FANTASTIC FOUR ANIMATED SERIES, ISSUE #1 PRODUCTION
CELL, MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Comments: This
is a hand painted cel and hand painted background used only once in the
production of the Fantastic Four (1994) animated series. Dimensions are 10"
x 14".
INCREDIBLE HULK & SHE-HULK ANIMATED SERIES, ISSUE # 1
PRODUCTION CEL, MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
COMMENTS: This is a hand painted cel and hand painted background used
only once in the production of The Incredible Hulk (1996) animated
series. Dimensions are 10" x 14".
IRON MAN ANIMATED SERIES, ISSUE #1 PRODUCTION CEL,
MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
COMMENTS: This is
a hand painted cel and hand painted background used only once in the
production of the Iron Man animated series. Dimensions are 10" x 14"
Adventure Comics #57 - Nicolas Cage
(DC, 1940) CGC NM- 9.2 OFF-WHITE TO WHITE pages.
NICOLAS CAGE COLLECTION. Seller's Grading
Comments: DC 12/1940 - Bernard Baily continues his run of Hourman covers with
this issue. A dazzling copy with rich, saturated colors and sharp edges, and
only slight feathering on the spine and corner wear. This is the 2nd Highest CGC
Certified copy.
Publisher: DC Category: Universal Page Quality: OFF-WHITE TO WHITE Pedigree: Nicolas Cage Artists/Writers: Jerry Siegel and Gardner Fox stories "Bernard Baily,
Howard Purcell," Jack Lehti and Creig Flessel art Significance: Bernard Baily cover. CGC census 5/12: 1 in 9.2, 1 higher.
Air Fighters Comics #9 - Rockford
(Hillman Fall, 1943) CGC VF- 7.5 CREAM TO OFF-WHITE pages.
6/1943
Publisher: Hillman Fall Category: Universal Page Quality: CREAM TO OFF-WHITE Pedigree: Rockford Artists/Writers: Tony DiPreta art Significance: CGC census 5/12: 2 in 7.5, 2 higher.
Al Capp Li'l Abner Comic Strip Art
Original Art (Al Capp Studios, 1938)
Al Capp
Li'l Abner Comic Strip Art Original Art (Al Capp Studios, 1938)
Publisher: Al Capp Studios Signed: Yes Width: 22.25" Height:5.5" Condition: The art is in very good condition. There are some paste-ups
missing from the second panel.
Batman #47 Grade: F- 5.5 Page Quality:
Off-White to White CGC Rank: 8 CGC Number: 1031182009 Pedigree: none Date:
6-7/48 Category: Golden Age DC Description: Batman has been one of the most
widely appreciated superhero characters throughout the world for the better part
of a century now, and has been featured in countless comic books, numerous
movies, his own TV show, and more T shirts than we can imagine. Of every
character within DC's stable of heroes, Batman’s popularity throughout the
generations is the most enduring. Bruce Wayne is endowed not with super powers,
but with a unique determination that drives him towards superior effort and
superior insight, enabling Batman to do superhuman things. That he is
universally relatable to us all as human beings is why the character has
remained a cultural icon for so long. It is likely that Batman will continue to
be a favorite of hobbyists, movie goers, and children all around the world for
centuries to come! This Killer key issue is clean, well centered and has white
to off-white pages. It contains the first detailed origin of the Batman as he
tracks down his parents killer and then reveals his ID to him; before taking him
down. 1st bat signal cover in Batman. Catwomen app. An absolute must have!
Conan The Barbarian #24 Grade: NM/M 9.8
Page Quality: White CGC Rank: 1 CGC Number: 1097194008 Pedigree: none Date: 3/73
Category: Bronze Age Marvels Description: This pristine CGC 9.8 is the highest
graded example of this key issue which introduces the first full Red Sonja
story. Not only that, it stands tall as the very finest known example at NM/M
with supple WHITE PAGES. This issue is the last Conan done by the legendary
Barry Windsor-Smith, which spanned over 24 issues. This book has deep color
strike and is ridiculously flawless with no markings, date stamps or writings,
perfect for that particular & serious, high-grade Conan collector.
Supernatural Thrillers #3 Grade: NM+ 9.6
Page Quality: Off-White to White CGC Rank: 2 CGC Number: 0018003015 Pedigree:
none Date: 4/73 Category: Bronze Age Marvels Description: Gil Kane cover and
art. Second on the CGC census. "The Valley of the Worm" by Robert E. Howard.
Perfect NM+ copy.
ACTION COMICS #72 Item description:
1944, Superman cover Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 8.5 VF+ Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 3rd Highest CGC Graded Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This item presents a very special opportunity, as this 1944 example of Action
Comics 72 is in the top 4 ever certified by CGC. This is 1 of only 3
at the 8.5 tier and just 1 in the world has certified higher at 9.0. Adding to
its desirability, CGC has assigned its perfect page quality designation of White
Pages, making this example the very best 8.5 attainable.
ADVENTURE COMICS #65 Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 6.0 FN Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored CGC Grading Comments: 1 piece of tape on cover. Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This CGC 6.0 is one of the top 6 examples ever certified by CGC. With
just 1 in grade, only 5 certified higher and just 11 graded in total not only is
this book tough in the upper mid-grades but it is nearly impossible in any
grade. Further enhancing its desirability is paper quality, rated by CGC as near
perfect Off-White to White. This exciting Starman cover is a perfect
representation of the high quality superhero covers that DC and other publishers
were putting out in the early 40's. Truly a classic!
Joss Whedon’s The Avengers
gathers a galaxy of Marvel Comics superstars, but I wish more people could see
the first comic book superhero to make the leap to the big screen: Captain
Marvel, in what many aficionados consider the best serial ever made, The
Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941). Former Western star Tom Tyler made a
handsome and heroic superhero, and perennial juvenile actor Frank Coghlan, Jr.
was ideally cast as Billy Batson, the plucky young fellow who transformed
himself into Captain Marvel by uttering the magic word, “SHAZAM.” (For the
uninitiated, SHAZAM is an acronym that represents the wisdom of Solomon, the
strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of
Achilles, and the speed of Mercury. That’s all explained in Chapter One of the
serial.) There’s a hooded villain called the Scorpion, a secret society, and all
the other trappings of a really good Saturday matinee serial, with 12 chapters
in all.
The
Big Wow! ComicFest returns to San Jose on May
19-20, 2012, bringing two great days of comic book, art, anime, sci-fi, fantasy,
gaming and cosplay fun.
Guests include Jim Lee (Justice League) Bernie
Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Steve Niles (30 Days Of Night),
Travis Charest (Weapons of the Metabarons), Kevin Nowlan (Superman
Vs. Aliens), Dan Brereton (Nocturnals), Bob Layton (Iron Man),
Tim Bradstreet (The Punisher), Joe Linsner (Dawn), Bill
Morrison (The Simpsons), Alex Nino (Creepy), Ron Lim (Silver
Surfer), Liam Sharp (Gears of War) and many others.
There won't be a Scoop email on Friday, May 11, 2012.
Don't worry, though. We'll be back with our regular line-up of news, superstars,
auction coverage and more on Friday, May 18, preferably rested and ready to do.
Widely known as the man behind creating Jonny Quest
for TV, for his comic book work on The Outlaw Kid, and for serving as
the model for the character Peevy in Dave Stevens' The Rocketeer, the
late artist artist Doug Wildey also created his own character during the 1980s
original hey day of independent comics.
Rio was a former gunman and train robber who had been pardoned
by U.S. President Grant and turned into a government agent. Now he’s about to be
featured in a brand new collected edition from IDW Publishing, including two
previously unpublished tales, one of which is Wildey’s final, unfinished Rio
story
The character first appeared in Eclipse Monthly in
1983. His adventures were collected in a graphic novel form by Comico, for whom
Wildey also illustrated several issues of Jonny Quest, in 1987. Rio won
both the Harvey and Eisner awards in 1988.
Writer Brandon Jerwa takes over as the new scribe for
Vampirella beginning with Vampirella #21, according to Dynamite
Entertainment.
“I've been a fan of Eric Trautmann's Vampirella since
the first issue, and given our ongoing collaboration, this might be one of the
easiest handoffs in the history of comics,” said writer Brandon Jerwa. “Will my
Vampirella book be different? Absolutely. Will I be undoing what has come
before? No way. Dynamite has a great franchise here, and I'm going to do my best
to turn the amps up to eleven!”
A group of high grade, Silver Age DC issues from the original
owner Bogota Collection has just been consigned to
Pedigree Comics’ upcoming May Grand
Auction. Scheduled to begin Monday May 7, 2012 and run for 10 days until the
night of Thursday, May 17, the auction will now include 37 issues just back
from CGC.
Included in the offerings are Action
Comics #319 9.4, #320 9.4, #340 9.4, #344 9.4, #350 9.6, Adventure
Comics #346 9.4, #354 9.6, #355 8.0, Batman #186 8.5, #199
9.2, Brave and the Bold #53 9.2, #85 9.2, Detective Comics
#329 9.2, Flash #165 9.4, #174 9.2, #179 8.5, Green Lantern
#33 9.4, #47 9.0, #52 9.4, #85 9.6, Hawkman #9 9.2, Justice
League of America #24 8.5, #31 9.2, #32 9.6, Strange Adventures
#195 9.2, Superboy #121 8.5, Superman #174 9.4,
Superman’s Girlfriend Lois Lane #59 9.2, #72 9.2, Teen Titans
#5 9.2, #6 9.2, and Wonder Woman #156 9.4, #160 9.4, #177 9.0, #182
9.0, #196 9.2, and #200 9.4.
Armchair generals and commanders of upscale bathtub fleets
worldwide will show their firepower over the weekend of June 2-3, 2012 during a
very special Old Toy Soldier Auctions event containing 1,200+ lots from several
choice collections. Headlining the auction are soldiers from the collection of
the late K. Warren Mitchell, plus the Bob Bailey collection of prewar Britains,
and other important properties from American and overseas consignors.
OTSA owner Ray Haradin described the headliner collections as
“an excellent match-up, since each brings something distinctly different to the
mix.”
Bob Bailey, a Seattle collector who has been active in the toy
soldier hobby his entire life, focused his efforts almost exclusively on early
Britains. While working as a Pan Am flight attendant in the 1970s, Bailey wisely
took advantage of his many layovers in London to scour the shops for Britains
productions.
A new offering of over 1,100 Silver Age and Bronze Age comics
from a mostly original owner collection has landed at
Metropolis Collectibles, the
company has revealed. The owner was a Brooklyn, New York native who loved his
comics and had a special knack for preserving his collection in great shape.
Prices range from $1.50 to $400, with the average comic
costing around $15. Most of the issues are heavily discounted off Guide.
The majority of them are in high grade, with over 1,000 of them graded 8.5 or
higher.
The crowd of guitar collectors, aficionados and curiosity
seekers was held breathless for 10 solid minutes on Saturday, April 21, 2012 as
two bidders went head-to-head and bid-for-bid over
a stunning 1949 Bigsby Birdseye Maple Solid Body Electric
Guitar – just the fourth guitar made by the famous shop – with the
eventual winner triumphing to wide applause with a price realized of $266,500 to
lead Heritage Auctions’
Vintage Guitars and Musical Instruments Signature Auction
at The Dallas Guitar Show.
“The auction of this amazing Bigsby was one of the most
exciting moments I’ve ever experienced at an auction,” said Mike Gutierrez,
Consignment Director at Heritage Auctions. “The room was packed, the crowd was
jazzed and the guitar brought double what Heritage had ever sold any guitar
for.”
Archives International Auctions will offer 1,070 lots of U.S.
and worldwide banknotes, scripophily (the collecting of stock and bond
certificates) and security printing ephemera at auction on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
at 10 AM EDT, at the firm’s new offices located in Fort Lee, NJ. The auction
will offer live gallery bidding as well as phone and live Internet bidding at
www.archivesinternational.com.
“We are privileged to offer another amazing collection of
numismatic rarities that rarely if ever cross the auction block, including two
new discovery banknotes from Peru and China being offered for the first time,”
stated Dr. Robert Schwartz of Archives International Auctions. “By acquiring one
or more of these rare and beautiful pieces, it’s literally possible to imagine
holding history in your hands. We expect this sale to be just as exciting as our
past auctions over the last two years.”
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents
The Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a
look at one of our inductees each week in Scoop.
His covers for Marvel’s Captain America,
Incredible Hulk, and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. are some of
the most iconic and innovative pieces of pop art from the 1960s. Jim Steranko
(1938- ) was, perhaps auspiciously, born the year the Golden Age began, but he
is far more than just one of the most influential artists of the Marvel Age. His
Chandler: Red Tide helped to define the very meaning of the term
“graphic novel,” his conceptual artwork for Raiders of the Lost Ark
breathed life into Indiana Jones – the man whose name was synonymous with
adventure – and his two-volume The Steranko History of Comics offered a
unique insight into the development of the medium during the Golden Age. Today
the award-winning Steranko stands as one of comicdom’s living legends with
awards and honors that serve as testament to his indelible contributions.
Hermes Press, which already has a great archival line of
books, has delivered another one, a true service to fans but more so to those
who have yet to discover Brenda Starr, Reporter by Dale Messick.
The new book, Brenda Starr, Reporter: The Collected Daily
and Sunday Strips, showcases the work of Dale Messick, the first woman to
create, draw, and write a syndicated newspaper strip. The long-running feature
offered adventure with heavy doses of romance and fashion, and carved out a
place in newspaper history (its run did not end until January 2, 2011).
Best of the Three Stooges
Comic Books Volume 1 Papercutz; $19.99
It may have been the toughest job ever given to a comic
artist. How do you capture the slap-happy, frenetic, kinetic, abusive,
eye-gouging, rolling-pin smacking, skull-crunching action and humor of the Three
Stooges on a comic book page? Here is a hint: It helps if the son-in-law of one
of the Stooges is a talented artist who also happens to be friends with Joe
Kubert.
Fans of the recent movie, fans
of the Stooges in general and fans of comics are going to be thrilled when they
see Papercutz’ new hardcover
compilation of the Stooges early years in comic history. Not only has the
publisher done a wonderful job of giving the often neglected corner of celebrity
Hollywood comic titles a chance to shine in the spotlight, but their work also
allows us a chance to take a second look at the artwork of Norman Maurer.
An Folded Commercial Movie
Personality Poster (made to be sold directly to the public; measures 29 1/2" x
42 3/4" [75 x 109 cm]) (Learn
More)
Film Description: Barbarella, the 1968 Roger Vadim French/Italian sexy
science fiction (sci-fi) fantasy adventure comedy thriller ("Who can save the
universe?"; "Queen of the galaxy"; "The space age adventuress whose sex-ploits
are among the most bizarre ever seen."; "See Barbarella do her thing!"; "From
the best seller 'Barbarella' by Jean Claude Forest published by 'Le Terrain
Vague'"; "Screenplay by Terry Southern") starring Jane Fonda (in the title role
as Barbarella), John Phillip Law, Marcel Marceau, David Hemmings (billed as
"Special Guest Appearance David Hemmings as Dildano"), Ugo Tognazzi ("as Mark
Hand"), and Anita Pallenberg
Important Added Info: Note that this poster was folded across the middle
at one time but has been laying flat for a long time and will be sent rolled in
a tube.
UPDATED 04/27/2012: Note that the vast majority
of commercial posters from the 1960s were sold in very large numbers, and while
they can be difficult to find decades later, they can almost never be described
as rare. But this particular commercial poster actually is "rare" because it was
recalled due to legal/licensing issues at that time. We have seen dealers asking
thousands of dollars for this commercial poster!
Overall Condition: good to very good.
There is a tape stain in the left and right of the top edge of the poster. There
are some 1 1/2" and smaller tears and small areas of paper loss around the edges
of the poster and there are some creases and scuffs along the foldline and
around the edges.
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Unfolded Half-Sheet Movie Poster (1/2sh; measures 22" x 28" [56 x
71 cm]) (Learn
More)
Film Description: Night of the Blood Beast, the 1958 Bernard L. Kowalski
AIP horror thriller (produced by Roger Corman; "No girl was safe as long as this
HEAD HUNTING THING roamed the land!"; "No girl was safe as long as this HEAD
HUNTING BEAST roamed the land!") starring Michael Emmet, Angela Greene, John
Baer, Ed Nelson, Georgianna Carter, Tyler McVey, and Ross Sturlin (in the title
role as the monster)
Important Added Info: Note that this poster was never folded! An unfolded
poster is almost always far more difficult to find than a folded poster of the
same title, and finding unfolded posters in excellent condition is even more
difficult!
Overall Condition: very good. There are
some creases and scuff marks scattered throughout the poster (mostly across the
center from the poster being somewhat flattened while rolled) but they are not
very distracting and the poster is otherwise in nice condition and it displays
well from a short distance away.
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Movie Campaign Book (measures 9" x 11 3/4" [23 x 30 cm]; 32 pages)
Film Description: Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphonies, the
1932 campaign book released by United Artists featuring images and information
about the release of upcoming Walt Disney single-reel feature cartoon musicals.
In 1932, United Artists signed Walt Disney away from Columbia Pictures, and they
were extremely proud of that accomplishment, and they created this elaborate
campaign book to inform theater owners of that fact. The campaign book is filled
with images of United Artists posters and advertising, and a huge amount of ads
showing the many tie-in products that were being made, including Mickey Mouse
kiddie jewelry, Mickey Mouse undies, and much, much more!
Overall Condition: fair. The campaign book
was in a bound volume and it was removed, but there is thread sewn down the
spine and a hard binding to the left of the edge of the cover. Someone removed
some of the interior pages (likely to sell individually) and those missing pages
are: 17/18, 21-30, 39/40, 43/44. Originally, the campaign book had 48 pages and
32 of the pages are present, including the covers. Obviously, this book has real
defects, but the pages that are present are in great condition (except for the
sewing down the spine, which could be carefully removed), and I would think the
individual ads could be sold for quite a bit of money (although it seems a shame
to take apart the book).
2001: A Space Odyssey #1 Grade: NM 9.4
Page Quality: White CGC Rank: 3 CGC Number: 0105128019 Pedigree: none Date:
12/76 Category: Bronze Age Marvels Description: Movie adaptation. Untouched
Near-Mint with exceptional colors and gloss. White pages and PERFECT centering
too.
Batman #17 Grade: APPARENT 8.5 VF+ Page
Quality: Cream to Off-White CGC Rank: 2 CGC Number: 0035967020 Pedigree: none
Date: 6-7/43 Category: Golden Age DC Description: Apparent VF+ 8.5 Slight (A)
copy of Batman # 17. label notes include: small amount of color touch. Penguin
appearance.
Green Lantern #59 Grade: NM+ 9.6 Page
Quality: Off-White to White CGC Rank: 2 CGC Number: 1097121004 Pedigree: none
Date: 3/68 Category: Silver Age DC Description: First appearance of Guy Gardner!
Origin of Green Lantern retold. Gorgeous NM+ copy with fresh off-white to white
pages and an unread, NM/M look. Second on the CGC census at 9.6 behind only 3 in
9.8. This glossy example blows away any other copy we've seen and is the first
9.6 we've had here at Pedigree Comics. Great Gil Kane and Murphy Anderson cover.
Can't see how the CGC graders "only" called it NM+. It looks perfect.
ACTION COMICS #26 Item description:
1940, Wayne Boring Superman cover; Shuster and Moldoff art Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 7.0 FVF Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
Superman's earliest appearances in Action Comics are undeniably among the
most important and desirable comics in the world. Demand is strong across all
grade ranges and upper mid-grade unrestored issues from the first few years of
the run are becoming increasingly elusive on the market. The offered item is a
solid CGC 7.0 with a bright, clean cover image and near perfect Off-White to
White pages. It is 1 of only 3 examples ever certified at this CGC tier and just
5 examples have ever been certified higher.
JUMBO COMICS #122 Condition: CGC 9.2 NM- Page Quality: Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: Highest CGC Graded! Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This CGC 9.2 Near Mint is the single highest graded example of this 1949
issue. Jumbo Comics was the first title in the jungle genre and certainly
among the longest running. The often risque covers and content make them quite
popular among fans of Good Girl Art and many issues haved proven very elusive in
grades above VF.
WEIRD SCIENCE #9 Item description:
1951, Wally Wood's 1st EC cover Condition: CGC 9.2 NM- Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 3rd Highest CGC Graded Pedigree or Highlight: GAINES
FILE COPY Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This glorious Wally Wood cover for Weird Science #9 looks spectacular on
the offered NM 9.2 Gaines File Copy Pedgree! In addition to its very high
structural grade, this example also was assigned perfect, newsstand-fresh White
page preservation. This book comes with the original Gaines File Copy
certificate signed by Bill Gaines, Bob Overstreet and Russ Cochran.
The Gaines File Copies are examples of each issue published
that were personally hand-selected for quality by editor Bill Gaines, carefully
wrapped, and stored safely for decades. They are recognized for near-perfect
structure and very high page quality. As a rule, the best surviving examples of
ECs are Gaines File Copies.
EC's Science Fiction line, comprised of the matched set
Weird Fantasy and Weird Science and later the combined Weird
Science-Fantasy and Incredible Science Fiction titles, not only
featured top of the line art, but also groundbreaking stories and content. Where
else can you find artists like Wally Wood, Joe Orlando, Frank Frazetta, and Al
Williamson adapting stories by iconic authors such as Ray Bradbury, Issac Azimov,
and Harlan Ellison? EC's original stories, penned by editors Bill Gaines and Al
Feldstein, were equally compelling, often using tales of the future to address
pressing social issues of the day. 'Space Opera' comics of the Flash Gordon
variety had been around since the dawn of the comic book industry, but these ECs
were probably the first true Science Fiction comics.
Terry-Toons Stock (20th Century Fox, 1950).
One Sheet (27" X 41"). Animated. Directed by Paul Terry. An unrestored poster
that may be slightly brittle due to age, show some paper loss or staining, very
minor tape stains, tears, writing in an unobtrusive place, and/or some very
slight fading to colors. It is most likely in need of some degree of work or
restoration. All four corners are torn, with cellophane tape on reverse. Please
see full-color, enlargeable image below for more details. Folded, Very Good-.
Both Barrels Blazing (Columbia, 1945). One
Sheet (27" X 41"). Western. Starring Charles Starrett, Tex Harding, Dub Taylor,
Pat Parrish, The Jesters, Guy Bonham, Walter Carlson, and Dwight Latham.
Directed by Derwin Abrahams. An unrestored poster with good color and an overall
very presentable appearance. It may have tears, slight paper loss, minor stains,
and/or some fold separation. Please see full-color, enlargeable image below for
more details. Folded, Fine.
Jungle Drums of Africa (Republic, 1952).
One Sheet (27" X 41"). Serial. Starring Clayton Moore, Phyllis Coates, Johnny
Sands, John L. Cason, Roy Glenn, Henry Rowland, Steve Mitchell, Bill Walker, Don
Blackman, Felix Nelson, and Tom Steele. Directed by Fred C. Brannon. An
unrestored poster with bright color and a clean overall appearance. It may have
general signs of use, such as slight fold separation and fold wear, pinholes, or
very minor tears. Wrinkling from water damage and tears along the folds. Please
see full-color, enlargeable image below for more details. Folded, Very Fine-.
Keisha Castle-Hughes has signed on for the SyFy
network's new time travel series, Rewind. The show will be about a group
of scientists and military people who use untested time travel equipment in an
attempt to avert a massive terrorist attack that they have already experienced.
Fox’s Saturday Late-Night
Animated Block Greenlights First Series
<http://www-deadline-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/tpbcoverPRINT__120424162918.jpg>
Fox has set the first piece in its Animation Domination HD block, which is
slated to launch in the 11 PM-12:30 AM Saturday night time slot in the first
quarter of 2013. Animation Domination HD, the new animation unit launched by Fox
in January to generate programming for the new block and various digital
platforms, has acquired the rights to the hit online comic Axe Cop. The
division, headed by Nick Weidenfeld, has given an order of six quarter-hour
episodes to an animated version of the comic, which has been put in development
and is looking for a showrunner. Axe Cop is one of four six-episode
quarter-hour animated series Weidenfeld plans to introduce in the block during
its first year on the air, along with about 50 short-form shows of 1-3 minute
each, which are expected to also have strong digital presence. Among the writers
brought in-house to work on shorts are Arin Hanson and Marc Moceri, both of whom
have popular YouTube animation channels. The goal is for the Animation
Domination HD block to expand to half-hour series in the second year, Weidenfeld
said.
Universal Studios says
Global Asylum stole their Battleship, but today the mockbuster
producers claimed the studio’s copyright lawsuit over American Battleship
is just a scapegoat smokescreen – but they “appreciate the publicity.”
“The Global Asylum has promoted the feature film American
Battleship for nearly a year while Universal raised no concerns,” said
Global Asylum today. “The timing of Universal’s recently filed lawsuit coincides
with mixed reviews of its big-budget film,
Battleship — the first movie based on a board game since
Clue. Looking for a scapegoat, or more publicity, for its pending
box-office disaster, the executives at Universal filed this lawsuit in fear of a
repeat of the box office flop, John Carter of Mars. The Universal
action is wholly without merit and we will vigorously defend their claims in
Court.
A CCG-certified 9.6 copy of Tales of Supsense
#39, the first appearance of Iron Man, has sold for a record $375,000 at
ComicLink,” Josh Nathanson, the company’s president, has reported.
This marks the second-highest price paid for a Silver Age (roughly 1956-1969)
comic book.
Due in comic shops on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, this year’s Hero
Comics annual includes a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles story written
and drawn by Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman, an original Zombie vs. Robots
tale by creators Chris Ryall and Ashley Wood, a new Red Star story by
Red Star creator Christian Gossett, and a new Elephantmen story written by
Richard Starkings with art by Dave Sim.
Allan Quatermain may not be as well known as Tarzan or Indiana
Jones, but he adventured his way through lost civilizations long before those
two characters’ adventures had been put into writing. Perhaps not surprisingly,
he’s about to make a comeback.
Quatermain first appeared in Sir H. Rider Haggard's 1886 novel
King Solomon's Mines, and he set the standard for generations of
adventure heroes. Haggard's second most famous character, the Ayesha, followed a
year later in the rousing "lost civilization" yarn, She. Both
Quatermain and Ayesha proved to be so popular that Haggard wrote one of the
earliest versions of a "crossover" with the characters, both of whom have proven
to be durable over the decades in print and on film.
With a resurgence in pulps and classic adventure at an all
time high, Sequential Pulp’s Michael Hudson felt a graphic novel series built
around the adventures of Allan Quatermain was due. The results: A Quatermain
Adventure: King Solomon’s Mines and A Quatermain Adventure: She.
ComicConnect.com reported strong sales in their Spring Event
Auction, which garnered attention not only from the hobby but also the
mainstream media due to the presence to “The Check that Bought Superman.”
Golden Age and Silver Age comics and original artwork all
turned in strong performances, the company said.
“The Check that Bought Superman is one of the most unique and
important items we’ve ever sold,” said Rob Reynolds, Director of Consignments.
“If not for the check, it could be argued there would be no comic book industry
today.”
“It’s been one week since the auction closed and the sale of
the Superman check is still making an impact both internationally and here at
our offices. I’ve been selling comics, art and memorabilia for over 25 years and
this check is one of the coolest items I have ever sold,” said Vincent Zurzolo,
Chief Operating Officer. “To top it off, we set yet another world record as it
is the most expensive check ever sold, having hammered at $160,000. I guess this
should be obvious, but we are currently accepting check and contract
consignments. If you have something interesting, contact us!”
Golden Age standouts include Action Comics #1 CGC 4.5
$323,000, Detective Comics #27 CGC 6.5 $414,000, Detective Comics
#27 CGC 3.0 $201,000, Batman #1 CGC 8.0 $175,365, Detective Comics
#33 CGC 7.0 $42,174, Daredevil Comics #1 CGC 9.4 $32,009, Batman
#1 CGC 4.0 R $26,000, Detective Comics #40 CGC 9.0 $17,200, and
Marvel Mystery #7 CGC 9.2 $14,333.
Starting Friday, April 27, 2012 and running until Friday, May 18,
Superworld Comics will be having what they call
“a Nyuk Nyuk Sale” to celebrate owner Ted Van Liew's role models, The Three
Stooges.
An aggressive bidder from New York stepped up to the plate and
slammed one out of the park by purchasing an actual 1996 New York Yankees World
Series ring once owned by former ballplayer Rey Quinones. The ring brought
$15,600 at the 20th annual Cabin Fever Auction held March 25, 2012 by Tim’s,
Inc., at the firm’s gallery facility in Bristol, Conn.
It was a diverse sale that set numerous records for Tim's,
Inc. -- most Internet bidders for one sale, most page views to the online
catalog (25,000+), and longest duration for a Cabin Fever Auction (12+ hours).
One can probably add to that record interest, judging by the enthusiasm and
intensity displayed by bidders, who behaved like they were at Game Seven of the
World Series.
Actors Patrick Stewart, Val Kilmer and TV’s original Dynamic
Duo – Adam West and Burt Ward – join a long list of comic artists and media
guests for the tenth anniversary
Dallas
Comic Con, May 19-20, 2012 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving,
Texas.
The largest convention to date in the series, the show is
presented by industry legend Stan Lee. Lee, a guest at last year’s Dallas Comic
Con, who signed up for this year’s show immediately afterward.
“This is definitely our biggest show thus far,” said producer
Ben Stevens. “Not only do we have a huge line-up of artists, actors and other
guests, but we’re using every square foot of the facility so we can bring in
some new and exciting surprises for our fans. There will be more things for them
to do and see at this show.”
Radio Archives has announced their newest entry in their Will
Murray Pulp Classics series. Taken directly from The Spider #3, which
was cover dated December 1933, the new Audiobook will bring listeners the entire
13-chapter text of Norvell W. Page’s original Spider novel.
ALL-FLASH #14 Item description:
1944, Flash cover Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 9.0 VFNM Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: Highest CGC Graded! Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date:
5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
The offered example for All-Flash #14 is the single highest graded
example. The very nicest example known for this Spring 1944 DC issue, it
also has exceptionally well-preserved paper, with CGC's designation of Off-White
to White Pages. This book is extremely rare in high grade, and the CGC data
bears that out: after this single-best 9.0, there are just 2 at 8.5, and then
you have to jump all the way down to 7.0 for the next-best after that! With very
the best DC Golden Age issues generally absorbed into collections long ago, it
is highly unusual to have a shot at them in a no-reserve auction, making this an
exceptional opportunity.
