pieces of art is Excellent. These strips show the all-out effort to win the looming World War II, everyone pitched in to serve their country, even the comic book and newspaper strip heroes. (Total: 2 items)
Auction 751 | Lot: 3708 | Jul 29, 2004

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Richard Corben - A Feast Unknown Illustration Original Art (Fokker, 1975). The publisher's synopsis read, "Lord Grandrith armed with the belief that he is the son of Jack the Ripper tells the story of his remarkable and unbridled life, beginning with his discovery of the secret of immortality." Jose Philip Farmer's A Feast Unknown speculates on what the famous Lord of the Jungle might have really been like if he had possessed the moral sensibilities of an animal and the physique of a superman. This Richard Corben painting appeared on page 176, with the caption "My feet went from under me." Who better to illustrate such a savage and iconoclastic premise than Richard Corben? This vivid acrylic painting has an image area that measures an overall 12" x 19.75", and is in Excellent condition. This work illustrates a classic of blood and lust, and thus, is suitable for mature audiences only! Kreegah! Bundolo!
Auction 751 | Lot: 3736 | Jul 29, 2004

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John Romita Sr. - The Avengers #119 Cover Original Art (Marvel, 1974). He collects superheroes the way other men collect, well... comic books! He's the Collector, and he's back with a vengeance! John Romita Sr. is the man behind this unforgettable cover image from 1974, and it's a perfect example of Bronze Age Marvel superheroics at its best. The art measures 12.25" x 18.25" and has a 10.75" x 16" image area. The original illustration, drawn on a sheet of vellum, was affixed to another board. The logo and indicia are replacements, and the art is in Excellent condition. Signed twice by John Romita Sr.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3796 | Jul 29, 2004

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$44,625 or more
Wally Wood - All-Star Comics #65 Cover Original Art (DC, 1977). Wally Wood drew very few pages showcasing Superman, and he only drew two covers spotlighting the Man of Steel, All-Star Comics #64 and 65. Vandal Savage crosses the centuries just in time to belt Superman with a vicious right cross. Also showcased in this drama are the Star Spangled Kid (say, is he wearing Dynamo's thunder belt?), the buxom Power Girl, and the Golden Age Hawkman. Wally has kept a touch of the Joe Shuster look to the Golden Age Superman's portrait. The SF cityscape background is the rendered in the fabled Wally Wood tradition. The image area measures 10" x 15", and the art is in Excellent condition. There no type stats or glue stains, and only a few small touches of white-out. It cannot be stressed enough how scarce a Wally Wood cover featuring Superman is. This may be your best opportunity to acquire one, so bid accordingly!
Auction 751 | Lot: 3807 | Jul 29, 2004

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$19,950 or more
World's Best Comics #1 (DC, 1941) CGC FN/VF 7.0 Off-white to white pages. If you've wondered why there's no issue #1 of the long-running title World's Finest, it's because the premiere issue was World's Best! The series is fondly remembered by comics fans of all ages, as its long run under the new name endured all the way to 1986. Back in 1941, Superman and Batman were both already big stars, so pairing them up was a near-guarantee of success (mind you, they didn't start teaming up in the same story for another 70 issues!). But the parade of heroes didn't stop there: magician Zatara from Action, the Crimson Avenger from Detective, the ever-blundering Johnny Thunder and his Thunderbolt from Flash Comics each had adventures in the book along with Lando (no, not Calrissian, but rather the Man of Magic) and a number of other heroes. With a whopping 96 pages and a cardboard cover, this issue doesn't usually turn up in this nice of condition, and this exemplar ranks as one of the finest copies of the issue graded by CGC to date. The cover by Fred Ray is one of the most recognizable to collectors, and the demand for the book is such that it made Overstreet's list of the fifty most valuable of the Golden Age. Here's a great way to add one of DC's early blockbusters to your collection. Overstreet 2004 FN 6.0 value = $4,287; VF 8.0 value = $10,080.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3625 | Jul 29, 2004

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Burne Hogarth - Tarzan Sunday Original Art, dated 8-22-43 (United Features Syndicate, 1943). Burne Hogarth is one of the most influential artists in comic book history. After leaving the Tarzan strip in 1950, Hogarth concentrated his efforts on his School of Visual Arts, teaching other artists the working techniques and philosophies he had developed. Hogarth had two runs on Tarzan; the first, from 1937 to 1945, was marked by a directive to mimic the style of Hal Foster, from whom he had inherited the strip. On his second run, from 1947 to 1950 -- the period from which this piece comes -- Hogarth revealed a more personal artistic vision. Comfortable and confident in his own abilities. Hogarth gave these Tarzan Sundays a dynamism that is renowned in the field of comic storytelling. This piece is exceptional, representing a high period from Hogarth's run on the strip. Measuring 21.5" x 28" overall, with an image area of 19.5" x 26.5", this piece is in Excellent condition.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3703 | Jul 29, 2004

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Enrich - Vampirella Painting Original Art (undated). This piece has a very interesting history. A classic image originally published as the cover to Vampirella #52 in 1976, Jim Warren liked it so much he had the background painted out so that the image could be reused as the cover to issue #87 four years later. The enticing image, with background, was so popular that original artist Enrich was commissioned to recreate the piece for a recent Harris Publications Vampirella calendar. The painting that graced the magazine covers is being offered separately in this auction, but we are also proud to present this spectacular, published recreation. With an image area of approximately 9" x 12.5" and in Excellent condition, this piece is signed by the artist in the lower right.
Auction 751 | Lot: 3745 | Jul 29, 2004

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