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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

Sold For: $66,125.00
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

Sold For: $28,750.00
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

Sold For: $19,550.00
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

Sold For: $18,400.00
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

Sold For: $18,400.00
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

Sold For: $16,100.00
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

Sold For: $14,950.00
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

Sold For: $10,350.00
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

Sold For: $9,487.50
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

Sold For: $9,200.00
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

Sold For: $9,200.00
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

Sold For: $9,200.00
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

Sold For: $9,200.00
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

Sold For: $9,200.00
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

Sold For: $8,740.00
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

Sold For: $8,280.00
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

Sold For: $7,187.50
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

Sold For: $7,187.50
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

Sold For: $5,750.00
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

Sold For: $5,750.00
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

Sold For: $5,750.00
Fight Comics #1 Mile High pedigree (Fiction House, 1940) CGC Apparent NM+ 9.6 Slight (P) Off-white to white pages. The cover is by Will Eisner, or is it by Lou Fine? Most of our respected sources say the former, while Overstreet suggest the latter. Either way, we win! One of Fiction House's primary titles premiered with this issue, with Eisner, George Tuska, Klaus Nordling, and Edd Ashe among the contributing interior artists. This is easily the finest-looking copy of the issue that CGC has certified to date, the highest Apparent grade in CGC's census and more striking than the highest-rated unrestored copy at FN/VF 7.0. CGC notes, "Restoration includes: small amount of color touch on cover and spine." Did we mention this was the Mile High copy? Overstreet 2004 GD 2.0 value = $333; VG 4.0 value = $666; FN 6.0 value = $1,000; VF 8.0 value = $2,165; VF/NM 9.0 value = $3,333; NM- 9.2 value = $4,500.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6147 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $5,750.00
Fighting Yank #1 Mile High pedigree (Nedor Publications, 1942) CGC VF/NM 9.0 White pages. For distinguished service to his country in the pages of Startling Comics, the Fighting Yank was honored with the most prestigious decoration a hero can aspire to -- his own title. His first issue started off in style with an eye-catching bondage cover (don't worry, our hero should free his captive compatriots before long). And as if you needed another reason to yank this out of our hands, this pedigree comic (with white pages, no less) is the highest-graded copy that CGC has certified to date. Overstreet 2004 VF/NM 9.0 value = $2,475; NM- 9.2 value = $3,300.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6149 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $5,750.00
Air Fighters Comics #2 Mile High pedigree (Hillman Fall, 1942) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages. Who could resist this cover's marvelous, eye-popping design? Its blurbs really lay on the hyperbole, but it's merited in this case, as Airboy makes his first appearance in this issue -- he would eventually take over the title completely, and still later had it renamed in his honor. Meanwhile, the beautiful Black Angel, Flying Dutchman, and Skywolf also make their first appearances. A key book, in uncommon condition (to date, only one copy has received a higher grade from CGC), it's also a Gerber "uncommon," with only 50-200 copies estimated to exist in any condition. Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $2,217.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6056 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $5,635.00
Richie Rich #5 File Copy (Harvey, 1961) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white pages. You don't have to be a Harvey collector to appreciate -- or covet -- this spectacular specimen from the Silver Age. Crisp cover colors, deep gloss, an incredibly tight spine, sharp corners, off-white pages... it'd be hard to find a nicer example. CGC hasn't: this file copy has earned its highest grade, far and away! Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $500.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6418 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $5,520.00