OUR
ARMY AT WAR #196 PAGE COVER Item description:
Classic Anti-war cover! Primary Artist Name: JOE KUBERT Secondary Artist Name: Year: 1968 Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012
8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
With its singular, large figure of a staggered Sgt. Rock and the tagline of
"Stop The War! I Want To Get Out!" this 1968 Joe Kubert cover is one of the
memorable from this acclaimed Silver Age run. The Our Army at War run is
not only remembered for its impressive team of artists, the captain of which was
clearly Kubert through the bulk of the Silver Age run and beyond, but also for
its realistic portrayal of war and the men who fought. Their heroism of the
characters was never in doubt, but they proved it not from their lack of fear,
but by the act of overcoming it. Cover art from this series, especially ones
featuring large images of Rock are extremely rare on the market.
The bulk of the published cover for this issue was constructed
of images added during the production process and this lot includes a very nice
reproduction of the logo and background mounted on an acetate overlay. The Sgt.
Rock figure is completely original art and it is especially powerful with the
overlay removed. Additionally, the inscription on this piece gives it extremely
strong provenance. Written in marker at the right side of the figure is "Stop
the Editing... I Wanna Draw Pitchurs", a reference to the blurb on the published
cover. This humorous note is from Joe Kubert to editor Joe Orlando and
demonstrates to camaraderie and banter between these two DC fixtures. This
inscription has also been reproduced on the overlay so it can be enjoyed whether
the acetate is in place or not.
This original art had some bends and glue staining that were
professionally removed and the piece now presents very nicely with just some
minor discolorations remaining. This is standard size art executed on DC art
board with an image area of approximately 10" x 15".
COMBAT KELLY #1 Item description:
1972, Origin Deadly Dozen Condition: CGC 9.8 NM/MT Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: Highest CGC Graded! Current Bid: $55
1888 N173 Old Judge Cabinet Mike
"King" KellySGC 60 EX 5. This is an out of the
hobby discovery that is being presented at auction for the first time!
Exceptional in rarity, quality and appeal, this 124-year old artifact presents a
rare opportunity for the advanced collector. Those studied in nineteenth century
collecting are aware that these cabinets, measuring 4-1/8"x 6-1/2", were only
available to those tobacco enthusiasts enterprising enough to save and send
coupons to the headquarters of Old Judge, who distributed the cabinets solely by
mail. As such, the population of the cabinets was never high, even at the time
of issue. Over a century later, just a handful remain. And of the tiny tribe of
survivors, few could hold the same appeal of a Kelly representation, as the
National League slugger was one of the most noteworthy of Victorian ballplayers,
and a 1945 posthumous Cooperstown inductee. Here he poses in the uniform of the
Boston Beaneaters, an archaic bat poised at the ready. Speaking to the nature of
the card mount itself, we note that the surfaces show barely any signs of wear.
Of note is a very brief and very faint wrinkle close to the upper right corner.
The back remains devoid of the damage so typically seen with this issue due to
scrapbook removal and wall display. The image quality is close to unimprovable,
there is a small area of wear at the center, about thigh high. Except for some
slight spotting to the "O" in "Old," the gold gilded lettering remains entirely
intact. Visually, the relic presents at the EX/MT to NM level, the technical
grade from SGC is a very satisfying 60 EX 5. Certainly one of the finer Old
Judge cabinets to appear at auction, this one after resting comfortably for the
last 125 years. Guide Value or Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000.
1902-11 W600 Sporting Life
Cabinets Baseball HoFers Trio (3). From 1902 to 1911
Sporting Life offered cabinets cards of baseball players for the then
mighty sum of ten cents. Today they are highly popular collectibles with a
subject roster that covers many of the early stars of baseball. The offered trio
of W600s do have condition issues but each features a different member of
Baseball's Hall of Fame. Includes: Mordecai Brown/1904 In Uniform (PR,
corner holes, top layer partially separated from mount), Eddie Collins/1907
Philadelphia (FR) and John McGraw/1902 Manager (presents VG/EX, hand cut
along left edge). Guide Value or Estimate: $800 - $1,200.
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #6 Grade: NM+ 9.6 Page Quality:
White CGC Rank: 2 CGC Number: 0905313001 Pedigree: none Date: 11/68 Category:
Silver Age Marvels Description: Third best known copy!!! Trails only 2 in 9.8.
Very hard to find in this nice of shape due to the jet-black and all-dark Jim
Steranko cover. As close to being the 3rd 9.8 as possible. Outrageously glossy
with perfect edges, razor-like corners and WHITE pages. Obviously never opened
or read. The back cover is similarly snow white and perfect PLUS the book is
EXACTLY cut and centered! Great Roy Thomas and Archie Goodwin story too with art
by Frank Springer.
X-Men #101 Grade: NM/M 9.8 Page Quality: White CGC Rank: 1
CGC Number: 0005295007 Pedigree: none Date: 10/76 Category: Bronze Age Marvels
Description: Origin and first appearance of the Phoenix!! Killer NM/M example
and with white pages no less! Top CGC copy and the best copy available. UNREAL
Dave Cockrum Phoenix cover! Great Chris Claremont story. Black Tom Cassidy and
Juggernaut appearance.
Fantastic Four #22 Grade: NM+ 9.6 Page Quality: Off-White
to White CGC Rank: 2 CGC Number: 0005294006 Pedigree: none Date: 1/64 Category:
Silver Age Marvels Description: Gorgeous Near-Mint PLUS copy! Gotta be the
nicest 9.6 you are going to find. PERFECTLY centered with razor sharp edges and
corners and amazing color strike. The spine is incredible and the pages are a
supple off-white to white. Second appearance of the Mole Man. Great Jack Kirby
and Dick Ayers cover which displays incredible reds. Trails only 2 pedigreed
9.8's, the Pacific coast copy that is locked away in a private collection and
the Curator example that just fetched (February 22, 2012) $14,340 at auction.
The last 9.6 sale was $7,768 in May, 2011. Only 5 9.6's exist out of over 220 so
far encapsulated.
An Original Vintage Theater-Used Belgian
Movie Herald (measures 4 1/4" x 6 1/4" [11 x 16 cm]; 2 pages)
(Learn
More)
Artist: Reynold Brown
Film Description: The Alamo, the 1960 John Wayne Texas War of
Independence cowboy western ("The screen's 12 million dollar spectacle!
Thousands in the cast! Years in the making!"; "It took years to make... it cost
$12,000,000 ...it will be remembered forever!"; "The mission that became a
fortress... The fortress that became a shrine..."; "MAMMOTH thousands upon
thousands in the cast!... 12 million dollars poured into its filming ...years in
the making!"; "YOU'LL REMEMBER The Vast Armies Avalanching Across Mountain And
Plain! YOU'LL REMEMBER The Awesome Siege of the Cannon! YOU'LL REMEMBER The
Stand Of The 156 Men Against 7,000! YOU'LL REMEMBER Davy Crockett Standing On
the Ramparts! YOU'LL REMEMBER The Daring Raid Into the Heart Of The Enemy Camp!
YOU'LL REMEMBER The Unsung Exploit Of The Midnight Courier! YOU'LL REMEMBER The
Charge of the Scarlet Plumes!"; nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award)
starring John Wayne ("as Colonel David Crockett"), Richard Widmark ("as Colonel
James Bowie"), Laurence Harvey ("as Colonel Wm. Barret Travis"), Frankie Avalon,
Patrick Wayne, Linda Cristal, Joan O'Brien, Chill Wills (in his nominated for
Best Supporting Actor Academy Award role), Joseph Calleia, and Richard Boone
(best remembered from his role as "Paladin" on TV's "Have Gun - Will Travel";
billed as "Guest Star Richard Boone")
According to the Huffington post she owes back taxes that she has
yet to pay:
This is the case for actress Anderson, who owes California
$524,241 according to Friday's list. On Thursday, Anderson had been listed
as owing
$607,861. In a statement released through her brand manager, Anderson told
The Huffington Post that she was working with the state agency to make payments
and that the issue was being resolved.
Over the past few years, Metropolis Collectibles and
ComicConnect.com have made the news for record prices paid for comic books
several times, and in each instance it’s been both newsworthy and very
interesting. When they announced they would offer “The Check That Bought
Superman,” many were at a loss as to what to expect.
The check was written from Detective Comics, Inc. to Jerry
Siegel and Joe Shuster for $412, $130 of which went to acquire the rights to one
of the two most famous characters of all time. Compelling arguments could be
made for what its value should be. Even Stan Lee got into the act, saying
anything under $100,000 would be “a steal.”
Now, though, expectations are moot.
The check sold for $160,000, making news all over again.
One of the questions that still does pop up, though, is where
did this check come from?
“While I was building for our Winter 2011 Event Auction I
received a call from someone who wouldn't tell me his name, wouldn't tell me
what he had but told me he had something very special. It was a very intriguing
way to start a conversation and I must admit, my Spidey senses were tingling. We
talked in vague generalities for about five minutes and finally he hinted as to
what he had. My jaw dropped,” said Vincent Zurzolo, Chief Operating Officer of
Metropolis and ComicConnect.com.
The infamous “Buckner
Ball” from the 1986 World Series, Game Six is being offered without
reserve as the centerpiece of Heritage Auctions’ May 3-5, 2012 Vintage
Sports Collectibles Signature Auction. The ball
is part of The Seth Swirsky Collection, a grouping of exceptional
pieces of baseball history, and is expected to bring more than $100,000.
“This is the very ball bungled by the star Red Sox first
baseman in what is considered by many the most famous single play in American
Sports history,” said Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Memorabilia at Heritage,
“and it’s just one of more than 2,600 lots being offered. It’s a stellar lead
for a stellar sale.”
“The original art section of the auction came to a rousing
conclusion Monday night in New York City with the dramatic sale of the
Empire Strikes Back
original movie poster art for $48,499,”
said Rob Reynolds, Director of Consignments.
“We had
high hopes for the Empire piece and our strong bidders came
through,” he said.
The company reports sales on Mike Kaluta’s cover for
House of Mystery #265 at $7,700, the cover to Marvel Team-Up
#91 by Rich Buckler for $2,975, a Jim Lee Spawn cover for $6,700,
Ken Kelly’s Godzilla at $3,400, and Andy Kubert cover to X-Men
#36 for $4,025.
The single highest graded, CGC-certified copy of Action
Comics #5, a CGC 9.4, will be offered in ComicLink’s
May Featured Auction, ComicLink President Josh
Nathanson has reported.
“This is an exceptionally rare and important item. Not only is
this far and away the very best example of the fifth-ever appearance of Superman
that has come to market (the next highest certified is only a 7.0), but it is
also one of only two examples of any of the first 10 issues of this landmark
series to grade above the CGC 9.0 tier,” Nathanson said.
A rare Cigar Store Indian figure, beautifully carved in the
1880s by the renowned artisan Samuel Robb, sold for $94,400 at a three-day
auction event held March 30-April 1, 2012, by Showtime Auction Services. The
sale was held at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor, a venue that's
become the site of choice for Showtime Auction Services.
The five-foot-tall Indian Chief figure had much of its
original paint still intact and was in overall excellent condition. It was also
the top lot of the sale. “This was one of the best-looking Cigar Store figures
we've had the pleasure of selling,” said Mike Eckles of Showtime Services, based
in Woodhaven, Michigan. “It was no surprise to me that it came close to the
$100,000 mark.”
The auction featured two blockbusting headliners: the 35-year
collection of Al and Peg Araiza, collectors in many categories; and Part 1 of
the lifetime pedal car and toy collection of Ed and Christy Ramsey (Part 2 will
be sold Oct. 5-7, also by Showtime in Ann Arbor). In all, over 2,000 lots of
investment-grade antiques and collectibles changed hands over the weekend.
Renowned for its art institutions and rich multicultural
heritage, Philadelphia will soon add another very colorful feather to its cap.
Material Culture, the city’s popular 60,000-sq.-ft. showplace for antiques,
textiles and handcrafted decorative arts, will introduce its new auction
division on May 5, 2012 with a 500-lot sale titled “New World Orders.” All forms
of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through
LiveAuctioneers.com.
Material Culture’s wealth of experience and loyal following of
customers, advisors and associates worldwide set the stage for the company’s
entry into the auction arena, said founder-owner George Jevremovic.
“Our relationships with collectors and other friends in the
business have been built on a basis of mutual trust over 30-plus years. I’ve
been reaching out to them over the past two years, and our May auction debut is
a tribute to those people and connections,” said Jevremovic.
Ask any regular who attends auctions conducted by Mosby & Co.,
and they’ll tell you what the Maryland-based company is best known for:
everything. Owner Keith Spurgeon makes a point of personally selecting only the
most interesting, best-quality pieces from dozens of collecting categories for
his well-attended sales.
Spurgeon’s April 28, 2012 Spring Antiques Auction, which will
be held at the Mosby & Co. gallery in the Washington suburb of Frederick, Md.,
features 550 lots that range from sculptures, clocks and an old collection of
Chinese soapstone to toys, historic Americana and a spectacular assortment of
19th- and early 20th-century posters.
The approximately 100 pieces of soapstone, to be apportioned
into 30 lots, are from a single-owner collection that was started 60 years ago.
“It’s a completely unpicked collection. It hasn’t been touched in 30 years,”
said Spurgeon, who regards the contents as a buying opportunity for dealers or
those who may be seeking a way to get into the Asian art market.
Thousands of fans gathered in Chicago’s McCormick Place
convention center over the April 13-15, 2012 weekend for the third edition of
C2E2, the
Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. With Saturday particularly
swarmed with attendees, the show sprawled from the dealer room floor to the
adjacent signing areas to panel rooms throughout part of the spacious facility.
Actors Patrick Stewart, Val Kilmer and TV’s original Dynamic
Duo – Adam West and Burt Ward – join a long list of comic artists and media
guests for the tenth anniversary
Dallas
Comic Con, May 19-20, 2012 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving,
Texas.
The largest convention to date in the series, the show is
presented by industry legend Stan Lee. Lee, a guest at last year’s Dallas Comic
Con, who signed up for this year’s show immediately afterward.
“This is definitely our biggest show thus far,” said producer
Ben Stevens. “Not only do we have a huge line-up of artists, actors and other
guests, but we’re using every square foot of the facility so we can bring in
some new and exciting surprises for our fans. There will be more things for them
to do and see at this show.”
Last week we noted many of the media guests already lined up for
the May 25-27, 2012
Texas International Comic Con. The show will
also an array of comic book and videogame creators and artists of every stripe
including Eric Basaldua, Howard Chaykin, Shane Davis, Michelle Delecki, Bob
Eggleton, Joe Eisma, Dave Johnson, Tyler Kirkham, Gerry Kissell, Joe Kubert,
Paul Maybury, Terry Naughton, Angus Oblong, Tommy Phillips, Andrew Robinson,
Dirk Strangely, Chris Summers, Marcio Takara, Ben Templesmith, Thom Zahler and
Christopher Yost.
Garth Ennis, the writer of Vertigo’s Preacher and
Hellblazer and Marvel’s PunisherMAX, has joined the roster of
creators scheduled to attend the
Baltimore Comic-Con.
The announcement of Garth Ennis as writer of the new series
from Dynamite Entertainment featuring pulp icon The Shadow was
greeted with trepidation by those only familiar with Ennis’ more infamous
and “colorful” works, such as DC/Vertigo’s Preacher, Dynamite’s
The Boys, and Avatar’s Crossed. But those acquainted with
Ennis’ writing on DC/Vertigo’s War Stories and Dynamite’s
Battlefields already knew him to be a meticulous researcher obsessed
with historical accuracy in his period pieces, and quite capable of dialing
back the excesses when appropriate.
SILVER SURFER #1 Item description:
1968, Origin Silver Surfer, 1st appearance in his own title Publisher:
Marvel Condition: CGC 6.0 FN Page Quality: Cream to Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Current Bid: $6
MAD LOT OF 19 ISSUES (25-135) AVG GRADE = 6.5 Current Bid: $1
ComicLink Comments:
Mad Lot of 19 issues including #(25, 31,. 35, 36, 37, 39, 50, 55, 60, 69, 70,
121, 122, 124, 125, 126, 130, 134, 135) AVG Grade for this lot = 6.5 with grades
ranging from 3.5 to 9.2
G.I. COMBAT #87 Item description:
1961, 1st Haunted Tank appearance Condition: CGC 3.0 GVG Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Restored Degree Of Restoration: Slight Amateur Restoration Current Bid: $21
3-D
TALES FROM THE CRYPT OF TERROR #2n Item description:
1954, Al Feldstein Cover Condition: CGC 8.5 VF+ Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Pedigree or Highlight: GAINES FILE COPY Starts At: $1 Number Of Bids: 0
The offered 3-D Tales from the Crypt of Terror #2 is a Gaines File Copy
Pedigree example, and has been certified at CGC's VF+ 8.5 tier. Further
enhancing its desirability, CGC has assigned its near perfect page quality
rating, Off-White to White Pages. This book comes with the original Gaines File
Copy certificate signed by Bill Gaines, Bob Overstreet and Russ Cochran.
The Gaines File Copies are examples of each issue published
that were personally hand-selected for quality by editor Bill Gaines, carefully
wrapped, and stored safely for decades. They are recognized for near-perfect
structure and very high page quality. As a rule, the best surviving examples of
ECs are Gaines File Copies.
EC put out groundbreaking comics in virtually every major
genre throughout their publishing history, but it was certainly their Horror
line -- Tales From the Crypt, Vault of Horror, and Haunt of
Fear -- that made them a household name. In fact, perhaps no other publisher
is as closely associated to a genre as EC is with Horror. Bill Gaines and Al
Feldstein were not the first editors to bring ghoulish tales to the pages of
comics, but starting with Haunt of Fear #15 (#1), Crime Patrol #15
and War Against Crime #10, they did it with an artistry and intelligence
that immediately set them apart in a growing field. Narrated by a terrible trio
of wise-cracking witches, EC's shocking tales of supernatural vengeance were
presented with a unique sense of humor that made them an instant hit with
readers hungry for edgy material. They were also among the first titles to come
under fire from industry critics for their subversive content and graphic
imagery, and were featured prominently within Dr. Fredric Wertham's scathing
indictment of the comic book industry, Seduction of the Innocent, which
led to the Congressional hearings examining the link between certain comics and
juvenile delinquency. By the middle of the 1950s, the Horror genre in comics had
been largely de-fanged by the Comics Code Authority but the lasting impact of
EC's Horror line is unmistakable. Not only would these classic comics spawn a
host of imitators within the comic book industry, but they would also serve as a
the creative inspiration in movies, books and television up to the present day.
ALL STAR COMICS #1 Item description:
1940, Flash, Spectre and Sandman cover. Hawkman appears. The issue also contains
an advertisement for Batman #1 and All-American #16. This is the
premiere issue of the title run that would bring the world the Justice Society
of America, DC's first super-team, usher in the first female superhero and
introduce the character of Wonder Woman. Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 5.5 FN- Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored CGC Grading Comments: 3 small pieces of tape on interior cover. Starts At: $1 Number Of Bids: 0
Auction Start Date:
5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
In 1940, DC capitalized on the success of some of its earliest characters with
the publication of this All Star Comics #1, which appeared in the summer
of that year. Flash, Hawkman, Spectre, Sandman and Hourman were brought in for
the launch of the title which shortly would premiere the Justice Society in
issue #3. This historic DC is extremely difficult to locate in unrestored middle
grade. To date, just a handful have been graded as unrestored in this range, and
obtaining one with the superlative eye appeal of this one, which presents
very strong for the assigned grade, would be a challenge. This book has nice
color, outstanding centering and registry, and near perfect Off-White to White
Pages.
ALL
WINNERS COMICS #1 Item description:
1941, Captain America, Human Torch & Sub-Mariner begin! Jack Kirby & Joe Simon
Captain America art; 1st appearance of the All Winners Squad in story's text by
Stan "The Man" Lee. Publisher: Marvel Condition: CGC 9.4 NM Page Quality: Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 2nd Highest CGC Graded Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012
8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This ComicLink Featured Auction presents a special opportunity for an advanced
collector to obtain Near Mint examples of the premiere Marvel (formerly known as
Timely) team-up book featuring three of the most enduring and popular
super-heroes -- Captain America, Human Torch, and Sub-Mariner. All
Winners Comics #1, introduced in 1941, launched the first
super-hero team-up book for Timely with this striking cover image that united
the three heroes under one logo. Having made a resounding impact, the All
Winners Comics series was not enough to satiate America's demand for its
fictional heroes taking it to the Nazis and the "Japs", so two years later,
Timely followed up with All Select Comics #1. All Winners Comics
and All-Select Comics were inextricably linked to the Golden Age of
Comics, and the Golden Age of Comics, in turn, was inextricably
linked to the era of World War II. It was during this time period when some of
the most inspired comic books were produced: covers beaming with the energy of
resolution and fight; inspired if propogandized depictions of Axis atrocities;
and, as the war years advanced, a powerful, anticipatory energy of victory for
America and its Allies. The super-heroes featured in All Winners Comics
and All-Select Comics represented something - something more
than just an exciting cover and a good yarn. Captain America was, and is,
symbolic of the democratic ideology of America's freedom and that of the entire
free world; Sub-Mariner was, and is, in the form of its expansive and stoic
oceans, the represention of the beautiful, natural world within which we thrive;
and the original Human Torch was an android that represented the technological
"fire power"of humanity, prescient in depicting humanity's ever present struggle
to balance technological advances and war machines with its need to respect the
Earth (Sub-Mariner battled the Human Torch for a reason). These "Big Three"
Timely super-heroes anchored all the major Timely titles during the war period,
and, brought on by the most tumultuous time in the history of the world, All
Winners Comics,All-Select Comics, Captain America Comics,
Marvel Mystery Comics, Sub-Mariner Comics and the Human
Torch provided some of the most inspired comic book works ever made.
Fluxing "back to the future" if you will, we find ourselves in the midst of
newer, increasingly dangerous times, with more advanced war machines than ever
before spreading to unstable nations across the globe. The pictures, words, and
representations within these comic books are more prescient now than during any
other time period since World War II ended over 6 decades ago. These themes are
timely once again...
About All Winners Comics #1 CGC 9.4:
The "Big Three" Timely superheroes -- Captain America, Human Torch and
Sub-Mariner -- leap off the cover of this larndmark first issue Timely from
1941! This important issue is the premiere team-up of the most popular Golden
Age Marvel super-heroes, and also of their super creators! Joining forces to
create this issue's immeasurable impact are Jack "The King" Kirby (co-creator of
Captain America), Bill Everett (the creator of the Sub-Mariner), and Carl
Burgos (the creator of the Human Torch) -- and this issue even has early work by
a young and talented Stan (eventually to be known as "the man") Lee!
The issue comes to us just a few months prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl
Harbor and America's full fledge entry into World War II, yet in depicting
Hitler within the pages of this comic book, Timely creators echoed the
sentiments around the nation that it was just a matter of time. Offered here for
the advanced collector is one of the two finest examples
of this key issue known to exist! Assigned CGC's true Near Mint grade of 9.4,
this 1941 example appears to the naked eye as if it were just published in
2012! The cover is fresh and clean, the colors are nice and bright, and the
interior has supple, off-white page preservation. It is an example that can
anchor most any distinguished Golden Age collection and we hope it finds a nice
home. The Overstreet Price Guide lists this item in uncertified 9.2, lower
than the CGC 9.4 condition offered, at $35,000. There are 3 9.2s graded by
CGC and only 1 9.4. This CGC 9.4 is obviously is considerably more valuable than
the uncertified 9.2 price estimate as well as a certified 9.2, but of course
what it is worth will ultimately be dictated by the result of this very auction!
JO-JO COMICS #11 Item description:
1948, Classic Kamen Bondage cover Condition: CGC 9.6 NM+ Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: Highest CGC Graded! Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date:
5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This upper Near Mint CGC 9.6 is not only the single highest graded example
that CGC has ever certified for Jo-Jo Comics #11, which sports a Classic
cover by the great Jack Kamen, but it is also, the only CGC 9.6 Jo-Jo
issue in the entire run from #1 to #29! In addition to its incredible,
unique preservation, this book also has near perfect Off-White to White Pages.
Jo-Jo is one of the top Good Girl Art titles, known for its
super-sexy covers and interior art, and it's been a perennial favorite among
collectors for decades and this Jack Kamen bondage cover of this 1948 issue is
considered a classic of the genre. It's extremely difficult to obtain high grade
examples - even assembling a quality middle grade collection is tough. The GGA
area of collecting has been around a long time, and the vast majority of
best-known examples were long ago absorbed into collections. This top-ranked
stunner is offered at no reserve.
Avengers #1 Grade: VF/NM 9.0 Page Quality:
Off-White to White CGC Rank: 4 CGC Number: 1097116001 Pedigree: none Date: 9/63
Category: Silver Age Marvels
Description: Killer VF/NM copy with fresh
off-white to white pages. Perfectly centered and registered (you simply can not
get more perfect). Very glossy and colorful. The corners are sharp, the edges
are smooth and the staples are tight. There are only a couple very tiny
transverse stress lines on the spine that knocks this baby down from a 9.2/9.4.
Origin and first appearance of the Avengers. Probably the hottest Marvel key
right now with the Avengers movie rapidly approaching. Trails only 17 total
copies (3 9.6's, 7 9.4's and 7 9.2's) out of over 1,540 submitted for CGC
notoriety. This blazer will not cost you an arm and a leg and is a as nice a
copy as we have seen in a while.
An Original Vintage Folded
World War II Poster (measures 20" x 28" [51 x 71 cm])
Artist: Georges Schreiber
Film Description: Back The Attack!, the 1943 U.S. World War II (WWII)
Home Front poster encouraging Americans to buy war bonds ("Back the Attack!";
"Buy War Bonds"; "3rd War Loan") featuring art of a soldier lying on the ground
holding his rifle in the ready position with paratroopers descending above him
by Georges Schreiber. If anyone knows more about this poster, please
e-mail us and we will post it here.
Important Added Info: Note that this poster was folded at one time but
has been laying flat for a long time and will be sent rolled in a tube.
Overall Condition: good to very good.
There are light brown stains scattered throughout the poster and there is some
paper loss in the top corners. (Learn
More)
Action Comics #30 Billy Wright pedigree (DC,
1940) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages. First
appearance and death of Zolar. Jack Burnley, Sheldon Moldoff, George Papp, and
Bernard Baily art. Overstreet 2011 VF 8.0 value = $2,562. CGC census 4/12: 3 in
8.0, 8 higher.
All Select Comics #3 (Timely, 1944) CGC VF+
8.5 Cream to off-white pages. Some of these early
All-Selects don't seem to come up for sale often, and this is the first #3
we've offered in six years. Alex Schomburg cover art. Overstreet 2011 VF 8.0
value = $1,744; VF/NM 9.0 value = $2,822. CGC census 4/12: 1 in 8.5, 1 higher.
Large Feature Comic (Series I) #5 Tarzan of
the Apes (Dell, 1939) CGC VF/NM 9.0 Cream to off-white pages.
The first all-Tarzan comic book. Some old school collectors call this one
Black and White #5, and this one was one of the more sought after comics in
the hobby in the early days (it had the same Overstreet value as Detective
#1 at one time). It reprints the first Hal Foster Tarzan dailies from
1929. This is the first VF/NM copy we have offered. Overstreet 2011 VF/NM 9.0
value = $2,049; NM- 9.2 value = $2,900. CGC census 4/12: 1 in 9.0, none higher.
You are the youngest Captain in Starfleet. Your Lieutenants
gather around you, desperately vying for your approval and catering to your
every whim. They go on Away Missions to distant worlds and return with strange
new foods. (Rigelian cabbage? Yuck!) Then there was that Red Shirt that your
Chief Momular Officer called "Uncle Joe." Gosh, wasn't he annoying with the
relentless games of Got Your Nose? You couldn't be more pleased that he never
returned (and that you got your nose back before he left).
Galloping around the cosmos is a game for the young and you
have your whole youth ahead of you. Take your seat in your Inflatable Captain's
Chair, assemble your bridge crew, and start exploring. Invented at ThinkGeek,
this chair is suitable for wee geeks aged 3 to small adult, or up to about 120
pounds. The arms are printed with all sorts of buttons and and lights to
encourage imagination play, including setting Red or Yellow Alerts or
jettisoning the pod. All that's missing is the most adorable Captain in the
quadrant - your kid!
Along with comic book creators like Howard Chaykin, Dave
Johnson and Joe Kubert, the May 25-27, 2012
Texas International Comic Con will feature a full slate of media
guests.
Among the celebrities making the journey to Houston’s George
R. Brown Convention Center for the show will be Kristin Bauer (True Blood),
Michael Biehn (The Terminator), Julie Caitlin Brown (Babylon 5),
Claudia Christian (Babylon 5), Britt Griffith (Ghost Hunters),
Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters),
Christopher Judge (Stargate: SG-1), Richard LeParmentier (Star Wars
Episode IV: A New Hope), Rachel Luttrell (Stargate Atlantis),
Peter Mayhew (Star Wars), David Prowse (Star Wars), Chandler
Riggs (The Walking Dead), Kevin Sorbo (Hercules) and George
Takei (Star Trek).
Upon its original release in 2004, The Monolith
attracted a cult following. After its 12-issue run ended in 2005, creators Jimmy
Palmiotti and Justin Gray regularly noted a strong demand for a collected
edition of the series. For much of that time, fans (and Palmiotti and Gray)
hoped that DC Comics, which had originally published the series, would offer it
in trade paperback form.
This week, though, the creators announced that the rights had
reverted to them, and they’re moving quickly to get The Monolith back
in print. In July 2012 Image Comics will release an oversize, European-style
hardcover album of the first three issues.
With a price worthy of its historic stature, a recently
discovered 1823 printing of the
Declaration of Independence, painstakingly
engraved and printed by William Stone to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the
founding of The United States, sold for $597,500, more than doubling its
pre-auction estimate, at auction in New York on April 11, 2012. It was purchased
by an anonymous East Coast buyer and was considered the centerpiece of the
Heritage Auctions
Historical Manuscripts Signature Auction.