Al Taliaferro - Donald Duck Daily Original Art, dated 12-3-40 (King Features Syndicate, 1940). This pre-World War II Donald Duck daily, from the second year of the strip, is especially funny and well drawn by long-time Duck Man Al Taliaferro. Donald appears in all five panels, as he gives nephews Huey, Louie, and Dewey a hard time for what turns out to be a problem of his own making! This strip was used as the cover of the 1944 Big Little Book #1484, Donald Duck is Here Again. Taliaferro's work on Donald is highly prized and sought-after, and he made the strip his own from 1939 until 1970. He is considered part of the Big Three of Disney comics, along with Carl Barks and Floyd Gottfredson. This strip, in Excellent condition, measures approximately 22" x 6".
Auction 811 | Lot: 5040 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $4,830.00
Harvey Hits #3 Richie Rich - File Copy (Harvey, 1957) CGC NM- 9.2 Cream to off-white pages. This issue of Harvey Hits -- sort of Harvey's equivalent of DC's tryout series Showcase -- is the first book devoted to everyone's favorite "poor little rich boy," Richie Rich. Before long, of course, Richie would headline a fleet of long-running titles, making this appearance even more significant. To top it off, this high-grade beauty is a Harvey file copy! Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $1,800.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6378 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $4,715.00
Chic Young - Blondie Daily Strip #3 Original Art, dated 9-17-30 (King Features Syndicate, 1930). The original art from the first week of publication of a newspaper daily is usually a target for most collectors. This third-ever Blondie is special for many reasons, primarily because Blondie began as a somewhat empty-headed "flapper", and Dagwood was a dapper son of a wealthy well-to-do family. Voluptuous, vampy Blondie is seen in all four panels; she's a far cry from the domestic goddess she became during the strip's popular long run! This strip, the third daily (note the small #3 in the third panel) was the beginning of Dagwood's famous hunger strike, which lasted 28 days. In the end, he won out, marrying Blondie despite his disapproving father's wishes, and as a result, was disinherited. Dag's disagreements with his dad caught the public's attention, making this strip instantly popular. Blondie still runs today, over 70 years later! The art measures approximately 18" x 4.25", and is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5047 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $4,312.50
Floyd Gottfredson - Mickey Mouse Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 1-12-37 (King Features Syndicate, 1937). This is the famous daily that tweaked Hitler... and got his goat! It's from the Floyd Gottfredson masterpiece "The Monarch of Medioka". This story was inspired by the 1937 swashbuckler movie "The Prisoner of Zenda" starring Ronald Coleman. Mickey helps defeat a rebel conspiracy by impersonating the kidnapped king. Thus, Gottfredson is able to draw two Mickeys per panel in this strip. In a detour from the film, Gottfredson turned the central plot of the story over to Mickey's democratic values, with Mickey proving throughout that the American Way had its good points. In pre-World War II Europe, the strip began to be banned, beginning in Yugoslavia. Hitler was behind the ban, and he insisted that other Axis countries follow suit. Mussolini was slow to comply, as the strip was his favorite, but he eventually went along with Hitler's demands. As a result of this censorship, the first youth rebellion against the Italian dictator rose up, and all because of a little American Mouse! Here's that world-famous Mouse in all his (double) glory, drawn by the man who handled his adventures for forty years! The image area measures approximately 25" x 6"; the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5019 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $4,025.00
Top-Notch Comics #9 Cosmic Aeroplane pedigree (MLJ, 1940) CGC VF 8.0 Cream to off-white pages. This comic featured the origin and first appearance of the Black Hood, with the first appearance of his distinctive logo. And what's a new hero without the obligatory sidekick? So we've got Roy the Super Boy on the cover too. Fran Frazier also starts in this issue. Overstreet and Gerber both assign "scarce" to this issue, and the high grade here adds to the desirability factor. Our offering has a strong spine; tight, shiny staples; and a clean, colorful cover. Overstreet 2004 VF 8.0 value = $3,766.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6297 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $4,025.00