I.M. Chait’s industry-leading Natural History sales are a
showcase for once-in-a-lifetime specimens, like the spectacular meteorite from
Mars that headlines the company’s May 6, 2012 auction. Extraordinarily rare, the
fist-size rock that landed in an African desert last July 18 probably took
hundreds of millions of years to travel from Mars to earth.
It is known as the Tissint Meteorite – a reference to the name
of the Moroccan town nearest to where nomads in the Oued Drâa valley found the
fusion-crusted stone after it made its dramatic landing. According to
eyewitnesses, a yellow fireball streaked across the sky, turned a bright green
color, then split into two parts as two loud sonic booms were emitted. Experts
would later determine – amid much excitement – that the specimens found near
Tissint had originated on Mars.
Ask any regular who attends auctions conducted by Mosby & Co.,
and they’ll tell you what the Maryland-based company is best known for:
everything. Owner Keith Spurgeon makes a point of personally selecting only the
most interesting, best-quality pieces from dozens of collecting categories for
his well-attended sales.
Spurgeon’s April 28, 2012 Spring Antiques Auction, which will
be held at the Mosby & Co. gallery in the Washington suburb of Frederick, Md.,
features 550 lots that range from sculptures, clocks and an old collection of
Chinese soapstone to toys, historic Americana and a spectacular assortment of
19th- and early 20th-century posters.
The approximately 100 pieces of soapstone, to be apportioned
into 30 lots, are from a single-owner collection that was started 60 years ago.
“It’s a completely unpicked collection. It hasn’t been touched in 30 years,”
said Spurgeon, who regards the contents as a buying opportunity for dealers or
those who may be seeking a way to get into the Asian art market.
If all the nautical toys in the world were lined up in a
single fleet, their captain would surely be Dick Claus, whose magnificent
30-year collection of antique boats is being offered in two parts this year by
Bertoia Auctions of Vineland, New Jersey. Part I of the Claus collection, a
220-lot array of ships and related toys, will be auctioned on Saturday, May 12,
2012. Part II will be sold in November.
Led by some of the finest known examples of Marklin ships, the
May 12 auction roster will bring to life the colorful images seen in Claus’s
2005 reference book The Allure of Toy Ships: American & European Nautical
Toys from the 19th and 20th Centuries.
“I’ve read Dick’s book cover to cover probably 50 times, but
the privilege of handling and cataloging the toys in his collection taught me
double what I thought I knew. There’s nothing like seeing and examining items of
this quality firsthand. This is a collection that merits the attention of all
ship collectors,” said Bertoia Auctions specialist Rich Bertoia
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents
The Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a
look at one of our inductees each week in Scoop.
Writer, artist, toy designer, businessman. All of these titles
and others apply to Todd McFarlane, the former Spider-Man writer-artist who
capitalized on incredible sales in 1992 and co-founded Image Comics. Following a
back-up story in Coyote, which was then published by Marvel's Epic
imprint, McFarlane began quickly making a name for himself. After illustrating
Batman: Year Two and Infinity, Inc. at DC Comics and
Incredible Hulk at Marvel, he landed the art duties on Amazing
Spider-Man. After 28 issues on that series, he launched a new one, simply
Spider-Man, which he wrote and illustrated. He parlayed the
overwhelming sales for that series into the launch of Image Comics, where he
wrote and illustrated his own series, Spawn, and created many others.
McFarlane has built his McFarlane Toys into a serious force in the toy business,
and continues to work in various areas in entertainment in addition to comics.
It was the home of Uncle Sam and work by Will Eisner, among
others, when it was published by Quality Comics in the 1950s. Now it’s returning
as a showcase (that’s lower case “s” showcase) for DC’s non-mainstream New 52
characters.
In July 2012 Black Dog Books will release the trade paperback
edition of The Spider: Satan’s Murder Machines, the feature novel
published in the December 1939 issue of The Spider magazine.
WONDER WOMAN DRAWING Primary Artist Name: ADAM HUGHES Secondary Artist Name: Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date:
5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
Adam Hughes is among the most respected and widely collected artists of the
Modern era and his originals are highly coveted. His tonal marker drawings (most
often of lovely female heroes) are especially desirable and they have become
much harder to acquire as collector demand outpaced the artist's ability to
produce them. The offered piece is a fine image of Wonder Woman, hands on hips,
conveying both youthful beauty and steely power. Signed with a distinctive "AH!"
at the lower left, this work on paper measures approximately 9" x 10".
WEIRD SCIENCE-FANTASY #23 Item description:
1954, 1ST ISSUE! Wood cover and art Condition: CGC 9.4 NM Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: Highest CGC Graded! Pedigree or Highlight: GAINES
FILE COPY Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012
8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This CGC 9.4 upper Near Mint from the Gaines File Copy Pedigree Collection is
the highest graded for this issue, and 1 of only 2 ever certified at this
top tier. Adding to its desirability, CGC has assigned its perfect page quality
designation of White Pages, making this example the very best 9.4 attainable.
The Gaines File Copies are examples of each issue published
that were personally hand-selected for quality by editor Bill Gaines, carefully
wrapped, and stored safely for decades. They are recognized for near-perfect
structure and very high page quality. As a rule, the best surviving examples of
ECs are Gaines File Copies.
EC’s Science Fiction line, comprised of the matched set
Weird Fantasy and Weird Science and later the combined Weird
Science-Fantasy and Incredible Science Fiction titles, not only
featured top of the line art, but also groundbreaking stories and content. Where
else can you find artists like Wally Wood, Joe Orlando, Frank Frazetta, and Al
Williamson adapting stories by iconic authors such as Ray Bradbury, Issac Azimov,
and Harlan Ellison? EC’s original stories, penned by editors Bill Gaines and Al
Feldstein, were equally compelling, often using tales of the future to address
pressing social issues of the day. Space Opera comics of the Flash Gordon
variety had been around since the dawn of the comic book industry, but these
EC’s were probably the first true Science Fiction comics.
WESTERN ACTION THRILLERS #1 Condition: CGC 9.0 VFNM Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: Highest CGC Graded! Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date:
5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This 1937… yes 1937 issue of Western Action Thrillers is trully a freak
of nature! Not surprisingly so this example is the single highest graded
example by a long shot. The only other examples ever certified by CGC are two
lonely 4.5's. This issue has the honnor of being the second oldest Western title
ever published, topped only by two months by the oldest title. Adding to the
shock value this stunning example has near perfect Off-White to White Pages.
FANTASTIC FOUR #5 Item description:
1962, 1st Doctor Doom appearance! Publisher: Marvel Condition: CGC 9.4 NM Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 2nd Highest CGC Graded Starts At: $1 Number Of
Bids: 0
Auction Start Date:
5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments: Fantastic Four #5, introducing Dr. Doom, is not only very
difficult to locate in high-grade, but the handful of examples at CGC 9.4 are
rarely offered for sale. Case in point: this is the first time we have ever
offered a CGC 9.4 and have only sold two 9.2's. Doctor Doom is one of the most
powerful and important villains in the Marvel Universe and his introduction in
this very early Fantastic Four issue is a major landmark in comic book
history. The offered example is 1 of only 8 in 9.4 and just a single 9.6 -- has
ever been certified higher. This one also has exquisitely preserved pages, at
CGC's perfect White page designation, making this example the next best to the
single 9.6. Collector demand for high grade examples of early issues from this
flagship Silver Age Marvel run continues to rise, overwhelming the very limited
supply of quality examples that do come available for sale.
An Undated
(probably 1960s) Re-Release Vintage Theater-Used Folded Indian Movie Poster
(measures 30" x 40 1/2" [76 x 103 cm])
Artist: Nachankar
Film Description: The Secret Code, the 1942 Spencer G. Bennet World
War II (WWII)-era military spy espionage action serial ("This is a secret
code! 'Bwroeeygns Eaefnmate' Decoded it means 'Beware of Enemy Agents'";
"the hair-raising chapter play"; "Savage saboteurs match wits with America's
bravest band of secret agents!") starring Paul Kelley, Anne Nagel, Trevor
Bardette, Rudolph Anders, and Ludwig Donath (best remembered for playing Al
Jolson's father in both Jolson biographical movies)
Overall Condition: good to very good.
The poster is somewhat brittle and there is some tattering along the
foldlines and edges. The poster is otherwise in pretty nice condition.
Amazing Spider-Man #129 Grade: NM+ 9.6
Page Quality: White CGC Rank: 2 CGC Number: 1039356001 Pedigree: none Date: 2/74
Category: Bronze Age Marvels Description: First ever Punisher appearance!!
Scintillating NM+ copy with BONE WHITE pages. Has unreal colors and gloss and a
NM/M look. Absolutely flawless and deserving of a 9.8 grade. Razor-sharp edges
and corners and a PERFECT spine. Introduction of the Jackal too.
Avengers #11 Grade: NM+ 9.6 Page Quality:
White CGC Rank: 2 CGC Number: 0707484018 Pedigree: none Date: 12/64 Category:
Silver Age Marvels Description: Look at this blazer!! Unreal 9.6 copy that
stands as the second finest known Avengers #11 behind only the Pacific Coast
9.8. This smoker is as close to 9.8 as possible and it is PERFECTLY cut and
centered with unreal eye appeal, scary ink reflectivity and the absolute WHITEST
PAGES you will ever see. Classic early Spider-Man cover and appearance and a
great all-around issue. The high 9.6 sale came from our November, 2009 Grand
Auction for $5,450 and that one had off-white/white pages. There was a recent
9.6 sale (from October, 2011) for $4,350 but this copy can not be beat as far as
9.6's are concerned.
DC Comics and Marvel Comics narrowly led the way with 11
nominations and two shared nominations each, trailed by IDW Publishing with 11
nominations and Dark Horse Comics with 10 as the nominees for the 2012 Will
Eisner Comic Industry Awards were announced on Wednesday, April 4.
Other publishers with multiple nominations included
Fantagraphics, First Second, NBM, Abrams Comic Arts, Archaia, Drawn and
Quarterly, Oni, Image Comics, Candlewick, and Pantheon, among others.
Ballots are scheduled to be sent to comics creators,
publishers, editors, and retailers in April. The winners are set to be announced
at Eisner Awards dinner at Comic-Con International: San Diego on Friday, July
13.
The latest installment of IDW Publishing’s Artist’s
Edition series, Sergio Aragonés' Groo the Wanderer: Artist's Edition
is scheduled to go on sale in July 2012.
As with the other books in the series, the black and white
line artwork is reproduced at its full size in color, so all the blue pencil
design and editorial marks, paste-ups, and other production work show right
along with all the detailed artwork (and with Sergio Aragonés, it’s fair to say
there is a lot of detail). The book will collect the four-part
storyline "The Wager of the Gods," which originally appeared in Groo the
Wanderer #96-99.
The Groo volume joins the already released Dave Stevens’
The Rocketeer: Artist’s Edition, Walter Simonson’s Mighty Thor:
Artist’s Edition, Wally Wood’s EC Stories: Artist’s Edition, and
John Romita’s Amazing Spider-Man: Artist’s Edition, and the previously
announced Will Eisner’s The Spirit: Artist’s Edition and David
Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil Born Again: Artist’s Edition in the line-up for
the series.
For a limited time,
Radio Archives is offering a great introduction
to classic pulps for just 1¢. Readers can download The Spider #11 (Prince
of the Red Looters), part of the Will Murray Pulp Classics line, for just a
penny. The story, which first saw print in 1934, features The Spider’s momentous
battle with The Fly and his armies of crazed criminal killers.
For those who have been unsure about digging into the
wonderful world of pulps this is a perfect opportunity to give one of these
fantastic yarns a real test run. With a full introduction to the Spider written
by famed pulp historian and author Will Murray, The Spider #11 was
written by one of pulp’s most respected authors, Norvell W. Page. Writing as
Grant Stockbridge, Page’s stories included some of the most bizarre and fun
takes on heroes and crime fighting in the history of escapist fiction.
Avengers, Powers and
Scarlett scribe Brian Michael Bendis has signed a deal to write his
first non-fiction book for Random House, according to The Hollywood Reporter’s
Heat Vision blog.
Words for Pictures: The Art and Business of Graphic
Novels, which grew out of material Bendis prepared
when teaching a graphic-novel writing course at Portland State University, is
scheduled to be published in 2013.
“Our long-running relationship with the Central States
Numismatic Society and conducting its annual convention’s official auction
is alive and well,” said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage, “as is our
tradition of bringing important rarities to those auctions. The 1792 Silver
Center cent is tremendously important to the history of U.S. coinage –
arguably far more so than a number of better-known and more celebrated
rarities.”
A remarkable cross-category collection of vintage toy
airplanes, three outstanding train collections and more than 400 lots of dolls
and accessories will join a widely varied array of other fine toys to form the
core of Morphy’s May 11-12, 2012 auction.
The Friday session starts with a major offering of antique and
vintage trains that comprises a good 40% of the 1,615-lot sale. “Every train
collector will find something that pleases them,” said Dan Morphy, CEO of Morphy
Auctions. “There are hundreds of prewar, postwar and contemporary trains of many
different gauges.”
The railroad selection boasts many sought-after brands –
Marklin, Bing, Ives, Dorfan, Lionel and American Flyer. There are even two rare
sets by American Flyer’s predecessor, Edmond-Metzel – one with original box and
three Chicago passenger cars.
Within the German train group are coveted early Marklin O
gauge sets, a handsome Bing 1 gauge set, and half a dozen mostly hand-painted
buildings and stations, including a Leipzig station. “Golden age” highlights
include an American Flyer President’s Special with original box and a Lionel
#400 freight set with some of its original individual boxes.
If all the nautical toys in the world were lined up in a
single fleet, their captain would surely be Dick Claus, whose magnificent
30-year collection of antique boats is being offered in two parts this year by
Bertoia Auctions of Vineland, New Jersey. Part I of the Claus collection, a
220-lot array of ships and related toys, will be auctioned on Saturday, May 12,
2012. Part II will be sold in November.
Led by some of the finest known examples of Marklin ships, the
May 12 auction roster will bring to life the colorful images seen in Claus’s
2005 reference book The Allure of Toy Ships: American & European Nautical
Toys from the 19th and 20th Centuries.
“I’ve read Dick’s book cover to cover probably 50 times, but
the privilege of handling and cataloging the toys in his collection taught me
double what I thought I knew. There’s nothing like seeing and examining items of
this quality firsthand. This is a collection that merits the attention of all
ship collectors,” said Bertoia Auctions specialist Rich Bertoia.
The collection’s flagship is the large and impressive Marklin
Chicago paddlewheeler featured on the dust jacket cover of Claus’s
book. It sits at the very top of the list of select favorites that Claus
retained in his private collection after publication of his book.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents
The Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a
look at one of our inductees each week in Scoop.
Whether one knows his work from his long run on the Tarzan
newspaper strip, a too-brief stint on the Star Wars newspaper strip, or
creating the comic book series Magnus Robot Fighter, the illustrations
of Russ Manning (1929-1981) pack clean, crisp line work and solid storytelling
into every panel. With a design sense dictated by the stories (His Star Wars
or Magnus are substantially different than his Tarzan), he
became influential with comic artists, even though his work was never published
by Marvel or DC.
When writer Otto Binder penned the very first Supergirl story,
"The Supergirl from Krypton," in May 1959's Action Comics #252, he was
already well-versed in the formula of creating female counterparts to popular
superheroes. He'd already had a hand in the debut of Mary Marvel in 1942.
Several versions of Supergirl have cropped up over time, but more often than
not, her origin remains the same: she is Kara Zor-El, cousin to Superman, sent
to Earth just before the destruction of Krypton. In the 1980s, she briefly
departed from that formula in Superman volume 2 #16, where Supergirl
was a protoplasmic creation of Lex Luthor's in a parallel Earth.
All in all, sometimes it seems that Supergirl hasn't really gotten a fair shake
as a superheroine. In the '50s, Jimmy Olsen wished her into existence, then
decided to wish her out of existence after it appeared that she was "getting in
Superman's way."
That storyline seemed to be a meta-statement on the problems of the character,
as Supergirl seemed to crop up sporadically each decade, adopted by Fred and
Edna Danvers and taking the name Linda Danvers in the '60s, attending college in
the early '70s, receiving her own title in 1972 (and seeing it end just ten
issues later), and having more attention paid to the changing of her costume
design than to her heroic feats.
WONDER COMICS #19 Item description:
1948, Alex Schomburg cover Condition: CGC 8.0 VF Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 2nd Highest CGC Graded Starts At: $1
Start Date:
5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This series is well-known among collectors for its outstanding airbrush cover
art by fan favorite artist Alex Schomburg. The prolific Schomburg produced many
covers for Timely, Nedor and other Golden Age publishers who recognized that
covers by the leading artist meant better sales at the newsstands. This
Wonder Comics issue 19, published in 1948, is the second highest graded
example ever certified by CGC , and grades at CGC's high grade 8.0 tier. Nearly
impossible in any grade above VF, only 2 examples have been certified in the
offered condition, with jus 2 higher at 9.4 Adding to its desirability, it has
near perfect Off-White to White Pages.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #549 PAGE COVER Primary Artist Name: DAVE FINCH Secondary Artist Name: Year: 2007 Starts At: $1
Start Date:
5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
Dave Finch has quickly built a name for himself in the industry and collectors
are chasing his best work. So, it's not often that a cover piece like this makes
its way to the public auction blocks. Finch really knocked it out of the park on
this cover page from the wildly popular Marvel series, Amazing Spider-Man,
and was used as the Brand New Day variant cover to issue #549. Featuring
huge images of Spider-Man battling the latest Marvel babe, Jackpot, this
amazing piece has a dark, shadowy feel while the intricate ink and pencil
work make this piece shine bright through the shadows. Jackpot's metallic
costume practically glows off the page like a three dimensional object. General
Marvel fans will be competing with the Finch fanatics to take home this modern
masterpiece and should be proudly displayed on the winners mantle as one of
Finch's finest covers. This art has an image area of approximately 10” x 15"
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Folded Australian Daybill Movie Poster (db; measures 14 1/4" x 35
1/4" [36 x 90 cm]) (Learn
More)
Artist: Richardson Studio
Film Description: Her Jungle Love, the 1938 George Archainbaud South
Pacific Islands tropical romantic adventure thriller ("in Technicolor") starring
Dorothy Lamour, Ray Milland (he was a major star of the 1940s, and he evolved
from leading man to character actor and continued appearing in many movies until
his death in 1986, but he was far from an overnight success!; he started in 1929
playing bit parts at the age of 24, and it was not until seven years later that
he achieved stardom, after having appeared in 33 movies in minor uncredited
roles), Lynne Overman, J. Carrol Naish, Dorothy Howe, and Leonore Sabine
Important Added Info: Note that this poster has been trimmed and it now
measures 14 1/4" x 35 1/4" [36 x 90 cm]. Also note that this poster was folded
at one time but has been laying flat for a long time and will be sent rolled in
a tube.
Overall Condition: good to very good. The
borders around the edges of the poster have been unevenly trimmed. There are a
few tiny black dot stains scattered throughout the poster including one in
Lamour's cheek at upper center. There are several 1" and smaller tears around
the edges of the poster that have been repaired with clear tape from the back.
There are horizontal creases scattered throughout the poster but they are not
very distracting. The poster is otherwise in nice condition, especially
considering its age, and it displays pretty well but if one chose to have it
linenbacked it would look fantastic!
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Folded Chapter #6 (Human Beasts) One-Sheet Movie Poster (1sh;
measures 27" x 41" [69 x 104 cm]) (Learn
More)
Film Description: The Lost City of the Legurian, the 1935 Harry Revier
Africa science fiction (sci-fi) jungle safari action adventure serial
("High-Voltage Action! Electrifying Thrills! Thunderbolt Drama!"; produced by
Sherman S. Krellberg) starring William 'Stage' Boyd (he was a Broadway stage
actor that appeared in a few movies; he died in 1935, and that same year,
another "William Boyd" appeared in the title role of the movie "Hop-a-long
Cassidy", and that William Boyd went on to huge success as "Hopalong Cassidy",
and later the William Boyd who appeared in the movie became known as "William
'Stage' Boyd", as a way to distinguish him from the Hopalong Cassidy actor, but
of course, that nickname was never used during his lifetime!), Kane Richmond,
Claudia Dell, George 'Gabby' Hayes (the #1 "sidekick" of leading B-western
cowboy stars, he made 190 movies, and appeared with William Boyd as Hopalong
Cassidy, John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Randolph Scott, and after movies, he hosted
"The Gabby Hayes Show" on television!), Josef Swickard, Ralph Lewis, Billy
Bletcher, Eddie Fetherson, Gino Carrado, Jerry Frank "and 500 others"
Important Added Info: Note that this poster was folded at one time but
has been laying flat for a long time and will be sent rolled in a tube.
Overall Condition: very good. There are a
few 1 1/2" and smaller tears around the edges of the poster that have been
repaired with tape from the back. The poster is otherwise in pretty nice
condition, especially considering its age, and it displays well and if one chose
to have it linenbacked it would look great!
I'm really glad to see the current success
of "The Hunger Games" in theaters. I haven't read Suzanne Collins'
young adult books, and I haven't yet seen the movie, but it is
encouraging to see Hollywood take a bold step and make something
original. Perhaps Hollywood's greatest sin--and, boy, does this place
have some doozies!--is its need to imitate and clone instead of lead and
innovate.
DC Announces Before Watchmen: Eight Prequel Series
The Internet exploded when DC Comics announced an event
that comics fans have been hoping for--and arguing against--for years:
they're creating eight prequel series to Watchmen, Alan Moore and
Dave Gibbons' iconic comic book series that changed the industry in the
'80s and brought a whole new audience to comics.
Before Watchmen tells the stories Alan Moore doesn't want
fans to read, but let's face it: we won't be able to resist scooping up
each #1 issue and judging for ourselves, and we're betting your visitors
feel the same. Here are some details you'll want to share:
DC has stacked the decks by hiring some of today's most exciting talent.
Eisner-winning writers Darwyn Cooke (New Frontier) and Brian
Azzarello (100 Bullets). Powerhouse writer J. Michael Straczynski
(Superman: Earth One). Fan-favorite artists Amanda Conner (Power
Girl) and Andy Kubert (Flashpoint). And that's just to start!
We're making it easy for customers to follow all the action at our
Before Watchmen page. Remind your visitors to check back near
the end of April, when we'll be posting the second wave of Before
Watchmen series.
While you're at it, remember to promote the original: the
Watchmen TPB is now in stock at TFAW. Use this as your
opportunity to support one of the industry's most critically acclaimed
and celebrated books!
Get ready for the return of a champion that will
rock the Marvel Universe! This May, the five-part
Exiled miniseries brings Asgard to Earth. An adventure with
the New Mutants, plus Loki, Thor, Sif, Tyr, Hela, The Warriors Three,
and Mephisto? It’s a must-read in our book!
A forgotten hero returns--mightier than Thor himself--but will the truth
behind his exile consume them all? Gods will be made mortal, and humans
will be their only hope for survival! Exiled is a thrilling
mythological mystery adventure in the Mighty Marvel manner!
The New Mutants have a long and storied history with Asgard, and we’re
excited to see Kieron Gillen and Andy Lanning continue the tradition,
with artist Carmine Di Giandomenico.
Make sure to let your visitors know about Exiled #1, as well as
New Mutants #42-43 and Journey Into Mystery #637-638 in
May. Click
here to see them all!
Cary Nord has signed as Valiant Entertainment’s
first exclusive creator, the company has announced. The Eisner Award-winning
artist will debut the company’s new X-O Manowar #1 with writer Robert
Venditti, in comic shops on May 2, 2012.
When is a teenage mutant ninja turtle not a teenage mutant
ninja turtle? When is a $2 billion franchise not good enough? When will
Hollywood ever stop thinking they’re so much smarter than the folks paying to
see their movies?
Transformers director Michael
Bay, who is producing the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live
action and animated hybrid feature film, touched off a firestorm of controversy
among TMNT fans last week when he announced the characters wouldn’t so much be
mutants as aliens from outer space.
Over the last few weeks, The Annapolis Comic-Con, which was
held March 24-25, 2012, was one of the comic book conventions what we previewed.
And from the feedback we’re getting, it’s a show that has definitely found its
audience.
“The Annapolis Comic-Con was a small show that managed to act
like a big con. There were plenty of dealers with comics and toys, an impressive
selection of guests, well considered panels that were attended by large numbers
of people, and over a thousand fans came through the door on Saturday alone,”
said writer-artist Mark Wheatley, one of the show’s guests.
The March Grand Auction at
Pedigree Comics has wrapped up with total sales of $989,359 and with
post-auction transactions that total will exceed $1 million, Doug Schmell, the
company’s President and CEO, told Scoop.
The auction, which kicked off March 12 and concluded March 22,
2012, saw 490 CGC-certified comics up for bid and 95% of them sell, he said.
“The auction was a success. We were happy to see many new
bidders in the auction, collectors who had just recently found our site,” he
said.
The Berwick Discovery of Lost Movie Posters, a collection of
33 rare posters dating back as far as 1930 and some of which were thought to be
lost for all time, realized $503,035 to lead Heritage Auctions’ $1.93 million
March 23-24, 2012
Vintage Movie Poster Auction. The total was more than double the pre-auction
estimate for the collection.
A rare 1931
Dracula style F one-sheet, which sold to an anonymous overseas
collector, led the auction with a price realized of $143,400. One of the biggest
surprises of the collection was the $101,575 price realized for for 1931’s
Cimarron, the first Western to win the Best Picture Academy Award. All
prices include buyer’s premium.
An overflow crowd gathered at Morphy Auctions’ gallery on
March 17, 2012 to bid on selections from the late Frank Zygmunt, Sr.’s personal
collection of antique slot, coin-op, gambling and mechanical music machines. The
415-lot auction, which also included early Coca-Cola items and other types of
antique advertising, grossed $942,000 (all prices quoted inclusive of 20%
buyer’s premium).
Zygmunt, a Chicago-area dealer and collector who founded the
antique slot machine and jukebox business known as Zygmunt & Associates 25 years
ago, was a prominent figure in coin-op circles. For his personal collection, he
favored rarities like a Caille nickel-finish double upright oak-cased slot
machine, whose design combines 5-cent Eclipse and 25-cent Centaur models.
Entered in the sale with an $80,000-$120,000 estimate, the lot that Morphy’s had
predicted would finish in first place lived up to its expectations, garnering
$114,000.
It might not seem like the men behind the Junior
Justice Society of America were taking a big risk. After all, they were
following their highly successful formula of combining their top characters into
the appropriately named All Star Comics and the equally profitable
concept of their Supermen of America club. Between a world at war and corporate
in-fighting, though, things weren't as easy as they looked.
Gathered Together
When the superhero tide started, it took no time at all for it to become a
deluge of super-powered, mystically charged, and flat out weirdly attired crime
fighters to become the norm in comics publishing. From the first appearance of
Superman in Action Comics #1 (June 1938) until the emergence of the
Justice Society of America, the children of America found newsstands suddenly
awash in superheroes.
Prior to the group's first appearance in All Star Comics #3 (November
1940) none of the publishers had cobbled their characters into a super team. In
hindsight it's easy to wonder how it actually took someone so long to think of
it. Numerous times during the preceding months publishers had put more than one
feature character on the cover. By June 1940, Timely's Human Torch and
Sub-Mariner, their two main mainstays, had done battle in a story, but it wasn't
even close to the congregation of characters gathered together witnessed in
All Star.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents
The Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a
look at one of our inductees each week in Scoop.
“Captain America Foils the Traitor’s Revenge,” a text piece in
Captain America Comics #3 (May 1941) might not have been the most
auspicious debut in the history of the comics, but it is nonetheless an
important event. It marked the first published comic book work of young Stanley
Martin Lieber, better known as Stan Lee, the writer, editor, creator,
co-creator, publisher and pitchman who developed and relentlessly promoted the
identity of Marvel Comics.
Comedian and actor Paul Reubens grew up in Sarasota, Florida, the
winter home of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. After
graduation, he moved to Hollywood and joined the Groundlings comedy troupe.
Along with fellow Groundlings member Phil Hartman, he developed the funny but
geeky man-child alter ego of Pee-Wee Herman in 1978, inspired by the fun of the
circus and the slapstick comedy of the 1950s kids TV show hosted by Pinky Lee.
Ozzie Nelson, born Oswald George Nelson (1906-1975) began in show
business with his own orchestra in 1930. Harriet Hilliard (1909-1994) joined
Ozzie as a singer in 1932. Venues like the Glen Island Casino led to their
headlining the Baker’s Broadcast radio show with hosts including Joe
Penner and cartoonists Robert Ripley and Feg Murray. They joined the cast of the
Red Skelton radio show from 1941 to 1944.
He started out as a fan, established a broad base of
historical and contemporary knowledge about the field, developed as a writer,
and eventually became the leader of one of the two biggest comic book companies.
After writing and co-publishing the long-lived fanzine The Comic Reader,
Paul Levitz could have called it a day and still been lauded for his
contributions to the four color world.
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Folded Six-Sheet Movie Poster (6sh; measures 81" x 81" [206 x 206
cm]) (Learn
More)
Artist: Ken Sawyer
Film Description: The Deadly Mantis, the 1957 Nathan Juran Universal
giant insect praying mantis science fiction (sci-fi) monster horror thriller
("This was the day that engulfed the world in terror!"; "The most dangerous
monster that ever lived!"; "Out of a million years ago...a thousand tons of
horror!"; "Shattering the icy shackles!"; "Hungering for human prey!"; "Dwarfing
man's machines!"; "Jet planes can't stop him"; "Flamethrowers no avail!";
"Trapped by science!"; "This was the day that engulfed the world in terror!")
starring Craig Stevens, Alix Talton, William Hopper, Florenz Ames, and Donald
Randolph
Important Added Info: Note that this six-sheet was printed in 4 sections
designed to overlap.
Overall Condition: very good. There are
some creases and several tears along the foldlines that were on the outside when
the poster was fully folded. There are some creases, smudges, and tiny tears on
some foldlines, and some tiny paper loss at some crossfolds. There are pinholes
in the corners.
1950s to 1960s. Complete with bracket (not
original). Piece lights up but does not revolve. Clean overall with some
discoloration to the red, white, and blue panel.
Condition (Good - Excellent). Size 13" T.
Circa 1920s. Great color and graphics with kids at
party table. Some tiny surface spots and nicks with mild to light border marks
and scratches and minimal outer ege rim nicks or wear.
Condition (Excellent). Size 13 - 1/4" x 10 - 1/2".
SOLDIER OF FORTUNE MAGAZINE
AMBUSHES THE COMIC BOOK WORLD
Sergeant Rock. Sergeant Fury. GI Joe. Even the super soldier
Captain America made names for themselves as strong military and paramilitary
icons on the pages of comic books. Now, Soldier of Fortune Magazine, partnering
with Bluewater Productions is adding to the long and distinguished legacy with
the introduction of a new ongoing comic book series Soldier of Fortune Presents:
Stealth.
The new action-adventure series, which is scheduled to debut in
June written by NY Best Selling author Marc Shapiro & drawn by Steven Black,
centers around a fictional secret special ops team hired by the government to do
the jobs that the military is incapable of doing for either practical or
political reasons.
"Finally a real adventure graphic novel for real men," said Lt. Col. Robert K.
Brown, USAR (Ret.), publisher of Soldier of Fortune Magazine.
According to Stealth’s writer and Army veteran Marc Shapiro Stealth is all about
when the bad guys don't play by the rules, the good guys need the equalizer.
"I'm writing Soldiers Of Fortune with the idea of creating the ultimate war
comic. Lots of action, lots of humor, lots of character and more firepower than
you can shake a bazooka at. Big guns. Big attitude. Guts and grit.”
“This book is it. I'm putting everything I have into every panel in hopes that
the reader will be as passionate about this book as I am,” said artist Steven
Black.
One of the interesting twists to the development and production of the title is
the concept of product realism. Several of Soldier of Fortune Magazine’s
advertisers will be featured in the pages of the comic in terms of product
placements.
“If a character is using a grenade launcher, firearm or any piece of
paramilitary hardware it will be an accurate depiction of a current brand,” said
Bluewater president Darren Davis. “This is the first time we have taken this
approach. As long as it fits the narrative, readers will see a little bit of
realism. There is so much excitement here on this project that our licensing
agent is already looking to make this a TV series and toys based of the
character designs that Ramon Salas did for this project!”
Davis notes that several SOF advertisers have jumped on the bandwagon including
bestselling author Scott Bolan.
The first issue kicks off with, “One of Our Nukes Is Missing.” Drawn by Steven
Black, the 32-page first issue retails for $3.99 and will be available through
traditional retail and online outlets including the Soldier of Fortune website.
The comic book will feature two covers one by Black and the other by Filipe
Teixeira
Bluewater Productions who also does non-fiction comic books is releasing a
single issue on the Army, called "American Defenders". In stores in April, and
retails for $3.99 on Amazon and books stores. To pre-order it click here:
http://amzn.to/xeDvf7
High-resolution images and interview opportunities are available upon request.
Please feel free to use the images attached for your publication.
A
1910 Punch Cigarros Cuban baseball card
featuring John Henry Lloyd, SGC-certified A (Authentic), without backing,
from the Richard Merkin Collection, sold for a record $94,875 (including a
15% buyer's premium at Hake’s Americana & Collectibles on Tuesday, March 20,
2012.
The first image from The CW’s Green Arrow pilot, presently titled
simply Arrow, has been released and it features Stephen Amell as Oliver
Queen, better known as the show’s title character.
Thor and The Avengers
star Chris Hemsworth will appear at the
Wizard World convention in Philadelphia, PA’s
Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, June 2, 2012, where he will sign
autographs and pose for photos with fans.
A new line of Judge Dredd comics will be released by IDW
Publishing, which has partnered with 2000 AD owner Rebellion for the
deal, the companies announced. Creative teams and details as to dates and
formats have not yet been announced.
“Judge Dredd turns 35 this year, and it’s great to help him
celebrate his birthday like this,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative
Officer and Editor-in-Chief. “It was great to meet up with the 2000 AD
team at the recent London Super Con and cement the partnership on this one. My
interest in Judge Dredd far predates my tenure at IDW, so it’s a real drokkin’
pleasure for us to now be the first American publisher in 18 years to create new
tales of Dredd.”
Despite months of weighing their options, SyFy has decided to
not go forward with a series based on the pilot Battlestar Galactica: Blood
& Chrome,
Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva has reported.
“It’s a case of bad news/good news for Battlestar
Galactica fans who have been flocking to the web to watch an unauthorized
trailer for the long-in-the-works offshoot Battlestar Galactica: Blood &
Chrome over the past 36 hours. After lengthy deliberations, Syfy has
decided not to go forward with the project, about the young years of William
Adama, as a regular TV series. Blood & Chrome, initially envisioned as
a Web series, was greenlighted as a two-hour TV pilot in October 2010. Because
of intensive post-production, including special effects, the pilot was not
delivered to Syfy until last November,” she wrote.
Writer Mark Waid (Incorruptible) and artist Chris
Samnee (Captain America and Bucky) will team for a four-issue
Rocketeer mini-series, IDW Publishing announced at WonderCon. This will be
the third Rocketeer mini-series since the late Dave Stevens’ character
landed at IDW, but it’s the first to feature a single creative team. Two
Rocketeer Adventures mini-series have been four-issue anthologies of
various creators.
Stevens’ last single-issue work with the character was
Rocketeer Adventure Magazine, which was published by Comico the Comic
Company and then concluded by Dark Horse Comics.
A CGC-certified restored 8.5 copy of Detective Comics
#27 has been sold for $130,000 by
Pedigree Comics, Doug Schmell, the company’s President and CEO,
reported. Featuring the first appearance of the Batman and Commissioner Gordon,
Detective Comics #27 is ranked second only to Action Comics #1
in The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide’s listings.
“Cover dated May, 1939, Detective Comics #27 is easily one of,
if not the hottest comic book on the market right now, with record sales in each
grade being recorded over the past month. The Billy Wright pedigree copy (an
unrestored 6.5) just sold for a record $522,812 at auction (February 22). In
that same auction, a 2.0 copy sold for a record price of $116,513. Just four
days later, on February 26, a 1.8 copy sold on eBay for a record $116,100,”
Schmell said.
ComicLink’s Winter Featured Auction realized a number of new
record prices on comic books and original comic art, Consignment Director
Douglas Gillock has reported.
“Past sales highs were smashed across all genres and eras with
three important Marvel keys leading the way,” he said.
“A CGC 7.0 Amazing Fantasy #15 (first Spider-Man)
sold for a remarkable $43,555. This is the first CGC 7.0 of this issue to ever
break $40,000 in a public sale. Equally impressive was the $31,011 sale of a
Journey Into Mystery #83 CGC 8.5 (first Thor). This was the first public
sale of this book in grade to top $30,000. An Incredible Hulk #1 CGC
8.0 also sold for $35,000, which is an impressive number since no other
non-pedigreed example has ever sold as high in grade. Other record setting
Silver Age sales included Fantastic Four #52 CGC 9.6 (first Black
Panther) for $10,925, Green Lantern #2 CGC 9.6 for $13,500, Our
Army at War #91 CGC 9.0 for $6878, Star Trek #1 CGC 9.2 for $5277,
Tales to Astonish #35 CGC 9.0 (first Ant-Man in costume) for $11,427,
Flash #139 CGC 9.4 for $4211, Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos
#1 CGC 9.0 at $11,000, Tales of Suspense #14 CGC 9.0 for $3395, and
Brave and the Bold #34 CGC 9.2 (first Silver Age Hawkman) for $5207,” he
said.
Bottles, bottles, who’s got the bottles? American Bottle
Auctions, that’s who – around 175 bottles, in fact, many of them rare and
vintage examples in a broad variety of categories. All will be sold in an
Internet and catalog auction that begins April 27 and ends May 6, 2012. The
bottles may be viewed online, starting April 24, at
amercianbottle.com.
When you’ve got a name like Horatio Hellpop, perhaps it’s just
better to be the costumed vigilante known as Nexus. From his first appearance in
the black and white, magazine-size Nexus #1 from Capital Comics in
1981, though, the character’s identity didn’t matter as much as the story behind
it.
It was a sort of epic, but one told in the personal style of
the people the larger-than-life events affected. While centered mostly on humans
and other humanoid creatures, the supporting cast and worlds upon worlds were
populated with beings that often visually blended the seemingly disparate
influences of Dr. Seuss, Jack Kirby, N.C Wyeth, Norman Rockwell and Star
Trek.
The art, by then-newcomer Steve Rude was something to behold.
Although it started somewhat sub-par for a Marvel or DC series, it had
something. A clean line, an uncompromising style. And most importantly it
matched the story.
The early tales had a boldness, a freshness than can only be
found where there is passion. As things progressed, everything from social
commentary to contemporary political figures and serious philosophy infused the
stories of writer Mike Baron.
The second session of Hake’s Americana & Collectibles Auction
#205 wrapped up on Thursday, March 22, 2012 (following the first session, which
came to a close on Tuesday, March 20), completing another strong event that
included a significant number of records set.
While there are still post-auction transactions in progress
and we will have more details next week in Scoop, we wanted to take a
look at the top ten items from the auction.
Again items from the Richard Merkin Collection dominated the
top spots, with seven of the top 11 prices realized (there was tie for the
number 10 spot) coming from that pedigree and continuing Hake’s very strong
showing in sports memorabilia.
Upon initial review, Disneyana, superheroes (particularly
Superman), politicals and a number of other categories performed very well.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents
The Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a
look at one of our inductees each week in Scoop.
Over the past twenty years, Jim Lee has created many of the
classic comic book images with his sense of style and attention to composition
garnering plenty of fans. A native of Seoul, South Korea, he started his comics
career in 1989 drawing Uncanny X-Men before helping to launch the
record-breaking X-Men with co-writer Chris Claremont.
In 1992, Lee joined fellow comic creators in the founding of
Image Comics, creating and co-creating new characters under his WildStorm
Productions imprint including WildC.A.T.s and Gen13.
In 1998, Lee sold WildStorm to DC Comics. While he continued
to work with the company he founded, he also began working on DC’s iconic
characters as well. He illustrated the 12-issue story arc “Hush” in the pages of
Batman with writer Jeph Loeb, followed by a run on Superman.
Much of his time has been spent closely developing the look of the characters
and settings in DC’s new online game with Sony.
A Looney Tunes favorite, the Tasmanian Devil, Taz for short,
is noted for his powerful jaw and his ravenous appetite, which he indulges by
eating lions, tigers, elephants, buffalos, donkeys, giraffe, octopuses,
rhinoceros, and moose. Oh, he also loves chicken and duck but his favorite thing
to eat is rabbit.
In fact, did you know that’s how our beloved Taz made his
debut as part of the Looney Tunes gang? That’s right, he tried to eat the crafty
and clever Bugs Bunny. Released in June of 1954, in the cartoon short, Devil
May Hare, Taz stalks Bugs but due to his dim wits and incapacity to form
complete thoughts, let alone sentences, he turns out to be nothing more than a
nuisance and Bugs eventually gets rid of him by matching him up with a fake
female devil. If there’s one thing other than food to detour a male Tasmanian
Devil, it’s a pretty female devil.
9x13" with nice graphics of bottle of Rams Head Pale Ale next
to foaming mug of beer and platter nearby holding ham sandwich with olives and
pickle. Some handling wear with a few lt. crimps and lt. surface wear. Bright
and Fine.
Superman #2 Grade: NM- 9.2 Page Quality:
Off-White to White CGC Rank: 1 CGC Number: 0005294002 Pedigree: none Date: Fall
1939 Category: Golden Age DC Description: World's best existing copy!! One of
only 2 in 9.2 with none graded higher!! A scintillating copy of Superman #2 from
the Fall of 1939 with off-white to white pages, perfect centering, incredible
color strike, sharp edges and corners and a ridiculous and flawless spine.
Incredibly tough to find in the higher grades with only 1 in 9.0, none in 8.5
and 3 in 8.0. A 9.0 copy just sold for $48,728 in December, 2011. The only other
9.2 exchanged hands in a private sale in 2010 for $85,000. Features a full pade
ad for 1939 New York Wold's Fair Comics, a fabulous Joe Shuster and Paul Cassidy
cover and a Jerry Siegel story.
All Star Comics #26 Grade: NM- 9.2 Page
Quality: Off-White to White CGC Rank: 3 CGC Number: 1076218001 Pedigree: none
Date: Fall 1945 Category: Golden Age DC Description: The number 3 ranked copy at
9.2. Trails only 1 lucky 9.6 and another lucky 9.4. That is it!! This
ridiculously fresh comic book (near white pages, deep colors and full gloss) is
a winner and is exactly cut and centered. Great Martin Naydel robot cover. Cover
dated Fall 1945!!
The
Bat Whispers (United Artists, 1930). One Sheet (27" X
41"). Style B.
An early entry in the "old dark house" genre (it predates
James Whale's aptly titled The Old Dark House by two years), this is
the story of a master criminal, known only as "The Bat," who terrorizes the
inhabitants of a lonely country estate. Starring Chester Morris as the
detective assigned to get to the bottom of things, the film was originally
shot in a wide-screen format known as "Grandeur," but most exhibitors,
struggling after making a recent - and very expensive - investment in sound
technology, simply showed the picture in standard 35mm, resulting in the
loss of some breathtaking cinematography.
What is perhaps most intriguing about this picture, however, is its
connection to one of the 20th century's leading pop cultural icons. Writing
in his autobiography, Batman and Me, Bob Kane, the creator of the
Caped Crusader and a self-professed movie buff, remembers, "The third
influence [after the drawings of Leonardo DaVinci and the classic Douglas
Fairbanks film, The Mark of Zorro (1920)] on Batman was a movie I saw
when I was fourteen called The Bat Whispers . It was a remake of a
silent film called The Bat , which itself had been an adaptation of a
novel by the great mystery writer Mary Roberts Rinehart. In the 1931 sound
version Chester Morris, who played Boston Blackie in films, had a dual role:
he was a detective who tried to track down the mysterious Bat, and was
revealed to be the killer himself at the end of the film. The story
concerned a number of murders which took place in an old mansion. I remember
his shadowy outline on the wall when he was about to kill somebody. They
caught up with him in the attic - he wore a costume that looked a little
like my early Batman's, with a black robe and a bat-shaped head. This made
him look like a bat - very ominous. The film not only helped inspire
Batman's costume but also the bat-signal, a prototype of which appeared on
the wall when the Bat announced his next victim." With gorgeous artwork
by Hap Hadley, this stunning stone litho poster has never before been
offered by Heritage. Prior to expert professional restoration, the poster
had pinholes in the top right, and a small chip in both the right and bottom
border. Additionally, approximately one inch of paper has been replaced in
the top and left borders. Strikingly beautiful and exceptionally rare, this
one sheet is, perhaps, a once-in-a-lifetime find for one lucky collector.
From the Berwick Discovery. Fine+ on Linen.
Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Mar 22, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
In an era when most Westerns were made for horsefeed,
Cimarron, starring Richard Dix and Irene Dunne, emerged as a big-budget
prestige picture from RKO, and went on to claim the Best Picture Oscar for
1931, as well as Best Actor and Best Actress nominations for its stars. One
of, if not the, first big budget Westerns of the sound period, Cimarron
is based on the best-selling novel by Edna Ferber. Ferber's novels had
proven popular fodder for several previous blockbuster films, so when the
book was issued in 1929, RKO barely batted an eye when paying $125,000 to
the author for the film rights. Their subsequent $1.5 million dollar budget
- an enormous sum in those days; bought them high-powered stars Richard Dix
and Irene Dunne, as well as more than 5,000 extras, 28 cameramen, and
countless camera assistants and photographers, all utilized in capturing
magnificent scenes of wagon trains moving West in search of new land and a
new life. It was rewarded by being the first film to receive more than six
Oscar nominations, including nods in all five major categories. In spite of
its lavish budget and epic scope, the film lost money in its initial
release, perhaps a victim of the realities of life during the Great
Depression. Although it drew both critical and popular acclaim, it would
take a re-release in 1935 for RKO to recoup their investment. The film is
about the Oklahoma Land Rush, and tells the story of Yancey and Sabra Cravat
(Dix and Dunne), and their adventures traveling West with a group of
homesteaders. When Yancey is cheated out of his land by the devilish Dixie
Lee (Estelle Taylor), he sets up shop as a newspaperman and two-gunned
peacekeeper. However, the lure of adventure proves too strong, and Yancey
has to choose between the allure of the wild frontier and the love of his
family. It's a powerful film, one well worthy of the praise that has been
lavished on it throughout the years. It should come as no surprise, then,
that original release paper from this popular film has always been in demand
by collectors. Sadly, little, if any, has been available until this
momentous discovery. In more than a decade of vintage poster auctions, this
is the very first time that Heritage has offered this incredible one sheet.
Bursting with color and printed using the stone litho process, the artwork
was rendered by illustrator Frederic C. Madan, who portrays the hero and
heroine in fine detail against a vivid, sun-drenched background filled with
wagon trains, Indian chiefs, and trusty steeds. Interestingly, when RKO
re-released the film just three years later, they allowed Madan to sign the
poster in the plate, even though they almost covered his signature with the
RKO logo! Expert professional restoration has addressed small chips in the
right border of this highly desirable poster, a small hole in the bottom
right, and minor tears and chips in the bottom border. Additionally,
approximately one and one half inches of the top border have been replaced.
With the repair of these extremely minor flaws, the poster presents
beautifully, and is sure to be the centerpiece of any fine collection.
From the Berwick Discovery. Fine+ on Linen.
Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Mar 22, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
Little Caesar (Warner Brothers - First National, 1931).
One Sheet (27" X 41") Style B.
In the 1930s, each studio had their specialty. Universal was
known for their Gothic horror films, Paramount for their elegant and
artistic European-styled pictures, while MGM was particularly noted for
their lavish musicals. Warner Brothers found their niche with the "social
problem" film, pictures about crime and criminals ripped from the headlines
of the day. Largely lacking the sophistication of Paramount and the
respectability of MGM, Warners' focused on films about the working class,
and the problems of a nation held in the grip of a crippling depression.
Quite naturally, then, Warner Brothers turned to the larger-than-life crime
figures who had made a name for themselves during the Prohibition Era -
figures like John Dillinger, Al Capone, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy
Floyd - and used their stories as jumping off points for a cycle of films
that celebrated the outlaw as a new type of tragic hero. It was a formula
for instant success. Based on the novel of the same name by W.R. Burnett,
Little Caesar, the first of Warner Brothers' gangster pictures, is the
story of Caesar Enrico Bandello (Edward G. Robinson) who experiences a
meteoric rise from two-bit hood to mob boss, followed by an epic fall as he
is gunned down in the gutter by the forces of law and order. Originally,
Robinson was wanted for the role of Otero, Bandello's right hand man, as the
studio favored Clark Gable for the lead role. After a disappointing screen
test by Gable, however, director Mervyn LeRoy gave the plum role to
Robinson, a role based on the life and crimes of gangster Al Capone
(according to some sources, rumors at the time that Capone had a spy on the
set to keep track of the proceedings were absolutely true). Unlike James
Cagney - whose star-making role in The Public Enemy, released later
in 1931, helped solidify Warners' dominance in the "social problem" arena -
Robinson was not a tough guy in real life. An avowed pacifist, he was
uncomfortable handling firearms, and had to have his eyelids taped open in
certain scenes as he had a tendency to blink when his gun fired. As well, in
his final scene, in which Rico is gunned down by the police, steel plates
were secured under Robinson's clothing around his midsection, plates at
which expert marksman George Daly would fire with live machine gun rounds.
Nervous and twitchy about the scene, Robinson moved more than he should
have, and only survived due to Daly's expert marksmanship. Until now,
collectors of vintage gangster material had to be satisfied with the
occasional lobby or one of less than a handful of window cards for this
film. Larger paper was always elusive to the point of being non-existent. As
part of The Berwick Discovery of Lost Movie Posters, however, this lack has
been at least partially addressed, as the beautiful Style B one sheet
offered here, featuring stars Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Glenda Farrell (Joe
Massara and Olga Stassof in the film), one of only two copies known to exist
in the entire world, is offered for the first time to the collecting public.
With its rich and vibrant image, the poster had one inch trimmed from the
top of the large upper white border. Additionally, there were a couple of
small holes in Farrell's cheek and in Fairbanks' shirt front, and there was
touchup to several dark surface scuffs within the image. We also note a tear
extending from the center horizontal fold into the "L" of "Little," and
several small holes in the lower white border, as well as one extending into
the credits. Finally, there were small pinholes within the artwork in three
corners. All of these minor flaws have been carefully addressed by expert
professional restoration, resulting in a poster that is a joy to behold.
Extremely beautiful, exceedingly rare, and highly desirable... what more
could you want from a vintage movie poster? From the Berwick Discovery.
Fine+ on Linen.
Estimate: $20,000 - $40,000.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Mar 22, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
Every Day's a Holiday (Paramount, 1937).
One Sheet (27" X 41").
Mae West co-wrote Every Day's a Holiday, in which she appears as both a
blonde and a brunette, singing and charming her way through this story that uses
19th century New York politics as its backdrop. A special appearance by non
other than Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong makes this West vehicle all the more
enjoyable. Ms. West radiates her unique brand of charm and style on this rare
one one sheet, a first time offer from Heritage. Restoration has addressed
slight trimming to three of the edges and light fold wear, making this gem
display-ready ! Fine+ on Linen. Estimate: $4,000 - $8,000.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Mar 22, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
Woman of the Year (MGM, 1942).
One Sheet (27" X 41") Style C.
Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy fans will love this marvelous Style C one
sheet from the legendary duo's first turn together. It's a wonderful comedy that
tackles the question, "Can a woman who has a full-time career also find time to
have a full time marriage?" George Stevens put the two stars to the test of
fulfilling an Oscar-winning screenplay, and the results were spectacular.
Hepburn and Tracy were a hit, and they made eight more films together.
Restoration addressed fold wear with separation, and a small chip in the bottom
left and right within the border. The right border has been trimmed 1/4", and
1/2" of paper has been replaced in the bottom, left and top border. The touch-up
has the piece displaying beautifully. Very Good/Fine on Linen. Estimate: $1,000
- $2,000.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Mar 22, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Folded One-Sheet Movie Poster (1sh; measures 27" x 41" [69 x 104
cm]) (Learn
More)
Film Description: Three for Bedroom C, the 1952 Milton H. Bren comedy
("Gloria's Uproarious in her first picture since Sunset Boulevard!"; "The Star
of 'Sunset Boulevard' is spreading Sunshine NOW!"; "She Clings!... As a
Hollywood star who saves her greatest performance for a one-man-too-many train
compartment!"; "She Clowns! It's a cross-country joy-ride... And even the
train-whistle's shrieking with laughter!"; "She Clicks Again!"; "Based on the
novel by Goddard Lieberson") starring Gloria Swanson ("She's Glorious! She's
Uproarious!"; "in Glamorous Gowns... Glorious Fun... Gorgeous Color!"), James
Warren, Fred Clark, Hans Conried, Steve Brodie, Janine Perrau, Ernest Anderson,
and Margaret Dumont (best remembered as the society lady who is the butt of many
of Groucho's jokes in some of the Marx Bros.' best movies!)
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Folded One-Sheet Movie Poster (1sh; measures 27" x 41" [69 x 104
cm]) (Learn
More)
Artist: Howard Terpning
Film Description: 55 Days at Peking, the 1963 Nicholas Ray Boxer China
Rebellion epic war melodrama ("55 days that stunned the world!"; "Original
screenplay by Philip Yordan"; produced by Samuel Bronston) starring Charlton
Heston, Ava Gardner, David Niven, Flora Robson, John Ireland, Harry Andrews, Leo
Genn, Robert Helpmann, Kurt Kasznar, Paul Lukas, Elizabeth Sellars, Jaques
Sernas, and Jerome Thor
Overall Condition: fair. The poster is
discolored from exposure to sunlight and there are a few yellowed pieces of tape
on the front. There is separation at the crossfolds and ends of the foldlines
with some repaired with tape from the back.
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Folded Style A One-Sheet Movie Poster (1sh; measures 27" x 41" [69
x 104 cm]) (Learn
More)
Film Description: The Arizona Ranger, the 1948 John Rawlins cowboy
western ("Together for the first time"; "Famous Jack- -Veteran King of Action
Stars!"; "Fighting Tim- -Trigger-Ace of the West Today!") starring Tim Holt,
Jack Holt, Nan Leslie, Richard Martin, and Steve Brodie
Overall Condition: good to very good.
There are tack holes scattered throughout the poster with some enlarged or torn
from rough removal and there are some creases around the edges of the poster.
The poster is otherwise in pretty nice condition.
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Movie Title Lobby Card (LC; measures 11" x 14" [28 x 36 cm])
(Learn
More)
Film Description: Blood of the Vampire, the 1958 Henry Cass English
Universal monster horror thriller ("He begins where DRACULA left off..."; "No
woman alive is safe from the most frightening fiend in the history of horror!";
"Story and Screenplay by Jimmy ['Frankenstein'] Sangster") starring Donald
Wolfit, Barbara Shelley, Vincent Ball, Victor Maddern (as the crippled assistant
Carl), and William Devlin
Overall Condition: very good. There are
pinholes in the borders and three of the corners were repaired with tape from
the back. Other than the above border defects, the card is in pretty nice
condition!
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Movie Title Lobby Card (LC TC; measures 11" x 14" [28 x 36 cm])
(Learn
More)
Film Description: Angel and the Badman, the 1947 James Edward Grant
cowboy western starring John Wayne, Gail Russell, Harry Carey, Bruce Cabot,
Irene Rich, and Lee Dixon
Overall Condition: good. There are
remnants of brown paper tape on the back of the borders.
Attorneys Alanna Wolff and Jeff Byrd specialize in a very
particular field of law: the supernatural! As "Counselors of the Macabre," Wolff
& Byrd (aided by their intrepid secretary, Mavis) represent the supernatural and
the supernaturally afflicted.
Since 1994, they have plied their legal craft in the pages of
Supernatural Law, which is a satire of both the horror genre and the
legal system, but it’s also played straight (although at the same time it’s
infused with plenty of parodies and pop culture references).
“There's also sub-plots and lots of romantic angst for Wolff,
Byrd and Mavis as they learn that real life can be much more intimidating than
anything the supernatural has to offer,” said cartoonist and creator Batton
Lash. “I think Supernatural Law is a fun read. In short, the slogan
above the logo of every issue sums up the concept: ‘Beware the creatures of the
night-- they have lawyers!’” It’s been four years since the last
Supernatural Law trade, and Lash said he’s seen a lot of changes in the
marketplace since his last volume debuted. Some opportunities have dried up
while others have shown strong growth. It’s taking advantage of the growth areas
that has posed a challenge for many small press publishers, and that includes
Lash and wife Jackie Estrada’s Exhibit A Press.
To address those challenges head-on and print the new trade
paperback collection, the veteran artist has launched a
Kickstarter campaign, his first.
ComicLink’s
Winter Featured Auction has closed with a
number of record results achieved for consignors across all genres and eras,
including some real stand-outs in the area of original comic art, ComicLink
President Josh Nathanson has reported.
“Leading the way was a $37,899 result on an Avengers #3
page featuring Hulk, Thor and Sub-Mariner battling” says Nathanson. “This
exceptional result shattered the previous high for a page from this issue and
clearly demonstrates how prominent the Avengers are in the minds or collectors
and the general public with the team’s feature film right around the corner.
Another record result was the $22,222 of Steve Ditko’s page 2 from Amazing
Spider-Man #34. This result is especially impressive since there were no
images of Spider-Man or even Peter Parker on the page. Spider-Man is another
hero with a movie on the horizon, suggesting a continuing trend in the market,”
Nathanson said.
A rare Punch cigar store advertising figure, cast in zinc and
made around 1885 by William Demuth & Company, Mfrs. (N.Y.) knocked down for
$37,290 at a massive three-day estate sale held March 1-3, 2012 by Philip Weiss
Auctions, in the firm’s gallery facility located at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside,
New York. The Punch figure was the top lot of the auction.
William Demuth (1835-1911), a native of Germany, arrived in
the U.S. at age 16 as a penniless immigrant. He found work as a clerk with a
tobacco tradesman in New York City and in 1862 he established his own company,
the William Demuth Company. The firm specialized in pipes, canes, cigar-store
figures and other carved objects. All these are highly collectible today.
The Punch figures, though, are especially coveted by
collectors. They came about when Demuth formed a partnership in 1883 with Moritz
Seelig, a Brooklyn foundry operator, who crafted the figures for Demuth out of
wood and metal. One Punch figure sold at auction in 2008 for $207,000. The
example just sold would have brought more had it not been made into a lamp.
Also offered in the sale were items pertaining to the doomed
ocean liner Titanic. A two-page letter typed on White Star Line
stationery by Charles Herbert Lightoller, a survivor of the disaster, brought
$15,820, while a first-class deck plan of the ship realized $4,294. A two-page
letter handwritten aboard the Titanic by a passenger who perished
failed to make the reserve bid.
Pin-up artist Earl Macpherson came into prominence with his
“Artist’s Sketch Pad” series, which he began with the Brown & Bigelow calendar
company in 1943. He moved on to the Shaw-Barton calendar company in 1945, and in
1946 began an 11 year run doing “The Earl Macpherson Calendar.” On the auction
block in Hake’s Americana’s current auction is a
prime example of Macpherson’s original art,
complete with a newspaper article with photo of Macpherson displaying this very
art to Shaw-Barton district managers. The large original features not one, but
two different Macpherson beauties. Also featured is a
Macpherson calendar.
Bottles, bottles, who’s got the bottles? American Bottle
Auctions, that’s who – around 175 bottles, in fact, many of them rare and
vintage examples in a broad variety of categories. All will be sold in an
Internet and catalog auction that begins April 27 and ends May 6, 2012. The
bottles may be viewed online, starting April 24, at
amercianbottle.com.
Bottle collecting is a rapidly burgeoning genre, often making
the top ten lists of the “most searched” categories of collectible on the
Internet. This sale will have something for just about every collector in the
field: rare “territory” sodas (from when states were still territories),
bitters, western whiskey bottles, medicines, gins, early flasks, historical
flasks and early blown glass.
You never know what will come through the doors of Bertoia
Auctions’ spacious, fully showcased New Jersey gallery. Sometimes a toy is
brought in that can be slotted into the next appropriate sale without delay.