Hopalong Cassidy Cowboy Bike (Rollfast, 1949). Feast your eyes on the #1 Hoppy collectible, so shiny and brand-new, it seems teleported across time from more than a half-century ago. Our offering was purchased new in 1949, then stored and forgotten for 45 years. Call the design "Extreme 1949 Deluxe" - this beauty is loaded! Rubber nubs on the tires, tassels on the handlebars, Hoppy leather saddlebags straddling the buddy seat, built-on front headlight, bike horn, white seat, white sidewalled 26-inch tires, and sculpted 3-D Hoppy images in chrome metal - could it have possibly been more cool? Yes! It also had "Hopalong Cassidy" spelled inside a painted "rope", and again on the front frame's steer's head. Everything is all-original, including the white-colored bicycle chain. It's unused, unrestored, and unique - the "Original Hopalong Cassidy Cowboy Bike" by Rollfast. Hopalong Cassidy was immensely popular in the 1940s and 1950s with a radio show, a comic strip appearing in over 150 newspapers, his own comic book that ran for 16 years, more than 100 movie and TV films, and a top-rated television show. Hundreds of Hopalong Cassidy products have been licensed over the years, but none any more desirable than this. There is a paint chip on the front wheel mount that can be seen when the wheel is turned, and a few light paint scratches on the rear fender. The fenders are covered with so many round, chrome metal, cowboy-style studs, it's hard to believe one is missing. There is a half-inch scrape on the frame just below the Rollfast emblem and two scrapes at the top of the yoke above the front fender. Otherwise, this amazing artifact is in Excellent condition, celebrating a nostalgic icon and oblivious to the passing of time. A deluxe custom wood box has been built for this character bicycle for sturdy shipment. It is included with your successful bid.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5084 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,910.00
Frank Willard - Moon Mullins Color Painting Original Art (undated). Moon Mullins had a pacing all its own; it's considered one of the classics of the comics pages. Frank Willard drew this popular strip about layabout Moon and his family and friends for 35 years, from 1923 until his death in 1958. This 18" x 23" painting includes the largest drawings of Willard's key characters known to exist, with a total of nine top characters shown. Other than this rare piece, hand-colored art by Willard is nonexistent. This piece has been in private collections and is rarely seen. It is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5045 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,680.00
Charles Schulz - Peanuts "Woodstock Babble" Snoopy Original Art (undated). The key to a good newspaper comic strip is in the memories held by those who read them. Peanuts, by the late Charles Monroe Schulz, is perhaps the best remembered strip in history. The timeless tales of Charlie Brown, his dog Snoopy, and his friends Lucy, Linus, and the rest, remain in the hearts and minds of all those who read them. Snoopy stars with little Woodstock, one of the best-loved characters of the strip. Woodstock speaks his own language, and it is clear that Snoopy understands! Snoopy had a mind, and an entire world, all his own. Whether chasing the Red Baron through the skies, becoming "Joe Cool", or roaming through his incredibly large doghouse (it only looked small from the outside), Snoopy was truly a dog for all seasons. The strong fantasy in Peanuts is central to understanding the strip and its appeal. Schulz developed the sarcastic punchline with an upturned-eyes response and eye contact with the reader, making the gag rely on one character's reaction. Here, Snoopy carries it off. This large, Excellent condition panel, with an image area of 6" x 9", has been published in books and on greeting cards, posters, and countless other items. Remember, "Happiness is a Warm Puppy." Indeed!
Auction 811 | Lot: 5036 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,565.00
Young Allies Comics #1 (Timely, 1941) CGC FN+ 6.5 Off-white pages. The Young Allies burst onto the scene with this issue, which features the group's origin and first appearance. Making up the team were Captain America's sidekick Bucky Barnes, the Human Torch's pal Toro, and a colorful crew of like-minded youngsters (who often had to be rescued by the other two). And if even that isn't momentous enough for you, how about the fact that the story has the first-ever meeting of the Human Torch and Captain America? Overstreet has noted the increasing interest in this comic: the 2004 Guide moved it up in its rankings of the most valuable Golden Age books, elevating it to the top 50. The interior art is by Charles Nicholas, and the story is by Stan Lee ("The Man" was just a boy back then!). Jack Kirby, who co-created the group with Joe Simon, draws the issue's cover, which shows the Red Skull and Hitler getting what they so richly deserved: a punch in the face. CGC notes, "2 small pieces of tape on centerfold." Overstreet 2004 FN 6.0 value = $3,939; VF 8.0 value = $9,848.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6353 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,565.00