Other times, a consignor is better served by letting the toy wait to be included
in a future sale with other toys of a related category. But when enough toys are
waiting in the wings for their well-deserved turn at auction, Bertoia’s will
organize one of their popular mixed sales, like the one planned for March 23-24,
2012.
“Collectors really enjoy our all-inclusive sales because
there’s such an element of surprise. Every imaginable type of toy can be found
in these sales,” said Bertoia Auctions associate Rich Bertoia. “Our March event,
which we’re calling our ‘Made to Be Played’ auction, contains 1,400 toy lots of
great diversity and quality, with a special highlight – the European toy
collection of Grover Van Dexter. Grover established one of America’s earliest
antique toyshops, Second Childhood in New York’s Greenwich Village. Without a
doubt, he knows what’s genuinely rare and special.”
The auction includes a spectacular array of cast-iron
automotive toys – autos, busses, trucks and motorcycles – many of them coming
from the same collection that was featured in Bertoia’s November sale.
The 35-year collection of Al and Peg Araiza, collectors in
many categories, will headline a massive, three-day auction slated for March 30
- April 1, 2012 by Showtime Auction Services, at the Washtenaw Farm Council
Grounds in Ann Arbor. Also offered will be the outstanding lifetime pedal car
and toy collection of Ed and Christy Ramsey.
The first day of the auction – Friday, Mar. 30 – will be for a
live audience only (no phone or Internet bidding). The hours will be noon to 6
PM EST, with a preview from 8 AM-noon. The next two days – Mar. 31-Apr. 1 --
will have online bidding (through LiveAuctioneers.com, iCollector.com and the
Showtime website: www.bid.showtimeauctions.com. The hours will be 9-6 EST.
Over 2,000 lots of investment-grade antiques and collectibles
from over 100 consignors will change hands. In addition to pedal cars and toys,
the auction will feature banks, pottery, Wave Crest, trade signs, advertising
signs, folk art, soda fountain, Coca-Cola, Western, Native American, country
store, paintings, farm signs, match safes, tip trays, whiskey and breweriana.
Also sold will be drug store items, barber shop, general
store, saloon, coin-op, gambling, Part 3 of a truly great cigar and tobacco tins
collection and more. But the Ramsey collection of pedal cars and toys is
expected to generate a high level of bidder interest. Included are about 50 rare
pedal cars (most of them original and unrestored) and some of the best pressed
steel toys ever offered at auction.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents
The Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a
look at one of our inductees each week in Scoop.
Harvey Kurtzman was a cartoonist, writer, editor, artist and
master storyteller. Best known as the founding editor of MAD in its
original comic book form at EC Comics, Kurtzman was also the driving force
behind EC’s Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline Combat. He also
created Hey Look!, Trump, Help!, and Humbug.
Throughout his career, he worked with artists such as Will Elder, Jack Davis,
Wally Wood, John Severin, and Russ Heath, among others, but his method of
scripting and providing page layouts had the impact of making a Harvey Kurtzman
story come out looking like a Harvey Kurtzman story no matter who illustrated
it. His war comics are generally considered among the best the genre has ever
experienced even though they clearly portray the high cost of war on individuals
rather than more typical war stories. The long-running comic book industry
Harvey Awards are named in his honor.
Mandrake The Magician, a character that sprang from the mind of
Phantom creator Lee Falk, could be making a return to the big screen for the
first time since his 12-part Columbia Pictures serial in 1939.
One of the most sought after of all Superman items is the 1942
Syroco-like wood composition figure that was designed by legendary Superman
artist Wayne Boring to promote Superman to DC Comics' distributors and
retailers. This came in two versions, brown w/red accents and fully painted in
red/blue costume. While both are rare, they pale in comparison to this ashtray
version which is one of only two known to us as documented in Hake's Pop Culture
guide. Overall size is 4x5.5x6.25" tall, figure itself is 5.5" and attached, as
produced, to the back of the ashtray base. Entire piece has been professionally
repainted in colors that match near perfectly to the original. The only other
known ashtray was used as a color guide for this repainting. While that other
example has original paint it also has restoration done at the ankles where it
was broken. The example we are offering has no such repair. Displays NM. This is
the actual example shown in the Official Price Guide To Pop Culture Memorabilia
by Ted Hake. It has been in a private collection for many years and we are
extremely pleased to finally be able to offer it to the collecting community. A
must have for the serious Superman collector. (N
- $10000 to $20000)
This and items through #1623 each came out of the Robbins
Company's archives around the late 1970s. These 4 pieces were trial designs
produced in extremely limited quantities as test pieces for the badge to be
offered by Ralston in 1938. Three of these pieces are the only examples known to
us. All are essentially Mint as produced. Each is 2-1/16" tall with reverse bar
pin. The badge eventually decided upon for 1938 features this same design but in
the Ralston logo area a metallic foil piece was added as on our items #1615 and
#1617. This example is in muted but Mint brass luster and has no other
coloration. Possibly unique and formerly in the Hake collection. Comes with
Hake's COA. (J - $700 to
$1000)
Whiz Comics #30 Grade: NM/M 9.8 Page
Quality: White CGC Rank: 1 CGC Number: 0132016007 Pedigree: Edgar Church (Mile
High) Date: 5/42 Category: Fawcett Publications Description: Best existing
copy!! From the unbelievable Edgar Church (Mile High) Collection! Perfect
example of Whiz Comics #30 and it has snow white pages to boot. The highest
certified copy, only 9.8 and the next highest graded one is only a 9.0. C C Beck
cover and art.
A 1989 Re-Release Vintage
Theater-Used Unfolded One-Sheet Movie Poster (1sh; measures 27" x 40" [69 x 102
cm]) (Learn
More)
Artist: Rodriguez
Film Description: The Adventures of Robin Hood, the classic 1938 Michael
Curtiz (one of the greatest and least heralded directors of all time!; he began
directing in his native Hungary in 1912 under the name of "Mihaly Kertesz";
after 64 movies, he was signed by Warner Bros. and moved to the United States
where he made many of the most memorable Warner Bros. movies of the 1930s and
1940s, including both "Casablanca" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy" in the very same
year!; yet because he did not have a distinctive directorial style, he is rarely
talked about by film critics) romantic adventure thriller (nominated for the
Best Picture Academy Award; "Based On Ancient Robin Hood Legends") starring
Errol Flynn (in the title role as Robin Hood), Olivia De Havilland (as Maid
Marian), Basil Rathbone (as Sir Guy of Gisbourne), Claude Rains (as Prince
John), Patric Knowles (as Will Scarlett), Eugene Pallette (as Friar Tuck), Alan
Hale (as Little John), Melville Cooper (as the Sheriff of Nottingham), Ian
Hunter (as King Richard the Lion Heart), Una O'Conner, and Herbert Mundin
Important Added Info: Note that this poster was never folded! An unfolded
poster is almost always far more difficult to find than a folded poster of the
same title, and finding unfolded posters in excellent condition is even more
difficult!
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Unfolded Double-Sided One-Sheet Movie Poster (1sh; measures 26 3/4"
x 39 3/4" [68 x 101 cm]) (Learn
More)
Artist: Drew Struzan
Film Description: Back to the Future Part 3, the 1990 Robert Zemeckis
science fiction (sci-fi) time-travel cowboy western family adventure comedy
("They've saved the best trip for last... But this time they may have gone too
far."; "He was never in time for his classes... He wasn't in time for his
dinner... Then one day... He wasn't in his time at all."; produced by Steven
Spielberg; about a scientist who creates a time machine out of a Delorean DMC
12!) starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Mary Steenburgen, Lea Thompson,
Crispin Glover, and Thomas F. Wilson
Important Added Info: Note that this one-sheet measures 26 3/4" x 39 3/4"
[68 x 101 cm], but it has not been trimmed. Also note that this is a
double-sided poster. From the 1990s on, movie posters were often made in
double-sided versions (for use in light boxes). If we do not note that a poster
is double-sided (as this is), then it is single-sided. Note that the image on
the reverse is a mirror image of the image on the front! Finally, note that this
poster was never folded! An unfolded poster is almost always far more difficult
to find than a folded poster of the same title, and finding unfolded posters in
excellent condition is even more difficult!
SHOCK SUSPENSTORIES #2 Item description:
1952, Wally Wood cover Condition: CGC 9.6 NM+ Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 2nd Highest CGC Graded Pedigree or Highlight: GAINES
FILE COPY Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
The offered item is the second highest CGC graded, with just 2 in grade and just
3 examples ever certified slightly higher at 9.8. Making this example one of the
top 5 examples in the world. Now over 50 years old, it is unbelievable
that it remained so incredibly pristine. CGC has also assigned this example it's
near perfect page quality designation: Off-White to White Pages.
The Gaines File Copies are examples of each issue published
that were personally hand-selected for quality by editor Bill Gaines, carefully
wrapped, and stored safely for decades. They are recognized for near-perfect
structure and very high page quality. As a rule, the best surviving examples of
ECs are Gaines File Copies.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #95 PAGE COVER Item description:
Rare Romita Spidey cover! Primary Artist Name: JOHN ROMITA Secondary Artist Name: SAL BUSCEMA Year: 1971 Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
How often do you have a chance to pick up a John Romita Amazing Spider-Man
cover!?! With a huge, full figure image of Spidey this classic cover art is an
absolute grail status piece for the Spider-Man collector and features one of the
very best covers of the late bronze run. This classic image of Spidey swinging
over an iconic landscape of London just simply does not get any better than
this. With the London bridge and Big Ben in the background, this ideal page for
the European collector or the high end Spider-Man aficionado. Owning this piece
would be quite the rush and amazing bragging rights! This cover art has an image
area of approximately 10” x 15.
Filling co-creator Steve Ditko’s shoes, John Romita began work
on Amazing Spider-Man with issue #39. His clean, robust style was perfect
for a slightly more mature Peter Parker and the new look he brought to
Spider-Man would endure into the 1980's. It was during Romita’s run on the
series that Spider-Man would skyrocket in popularity and Romita’s hand would be
pivotal in developing the Marvel “house style” that dominated the comic book
industry throughout the 1970s. In the minds of many collectors, Romita’s input
is on par with Ditko’s in defining the look and feel of Spider-Man and
solidifying the webslinger as one of the most popular superheroes of all-time.
With a re-launch of the hugely successful Spider-Man film
franchise due in theaters soon, it seems likely that interest in
standout Spidey images will continue to grow for years to come.
CONAN #152 PAGE 1 SPLASH Item description:
Babe, Beast and Barbarian! Primary Artist Name: JOHN BUSCEMA Secondary Artist Name: ERNIE CHAN Year: 1983 Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 5/10/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
John Buscema is one of the artists most closely assocaited with Marvel's
Conan, having produced more art for the run than any other creator.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, one of his most common collaborators was Ernie
Chan, making this a great representative piece of the series. This title splash
features the four B's that collectors look for in the very best Conan title
splashes: the Babe, the Beast & the Barbarian (and don't forget Buscema!).
Robert E. Howard's prototypical sword and sorcery pulp hero,
Conan, made his triumphant arrival in comics with this 1970 Marvel first issue.
The Cimmerian's title ran for 275 issues at Marvel and continues to be popular
today with a highly acclaimed series from Dark Horse. The current upswing of the
genre in movies and video games also contributes to renewed interest in this
iconic character.
With a new Conan movie out on Blu Ray and DVD, interest in
vintage art of the character is on the rise. This art has an image
area of approximately 10" x 15".
MARGARET BRUNDAGE (American, 1900-1976) Werewolf, Weird Tales pulp cover, March 1933
Pastel on paper
21 x 18.25 in.
Signed lower right
From the Estate of John McLaughlin.
This lot as well as the next represent the very rare opportunity to acquire a
classic Brundage Weird Tales cover-such great examples are extremely rare
in the marketplace. Estimate: $50,000 - $75,000.
Brundage, Margaret:.
Condition Report*:
Paper has an overall size of 22 x 19.5. It has been taped to a
backing with non-archival tape; minor transfer of pigment on figure's left
thigh; paper is slightly has a 1-inch crease on the lower right edge, only seen
out of the frame; pin-hole underneath dog's tail; minor light scratches on
figure's left forearm and right leg; minor scratches to the left of dog's face
on the bottom middle edge; scattered pin-holes on the extreme border corners
only seen outside of frame. Framed under glass to an overall size of 29.25 x 27
inches.
*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of
items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects
are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and
do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by
Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".
DONALD "RUSTY" RUST (American, b. 1932) Blonde Pin-Up, 2010
Oil on canvas
24.5 x 20.5 in.
Signed lower left
Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000.
Rust, Donald "Rusty":.
Condition Report*:
Canvas is loose on stretcher. Otherwise in good condition. Framed
to an overall size of 26.5 x 22.75 inches.
*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of
items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects
are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and
do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by
Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".
From March 16 through September 30, 2012, The Smithsonian
American Art Museum will present a pop culture-friendly exhibit entitled “The
Art of Video Games.”
During the March 16-18 opening weekend, there is event called
GameFest. During that event,
Twin Galaxies ("The Official Scoreboard for the Electronic
Entertainment Industry") will spearhead activities including a showing of
The King of Kong and Tron, video gaming professional
meet-and-greets, a panel discussion, and more. Twin Galaxies is recognized as
the authority on video game world records, contests, statistics, and
championship tournaments. Recently they also began manufacturing and
distributing trading cards commemorating video game world record holders,
personalities, historic events and industry pioneers.
He's been gone from us for seven years now, and his March 6
birthday gave us pause to reflect on the legacy of the great one, Will Eisner...
although it's not like we need just one day to remember him.
As we said in our Overstreet Hall of Fame entry for this
cartoonist's cartoonist, he was considered by many to be the father of the
American graphic novel. He was a writer, artist, master storyteller, and
businessman. In a career that spanned eight decades, he created The Spirit, John
Law, Lady Luck, Mr. Mystic, Uncle Sam, Blackhawk and numerous other characters.
He co-founded the Eisner -- Iger Studios, then created The
Spirit sections which were issued weekly in newspapers across America, and
developed and packaged P.S. Magazine for the U.S. Army.
His book A Contract With God is widely regarded as
the first American graphic novel (it wasn't, but it was an early and significant
work in the format), and he continued to produce numerous other important works
well into his 80s with the quality for which he was known. His innovative panel
design and artistic choices seemed always to be in service to the story, rather
than simply demonstrating his impressive skills.
Following on their string of previous announcements regarding
X-O Manowar, Valiant made a series of additional announcements this
week for what they dubbed “the Summer of Valiant.” Subsequent to the X-O
Manowar #1 creative team of writerRobert Venditti and artist
Cary Nord and their May 2, 2012 launch will be writer Joshua Dysart, artist
Khari Evans and cover artist Arturo Lozzi with Harbinger #1, which
is scheduled to go on sale June 6, 2012.
Those two
series will be followed in turn by Bloodshot #1, which is due in
comic shops in July and will be written by Duane Swierczynski and
illustrated by Arturo Lozzi and Manuel Garcia, and Archer & Armstrong
#1, is set to debut in August from writer Fred Van Lente and artist Clayton
Henry.
Collector enthusiasm for the works Gil Elvgren remains
undiminished as the great illustrators’ work dominated the top 10 lots of
Heritage Auctions’ $3,000,000+ March 3, 2012
Illustration Art Signature Auction, led by
Vision of Beauty (Unveiling), 1947 ($140,500) and
Let's Eat Out, 1967($104,500), both of which come from the Estate of Charles Martignette.
All prices include Heritage’s buyer’s premium.
“Fully seven of the top 10 lots in the auction were from
Elvgren,” said Ed Jaster, Senior Vice President at Heritage. “His inexhaustible
well of talent continues to be the benchmark by which most every other
illustrator is measured. It’s as clear as it’s ever been that collector’s
consider him the Gold Standard, with every painting bearing his name
well-exceeding pre-auction estimates.”
The other Elvgren highlights of the auction include “I
Hope the Boys Don't Draw the Straws Tonight,” Brown and Bigelow calendar
illustration, 1946 (realized: $68,500); The Winner (A Fair Catch),
Brown and Bigelow calendar illustration, 1957 (Realized: $59,375); On the
Fence, 1959 (Realized: $59,375); “Everything Seems Awfully High Around
Here!” 1946 ($54,688) and Pin-up in Front of the Fireplace
($43,750).
Big Little Books continue to be in demand with collectors,
and the first two ever published are up for bid. On the auction block at
Hake’s Americana is the very first BLB,
The Adventures of Dick Tracy, and the
second,
Little Orphan Annie. Of special
note are three lots, each is a pair of rare titles with back covers
promoting
“Pan-Am Motor Oils”. Also offered is a
Tarzan title promoting “Tarzan Ice Cream.”
It seems incredulous in this day and age that there was a time in
the not too distant past when African Americans were not allowed to play
professional baseball. Legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson is considered
by many to have been the first African American to break the professional color
line when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, but history records show that
milestone belongs to a player some 31 years earlier. Jimmy Claxton (1892-1970)
had an African American father and an Irish-English mother.
A die-cut cardboard countertop display for Edison Mazda,
advertising headlight bulbs with the question, “Auto Lamps? We Have Them!”
coasted to $3,410 at the Spring Petroliana & Advertising Auction held March 2,
2012 by Matthews Auctions, LLC, the day before the start of the Chicagoland
Petroliana & Advertising Show, held twice a year in Peotone.
“What made this piece so special was the fact that it was
cardboard and still ended up in the list of top lots,” said Dan Matthews of
Matthews Auctions, LLC, based in Nokomis, Ill. “It brought as much as it did
because it had a crisp image of a car, and because it was in such great
condition – graded 9 out of 10 for condition. Only minor edge wear kept it from
realizing more.”
Mr. Matthews said the auction was one of the strongest he’s
ever held. “Nothing was undersold,” he remarked. “In fact, the sale overall
brought $50,000 more than I thought it would. I’ve never been that far off
before. Petroliana is alive and well as a collectible. Signs in particular –
especially at the high end – continue to do well. They haven’t been affected by
the recession.”
Among the more than 3,100 items now up for bid in
Hake’s
Americana & Collectibles auction #205, are two rare,
first series issues of Mickey Mouse Magazine
from 1933. Mickey Mouse Magazine, of course, had various incarnations in the
1930s, but these rarities will appeal to any serious Disneyana enthusiast.
Grey Flannel Auctions’ Winter Classic auction held live at the
Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards in Baltimore was a smashing success,
grossing $1,187,599 and achieving a 100% sell-through rate. The February 11,
2012 auction featuring 107 lots of choice baseball, basketball, football and
other professional sports memorabilia chalked up an astonishing average price of
almost $11,500 per lot.
The day’s top seller was a 1958 Mickey Mantle New York Yankees
game-used flannel road jersey attributed to the World Series of that year.
“This jersey is symbolic and important, not only because it
was a World Championship season for the Yankees, but also because Mantle drove
in two home runs during that year’s Series,” said Richard E. Russek, president
of Grey Flannel Auctions.
The jersey presented all of the essential identifications
high-end collectors look for, including an inside collar strip reading “Mantle
1958,” a contemporaneous Wilson manufacturer’s tag with washing instructions and
the size “42” imprinted on it, and a letter of authenticity. The shirt was
originally sourced from a trainer with the mid-1960s Ft. Lauderdale Yankees
Class A affiliate, who, in turn, had obtained the garment from the club’s
general manager, Ed Bastian. Entered with a $10,000 reserve, the coveted jersey
slammed in a winning bid of $114,000. All prices quoted in this report include
20% buyer’s premium.
When we write "Ellery Queen," you're either thinking of some
brilliant, suave, code-cracking sleuth or of a magazine, a television show and a
long-running radio program.
In either case, you're right.
Frederic Dannay and Manfred Lee, cousins, created and co-wrote the Ellery Queen
stories, which featured a New York father and son who collected and analyzed
clues to cryptic cases. The duo wrote under the pen name Ellery Queen.
The father, Inspector Richard Queen, used his access to evidence as a member of
the police force to gather all the puzzle pieces. The son, who spent his spare
time writing detective novels anyway, would then fit the pieces into a proper
pattern.
The Adventures of Ellery Queen, starring Hugh Marlowe, aired on CBS and
ABC radio from 1939 to 1948. A live-action television series aired from 1950 to
1952 on ABC, as well as from 1958 to 1959 on NBC.
Another version of the TV show aired from 1975 to 1976, again on NBC, and
featured a memorable opening theme song.
When Howard Chaykin launched American Flagg! at First
Comics in 1983, he did so with a particular vision for the art, a unique ear for
clipped or incomplete dialogue, and a story sensibility unlike anything else on
the market. The result, aside from being an instant hit, was a revolutionary
comic book that immediately started influencing other creators.
Chaykin's use of TV news reports and repeated imagery as
storytelling devices, the partial dialogue of things interrupted or overheard,
and hyper-stimulated action punctuated by a consistantly warped, populist
philosophy all played into the larger picture. Additionally, even his use of Ken
Bruzenak's distinctive lettering as groundbreaking in its incorporation into the
visuals. There was little, if anything, about Flagg that wasn't fresh.
On any list of distinctive,
game-changing works from the 1980s must be Dean Motter's Mister X, a
brilliant blend of crisp design sensibilities, early German cinema, the art deco
movement, and the concept of "retro futurism" and mysteries wrapped in further
mysteries. Giving form to these concepts was dazzling array of artistic talent:
Paul Rivoche, Los Bros. Hernandez, Klaus Schönefeld, Seth, Ty Templeton, and
Motter himself. They were supplemented by the likes of Dave McKean, Bill
Sienkiewicz and others.
DC Entertainment has launched interactive new
websites for its DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD imprints. “The
DCComics.com site, currently in beta status, offers fans exclusive
new content, integrated community and social media features, and in-depth
character franchise pages built around iconic characters including Superman,
Batman and Green Lantern,” the company said in a release. “The site, along with
VertigoComics.com and
MADMagazine.com, feature a broad range of publishing information and
content, but also goes one step further with key navigation areas for movies,
TV, games, shopping and community - creating a robust online destination for all
things DC Entertainment.”
A 1982 Re-Release Vintage
Theater-Used Unfolded Insert Movie Poster (measures 14" x 36" [36 x 91 cm])
(Learn
More)
Artist: Richard Amsel
Film Description: Raiders of the Lost Ark, the classic 1981 George Lucas
& Steven Spielberg treasure hunting action adventure fantasy thriller ("Indiana
Jones - the new hero from the creators of JAWS and STAR WARS."; "Story by George
Lucas and Philip Kaufman"; "Screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan"; nominated for the
Best Director and Best Picture Academy Award) starring Harrison Ford (as Indiana
Jones), Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm
Elliott, and Alfred Molina
Important Added Info: Note that this poster has never been machine
folded! Most insert posters were folded twice horizontally right off of the
printing press. It is very difficult to find an unfolded example of most insert
posters, especially from before 1970!
Note that this insert is one of a special collection of 25 inserts we are
auctioning separately in this set of auctions. They come to us from a collector
who has been collecting inserts for the past 20 years. When the "minty white"
repros first surfaced on the market around 10 years ago, he quickly learned how
to tell the difference between them and proven originals (some of which he
already had in his collection), and he spent the next 10 years finding known
originals on many of the titles that had been counterfeited as "minty whites"!
Now he has reached the point where he needs to sell his collection, and he
wanted them all sold at once, so that collectors everywhere could clearly see
what proven originals look like, and also so that collectors everywhere would
have a chance to purchase any of these titles without ANY fear of purchasing a
fake (and we have closely examined each of the posters to make 100% certain that
they are in fact original, and they ARE)! We have placed his 25 inserts at the
start of this set of auctions, and this paragraph is on all of those 25 inserts.
Also, when you look at these 25 titles together, it becomes clear that this was
an exceptional time for movie making, and you can see why the people who made
the fakes chose these exact titles!
Overall Condition: very good to fine.
There are a few minor creases and scuffs around the edges, but the poster is
otherwise in nice condition!
A 1995 Unfolded Commercial
Poster (made to be sold directly to the public; measures 14" x 36" [36 x 91 cm])
(Learn
More)
Artist: Bob McCall
Film Description: 2001: A Space Odyssey, the classic 1968 Stanley Kubrick
(nominated for the Best Director Academy Award) English/U.S. Cinerama futuristic
science fiction (sci-fi) outer space computer thriller ("the ultimate trip";
"Man's colony on the moon... A whole new generation has been born and is living
here ... A quarter-million miles from Earth"; "An epic drama of adventure and
exploration"; "...taking you half a billion miles from Earth... Further from
home than any man in history. Destination: Jupiter."; "Space Station One: your
first step in an Odyssey that will take you to the Moon, the planets and the
distant stars."; "You visit Space Station One: The first step in an Odyssey that
will take you to the stars and beyond."; "An astounding entertainment experience
- a dazzling trip to the planets and the stars beyond!") starring William
Sylvester, Gary Lockwood, Keir Dullea, Daniel Richter, Leonard Rossiter, Robert
Beatty, and Douglas Rain (as the voice of "HAL 9000")
Important Added Info: Note that this is a 1995 commercial REPRODUCTION
(created by FilmPrints, Inc., a part of their "Classics Collection") of the
original 1968 insert poster for this classic movie. Please do not bid on this
poster thinking it is a theater-used poster, as it is not!
Overall Condition: fine. This commercial
poster is in very nice condition!
Bright silver luster metal adjustable ring topped by image of
him as batter in follow-through of batting swing. Inscription is incised on one
band and opposite depicts composite sports symbol of baseball bat, football,
tennis raquet. 1940s premium by M&M candies. Small loss of silver luster from
top and sides but 85% remains. One edge of one lower prong has near pinpoint
nick on the edge. Overall Fine and rare. (I
- $400 to $700)
All Big Little Books published by Whitman. "Buck Rogers And
The Depth Men Of Jupiter" BLB #1169 copyright 1935 has some corner tip wear and
color rubs along spine. "Buck Rogers And The Planetoid Plot" #1197 copyright
1936 has corner tip wear and entire book has lt. ripple. Both are Fine. Both
copyright John F. Dille Co. (G
- $100 to $200)
Original 1939 Republic serial release. 11x14" with classic
photo of Robert Livingston as Lone Ranger twirling rope on back of Silver.
Center area has barely noticeable 7" pencil streak. Tiny bit of margin wear with
a few pin holes but otherwise clean and Fine. (G
- $100 to $200)
10" long tin litho gun. Licensed by King Features Syndicate
1937. Gun has nice futuristic design w/raised spiral rings and small exhaust
ports. Each side is marked "Radio Repeater" and also has image of Saturn and
star as well as portrait of Flash Gordon on grips. Clicker mechanism works. Has
overall tiny scattered paint nicks and lt. wear but totally glossy and still
displays Fine. Scarce. (H -
$200 to $400)
Green Hornet #3 Grade: NM 9.4 Page
Quality: Off-White to White CGC Rank: 3 CGC Number: 1015890003 Pedigree: File
Copy Date: 8/67 Category: Gold Key Description: File Copy. From the Random House
Archives. Bruce Lee and Van Williams photo cover. Final issue of the series.
Looks like an easy 9.6 it is so structurally sound with perfect centering and
near-white page quality.
Heritage Auctions' February 22-24, 2012
Vintage Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction became the highest earning
comics auction conducted to date when it realized sales of more than $8.9
million over its three days. It topped the company’s previous world-record total
of more than $6 million set in May 2011, and it grabbed plenty of media
attention in the process of doing so.
“The mix of rarity, value and quality was simply irresistible
to collectors,” said Ed Jaster, Senior Vice President of Heritage. “We knew that
we had something special going in to this one, but we had no idea just how
special. Now we know and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Consider this:
before Heritage started Comics auctions more than a decade ago, no comic auction
had ever exceeded $2.2 million. We’ve now almost quadrupled that.”
Moriarty
writer Daniel Corey has partnered with composer Raymond Schnurr to create a new
stage musical based on his Image Comics series, which is illustrated by Anthony
Diecidue. The project was announced at last weekend’s ImageExpo.
Valiant has announced the X-O Manowar #1 QR Voice
Variant, which they have dubbed “the world's first QR code-augmented, talking
comic book cover.” Ahead of the comic book’s arrival on Wednesday, May 2, 2102,
local comic shops nationwide will be able to showcase the interactive feature
with a retailer-exclusive poster.
"We want fans worldwide to know that something special is
happening in their local comic shop during the build-up to May 2nd and the
launch of the new Valiant Universe," said Valiant Chief Creative Officer Dinesh
Shamdasani. "Valiant's QR Voice Variant is not only a new innovation in comics
and a true incentive for retailers, but an enhanced and immersive experience for
fans as well. By merging elements of print and digital, we've hopefully created
something that fans will just have to see in person!"
Last week in our Mondo Media section we told you about
writer-producer-director Robert Tinnell’s
comic strip-inspired cooking show production,
but it occurred to us that we hadn’t seen anyone reporting on the horror
movie-inspired documentary he’s been working on. We knew about it, as you’ll
see, because he shot part of it in our own “back yard.”
The Eisner Award- and Harvey Award-nominee is hard at work on
That $#(! Will Rot Your Brain: How The Monster Kids Transformed Popular
Culture, a feature-length documentary chronicling how the release of
classic horror films to television in the late 1950s unleashed a creative tidal
wave that is still affecting society.
“Think about it! Much of what we see in films and TV has been
created and executed by folks who were mesmerized by films like Dracula
and Frankenstein and by the characters they contained. Steven
Spielberg, Rob Zombie, Gene Simmons, JJ Abrams… I mean, I can't even begin to
list the people,” Tinnell said. “And the influences exploded beyond film and TV
and into other media, like comics, literature, music, even food."
To properly document the phenomenon Tinnell and his crew has
had to traverse the US in order to interview authoritative figures who could
legitimately interpret the story - which meant everyone from film star, director
and Famous Monsters of Filmland fan, Billy Bob Thornton and supreme
monster kid and collector Bob Burns in Los Angeles to the legendary horror host
Zacherle in New York to Dark Shadows star David Selby, who was
performing in a play in Washington, DC.
Deadline’s
Mike Flemming has reported that Valiant’s
Bloodshot is headed to the big screen courtesy of Sony.
“Sony Pictures has closed a deal to acquire Bloodshot,
the Valiant Comics series. The deal came out of a spec script written by Jeff
Wadlow, who is being paid $450,000 against $1 million, I hear,” Flemming wrote.
“Neal Moritz will produce through his Original Film Banner along with Jason
Kothari and Dinesh Shamdasani for Valiant Entertainment.”
Sparkle City Comics
reports that they have continued their offerings of original owner Golden Age
comic books with a selection from their recently announced Golden Valley
Collection.
“The highlight of this collection was a copy of Detective
Comics #27 CGC 1.8 OW/W. The final hammer price on this book was an
impressive $116,100. This is a record-breaking price for the grade and is
approximately the same price a 2.0 copy sold for just a few days earlier,” said
Brian Schutzer, the company’s ower.
A rare original German three-sheet poster from Metropolis,
the 1927 Fritz Lang science fiction classic, will be one of the featured items
at the unveiling of
www.MoviePosterExchange.com, a new, innovative
movie poster sales site.
The last time a copy of this poster changed hands it was for a
world record price of $690,000 back in 2005. MoviePosterExchange hopes to set a
new world record with this offering.
“We were looking for a way to open our site with a bang”
stated co-founder Sean Linkenback, “And while we have stocked the site with
fantastic pieces like the rare B-Style half sheet from War of the Worlds,
Creature From the Black Lagoon three-sheet, Casablanca title
card, and other great posters, there’s nothing more exciting than being able to
feature the crown jewel of the poster world on our site.”
“For longest time we have been listening to collector
complaints about our hobby. Whether it was the high fees from other consignment
sites, the fakes and misrepresentation that runs rampant on eBay, or just not
being able to find the items collectors were looking for.”
“So we formulated a plan,” said co-founder Peter Contarino.
“We designed a site that is easy to use, well laid out, and most importantly; it
addresses the needs of the collector while still keeping costs down for sellers.
The hammer came down decisively on several prized auction lots
at Morphy’s Feb. 24-25, 2012 sale of antiques, art and vintage collectibles,
which drew 1,800 unique bidders in the gallery, over the phones and via the
Internet. The 1,404-lot offering grossed $1,620,000 (inclusive of 20% buyer’s
premium), with two consecutively auctioned lots of Tiffany silver ringing the
register at $246,000.
“We knew the silver was special and of fantastic quality.
There was great interest in all of the antique silver prior to and during the
auction,” said Morphy’s CEO Dan Morphy. “Even when the bidding on each of the
Tiffany lots reached $80,000, there were still four active players, and at
$90,000, there were three.”
A New York bidder prevailed on both of the Tiffany headliners
– a pair of circa-1882 sterling center bowls with wavy rims and footed, domed
bases, which sold for $134,400 (est. $40,000-$60,000); and a pair of nine-arm
candelabra that garnered $111,600 (est. $60,000-$80,000). All four pieces were
richly chased and embossed with rocaille work and a marine motif that included
seaweed, tritons, seahorses and mermaids.
After the auction, Morphy received several calls from silver
aficionados who told him that the candlesticks had outperformed an identical
single example that had appeared in a high-profile auction last year.
“Apparently one candelabrum exactly like those in our auction sold for around
$20,000 at one of the big New York auction houses several months ago. They’re
obviously much more desirable as a pair.”
If you were a child in the 1970s, you either had Stretch
Armstrong or you had a friend who did. If you remember having a tug of war with
one, you can understand how many of them never survived the rest of the decade.
Their rubber bodies were filled with corn syrup and capped with plastic heads
and they just dared a child to pull them apart. Kenner made 40,000 Stretch
Armstrongs between 1976 and 1979 and grossed over $50 million on all of the
stretch characters. They were one of the largest purchasers of corn syrup during
that time period. As the years have gone by, over three decades, you realize how
few of these toys still exist today.
Various varieties of the stretch toys show up for sale
occasionally in today’s collectible market with different degrees of damage such
as holes, leaks and cracks. Finding high grade examples rarely occurs today. Of
all of the characters made in the world of Stretch Armstrong, the most popular
may be the Stretch Monster. One of the rarer versions of the Stretch Monster was
the Tsukuda Monster made in Japan. The English translation of his name on the
box is “Stretch Andro”. Approximately just over a dozen of this version are
known to exist to date.
A rare and historical portrait flask showing strong busts of
George Washington and Henry Clay, made circa 1840-1860 by Bridgeton Glass Works
(N.J.), soared to $52,650 in the Internet and catalog auction of Session III of
the Thomas McCandless lifetime bottle collection. The auction went online
January 18, 2012 and accepted its final bid on February 1.
The portrait flask was the top lot in a session that grossed
around $440,000. Combined, all three sessions (the first two were held this past
fall) grossed a little over $1 million. “For a single bottle collection to top
the $1 million mark is truly extraordinary,” said Norman Heckler, Sr., of Norman
C. Heckler & Company, the Woodstock-based firm that conducted the auctions.
“Mr. McCandless’s lifetime collection represented one of the
most diverse and colorful groupings of American bottles and glass to recently
come to market,” Mr. Heckler remarked. “The rare and unique historical flasks
exceeded pre-sale estimates, as well as our expectations. Early American and
European black glass was another category that did unbelievably well.”
ho are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents
The Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a
look at one of our inductees each week in Scoop.
A creative dynamo given human form, for many Jack Kirby
defined with his work the very idea of what comic books should be. In his art
and stories, the obvious brash doses of daring design and explosive action were
infused with something more unexpected in the eras in which he worked: an
equally bold excitement for the cerebral, philosophical and spiritual. Whether
working with partners such as Joe Simon (with whom he co-created Captain
America, the Fighting American, Boys Ranch, and many would say the romance
comics genre) and Stan Lee (co-creating the Fantastic Four, Thor, and the Silver
Surfer, among others), or on his own (DC’s “Fourth World” titles such The
New Gods, Mister Miracle, The Forever People, or his
creator-owned Captain Victory and Silver Star), Kirby worked
as much in metaphor as he did in pencil. The number of creators and fans he
influenced will never be known.
If you’d like to get a copy of
The Overstreet Hall of Fame,
it’s available from the Gemstone Publishing website.
In the grand tradition of time and space travelers, Brick
Bradford emerged in 1933 to forge a path for good in galaxies far away.
Originally distributed by Central Press Associate, a small subsidiary of
King Features, Brick's beginnings were humble and his exploits only
appeared in small town papers.
But writer William Ritt and artist Clarence Gray were undaunted by the
patchiness of regional readership and continued producing their
colorful, intelligent daily strip for a steady sci-fi fan base.
Their commitment to intelligent storylines involving robots, dinosaurs,
seedy intergalactic villains and voyages to subatomic worlds quickly
caught on with audiences in a little over a year. Weekend editions were
added, and by 1935, Brick's adventures began to pop up in the Sunday
pages of larger papers. Ritt moved Brick's plots along at an
astoundingly rapid pace, further adding to the strips widespread appeal.
In 1937, Brick managed to happen upon a time machine called The Time
Top. While the device had been previously featured in its own
short-lived 1935 Sunday feature, its inclusion in the Brick Bradford
series proved to be its real saving grace. The Time Top remained a
staple in Brick's Sunday strip for years.
Reprints of Brick Bradford appeared in the first issue of King
Comics in April 1936. Ace Comics reprinted the series from 1947-1949.
During that time, Brick starred in his own title, issued through
Standard Comics, but the venture only lasted a few months. In 1960, King
Comics published the first and only original (as in non-reprinted) Brick
Bradford stories in the back pages of The Phantom and
Mandrake the Magician.
One of the most famous pulps of all time, G-Man,
is now available on an exclusive five disc set. Produced as part of the Will
Murray Pulp Classics, the set features the very first bullet-riddled
adventure in Dan Folwer’s amazing career.
In the flood of pulp magazines featuring the hard-hitting
exploits of a single hero, only one magazine read as if its stories had been
torn out of the headlines. That was G-Man, starring the closest
equivalent to Eliot Ness and his Untouchables the pulps dared offer up. Leo
Margulies, editor-in-chief of the Thrilling chain of pulp publications, may
have been eyeing rival titles such as Secret Service Operator #5
and Secret Agent X, thinking there’s gold in fictionalizing the
exploits of undercover men.
As he looked to other mediums for additional inspiration
he saw that James Cagney had recently starred in a blockbuster film,
G-Men. Following the film, a radio program by that same name debuted
to strong ratings. The program went on to become even more famous as
Gang Busters.
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Movie Campaign Book (measures 11 1/4" x 14 1/4" [29 x 36 cm]; 83
pages)
Film Description: Columbia Pictures 1932-1933, the the 1932-33 Columbia
Pictures campaign book, sent to theater owners to encourage them to show
Columbia movies. The book includes 83 pages with mostly two-page spreads on
Columbia's upcoming movies. Some of the movies promoted include American Madness
(Frank Capra), Wheeler & Woolsey (title to be announced), Fury of the Jungle,
Brief Moment (sexiest Barbara Stanwyck!), No More Orchids (Carole Lombard),
That's My Boy! (football), The Bitter Tea of General Yen (Frank Capra), Child of
Manhattan (written by Preston Sturges, identified as "Famous Playwright"!), The
Dictator (Frank Capra), Speed Demon (car racing), Transcontinental Flyer (early
airplanes!), Buck Jones ("8 Outdoor Productions"), OK America (great deco art!),
and much more! Of special note is a two-page spread for Columbia cartoons, with
a parade of their characters, naturally led by Mickey Mouse. There is also a
separate full-page ad for Mickey Mouse (with pie-cut eyes!), plus a full-page ad
for Walt Disney Silly Symphonies and a full-page ad for Krazy Kat, and another
full-page ad for Scrappy. Note that many of the pages have signed artwork, by
many different (quite talented) artists, including Michelson, Cardiff, Isip,
Wynne Davies, R.W. Iligan, Schaeffer, and most of these artists have at least
two or three different pieces in the book (Wynne Davies has at least six!). Note
that, because Columbia at this time did not have the biggest name stars, they
relied on movies with very lurid and sensational material, and they created
images for this campaign book that are both extremely colorful and often
downright sexy! We have included images of the covers of the book and thirteen
of the two-page spreads (and we did not make a big effort to find the best
ones!). THIS IS REALLY ONE OF THE NICEST CAMPAIGN BOOKS I HAVE SEEN IN TERMS OF
ART! Many of the movies do not even have stars' names on them (because the stars
were not that major at all, but Columbia made up for it with really fantastic
art, and many of the ones that are not pictured are just as nice as the ones
that ARE pictured!). We have included images of the cover of the book and
fourteen of the two-page spreads (and we did not make a big effort to find the
best ones!). Note that even though this campaign book was sent to many theater
owners, it appears that very few examples have survived. I have been a collector
of campaign books and related material for many years, and I know for certain
that this campaign book is extremely rare! Note that studios almost always spent
far more money preparing campaign books than they did preparing movie posters
(often hiring very talented and well-known illustration artists), because
campaign books directly benefitted the studio in getting theaters to book the
movies, whereas posters more benefitted the theaters, rather than the studios
(although of course, what was good for the theaters was ultimately good for the
studios as well). Also note that, as was often the case with these campaign
books, some of the movies advertised were either never made, had their titles
changed before they were released, or were made with different casts than those
announced in the campaign book (I do not have time to research the titles in
this campaign book to see which had changed titles or were never made, but if
anyone has more information about any of these, please e-mail us and we will
post it here)! But I certainly know that Barbara Stanwyck did not make a movie
called "Brief Moment", and Frank Capra did not make a movie called "The
Dictator"! Finally, note that campaign books in general are extremely rare, and
the best of them have often sold for hundreds of dollars, and in the case of the
very finest, thousands of dollars!
Overall Condition: good to very good. The
covers have a large amount of scuffs and there are many chips and bits of
surface paper loss around the edges of the covers. There was something glued to
the first two interior blank pages, and the last two interior blank pages, and
whatever that was roughly removed, and there is now paper loss on those four
pages. Those pages are all blank and all the other interior pages are in nice
condition. (Learn
More)
U.S. Cost of Shipping: $15 (flat)
Learn More Non-U.S. Cost of Shipping: Actual Cost
Learn More
ACTION COMICS #34 Item description:
1941, Superman cover Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 6.5 FN+ Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Current Bid: $400 Number Of Bids: 22
ComicLink Comments:
The small supply of quality examples of Superman's earliest appearances in
Action Comics was long ago outpaced by the demand and the offered item is a
bright, solid CGC 6.5 FN+. This is 1 of only 2 in grade and just 13 in total
have ever been certified higher by CGC -- not many considering how iconic these
classic Golden Age issues are. Additionally, CGC has assigned its perfect page
quality designation of White Pages, making this the very best example attainable
in grade. The Overstreet Price Guide lists this item in the condition offered
for $970.
EXPOSED VINTAGE COVER PAINTING Primary Artist Name: ENRIC TORRES-PRAT Secondary Artist Name: Current Bid: $82 Number Of Bids: 10
ComicLink Comments:
This vintage Enric cover painting features an image of an absolutely drop dead
gorgeous woman. Nuff Said. This painting sells itself. The painting is entitled
"Exposed" and its not hard to see why. This is the perfect display piece for the
Enric fan or the collector of Good Girl art. The painting has an image area of
approximately 14" x 18.5" and was created using Mixed media on masonite.
NAMORA #3 Item description:
(12/1948) Sub-Mariner story, Bill Everett art, Last issue Publisher:
Marvel Condition: CGC 5.0 VGF Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored CGC Grading Comments: 3 small pieces of tape on interior cover Current Bid: $220 Number Of Bids: 17
ComicLink Comments:
This tough third issue of Namora is one of the top 4 examples ever
certified by CGC, with only 1 in grade and just 3 examples certified higher.
Additionally, CGC has assigned its near perfect page quality designation of
Off-White to White pages. The Overstreet Price Guide lists this item in the
condition offered for $403.
There's already a new record-holder for highest dollar value
comic book auction, and it's not even over yet. With Friday’s session remaining,
the Heritage Auctions' latest Signature Auction had already tallied results of
$8,198,750.76 with a sell-through rate over 99%. The previous record total for
an auction was just north of $6 million, also set by Heritage, at their 2010 New
York sale.
The big spark came from The Billy Wright Collection, an
original owner Golden Age collection containing 44 of the top 100 Golden Age
comics listed in The Overstreet Comic Book Price
Guide.
“Billy Wright plunked down dime after dime for comic books
while growing up in the late 1930s and early 1940s, caring for the collection he
started around the age of 9 until his death more than half a century later. On
Wednesday, most of that collection sold for a whopping $3.5 million,” wrote
Jamie Stengle of
The Associated Press.
Arcana Comics, which recently announced its partnership with
Benderspink on another slate of properties, has acquired the rights to part of
Bluewater's fiction library. According to a release, the publishers have been in
talks for quite a while. Included in the transaction are 10th Muse,
Legend of Isis, Deathsport Games, Orion the Hunter,
Blackbeard Legacy, Paparazzi, Warlock, and Leprechaun,
among others.
"I have worked with Arcana in the past and am excited to team
up with them again. Teaming up with another independent comic book company, the
foundation can only strengthen our brands," said Darren G. Davis, President of
Bluewater.
Hammer has chosen the Cinema
And Television History (CATH) Research Centre at the UK’s Leicester De Montfort
University to house its script archive, Deadline’s
Nancy Tartaglione has reported. The move which will give researchers and
historians access to the scripts behind the studio’s often prolific output from
1947 to 1990; will also give them access to company paperwork including
correspondence from the period.
A rare edition of Ernest Hemingway’s first book,
Three Stories & Ten Poems, 1923, one of just 300 copies printed
brought, $68,500 on February 8, 2012 to lead Heritage Auctions’ $736,000+
Rare Books Signature Auction, which took place at the company’s Beverly
Hills salerooms. All prices include 25% buyer’s premium.
The edition contains a warm inscription from Hemingway to two
of the editors of The Little Review, the important “little magazine”
that published works by avant garde writers of the time such as James Joyce and
T. S. Eliot. The inscription reads, “For j.h. [Jane Heap] and Margaret Anderson
with love from Hemingway.”
You never know what will come
through the doors of Bertoia Auctions’ spacious, fully showcased New Jersey
gallery. Sometimes a toy is brought in that can be slotted into the next
appropriate sale without delay. Other times, a consignor is better served by
letting the toy wait to be included in a future sale with other toys of a
related category. But when enough toys are waiting in the wings for their
well-deserved turn at auction, Bertoia’s will organize one of their popular
mixed sales, like the one planned for March 23-24, 2012.
The 35-year collection of Al and Peg Araiza, collectors in
many categories, will headline a massive, three-day auction slated for March 30
- April 1, 2012 by Showtime Auction Services, at the Washtenaw Farm Council
Grounds in Ann Arbor. Also offered will be the outstanding lifetime pedal car
and toy collection of Ed and Christy Ramsey.
The first day of the auction – Friday, Mar. 30 – will be for a
live audience only (no phone or Internet bidding). The hours will be noon to 6
PM EST, with a preview from 8 AM-noon. The next two days – Mar. 31-Apr. 1 --
will have online bidding (through LiveAuctioneers.com, iCollector.com and the
Showtime website: www.bid.showtimeauctions.com. The hours will be 9-6 EST.
Over 2,000 lots of investment-grade antiques and collectibles
from over 100 consignors will change hands. In addition to pedal cars and toys,
the auction will feature banks, pottery, Wave Crest, trade signs, advertising
signs, folk art, soda fountain, Coca-Cola, Western, Native American, country
store, paintings, farm signs, match safes, tip trays, whiskey and breweriana.
It’s one of those things we do. Scoop sends our
regular convention photographer, Michael Solof, to cover some of the really
great comic book conventions around the country. He logs a lot of miles. We
get a lot of photos. You get to see what went on.
An
estimated 45,000 people attended MegaCon, held Friday, February 17 through
Sunday, February 19, 2012. It was the first big show of the year for Mike,
and he was there to capture the sights for us.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents
The Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees
each week in Scoop.
As a youngster, Carmine Infantino struggled to break into
comics around the demands of his school schedule, making a number of sales and
working on a variety of titles for different publishers including Hillman
Periodicals, Fawcett, Holyoke, and DC Comics. He also worked for Joe Simon and
Jack Kirby's Prize Comics during his early days. When editor Julius Schwartz
paired him with writer Robert Kanigher on a revival of the Golden Age superhero
The Flash in Showcase #4, though, lightning struck more than just the
main character.
Matt Wagner's Grendel has been
one of the most popular characters in independent comics since he (or she,
depending on the era) first appeared in 1982, but do you know where Grendel
first appeared?
It was in Primer #2, a black and white anthology title from the
then-upstart publisher Comico The Comic Company. While other early Comico titles
such as Skrog and Slaughterman quickly disappeared after a
couple of issues, Grendel caught on.
Although the original series that followed the Primer appearance lasted
only three issues as a B&W title, Grendel spawned a 40-issue color series and
three gaphic novels (Devil By The Deed, Devil's Legacy, and
Devil's Vagary) at Comico.
Since then, more than 18 Grendel mini-series have appeared from Dark Horse
Comics. Along the way, such noted artists as Tim Sale, the Pander Brothers, John
K. Snyder III, David Mack, Paul Chadwick, Mike Allred, Chris Sprouse, Stan
Sakai, Jill Thompson, Phil Hester, and Kelley Jones, among others, have
illustrated the dark force of nature.
DC Entertainment has released a 60-second teaser
for their DC Nation programming block on Cartoon Network, which will premiere
March 3, 2012. The clip features Plastic Man, who by the looks of it is already
in mid-season form. Green Lantern: The Animated Series and Young
Justice, will be the main features of the Saturday morning group,
accompanied by short features of other DC characters like Plastic Man. Not that
there’s anyone like Plastic Man…
Here’s a good bet: if you missed it, it’s sold out.
There’s a reason for this: they haven’t yet invented the unit by which we
can measure how cool this book is. There’s also another reason: Editor Scott
Dunbier has cooked up a series that may do more for the cause of collecting
original comic book art than anything that’s come before.
Wally Wood’s EC Stories: Artist’s Edition was the third of
this series announced, (following Dave Stevens' The Rocketeer: Artist’s
Edition and Walter Simonson's The Mighty Thor: Artist’s Edition),
and it was the fourth to arrive (John Romita’s Amazing Spider-Man:
Artist’s Edition snuck in ahead of it). It is, thus far, the largest of
the editions, measuring 15” x 22” just like the original art in the period
Wood was working on the tales featured in this collection.
Carl Barks An Astronomical Predicament
Oil Painting Original Art (1990). The way-out sixties
found Uncle Scrooge and Donald taking part in the space race. This oil painting
on masonite, numbered by fans as CB OIL 138, is based on the yarn "Island in the
Sky" from Uncle Scrooge #29 (1960), and shows Uncle Scrooge, Donald,
Huey, Dewey, and Louie as they are confronted by the hungry inhabitants of a
barren asteroid. The image area of this masterwork measures 19" x 25.5", and
it's been framed to an overall size of 24.5" x 31". This piece is in Excellent
condition.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Feb 22, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
C. C. Beck The Marvel Family, Friends, and Foes
Painting Original Art (1978). The World's Mightiest
Mortals -- Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr., and Mary Marvel -- pose for a
splendid portrait, along with their friends and foes, courtesy of the best-known
of all the Fawcett artists, C. C. Beck. How many can you name? In case you're
stumped, this lot comes with a photocopy of a letter from Beck, spelling them
all out. It's a great image of one of the most-loved superhero "families" of all
time, done in gouache and ink. The image area is approximately 22" x 17", and is
matted and framed to an overall size of 25" x 20". The art is in Excellent
condition. From the Estate of John McLaughlin.
Beck, C. C. :. Comic book artist,
Captain Marvel
Absentee Bidding
Ends: Feb 21, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
Weird Tales "Red Nails" Group
(Popular Fiction, 1936) Condition: Average FN-.
Includes the July, August, and October 1936 issues, featuring all three
installments of the Conan tale "Red Nails". Covers by Margaret Brundage and J.
Allen St. John. Additional content by Clark Ashton Smith, Paul Ernst, C. L.
Moore, and Robert Bloch. Bright, complete covers, supple pages, and complete
spines with very mild fading. Approximate Bookery's Guide to Pulps value for
group = $350.
Absentee Bidding
Ends: Feb 21, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
VAMPIRELLA BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PAINTING Primary Artist Name: ENRIC TORRES-PRAT Secondary Artist Name: Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date:
2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
Enric Torres-Prat's depiction's of Vampirella are among the most sought after
images of Warren's vampiric vixen. This beautiful Enric oil on canvas, features
Vampirella in a grim, yet seductive dance with a Minotaur. It is titled, "Beauty
and the Beast."
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used 8" x 10" [20 x 25 cm] Movie Still (Learn
More)
Film Description: An American in Paris, the 1951 Vincente Minnelli
(nominated for the Best Director Academy Award) romantic France musical comedy
(Best Picture Academy Award winner; "What a joy to see MGM's Technicolor
musical!"; "to the music of George Gershwin"; "Adventures of an ex-GI in the
city of romance. Art Students' Ball biggest, most daring ever filmed. Screen's
most spectacular musical!"; "Story and Screen Play by Alan Jay Lerner"; "Lyrics
by Ira Gershwin") starring Gene Kelly, Oscar Levant, Leslie Caron (billed as
"and introducing Leslie Caron"), Georges Guetary (best known to American
audiences for his co-starring role in this movie), and Nina Foch
Overall Condition: very good. There are
minor creases scattered throughout the still but they are mostly only noticeable
when held at an angle to the light.
Following the litigation brought by writer Gary Friedrich
against Marvel Comics in which the judge ruled in Marvel’s favor regarding the
character Ghost Rider, the separate issue of Friedrich’s dire financial
situation has arisen and become the subject of noble efforts by his peers and
fans to do something about it. It has also, as these things do, become the spark
of much hyperbole and ill-informed speculation, which on the internet travels at
nearly the speed of light.
Scoop does not comment on pending legal matters (Friedrich is
appealing the decision), but we did contact The Hero Initiative, the 501 (c)(3)
charity that helps qualified comic book creators in medical and financial need,
since one of the questions that popped up online was akin to “Why isn’t Hero
doing something to help?”
While The Hero Initiative likewise does not comment on legal actions between
outside parties, Jim McLauchlin, the organization’s President, confirmed they
are “…supplying substantive financial aid…” to Friedrich.
Alex Saviuk, artist for
Amazing Spider-Man Sunday comic strip, a long run on Web of Spider-Man,
and the new Archie Comics title Stan Lee’s Mighty 7, has joined the
guest roster of the
Pittsburgh Comicon, which will be held April 20-22, 2012 at Monroeville
Convention Center, just outside of Pittsburgh, PA.
Neither snow nor the threat of
snow could stay the zombies from their appointed rounds when Zombie Gras
returned to Geppi’s
Entertainment Museum (GEM) and Baltimore’s internationally renowned,
tourist-friendly Inner Harbor area on Saturday, February 11, 2012. The party
started at GEM at 10 AM with face painting, zombie vendors, and more. Then at 1
PM all the zombies began to stagger, lurch and amble down Camden Street to
Pickles Pub to kick off the Zombie Bar Crawl around the Inner Harbor on the
Charm City Circulator's Orange Line. They ended up at Pickles at 6 PM for more
fun and prizes.
This week marks the 75th anniversary of Prince Valiant,
the classically-illustrated newspaper strip created by Hal Foster. Ten years ago
Vanguard Press released Hal Foster: Prince of Illustrators, Father of the
Adventure Strip the only biography on Foster. The book, written by Brian M.
Kane and edited by J. David Spurlock, garnered great acclaim. In addition to an
Independent Press Award (IPPY), it was nominated for Book of the Year at the
comics industry's Eisner Awards, was reviewed in The New York Times,
and helped inspire The Society of Illustrators to posthumously induct Foster
into their Hall of Fame.
MAD magazine legend Al
Jaffee will be honored at The
Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) on Thursday, February 23, 2012 in
conjunction with the release of the four-volume set The MAD Fold-In
Collection from Chronicle Books, which features all of Jaffee's fold-ins
from 1964-2010.
Twelve exceedingly rare DC Ashcancomic books from
the late 1930s and early 1940s, including
Action Funnies
ashcan, one of four early placeholders created to help protect what soon
would become Action Comics #1 – will be in Heritage Auction’s February
22, 2012
Vintage Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction at the Fletcher-Sinclair
Mansion (Ukrainian Institute of America), 2 E. 79th Street (at 5th Avenue) in
New York City. It carries a pre-auction estimate of $20,000 or more.
“The books were consigned by Gary Colabuono, the foremost expert on Golden
Age Ashcans,” said Ed Jaster, Senior Vice President of Heritage Auctions. “He’s
spent nearly 30 years assembling his collection and thought the timing was right
to sell a few of his treasures.”
Sparkle City Comics recently wrapped up its showing of rare, vintage high
grade Golden Age comic books with the sale a CGC 7.0 EP copy of Action
Comics #1, the first appearance of Superman, for $120,100.
Hubley cast-iron
Popeye on motorcycle. Estimate $10,000-$12,000. Images courtesy of Bertoia
Auctions.
“Made to
Be Played” at Bertoia’s March 23-24
You never know what will come through the doors of Bertoia
Auctions’ spacious, fully showcased New Jersey gallery. Sometimes a toy is
brought in that can be slotted into the next appropriate sale without delay.
Other times, a consignor is better served by letting the toy wait to be included
in a future sale with other toys of a related category. But when enough toys are
waiting in the wings for their well-deserved turn at auction, Bertoia’s will
organize one of their popular mixed sales, like the one planned for March 23-24,
2012.
“Collectors really enjoy our all-inclusive sales because there’s such an
element of surprise. Every imaginable type of toy can be found in these sales,”
said Bertoia Auctions associate Rich Bertoia. “Our March event, which we’re
calling our ‘Made to Be Played’ auction, contains 1,400 toy lots of great
diversity and quality, with a special highlight – the European toy collection of
Grover Van Dexter. Grover established one of America’s earliest antique
toyshops, Second Childhood in New York’s Greenwich Village. Without a doubt, he
knows what’s genuinely rare and special.”
A towering figure in the history of American comic books, Bruce Hamilton was
publisher of Gladstone Publishing, a comics historian, and an early fan
activist. Known around the world for the licensed line of Disney comics he
lovingly published, Hamilton was a central figure in detailing the history of
the medium. Possessed of an imposing stature, a radio announcer's voice, and a
fiery drive, Hamilton helped get the comics industry organized, first as a
dealer in Golden Age comics, then in other collectibles such as original art,
movie posters, and cartoon cels. He was among the first to suggest that classic
material be repackaged into deluxe formats. He began a 20-year relationship with
The Walt Disney Company in 1980 when he and Russ Cochran acquired a license to
produce The Fine Art of Walt Disney's Donald Duck, a collection of Carl Barks’
Disney-based oil paintings. He passed away June 18, 2005.
If you’d like to get a copy of The
Overstreet Hall of Fame, it’s available from the Gemstone Publishing
website.
Perhaps Patsy Walker has taken one too many trips
through the revolving door of character revision. During her near-70-year run,
she's been a lovable girl next door, a romantic archrival, a superhero and... an
undead superhero who lives in hell. One of Marvel's most metamorphic heroines,
Patsy bustled onto the comics scene in 1944, debuting in Miss America
Magazine. A year later, she overshadowed the beauty queen to receive her
own comic title, Patsy Walker. In it she wooed Buzz Baxter, charmed her
parents and teachers and chagrined her constant competitor for Buzz's affection,
the ravenous Hedy Wolfe. During the 20 or so years that Patsy Walker resided
on comics stands, several spin-off titles cropped, including Patsy & Hedy
and Patsy & Her Pals. But by 1967, Archie Comics had already
secured the "All-American Teens" niche and interest in Patsy's prances through
the primroses waned. Even so, Marvel didn't give up on Patsy. It only took
them five years to reinvent the character. She re-emerged in 1972, as a
recurring figure in The Beast appearing in Amazing Adventures
#s 11 through 17. This series, in which former X-Man Henry “Beast” McCoy further
mutated into the blue furry form he inhabits today, introduced readers to a
“new” Patsy. The storyline informed readers that some time had passed and Patsy
was trapped in an unfulfilling marriage to Buzz, which she ended during the
series' run. Buzz was now a retired military officer working as head of security
for the evil Roxxon coporation, where McCoy had been working as a research
scientist. Marvel unknowingly laid the groundwork for the next phase of
Patsy’s life with the introduction of heroine The Cat in November 1972.