Al Capp - Li'l Abner Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 1-6-52 (United Features Syndicate, 1952). Author John Steinbeck named Al Capp "the best writer in the world." And in one of Capp's most memorable stories, the beautiful Moonbeam McSwine warns that the "Shmoos is too good -- too tragically good -- They'll find out." The prodigiously propagating Shmoos multiply to a million, destroy a hotel with their girth, and in the comical climax to this Sunday, build an incredible "bridge of Shmoos" in an offbeat jailbreak. This is a spectacular Shmoo Sunday, from "Li'l Abner," the feature regarded by many as the greatest comic strip of all time, and it's in Excellent condition. The title-header in the top tier appears to be a carefully crafted and color-matched replacement. The image size is approximately 19.5" x 27". The Shmoos had no reason to exist other than to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of mankind, and here's your chance to bag a million of them with one winning bid.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5010 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,450.00
Chester Gould - Dick Tracy "Double Villain" Sunday Comic Strip Original Art, dated 6-2-40 (Chicago Tribune, 1940). This Dick Tracy Sunday page is unusual in that it features not one, but two villains! From the previous story line, we have "Cut Glass Mamma" appearing in panel four, while the villain known as "the Midget" is featured in the following eleven panels. The Midget cleverly escapes from Tracy throughout this page, taking advantage of his diminutive stature. The 1940s produced Dick Tracy's greatest villains, who became the main draw of the strip with wild names like Pruneface, Flattop, Little Face Finney, The Brow, Shakey, Pear Shape, and many, many more. Original Tracy pages from this era are tough to find, and are eagerly snapped up by collectors. This page has an image area measuring approximately 19" x 26"; the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5020 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,450.00
Cliff Sterrett - Polly and Her Pals Specialty Painting, Original Art (1953). Polly, Maw, Paw, and the rest of the Perkins clan gather in the den, to be entertained by the small-screen debut of their creator, cartoonist Cliff Sterrett. Sterrett had been interviewed on TV, and did this specialty painting to commemorate that event. This charming and unique self-portrait displays the distinctive Sterrett artistic hallmarks -- lively Art Deco patterns, abstracted natural forms, and large areas of black, where the black is used as a color, rather than merely to define shadow forms, or to create "negative spaces." Cliff Sterrett created his own unique cartoon universe, with its own special physics and an amplified and skewed view of reality. In this regard, Sterrett is often compared to that other American original, George Herriman, and like Krazy Kat, the Polly and Her Pals art remains truly timeless, as a result. This specialty painting has long been held in private collections, and has rarely been exhibited or reproduced. All twelve of the strip's major characters are pictured. The painting measures approximately 15" x 9.5", and is in Excellent condition. This is an exceptional piece by one of America's greatest creative geniuses; don't miss your chance to acquire this gem.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5039 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,450.00
Military Comics #7 San Francisco pedigree (Quality, 1942) CGC NM+ 9.6 White pages. Blackhawk has plenty to smile about on this Chuck Cuidera cover -- seeing Hitler crying like a baby is certainly a good way to start. Cuidera also drew the Blackhawk story inside the comic, with other features rendered by Klaus Nordling, Fred Guardineer, and... Al Jaffee and Dave Berg? Yes, those are the Mad-sters themselves! As for condition, to even find this comic in FN would be something of a victory, but a 9.6 with white pages... that's not a misprint, soldier. In the battle for finest known copy, this pedigree copy is a three-star general among lieutenants -- the next-highest graded copy in CGC's census is a mere 9.2. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $1,375.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6222 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,277.50