Police Comics #1 Billy Wright pedigree
(Quality, 1941) CGC VF 8.0 White pages. The Mile High
and Windy City copies are the only ones graded higher to date. And while some
minor issues at the corners of the book kept this one out of NM territory, the
eye appeal of this copy is very strong. We think this book is a bit underrated
lately, considering it has the origin and first appearance of Plastic Man, one
of the great Golden Age characters. It's also got the first appearance of
Phantom Lady, an awfully collectible character in her own right! Firebrand is
the main cover feature, drawn by Gill Fox. Overstreet 2011 VF 8.0 value =
$5,920. CGC census 2/12: 1 in 8.0, 2 higher.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Feb 21, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
Wings Comics #53 Davis Crippen ("D" Copy)
pedigree (Fiction House, 1945) CGC NM 9.4 Off-white pages.
One of our favorites of the many sensational covers for this title is given the
"D" Copy treatment, and the result is spectacular -- CGC's highest-graded copy
to date. The dogfight over New York City cover is by Art Saaf. On the interior,
you can find story art by Saaf, Matt Baker, and Lee Elias. Overstreet 2011 NM-
9.2 value = $375. CGC census 2/12: 1 in 9.4, none higher.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Feb 21, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
Amazing Stories Annual #1 (Ziff-Davis, 1927)
Condition: FN-. Bedsheet format with incredible Frank
R. Paul cover art of John Carter and a Martian. Mr. Paul also provides several
interior illustrations. Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic story "The Master Mind of
Mars" is complete and original to this issue. This is one of the nicest copies
of this pulp that we've offered at auction to date, with complete covers and
spine, and supple cream pages. Two small pieces of tape on the spine. Bookery's
Guide to Pulps FN value = $1,300.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Feb 21, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
The Lone Ranger Magazine #2 (Trojan
Publishing, 1937) Condition: FN-. Cover by H. J. Ward.
Bookery's lists as "scarce". Bright, complete covers and spine, supple off-white
pages with some browning along the edges. Very light amount of trimming to the
covers. Bookery's Guide to Pulps FN value = $600.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Feb 21, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
The Lone Ranger Magazine #3 (Trojan
Publishing, 1937) Condition: FN-. Cover by H. J. Ward.
Bookery's lists as "scarce". Bright, complete covers and spine, supple off-white
pages with some browning along the edges. Very small tear to top right corner
sealed with tape on cover interior. Trimmed. Bookery's Guide to Pulps FN value =
$600.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Feb 21, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
The Spider - August 1936 (Popular, 1936)
Condition: FN-. Complete glossy covers; complete,
unfaded spine; supple white to off-white pages. Three very small tear seals with
very light color touch to front cover near spine, color touch to small tear at
bottom edge, and some trimming; otherwise, FN or better. Bookery's Guide to
Pulps FN value = $300.
Absentee Bidding Ends:
Feb 21, 2012 at 10:00 PM CT
Superman #5 (DC, 1940) CGC VG 4.0 Slightly
brittle pages. Fourth appearance of Lex Luthor (with
red hair). Joe Shuster and Wayne Boring art. CGC notes, "Two pieces of tape on
cover." Overstreet 2011 VG 4.0 value = $1,190. CGC census 2/12: 4 in 4.0, 33
higher.
ACTION COMICS #63 Item description:
1943, Classic Superman WWII Cover Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 4.0 VG Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Starts At: $1 \
Start Date:
2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
Action Comics issues with WWII-themed covers are among the most elusive issues
from this iconic run on the market. This issue, featuring Superman attacking a
Japanese pilot in mid-flight, is among the most sought after of these
tough-to-find issues. The offered item is a VG 4.0 example of this early issue
of Action Comics with a solid cover image and near perfect Off-White to White
pages.
BATMAN #34 Item description:
1946, Dick Sprang cover Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 9.2 NM- Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 3rd Highest CGC Graded Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date:
2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
High grade specimens from the iconic Golden Age run of Batman are very scarce on
the open market and ever tougher with near perfect Off-White to White Pages. The
offered CGC 9.2 is one of the top 5 examples ever graded, with just 1 in
grade and only 4 in total (3 in 9.4 and a lone 9.6) certified higher by CGC. The
very best known examples from this significant 1940s DC run are very rarely
offered for sale, so this is likely one of the best attainable for the majority
of collectors.
Fantastic Four #2 Grade: NM+ 9.6 Page
Quality: Off-White to White CGC Rank: 1 CGC Number: 1010115004 Pedigree: none
Date: 1/62 Category: Silver Age Marvels Description: Best known copy!!! 1 of
only 3 in this crazy grade of 9.6!! Only 6 9.4 copies exist of this incredibly
scarce and early Silver Age Marvel (cover dated January, 1962!). Features the
second ever appearance of the Fantastic Four and the first appearance of the
Skrulls in a fabulous Stan Lee story. This book is a poor man's 9.8! It is
incredibly glossy with PERFECT centering, fresh off-white to white pages and
indescribable eye appeal (just take a look). The corners and edges are
ridiculous as is the spine. We just sold the White Mountain example in our
January Grand Auction for $87,000 (the only NM+ ever to be sold) and this copy
is structurally nicer. You've got the full money back guarantee on this smoker
as any collector who holds this puppy in his or her hands will never relinquish
it!
Tuesday, February 14 isn't just
Valentine's Day. It's also a birthday of sorts, a tremendous anniversary in
literary history. Dashiell Hammett's seminal detective novel, The Maltese
Falcon, the inspiration for one of the greatest films ever made, turns 82.
Written in San Francisco by the Maryland-born Hammett, The Maltese Falcon
immediately became a classic of crime fiction when it was published. It inspired
a 1931 film version prior to the more familiar remake 10 years later. Between
Hammett's original and Humphrey Bogart's interpretation in the 1941 film,
private detective Sam Spade made an indelible impression on American popular
culture.
The author and his work remain celebrated, and new editions of several of his
books have just been issued. The Maltese Falcon, of course, is among
the new printings.
ComicLink’s recently closed January Focused Auction included a
session dedicated to Golden Age comics, and the company’s Consignment Director,
Douglas Gillock, has reported several record results.
“We made the decision to create sessions within our Focused Auction tier in
order to be able to give placement to a wider range of material including Golden
Age comics,” Gillock said. “We knew that the consignor demand was there, but the
results of this auction really demonstrated exceptional buyer demand, too. We’ve
been offering premium, $300+ retail Golden Age comics in our Featured Auctions
for years, but opening up our Focused Auctions to books dating from the 1930s,
‘40s and ‘50s allows us to offer a full spectrum of material from this exciting
end of the hobby.”
Program from the very
first game ever played at Yankee Stadium (vs. Boston), dated April 18, 1923.
March
1-3: 2,000-Lot Auction at Philip Weiss
A massive three-day sale that will feature as many as 2,000
quality, fresh-to-the-market lots in a host of categories will be held the
weekend of March 1-3, 2012, by Philip Weiss Auctions, in the firm’s spacious
gallery located at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside, New York. New merchandise was
pouring in at press time and the items were being photographed and cataloged.
A few of the expected top lots include a 19th century William Demuth Punch
cigar store advertising figure; a jump suit worn by a driver at the first
Indianapolis 500 car race, in 1911; a program from the first game played at
Yankee Stadium, in 1923; a rare Montauk, N.Y., poster; and a goalie stick signed
by players from the 1953-54 Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.
Rare circa-1920
Picksville, N.Y., optometrist trade sign, cast zinc and in excellent condition.
March 30
- April 1: Al and Peg Araiza Collection
The 35-year collection of Al and Peg Araiza, collectors in
many categories, will headline a massive, three-day auction slated for March 30
- April 1, 2012 by Showtime Auction Services, at the Washtenaw Farm Council
Grounds in Ann Arbor. Also offered will be the outstanding lifetime pedal car
and toy collection of Ed and Christy Ramsey.
The first day of the auction – Friday, Mar. 30 – will be for a live audience
only (no phone or Internet bidding). The hours will be noon to 6 PM EST, with a
preview from 8 AM-noon. The next two days – Mar. 31-Apr. 1 -- will have online
bidding (through LiveAuctioneers.com, iCollector.com and the Showtime website:
www.bid.showtimeauctions.com. The hours will be 9-6 EST.
Over 2,000 lots of investment-grade antiques and collectibles from over 100
consignors will change hands. In addition to pedal cars and toys, the auction
will feature banks, pottery, Wave Crest, trade signs, advertising signs, folk
art, soda fountain, Coca-Cola, Western, Native American, country store,
paintings, farm signs, match safes, tip trays, whiskey and breweriana.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents The
Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees each
week in Scoop.
Ask the average fan to name the greatest creators in the history of comics
and the name Archie Goodwin will not leap to the minds of many, because so much
of Archie’s brilliant work was behind the scenes or flew under the mainstream
radar. But ask the creators with whom he worked! Ask other all-time great
writers, artists, editors and creators! Gather the elders, the best of the best
and ask them! His name will be among the first mentioned.
POW Entertainment and Stan Lee
have launched a new website,
TheRealStanLee.com,
which features news about Stan and his numerous projects, video commentaries by
the legendary creator, a forum and more.
The site encourages
readers to sign-up, ask questions of Stan, and in turn have them answered in one
of his videos.
An Original Vintage Theater-Used Folded One-Sheet Movie Poster (1sh; measures
27" x 41" [69 x 104 cm]) (Learn
More)
Artist: Robert McGinnis
Film Description: Ian Fleming's Thunderball, the 1965 Terence Young
English James Bond 007 secret agent spy espionage fantasy action adventure
thriller ("L007k OUT!"; "L007k up! L007k down! L007k out!"; "Here comes the
biggest Bond of all!"; "Based on the original story by Kevin McClory, Jack
Whittingham and Ian Fleming") starring Sean Connery (as James Bond 007),
Claudine Auger, Adolfo Celi, Luciana Paluzzi, Rik Van Nutter, Martine Beswick,
and Guy Doleman
Overall Condition: good to very good.
There is an "A" rating stamp in the white background at lower right and there is
a snipe over the producer's credits just above Connery's credit at lower center
(oddly, it appears that the sole reason the snipe was placed there was to put
Saltzman's credit before Broccoli's!). There are minor creases along the
horizontal fold at upper right but they are not very noticeable. The poster
otherwise is in quite nice condition and it appears to have never been used. I'm
sure many collectors would be very happy with this poster as it is but if one
chose to have it linenbacked it would look fantastic!
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Folded One-Sheet Movie Poster (1sh; measures 27" x 41")
(Learn
More)
Film Description: Bandit Island, the 1953 Robert L. Lippert Jr. 3-D (3D;
3-Dimension) crime suspense thriller short ("You've never seen 3-D ACTION like
this before!"; "The bullet by bullet story of the big chase!") starring Glenn
Langan, Lon Chaney Jr., Jim Davis, and Jay Lawrence
Important Added Info: Note that this movie was originally in 3-D. The
studios created both 3D and 2D posters and lobby cards (the 2-D posters and
lobby cards were for theaters that lacked the 3-D equipment). This poster is
from the "3-D" release.
Overall Condition: good to very good. The
person that worked at the theater that displayed this poster used several
staples to put it up and when it was taken down they tore the poster in some
places and there are a few areas of paper loss scattered throughout including an
area of paper loss in the red car in the inset image next to the train at lower
right. These tears and areas of paper loss have been fairly neatly repaired with
paper and conservation tape from the back (someone even went to the trouble to
find a part of another poster that kind of matched the color of the car at lower
right!). Overall, the poster displays well but the defects are noticeable from
any distance away. A talented restorer could restore the above defects and after
proper restoration, the poster will look fantastic but please bid knowing that
it will likely require some amount of paint restoration.
MORPHY'S TOYS, COMICS, AND ADVERTISING AUCTION 2-9-11
Lot#:
1007
Description: Lionel
Walt Disney Mickey Mouse Circus Train.
Complete set with red wind-up engine that has some paint loss on front. Also
includes Mickey the Stoker engine, three circus cars, and all cardboard
consisting of the Sunoco station, gas pumps, Mickey and Minnie running down the
lane, Mickey Mouse tent, tickets, circus truck, and composition Mickey barker
with some moderate paint loss and wear. Includes original box with insert.
Insert has some tearing and creasing. Very difficult to find a complete set and
this example is one of the best we have ever seen.
Condition (Excellent).
HERITAGE COMICS AND ART AUCTION ENDS MID FEBRUARY:
New Comics #2 Billy
Wright pedigree (DC, 1936) CGC GD 2.0 Off-white to white pages.
The earliest comic in the Billy Wright collection, this is just the ninth comic
issue DC ever published. It's also an extremely rare issue that made Comic
Book Marketplace's list of the "50 Rarest Golden Age Comic Books." In fact,
that list had it tied with New Fun #2 as the rarest newsstand-distributed
DCs. The fact that a 2.0 is the highest-graded unrestored copy on CGC's census
says a lot about the rarity as well!
New Comics eventually became Adventure Comics, and it was just
DC's second series, with New Fun being the first. New Comics was
just the second anthology title with original, continuing characters -- remember
that its competition on the stands was Famous Funnies, which though
significant, was an all-reprint affair. Making its first appearance in this
issue was the long-running Federal Men feature, the work of Jerry Siegel and Joe
Shuster, more than two years before Action Comics introduced their
character Superman. The cover art is credited to R. B. Leffingwell. CGC notes,
"Moderate amount of tape on interior cover." Overstreet 2011 GD 2.0 value =
$1,229. CGC census 2/12: 1 in 2.0, none higher.
New York World's Fair Comics 1939 Billy Wright
pedigree (DC, 1939) CGC FN- 5.5 White pages. One of
Overstreet's Top 100 Golden Age books despite not having a NM- value listed in
the Guide. This early DC, is the first full-color, non-reprint superhero annual.
Superman is shown with blonde hair (he had been appearing in comics for less
than a year at the time), and this comic, cover-dated 4/39, pre-dates
Detective Comics #27, which explains why Batman doesn't appear here! Also,
this issue has the first published appearance of the Sandman (compare with the
first Sandman story in Adventure #40, offered in this same section).
Despite all of this, and as collectible as the issue is now, the comic was not a
strong seller when it was released owing to the unheard-of 25¢ cover price. Vin
Sullivan and Fred Guardineer are the cover artists. Overstreet 2011 FN 6.0 value
= $5,100. CGC census 2/12: 3 in 5.5, 6 higher.
Doc Savage Comics #1 Billy Wright pedigree
(Street & Smith, 1940) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages.
The pulp VIP who reportedly inspired Superman finally got his own book in May of
1940. Overstreet 2011 VF 8.0 value = $3,628. CGC census 2/12: 1 in 8.0, 3
higher.
Wings Comics #89 Lost Valley pedigree (Fiction House, 1948)
CGC VF/NM 9.0 Off-white pages. Classic bondage cover by Bob Lubbers. Art by
Lubbers and George Evans. Overstreet 2011 VF/NM 9.0 value = $237; NM- 9.2 value
= $330. CGC census 2/12: 1 in 9.0, none higher.
Jack Davis Haunt of Fear #13 Complete 7-Page Story
"Wolf Bait" Original Art (EC, 1952). Attention
ghoul-lunatic lovers, the peerless portraits of the Crypt-Keeper in this chiller
are all-original art, and not stats. EC forever changed the level of quality
expected from the horror comic genre -- its shocking stories set a new standard
for the "twist ending." Though the staff of EC writers used every variation
conceivable, they were always well written, with art that conveyed the story in
the boldest way possible. This yelp-yarn features art by Jack Davis at the
height of his career at EC. The crisp ink work and attention to detail that
Davis put into every panel contrasted nicely with his signature cartoony style,
perfect for the insanely hysterical faces of his ill-fated characters. Each page
of this classic has an image area of 13" x 18", and they average Excellent
condition.
Davis, Jack:Davis, Jack:Jack
Davis (American, b. 1926): Few cartoonists have been as successful or as widely
published as the versatile Jack Davis. His first commercial job was created in
1949, an in-house booklet for Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia. After moving to New
York City in the early fifties, Davis' work in the comic book field gained
instant notoriety when he was hired by EC, where he worked on such titles as
Tales from the Crypt, Haunt of Fear, Vault of Horror, Frontline Combat,
Two-Fisted Tales, and so on, as well as a celebrated stint at Mad. A fast and
talented illustrator, especially as caricaturist, Davis has created magazine
covers for Life, Time, Esquire, True West, Frontier Times, and TV Guide, as well
as countless paperback and hardback book covers. His work has graced many record
album covers and been showcased on movie posters for such notable films as It's
a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, The Russians are Coming, Heaven Can Wait, Kelly's
Heroes, Bananas, The Producers, The Long Goodbye, The Party, and Sergeants 3.
The prolific Davis has also created advertising art for such clients as L and M,
Mennen, Ford, NBC, Columbia Records, Purina, Spalding, Nestle's, and Michelob.
In addition, he has also drawn scores of memorable greeting and bubble-gum cards
and is, in short, one the most successful cartoonists of all time. .
ACTION COMICS #27 Item description:
1940, Early Lois Lane cover; Siegel and Shuster art. Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 7.0 FVF Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 3rd Highest CGC Graded Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
Superman's earliest appearances in Action Comics are undeniably among the
most important and desirable comics in the world. The offered item is a upper
mid-grade CGC 7.0 with a bright cover image and perfect White Pages. This
example is 1 of the top 9 ever certified by CGC with only 5 in grade and
just 4 examples certified higher. This issue features a very early cover
appearance by Lois Lane, perhaps the most important figure in Superman's
continuity.
BATMAN #4 Item description:
1940, 3rd Joker, 1st Gotham City mention. Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 7.5 VF- Page Quality: Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Starts At: $1
Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
Batman's hometown, Gotham City, is named for the first time in this early issue
of the Dark Knight's own series. Over the past 68 years, the City of Gotham has
become nearly as iconic a figure in popular culture and Batman's continuity as
the heroes and villains that inhabit its streets. Additionally, the Joker,
Batman's greatest nemesis and one of the most memorable characters in the
history of comics, makes only his 3rd ever appearance in this issue. The offered
item is a solid CGC 7.5 with deep cover colors and supple Off-White pages. This
is 1 of only 6 examples of this issue in grade and only 8 in total have ever
been certified higher by CGC. Early issues from this iconic Golden Age run are
among the most sought after of all comics and examples in the Very Fine range
and higher are only occasionally offered for sale.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #111 Item description:
1969, Steranko cover and art, "Death" of Steve Rogers Publisher: Marvel Condition: CGC 9.8 NM/MT Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: Highest CGC Graded! Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This CGC 9.8 pristine Near Mint/Mint is the highest graded example for this
issue. Adding to its desirability, CGC has assigned its perfect page quality
designation of White Pages, making this example the very best 9.8 attainable.
This iconic Cap cover clearly demonstrates why Jim Steranko was a smash hit
when he took the comic book world by storm in the late 1960s. It is not a
stretch to say that covers with this sort of power come along once in a
generation!
WEIRD FANTASY #3 Item description:
1950, #15(#3). Feldstein cover Condition: CGC 9.2 NM- Page Quality: Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Pedigree or Highlight: GAINES FILE COPY Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This Gaines File Copy example has been certified at CGC's 9.2 Near Mint tier,
with only 1 in grade and just 7 examples ever certified higher. This book comes
with the original Gaines File Copy certificate signed by Bill Gaines, Bob
Overstreet and Russ Cochran.
The Gaines File Copies are examples of each issue published
that were personally hand-selected for quality by editor Bill Gaines, carefully
wrapped, and stored safely for decades. They are recognized for near-perfect
structure and very high page quality. As a rule, the best surviving examples of
ECs are Gaines File Copies.
EC’s Science Fiction line, comprised of the matched set
Weird Fantasy and Weird Science and later the combined Weird
Science-Fantasy and Incredible Science Fiction titles, not only
featured top of the line art, but also groundbreaking stories and content. Where
else can you find artists like Wally Wood, Joe Orlando, Frank Frazetta, and Al
Williamson adapting stories by iconic authors such as Ray Bradbury, Issac Azimov,
and Harlan Ellison? EC’s original stories, penned by editors Bill Gaines and
Al Feldstein, were equally compelling, often using tales of the future to
address pressing social issues of the day. Space Opera comics of the Flash
Gordon variety had been around since the dawn of the comic book industry, but
these EC’s were probably the first true Science Fiction comics.
The 1992 formation of Image Comics, which this week celebrated
its 20th anniversary, changed the comic book industry in many ways. Sure, the
flash and incredible sales numbers of the early 1990s boom come to mind, but
that’s really only the surface of it.
When seven top creators – Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Jim Lee, Jim
Valentino, Rob Liefeld, Whilce Portacio and Erik Larsen – left their secure gigs
at Marvel Comics and founded Image, they were taking a risk. But they were also
betting on themselves and the appeal of creator-ownership.
Since then, much has changed. Whilce Portacio’s role was minimized by
circumstance. Rob Liefeld had a much publicized split with his fellow partners
(although he now once again publishes through Image). Jim Lee sold his Wildstorm
Productions studio to DC Comics (where he is now co-publisher). The Walking
Dead and Invincible creator Robert Kirkman has become an Image
partner, the first writer to join what was originally an all-artists club.
Adam Beechen, the writer of
Batman Beyond, which has been one of our favorite DC Comics mini-series and
then ongoing series, has launched the first of what promises to be an ongoing
writer’s video commentary on the new series.
The decade-long legal back-and-forth between writer Neil Gaiman
and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane has been settled. The court case began almost
exactly 10 years ago, and the result of the settlement is that both parties
asked the court to declare that Gaiman is 50% owner of the copyrights to
Spawn #9, Spawn #26, and Angela #1-3.
A CGC-certified 9.4 copy of Journey Into Mystery #83
has been sold by Pedigree Comics for $222,200, company President and CEO Doug
Schmell has reported.
“Featuring the origin and first appearance of Thor, JIM #83 is one
of the most popular and valuable early Silver Age keys, ranked as #6 according
to latest edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. However,
according to most recent CGC sales, it is the fourth most valuable comic book
from the Silver Age, bested by only Amazing Fantasy #15, Fantastic
Four #1 and Incredible Hulk #1,” Schmell said. “And, as many
collectors and dealers will tell you, It is also one of the most difficult
Silver Age Marvel first appearance issues to locate in high grade, trailing only
Tales to Astonish #27 and Incredible Hulk #1.”
A CGC-certified 8.0 restored copy of
Action Comics #1 is now among the key
issues listed at ComicLink, Josh Nathanson, the company’s President, has
reported.
“This is one of the most beautiful examples in the world of the most
important comic book in existence and it was just posted among the newest
featured Exchange listings on ComicLink, he said.
“Few will dispute that the single most important moment in the history of
comics is when Action Comics #1 introduced Superman to the world and
ushered in a new age of superheroes. The influence of Superman and the wave of
heroes he inspired over the next 80 years is so great that this comic transcends
the boundaries of any particular hobby and stands as one of the most important
cultural icons of the 20th Century. Because of this, examples continue to
accelerate in demand and rise in price. Due to the scarcity of Action Comics
#1 as well as the fact that it is the most significant comic book of
all-time, the opportunity for a collector to acquire any example is an
event,” he said.
Early 20th century
poster advertising Montauk Beach, N.Y., one of possibly only three known.
2,000-Lot, March 1-3 Auction at Philip Weiss
A massive three-day sale that will feature as many as 2,000
quality, fresh-to-the-market lots in a host of categories will be held the
weekend of March 1-3, 2012, by Philip Weiss Auctions, in the firm’s spacious
gallery located at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside, New York. New merchandise was
pouring in at press time and the items were being photographed and cataloged.
A few of the expected top lots include a 19th century William Demuth Punch
cigar store advertising figure; a jump suit worn by a driver at the first
Indianapolis 500 car race, in 1911; a program from the first game played at
Yankee Stadium, in 1923; a rare Montauk, N.Y., poster; and a goalie stick signed
by players from the 1953-54 Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.
“This is shaping up to be one of the best three-day sales we’ve ever had –
maybe the best of all,” said Philip Weiss of Philip Weiss Auctions. “The caliber
of merchandise, combined with the fact that almost all of it is new to the
market, is adding up to a blockbuster event.” Mr. Weiss expects a healthy crowd,
to go with Internet bidding (via Proxibid) and phone and absentee bids.
Tarzan's All Story Debut in
Adventure House Auction
The first appearance of Tarzan signaled the beginning of a
character career that lasts to this day. Edgar Rice Burroughs’ lord of the
jungle is one of the iconic creations of the 20th century, and his first
appearance in The All Story - Vol. XXIV, No. 2, (Oct. 1912) is a
landmark in pulp history
Adventure
House, one of the best outlets for pulp reprints and history, will feature
an original copy of The All Story - Vol. XXIV, No. 2 in their next
series of auctions. In addition, they are also featuring the famed Frank
Robinson Collection.
Up for bid are more than 600 lots, and being offered are a wide variety of
robots and space toys, including a rare example of the Masudaya Radicon Robot in
its original box, which was once part of the celebrated F.H. Griffith
Collection. Boxed examples of the Aoshin Chime Trooper and Yonezawa’s Mr. Atomic
are also being offered.
A selection of Japanese tin Disney toys is headlined by a rare Mickey Mouse
Drummer hand painted prototype toy, and the windup version of Linemar’s Mickey
Mouse magician is also on the docket.
Japanese automotive tin is also well represented in the event. Leading the
pack are a group of more than 25 taxi cab toys, including examples of the Ichiko
Coin Operated cab and the Nomura Dodge Checker Cab, both in their original
boxes.
Railroad sign whose design was in use
from 1890-1930 to advertise MKT (Missouri-Kansas-Texas Lines), one of a
multitude of signs in Roy Gay collection. Images courtesy of A&S.
A&S
Offers Roy Gay Collection of RR Antiques
There is no more enduring symbol of how the Old West became
part of the New World than the American railroad, with its steam-powered “iron
horses” that linked East to West. It is the lifelong fascination with early
trains and the culture that surrounded them that inspired the late Roy Gay’s
65-year collection of railroadiana, which will be auctioned in its entirety on
March 10-11, 2012. A&S Antique Auction Co., specialists in Western Americana,
will conduct the sale of the approximately 2,000-piece single-owner collection
at its Waco, Texas gallery, with Internet live bidding through
LiveAuctioneers.com.
“Mr. Gay, who passed away on January 11th of this year, gave his whole
working life of 40-plus years to the Union Pacific Railroad. He was an auditor
for the company and traveled a three-state region in the course of his job, so
that opened all the necessary doors to acquire railroad relics. When a depot
closed down, he would know about it and be in a position to buy the pieces he
wanted,” said A&S’s owner Scott Franks.
Roy Gay’s collection of lanterns, railroad advertising signs, tableware,
tinware, whiskey crocks and literally anything else that would have been part of
a train journey from the late 19th- through mid-20th centuries grew to such size
that an unusual step was taken.
Cunard Cruise Ship
Lines paper sign Pier 40 at New York Harbor, in near-mint condition.
1926 Gendron “Stutz”
pressed steel pull toy, the best Stutz known to exist, 28 1/2 inches long.
Showtime
Features Al & Peg Araiza Collection
The 35-year collection of Al and Peg Araiza, collectors in
many categories, will headline a massive, three-day auction slated for March 30
- April 1, 2012 by Showtime Auction Services, at the Washtenaw Farm Council
Grounds in Ann Arbor. Also offered will be the outstanding lifetime pedal car
and toy collection of Ed and Christy Ramsey.
The first day of the auction – Friday, Mar. 30 – will be for a live audience
only (no phone or Internet bidding). The hours will be noon to 6 PM EST, with a
preview from 8 AM-noon. The next two days – Mar. 31-Apr. 1 -- will have online
bidding (through LiveAuctioneers.com, iCollector.com and the Showtime website:
www.bid.showtimeauctions.com. The hours will be 9-6 EST.
Over 2,000 lots of investment-grade antiques and collectibles from over 100
consignors will change hands. In addition to pedal cars and toys, the auction
will feature banks, pottery, Wave Crest, trade signs, advertising signs, folk
art, soda fountain, Coca-Cola, Western, Native American, country store,
paintings, farm signs, match safes, tip trays, whiskey and breweriana.
Also sold will be drug store items, barber shop, general store, saloon,
coin-op, gambling, Part 3 of a truly great cigar and tobacco tins collection and
more. But the Ramsey collection of pedal cars and toys is expected to generate a
high level of bidder interest. Included are about 50 rare pedal cars (most of
them original and unrestored) and some of the best pressed steel toys ever
offered at auction.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents The
Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees each
week in Scoop.
Best known on the national stage as the founder and publisher of MAD
magazine, Bill Gaines suddenly found himself in charge of a floundering comic
book company after the accidental death of his father, industry pioneer M.C.
Gaines. Over the course of the next few years and in the course of trying to
capture the latest trends, the younger Gaines published westerns, romances, and
thrillers. Along the way, though, he began assembling an unparalleled roster of
contributors, starting with writer-editor-artists Al Feldstein and Harvey
Kurtzman and including Al Williamson, Jack Davis, Graham Ingles, Johnny Craig,
Reed Crandall, George Evans, Wally Wood, John Severin and many others. With
titles like Tales From The Crypt, Weird Science,
Two-Fisted Tales, and Shock SuspenStories, in just a few years
Gaines and company created titles that still influence other creators today.
MAD, of course, became a cultural icon and did its own brand of
influencing.
Dan DeCarlo will always be best
remembered for his decades of incredible work at Archie, but he bumped around
the industry for a bit before he became one of their mainstays. In addition to
working with Stan Lee at Timely/Atlas, he also took on work from other
publishers including Standard, where he produced Jetta, a futuristic
young lady tagged as “Teen-Age Sweetheart of the 21st Century.”
ENOCH BOLLES (American, 1883-1976) "The Goal Rush is On"!, Film Fun magazine cover, November 1934
Oil on canvas
24 x 18 in.
Signed lower left
An original copy of the magazine accompanies this lot.
Bolles, Enoch:.
Condition Report*:
In-painting on the left center framed edge; stretcher creases
slightly visible; faint craquelure throughout; otherwise in good condition.
Framed to an overall size of 25 x 19.25 inches.
*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of
items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects
are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and
do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by
Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".
MARGARET BRUNDAGE (American, 1900-1976) The Blue Woman, Weird Tales pulp cover, September 1935
Pastel on paper
21 x 14 in.