Donald Duck Promotional Comics Bound Volume (Dell, 1943-51) Condition: Average VG/FN. Hold on to your hats, Duck fans! This incredible leather-bound volume contains a real treasure trove! Throughout the 1940s, and into the 50s, Western Publishing (aka Dell Comics) printed giveaway comics for a number of different companies. Chief among them was the series of Christmas books produced for Firestone, Donald and Mickey Merry Christmas, featuring the famous Walt Disney characters. They were produced from 1943 until 1949, and each issue included a new Donald story written and drawn by Carl Barks (with the exception of the first two, which contained Barks' Duck tales reprinted from Walt Disney's Comics and Stories). All seven books are here, as well as the first five issues of March of Comics (a shoe store monthly giveaway series) featuring Donald Duck. This includes the famous three issues (#nn (#4), #20, and #41) by Carl Barks. Most of the books appear to be in the VG/FN range; a few may have minor problems, such as tape on one page, a small corner missing, etc. Overall, this is a nice, readable bound volume, privately produced for a fan, of some of the rarest, most sought-after comics by Barks, with many unreprinted stories.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6136 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,220.00
Vault of Horror #17 Gaines File pedigree 4/11 (EC, 1951) CGC NM+ 9.6 Off-white to white pages. There's much to like on this werewolf cover -- Overstreet calls it "classic." The lycanthrope in question is drawn by Johnny Craig -- he's joined inside the comic by fellow artists Graham Ingels, Jack Davis, and Jack Kamen. But the real star of the show here is the condition of this book, which came from EC publisher Bill Gaines' own supply of stashed copies. They may come a tiny bit better (CGC lists two higher-graded copies of issue #17 to date), but they don't come by often. Grab this gem while you can! Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $825.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6048 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,162.50
Martin Branner - Winnie Winkle Sunday Comic Strip Original Art (Chicago Tribune,1922). Have a Merry Christmas with the entire Winkle clan in this wonderful Sunday page! Seems Winnie has planned a Christmas Day party for adopted little brother Perry, inviting snobbish children from posh families to attend. Little Perry, himself a former orphan from the streets, will have none of it, and proceeds to changes things to better suit him and his ragamuffin pals. This is one of the most charming, best-drawn early examples of this long-running strip we have ever seen; unless you have a heart made of coal, you'll fall in love with it at first glance! The image area is 17.5" x 23.5", and the piece, beautifully matted to an overall size of approximately 24" x 31", is in Excellent condition. This Christmas Sunday page will keep your spirits high all year 'round!
Auction 811 | Lot: 5003 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,105.00
Jackpot Comics #2 Chicago pedigree (MLJ, 1941) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages. Steel Sterling, the Black Hood, Mr. Justice, and Sgt. Boyle are looking mighty chummy on this cover -- and they've got every reason to share a hearty handclasp. This stupendous copy shows few signs of its age: its cover colors are so rich, they're nearly blinding, the corners are extremely sharp, and the spine is remarkably taut. No wonder CGC has awarded this near-perfect pedigree its highest grade for this issue, with the nearest contender being an 8.5! You've hit the jackpot, bidder! Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $1,750.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6193 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $3,047.50
Billy DeBeck - Barney Google Daily Comic Strip Original Art, dated 2-20-?? (circa 1920s). This original page, known as "The Race Today," features perhaps the most desirable and sought-after Barney Google sequence, featuring the Barney Google Derby horse race won by Spark Plug. This page features the entire race from start to finish, beginning with a roster of entries, and ending with a victorious Barney caboosing out of town. Spark Plug was a star in many of the Google stories, appearing on the cover of a number of hardcover book editions of DeBeck strips, and popular in jewelry designs, as this scrappy little horse really caught the public's eye. The Barney Google strip began in 1919 and continued past DeBeck's death in 1942; today it is better known as Barney Google and Snuffy Smith, with Barney making only rare cameo appearances. This strip has an image area of approximately 17.5" x 4"; there are a couple of very small stains in the first panel, otherwise this page is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5012 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $2,875.00
George McManus - Spareribs and Gravy Sunday Comic Strip Original Art (circa 1907). This George McManus "Black Americana" strip reflects the leeway cartoonists of the early 20th Century had in creating strips depicting racial stereotypes, and it is quite collectible. The gag is built around a "watermelon joke": our dubious heroes find the fruit while in Africa and consume it, only to learn it was "poisoned" by the naive natives as lion bait! Of course, what was thought to be poison was really alcohol (missionaries had warned the natives, describing the bottle of booze as "poison", a term they took literally), and merry mix-ups ensue! McManus was born in 1884. He created a number of features before developing his popular hit, Bringing Up Father, like Their Only Child, Nibsey the Newsboy, and this short-lived strip. Spareribs and Gravy represented a peak of inking style that would guarantee him work for the rest of his life. This page's image area measures approximately 17.5" x 18"; the art is in Excellent condition.
Auction 811 | Lot: 5031 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $2,875.00
Famous Funnies #210 (Eastern Color, 1954) CGC NM 9.4 White pages. Frank Frazetta's Golden Age artwork has been some of the most collected since the dawn of comic book collecting. This book is a great indication of just why he is considered one of the masters of the form. There is no pedigree noted on the label, but this is one great-looking book. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $1,525.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6143 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $2,875.00
Speed Comics #14 Mile High pedigree (Harvey, 1941) CGC VF/NM 9.0 Off-white pages. This was only the second comic book from one of the most prolific publishers of the twentieth century, Harvey Comics. The Harvey brothers took the series over from Brookwood publications, and one immediate innovation was to convert the title to 100-page digest size. The content got a revamping as well, with the literally electrifying hero Shock Gibson donning a new costume. Shock is the one battling monstrous Nazis on this Al Avison cover, while Captain Freedom strikes his own blows against the Axis in a backup feature. We all know that comics in oddball sizes are the hardest to find in decent condition, which is why this pedigree NM book brightened our day -- it's the highest-graded one CGC has certified to date, with the only other slabbed copy a distant second at VG/FN. Overstreet 2004 VF/NM 9.0 value = $657; NM- 9.2 value = $875.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6273 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $2,875.00
The Haunt of Fear #15 Gaines File pedigree 7/12 (EC, 1952) CGC NM/MT 9.8 Off-white pages. Here's one of the highest-graded examples of this issue ever surveyed by CGC -- and upon examining this beautiful specimen from the important Gaines collection, it's easy to see why no copies have graded higher. EC luminaries Jack Davis, George Evans, Jack Kamen, and Graham Ingels provide the interior tales, with Ingels delivering a coffin-raising cover. Overstreet 2004 NM- 9.2 value = $430.
Auction 811 | Lot: 6004 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $2,702.50
Rick Yager - Buck Rogers Sunday Comic Strip Original Art (NEA Syndicate, circa 1951). Buck Rogers was the science fiction strip that started it all! First appearing on January 7, 1929, Buck set the tone for all science fiction comics to follow. Rick Yager's dynamic Sunday, numbered 108, features all of the fabled Buck Rogers SF hardware you could desire: rocket ships, armed space stations, dry docks, and haute couture spacewear. Unfortunately, war and violence still exist in the far-flung 25th Century, and this Sunday has a top-notch space battle sequence that must have been unsurpassed, for pure imagination, until the "Star Wars" films came along decades later! The image area of this large Sunday is 18.5" x 27.5". A paste-on lettering correction in panel two is lifting off the surface of the paper a tad, otherwise the art is in Excellent condition. As the astronauts in "The Right Stuff" said, "No bucks, no Buck Rogers!" Win the space race with this incredible SF masterpiece!
Auction 811 | Lot: 5046 | Jun 13, 2004

Sold For: $2,645.00

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