Signed lower right
From the Estate of John McLaughlin.
Brundage, Margaret:.
Condition Report*:
Paper is in very good condition: scattered previous adhesive
residue on extreme edges, not effecting the integrity of the piece; taped to mat
with archival tape. Framed under glass to an overall size of 27 x 20.5 inches
*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of
items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects
are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and
do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by
Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".
GIL
ELVGREN (American, 1914-1980) Vision of Beauty (Unveiling), 1947
Oil on canvas
36 x 28 in.
Signed lower right
From the Estate of Charles Martignette.
This painting was reproduced as figure 483 in Gil Elvgren - All His Glamorous
American Pin-Ups by Charles G. Martignette and Louis K. Meisel, Taschen,
1999.
Elvgren, Gil:.
Condition Report*:
*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of
items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects
are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and
do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by
Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".
An Original Vintage
Unfolded World War I Recruitment Poster (measures 30 1/4" x 40 1/4" [77 x 102
cm])
Artist: Joseph Leyendecker
Film Description: U.S. Marines: "Soldiers of the Sea", the circa 1914
World War I (WWI) recruitment poster, featuring art of two scouting Marines by
Joseph Leyendecker as well as multiple photos of Marines performing their
every-day duties. If anyone knows more about this poster, please
e-mail us and we will post it here.
Important Added Info: Note that this poster was never folded! An unfolded
poster is almost always far more difficult to find than a folded poster of the
same title, and finding unfolded posters in excellent condition is even more
difficult!
Overall Condition: very good. There is
some tattering in the blank borders around the edges of the poster. The poster
is otherwise in pretty nice condition, especially considering its age, and it
displays well.
An Original Vintage
Unfolded Circus Poster (measures 28" x 42" [71 x 107 cm])
Artist: Lawson Wood
Film Description: Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey, the 1942 circus
poster ("The Greatest Show on Earth") featuring a great artwork image of monkeys
lined up to enter the circus by Lawson Wood. Note that Lawson Wood was an
English artist best known for his humorous depictions of dinosaurs, cavemen,
policemen, and animals. If anyone knows more about this poster, please
e-mail us and we will post it here.
Important Added Info: Note that this poster was never folded! An unfolded
poster is almost always far more difficult to find than a folded poster of the
same title, and finding unfolded posters in excellent condition is even more
difficult!
CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT #10 Item description:
1943, Mac Raboy Flag cover Condition: CGC 9.0 VFNM Page Quality: Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 2nd Highest CGC Graded Pedigree or Highlight: MILE
HIGH PEDIGREE Starts At: $1 Number Of Bids: 0
Start Date: 2/21/2012
8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
The offered example of this classic V For Victory patriotic cover issue
is from the Mile High Pedigree Collection, and it's the second highest graded
example for this 1943 issue of Captain Midnight. This is the only example
certified at the 9.0 VF/NM tier by CGC - and just 1 single example has ever
certified any higher. The cover is by fan favorite artist Mac Raboy.
CHARLIE CHAN #2 Condition: CGC 8.5 VF+ Page Quality: Cream to Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 3rd Highest CGC Graded Starts At: $1
STAR TREK #1 Item description:
1967, 1st Star Trek Comic Book Condition: CGC 9.2 NM- Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 3rd Highest CGC Graded Pedigree or Highlight: BACK
COVER VARIANT Starts At: $1 Number Of Bids: 0
Start
Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
The offered example of Gold Key's Star Trek #1 is a sharp, fresh Near
Mint 9.2. Gorgeous color and gloss highlight this example, which was assigned
perfect White Pages so it's the finest 9.2 obtainable. This series brings
competition among Star Trek and comic book collectors for choice examples, with
corresponding very high demand.
Though the original Star Trek television series only ran for
79 episodes, its reach and influence are bordering on immeasurable. With 12
feature films (and another on the way!), five spin-off television shows, and
literally thousands of licensed products, the Star Trek franchise remains strong
to this day with one of the most dedicated and renowned fan followings. The Gold
Key Star Trek series was the very first comic book adaptation of the
legendary program and the only one that ran during the original TV series’
iconic run.
Welcome to the
fantasy figure world of Solarwind Productions. We design, develop and
manufacture high quality, limited edition
resin kits. All kits are
cast of the finest materials and feature ease of assembly with minimal clean up,
perfect for beginners as well as experienced modelers. Our kits are designed
with the figure painter in mind, simple to build yet highly detailed. New kits
are introduced on a quarterly basis, featuring a variety of themes in different
scales.
The comic book website
Broken Frontier has announced the winners of its 8th annual Broken Frontier
Awards. The winners and their respective categories are as follows:
ComicLink has sold a CGC-certified
9.4 copy of Tales of Suspense #39, the first Iron Man, for $145,000.
The issue features off-white to white pages, and the record in this condition is
$150,000 for another copy sold via a ComicLink “private placement” sale in 2011.
Pedigree Comics has reported a 90% sell-through rate and total sales of
$637,131 for their recently completed January Grand Auction. The company
indicated that post-auction sales should set the final tally north of $700,000
for the January 8-18, 2012 event.
“The auction was a success. We were happy to see many new bidders in the
auction, collectors who had just recently found our site,” said Pedigree Comics
President and CEO Doug Schmell.
Adventure House, one of the finest sources for pulp reprints and books in
the marketplace, has announced their next set of auctions. They are preparing to
offer over 500 items directly from the noted Frank M. Robinson Collection.
February 25, 2012 will be the first of twelve auctions, which will run
through the middle of May. Of the nearly 10,000 items to be sold over the course
of those sale, included will be what is believed to be the finest set of
Weird Tales to ever come to auction.
You can read the details and order the five hundred plus page catalog by
visiting the Adventure
House website and clicking on the auction logo.
Famous Funnies #1, July 1934, the first
newsstand comic magazine.
The Overstreet Hall of
Fame: M.C. Gaines
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents The
Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees each
week in Scoop.
Pioneer, publisher, promoter and advocate Maxwell Charles Gaines is known for
creating the idea in 1933 of repackaging the Sunday newspaper comic strip into
the format we recognize as modern comic books and distributing them to the
newsstand. Comic strips had been collected into books since the 1800s, but he
felt by folding a full tabloid page of eight or sixteen pages down twice to
produce a 32-page or a 64-page comic magazine that it could be sold for 10¢,
even during the Great Depression.
He tried first with Funnies On Parade, then with Famous Funnies,
A Carnival of Comics, both done as promotional comics. Famous Funnies,
Series 1, was the following step. The next issue, also #1, dated July, 1934 was
distributed as the first newsstand comic magazine. The series lasted until 1955.
In 1938 Gaines (with Jack Liebowitz) started All-American Publications, which
was a separate company co-marketed with DC Comics. In 1944, DC bought out
Gaines, who then started a new line, Educational Comics (EC). He died in a
boating accident in 1947.
keeping Up with the Joneses
debuted in a 1916 issue of The New York World and focused on the
McGinis family: the couple Aloysius and Clarice, their daugther Julie and their
maid Belladonna. Arthur "Pop" Momand was the creator, though the strip's
artwork is derivative of George McManus and its premise--a family's collective
efforts at social climbing lead to hilarious misadventure--also hearkens to
McManus' Bringing Up Father. By 1940, the strip fizzled out, but not
before establishing its own unique socio-historical import. Pop Momand's strip
came into its own during the 1920s when it began to be syndicated nationally.
Shortly after, "Keeping Up with the Joneses" became a popular part of our
culture's colloquial lexicon. Even today, we know that the phrase has to do with
neighborly competition and relentless social climbing.
Wally Wood Weird Fantasy #11 Complete 6-Page Story "The 10th at Noon"
Original Art (EC, 1952). Attention EC fan-addicts,
here is a rare look at prime Wally Wood art, when the tight, assured style that
became his trademark was still in development. An eerie tale of a camera that
can photograph the future (and the horrifying images it relays to the hapless
protagonists) is rendered even more evocative through Wood's use of heavy blacks
and claustrophobic staging. While perhaps not quite as "slick" as Wood's later
EC work, this yarn has a raw power that amply demonstrates his budding genius.
These electrifying pages each have an image area of 13" x 18". Several pages
have individual panels rendered on Craftint Duotone paper that have been pasted
onto the paper. They average Very Good condition, with some scattered staining
and light overall paper aging.
Wood, Wally:Wally Wood (American,
1927-1981): is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book artists in the
war, crime, science fiction, superhero, and humor genres. A child prodigy, Wood
blended the disparate cartooning influences of Hal Foster, Alex Raymond, Milton
Caniff, and Will Eisner into a detail-laden style uniquely his own. After
briefly working as an assistant to Will Eisner and George Wunder, and producing
some early romance comic stories for Fox, Wood came into his own at EC and Avon,
working on science fiction stories. Equally impressive was his uproarious work
for Harvey Kurtzman’s EC humor title, Mad. During the Silver Age Wood
re-designed Daredevil for Marvel, and was heavily involved in producing the
super-hero /spy line-up, the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents for Tower. Wood also launched
the important independent magazine, witzend. Other important projects in his
canon include his fantasy stories for Warren Publishing, his sexy syndicated
strips for the military, Sally Forth and Cannon, and his graphic novel trilogy
based on his childhood creation, the Wizard King. Perhaps his most hilariously
infamous satire was his XXX-rated parody poster, the Disneyland Memorial Orgy.
Wood collaborated with many talented assistants over his career including Harry
Harrison, Joe Orlando, Dan Adkins, Ralph Reese, Wayne Howard, Larry Hama, Paul
Kirchner, Mike Zeck, and many others.
Superman #1 (DC, 1939) CGC Apparent VF- 7.5
Extensive (P) Off-white to white pages. This much
sought-after key is currently ranked #4 on Overstreet's list of the most
valuable Golden Age books. Yet in terms of significance, you could argue that
only Action Comics #1 is more important in the history of the medium.
That's because Superman #1 represents the first time that a character
created for comic books was given his own series, at a time when the medium
featured anthology series, strip reprints, etc.
The cover by Joe Shuster is a famous image, and the back cover pin-up is the
first one in the history of comics! Of course, kids couldn't resist cutting this
out to hang it up, that's why this book, despite a documented print run of one
million copies, is so difficult to find intact.
It's worth noting that unrestored copies with comparable eye appeal are all but
unheard-of: among unrestored copies certified to date, only two match or exceed
this numerical grade. This professionally restored specimen is one to show off
not only to other hobbyists, but to everyone who appreciates the significance of
the character in American popular culture.
CGC notes, "Restoration includes: color touch, pieces added, tear seals,
cleaned, re-glossed." Overstreet 2011 GD 2.0 value = $33,333; VG 4.0 value =
$66,667; FN 6.0 value = $100,000; VF 8.0 value = $240,000.
ADVENTURE COMICS #61 Item description:
1941, Starman 1st appearance Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 7.5 VF- Page Quality: Cream to Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 2nd Highest CGC Graded Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date:
2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This is the very best example of this early DC Key issue that we have
ever featured in a Comiclink auction; not surprising, considering that
this is the second highest graded ever certified by CGC, and ranks in
the Top 2 ever certified. In this important issue of Adventure
Comics, writer Gardner Fox and artist Jack Burnley introduced
Starman. Starman would be a mainstay of this title until issue #102, and
was an early member of the Justice Society of America in All Star
Comics. Demand for early DC Keys is very strong, and the top-graded
examples rarely ever surface for sale; at no reserve, this book presents
a significant opportunity for the DC Golden Age collector.
GREEN HORNET COMICS #22 Item description:
1945, Alex Schomburg WWII Cover Condition: CGC 7.5 VF- Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 2nd Highest CGC Graded Pedigree or Highlight:
MILE HIGH PEDIGREE Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date:
2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
The offered 1945 Mile High Pedigree example is the second highest graded
that CGC has ever certified, and is the only one in 7.5 with just 2
graded slightly higher in 8.5. This copy is stunning in its structure
and presents much stronger than its technical grade. The cover is by
acclaimed and highly collected Golden Age artist Alex Schomburg. Further
enhancing the desirability of this item, CGC has assigned its perfect
page quality designation of White Pages, truly remarkable for a book of
this vintage.
SHOCK
ILLUSTRATED #2 PAGE 1 TITLE SPLASH Primary Artist Name: AL WILLIAMSON Secondary Artist Name: ANGELO TORRES Year: 1956 Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This splash page art from Shock Illustrated #2 lead of the story
"A Question of Time" and it is the work of Al Williamson and Angelo
Torres. After the imposition of the Comics Code, EC was forced to change
gears and experiment with new formats to avoid censorship. The Picto-Fiction
line, which included Confessions Illustrated was a short lived attempt
to market a black & white, traditional format magazine of comic art to
an adult audience. These magazines only ran for a few issues each, so
the large, over-sized original art from this period is rare by its very
nature.
Torres and Williamson were part of the so-called "Fleagle
Gang" along with Roy Krenkel and Frank Frazetta, collaborating on work
for the iconic 1950s publisher. Both Williamson and Torres typically
took on the role of inker in their EC collaborations, so pages featuring
this particular combo -- Williamson pencils and Torres inks -- are
fairly uncommon (they only collaborated in this way on 8 EC stories).
This is a very nice example of their output in the middle 1950s with two
men investigating the murder of a woman in her bedroom. It is a nice
feature of this image that Torres signed the art, hiding his name
("Angelo") on the plaque under the painting in the background. It is
also notable that this story was adapted from an early story of the same
name from Crime Suspenstories #13, the earliest credited
collaboration of these two important creators. The over-sized art has an
overall image area of approximately 17" x 22".
Actually I got it as a Christmas gift from my
wife and one of my kids. It is really cool. That's why I asked
Swapsale pal Lance Wolff to shoot a pic of me wearing it, which he did.
Then he went ahead and created this terrific piece of art. Thanks Lance.
Much appreciated. -- Bruce David/Swapsale
-------------------------------------------------
SCOOP NEWS:
Film
Version of Jeff Smith's Bone Gets New Writer
After a number of frustrating
and failed attempts, Patrick Sean Smith, creator of the ABC Family show
Greek, will write a film adaptation of Jeff Smith’s Bone, which
P.J. Hogan is set to direct,
The Hollywood Reporter said.
The year 2011 proved to be a great one for
Heritage
Auctions, as the company has reported a gross total of more than $806
million, the company’s best performance ever.
“The bottom line is that service and value will always sell, and Heritage
specializes in the very best of both,” said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage
Auctions. “Collectors respond to that. They know us and they know we understand
them. The result has been a decade of tremendous growth.”
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents The
Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees each
week in Scoop.
Even though they thought they had something special, when DC Comics released
Sandman #1 in 1989, it would have been impossible for them to know what
they had on their hands since it really hadn't happened before. By the time the
series ended with Sandman #75 (March 1996), it had given birth to DC's
Vertigo imprint (Sandman #47), introduced or re-introduced the comic
book world to a number of exceptional artists, and established Neil Gaiman as
one of the medium's most distinct voices. Lyrical, moody, sensitive, and
painterly, his ability to take readers to the world in which his characters
lived captured and kept readers from beyond the normal fan base. With spin-offs
such as Death: The High Cost of Living, he rounded out that world and
soon began carving out others, in comics, novels, and other media.
The Hanna-Barbera cartoons of
the mid-'60s aren't best remembered for their satirical properties. But Secret
Squirrel, upon his debut in 1965, quickly gained an audience by satirizing the
popular spy/espionage genre.
As Agent 000, Secret Squirrel undertook covert missions using intel from his
boss, Double Q; assistance from his trusty sidekick Morocco Mole; and an
impressive cache of state-of-the-art gadgets.
In 1933, a Chicago-based
animator by the name of Stanley J. Link began to develop a comic strip about a
curiously shrunken boy whose small point of view made a big difference in the
lives of his friends and family. The strip was called Tiny Tim, and not
soon after its Sunday feature debut, the boy who could make his body smaller
than a bird's using a mystical amulet worn around his neck, became a great
favorite with children and adults alike. Within a few years of his initial
introduction, Tiny Tim starred in his own line of Big Little Books.
Steve Ditko The Amazing Spider-Man #22 Circus of Crime Battle Page 12
Original Art (Marvel, 1965). After their big heist,
the Ring-Master's troupe is now operating solo, and every panel of this thriller
is brimming with the inimitable Spider-Man action that has made Steve Ditko a
legend in Comicdom, and the wondrous wall-crawler famous worldwide. Here's to
"Sturdy" Steve Ditko, who polished up another show-stopping Silver Age
masterpiece, in this peerless page from the Stan Lee story, "The Clown and His
Masters of Menace." The image area of this page is 12.5" x 18.5", and the
condition is Excellent.
Steve Ditko:(American b. 1927): A
comic book artist and writer perhaps most celebrated as the co-creator of the
Marvel heroes Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. Ditko also worked on the Blue
Beetle, Captain Atom, and the Question for Charlton Comics, as well as Hawk and
Dove and the Creeper for DC. He has also self-published stories featuring Mr. A.
and The Avenging World, philosophical titles thought to be inspired by Ayn
Rand's Objectivism and the writings of Aristotle.
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Folded Style C One-Sheet Movie Poster (1sh; measures 27" x 41" [69
x 104 cm]) (Learn
More)
Artist: Robert Tanenbaum
Film Description: Battlestar Galactica, the 1978 Richard A. Colla outer
space science fiction (sci-fi) action thriller ("They were searching for a star
called Earth, but first they had to win a great war."; "Before there was Earth,
there was a great war."; "Two years in the making... Presented at a cost of
$14,000,000"; "The super-reality of Sensurround takes you into an intergalactic
war... Experience the sensation of laser beams, space explosions and battlestar
attacks... all in Academy Award winning Sensurround.") starring Richard Hatch,
Dirk Benedict, Lorne Greene ("as Adama"; best remembered as Ben Cartwright on
TV's "Bonanza"), Herb Jefferson Jr., and Maren Jensen
Overall Condition: good to very good.
There are creases and scuffs throughout the poster.
E-Books and paperback copiess are directly
available from the
AmazonKindle or the Nook sites on the
internet
Hardback copies sold through ORDERS@ Xlibris.com
GUNBEARER.., Part-One... Richard Burton
and John Hanning Speke search for the Nile.
GUNBEARER... Part-Two...
The
Speke/Grant safari to prove the source of the Nile.
(Both volumes reveal an exotic Victorian Era
episode, as told far more truthfully by an African who was present than what was
published in the journals of the British explorers.)
AINOKO … (revised edition) Originally
published in1982 by AVON BOOKS as BROCADE. The sordid life of a
mixed-blood boy and his mother in early post war Japan.
GYPSIES DON’T LIE... An immigrant
Polish woman struggles to raise her son and daughter in New York City during the
Great Depression Era and World War II.
CRACKPOTS...
Two tales of treasures in
the Fifties, having little in common but Pacific Ocean shores: THE BAKLA’S
CROSS, (about a film company in
the Philippines Republic),andTHE HIGH PRIESTESS(concerning odd residents of a notorious hillside in
Hollywood.)
SHOOTING MONTEZUMA... Celebrated stars
and a legendary director make a film with a secret they cannot keep. A tale
based on the author’s year-long involvement with THE LIST OF ADRIAN MESSENGER,
a Universal-International motion picture, directed by John Huston.
Books by Jan Merlin co-authored with William
Russo:
THE PAID COMPANION of J. Wilkes Booth...
Was Lewis Paine (aka Lewis Powell) a misled young Rebel deserter? An
American Lincoln myth haunts and scandalizes as it explodes into final moments
of guilt and horror.
TROUBLES IN A GOLDEN EYE...
Concerning
a failed John Huston movie starring Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, Brian
Keith, and Julie Harris.
MGM makes BOYS TOWN - from
Scripts to Film... Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney vie for an Oscar, using
recollections of Frankie Thomas Jr., a prominent member of the cast.
HANGING WITH BILLY BUDD…The various
versions constructed of the Herman Melville high seas poetic tragedy for the
stage, opera, television, film, radio, and a one night Broadway musical flop.
Ian Fleming’s James Bond, agent 007 of Her Majesty’s Secret
Service, licensed to kill, first appeared in the novel Casino Royale,
which was published in April 1953. Nine years later Bond made his feature film
debut in 1962’s Dr. No with Sean Connery in the lead role.
This year the Bond film franchise will celebrate its 50th anniversary with
the release of the 23rd movie in the series, Skyfall, and the Blu-ray
release of all 22 previous films. Just for the record, Dr. No was
followed by From Russia, With Love, Goldfinger,
Thunderball, You Only Live Twice (all with Connery), On Her
Majesty’s Secret Service (George Lazenby’s only outing as Bond),
Diamonds Are Forever (Connery, again), Live and Let Die, The
Man With The Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker,
For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy and A View To A Kill
(all with Roger Moore), The Living Daylights, License To Kill
(both with Timothy Dalton), GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies,
The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day (all with Pierce
Brosnan), Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace (with Daniel
Craig).
Did you really think that
something as trivial as cancellation could keep Jack Bauer down? The former Fox
television series 24, which aired in eight seasons and one television
movie from 2001 to 2010, is headed to the big screen with Kiefer Sutherland
resuming the role of Bauer. According to statements the actor has made, the film
should start production in late March or early April 2012.
Strange Worlds of Science
Fiction, the most extensive collection to date of sci-fi comics by
Overstreet Hall of Fame artist Wallace Wood, is due out in a $39.95 hardcover on
January 18, 2012 from Vanguard Publishing.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents The
Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees each
week in Scoop.
Frank Frazetta started illustrating comic books and comic strips with a wide
variety of themes before becoming the almost universally lauded master fantasy
illustrator he became. He worked in the western, mystery, humor, and other
genres including stories for EC Comics, National’s Shining Knight, Avon and
other publishers (his collaborations with EC’s great Al Williamson and the
talented Roy Krenkel are particularly noteworthy). His work on Buck Rogers,
Famous Funnies, Li’l Abner, Flash Gordon and Johnny
Comet still shine, but when he turned his hand to a series of Conan book covers
he found a depth and a serious connection to a legion of fans.
Today, very few people would draw a blank
when asked the name of the most memorable Martian in the Looney Tunes stable.
But did you know that our favorite google-eyed alien in Roman togs spent a
whopping 31 years without a name?
When he debuted in 1948's Haredevil Hare, he spent the length of the
short battling with Bugs to claim first rights to an authentic moon landing
(having shown up a minute after Bugs). He was a Martian in more than one sense,
as his spaceship was marked "Mars to Moon Expeditionary Force" and he was
outfitted in the common gear of the Roman god of war, Mars.
He would go on to appear in five films in the 1950s and '60s, then disappeared
until 1979. That year, he resurfaced (if only in a still illustration) in
The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie, a collection of WB shorts. Under his
portrait was, for the first time a given name: Marvin Martian.
Back in the day, Aunt Jenny was
what some would now refer to as a "wing woman." As narrator and hostess of
Aunt Jenny's Real Life Stories, a radio soap opera that debuted in 1937, she
not only served as a catalyst between the listener and the characters (with
their rapidly advancing plotlines that usually began and ended within a five-day
period), but she also nurtured a very trusting consumer-product relationship for
her serial show sponsor, Spry shortening.
At the beginning of each Aunt Jenny episode, she and her program announcer, Dan
Seymour, caught listeners up on the goings on between residents in the town of
"Littleton." But before seguing into the melodramatic acting sequences, she also
gave her audience "recipes of the day," all of which contained Spry shortening
as a key ingredient.
An Original Vintage
Theater-Used Folded Italian Two-Panel (known in Italy as a "4 Fogli") Movie
Poster (2p; measures 55" x 78" [140 x 198 cm]) (Learn
More) Artist: Howard Terpning
Film Description: Joseph Mankiewicz' Cleopatra, the 1963 (while it was in
limited released in the U.S. in 1963, it did not go into general release in the
U.S. until 1964, so the posters all have 1964 dating on them) Joseph L.
Mankiewicz English/U.S./Swiss Egypt historical romantic pseudo-biography epic
("The No1 of all time"; "SEE Cleopatra triumphant entry into Rome!"; "SEE the
thrilling battle of Actium!"; "SEE the brutal assassination of Caesar!"; "SEE
the love affairs that destroyed an empire!"; "SEE the victorious Roman army
occupy Cleopatra's Empire"; nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award; based
on the Carlo Mario Franzero novel) starring Elizabeth Taylor (in the title role
as Cleopatra), Richard Burton ("as Mark Antony"), Rex Harrison (in his nominated
for Best Actor Academy Award role; "as Julius Caesar"), Pamela Brown, George
Cole, Hume Cronyn, Cesare Danova, Kenneth Haigh (as Brutus), and Roddy McDowall
(child star who successfully made a transition to playing adult roles; as
Octavian)
Important Added Info: Note that this Italian two-panel poster was printed
in 2 sections (designed to overlap) and when combined, the poster measures 55" x
78" [140 x 198 cm].
Including material from the Lester Glassner Estate featuring
Photos & More. There will be Additions from other Estates including a Selection
of Movie Posters, Box Lots of Photos, Negatives, Original Broadway Window Cards,
Playbills, Original Artwork for 1920/30's Theatre Magazines, 3 Rare Andy's Gang
Buster Brown Shoe Store Displays (each approx. 30" tall) featuring Froggy the
Gremlin, Midnight the Cat, and Squeaky the Mouse. Also included will be a Large
Collection of Original Movie Costumes including Laurel & Hardy Costumes from
"The Bullfighters", Jane Russell Costume from "The Outlaw", James Cagney Suit
from "Yankee Doodle Dandy", Bette Davis Gown from "The Virgin Queen", Rudolph
Valentino Vest from "The Son of the Sheik", Charlton Heston Costume from "Planet
of the Apes", and Much More. Original Pastel Art Painting of Janet
Gaynor, Constance Bennett, Lillian Gish, Original Oil on Board Movie Poster
Design Painting of "Swing Time" with Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. Wonderful
Selection of Original 1920's Linen Backed One Sheet Movie Posters and Window
Cards, Extremely Scarce Captain January Shirley Temple Diecut, and Much more.
Original Jim Henson "Fozzie Bear" Muppet, Extensive Collection of Approx. 990
Vogue Magazines to be Sold as a Collection with Issues Ranging from 1913-1991
with Strength in the 1930's thru 1960's.
ACE COMICS #1 Item description:
1937, Rare; 1st Blondie, Krazy Kat, Jungle Jim, and Ripley's Believe It or Not
in comic book format Condition: CGC 4.0 VG Page Quality: Cream to Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This tough, Gerber 7, 1937 first issue, from the very early Golden Age period
features the first comic book appearances of Blondie, Krazy Kat, Ripley's
Believe It or Not, Jungle Jim and several other newspaper strip favorites. This
CGC 4.0 VG is 1 of just 2 in the offered condition, and only 8 unrestored
examples have ever been graded by CGC in total. This historic book is very tough
to get.
BRAVE AND THE BOLD #34 Item description:
1961, 1st Silver Age Hawkman & Hawkgirl appearance Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 9.2 NM- Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 2nd Highest CGC Graded
Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
The offered example for Brave and the Bold 34 is the second highest
graded, and ranks within the top 10 highest graded that CGC has ever
certified, but this does not tell the full picture of it's scarcity in the
condition you see here with exceptional page preservation. Only 2 Near Mint 9.4
examples have surfaced at auction since 2009, and they have vastly inferior page
quality (Cream to Off-White Pages) compared with the near newsstand-fresh page
quality of Off-White to White, that you see here. To our knowledge, only a
single 9.2 and a single 9.4 surfaced between 2003 and 2009, both with Off-White
pages. You have to go all the way back to a 2003 ComicLink sale of a 9.4 with
Off-White to White pages to match the page quality of the offered item for this
premiere DC issue.
Overall, this is an extremely difficult book to obtain in high
grade. CGC has certified more than 320 examples, and among those, just 5 have
certified unrestored 9.2, and 5 at 9.4 with none higher. So a Near Mint 9.2 is
already statistically in the top 3% of the known existing examples --
throw the astounding paper preservation into the mix, and the numbers get even
that much smaller at the top. This no-reserve auction is a wonderful opportunity
for the most discriminating DC collectors to take a shot at a rare high-grade
example of this issue with extremely uncommon paper preservation.
First introduced in Flash Comics #1 in 1940, Hawkman is one of
the longest running DC heroes. He co-starred in the title with the Flash through
the end of its initial run in 1949, and he was a founding member of the Justice
Society of America, the world’s first super-team introduced in the pages of
All-Star Comics #3. Hawkman was revamped for the Silver Age and was reintroduced
in the pages of the try-out title Brave and the Bold in 1961. He was
awarded his own series in 1964 and the same year became an early addition to the
Justice League of America roster. Hawkman remains an active member of the JLA to
this day and continues to see action both in print and in DC’s successful
Justice League animated series.
FRONTLINE COMBAT #13 Item description:
1953, Wally Wood cover Condition: CGC 9.4 NM Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: 2nd Highest CGC Graded Pedigree or Highlight: GAINES
FILE COPY Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This Gaines File Copy example has been certified at CGC's true Near Mint 9.4
tier, and this is the second highest grade that CGC has ever awarded an example
of this issue. Only 2 examples have been certified at the CGC 9.4 tier, with
just 5 examples ever certified slightly higher at 9.6. CGC has also assigned
near perfect paper quality, Off-White to White Pages. This book comes with the
original Gaines File Copy certificate signed by Bill Gaines, Bob Overstreet and
Russ Cochran.
The Gaines File Copies are examples of each issue published
that were personally hand-selected for quality by editor Bill Gaines, carefully
wrapped, and stored safely for decades. They are recognized for near-perfect
structure and very high page quality. As a rule, the best surviving examples of
ECs are Gaines File Copies.
RANGERS COMICS #38 Item description:
1947, Bondage/Hanging cover. Baker and Evans art. Condition: CGC 9.2 NM- Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: Highest CGC Graded!
Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This Near Mint CGC 9.2 is the highest grade for an example of this issue and it
is 1 of only 2 ever certified at this top tier. Additionally, CGC has
assigned its perfect page quality designation of White Pages, so this is the
very best 9.2 attainable. The hanging cover of this issue is a striking example
of the sort of material that makes this run popular among fans of the 'Good
Girl,Art' genre. It's brutal content makes it really one of the most horrific
ones of the time period. This cover can even be seen as one of the precursors to
the Pre-Code Horror covers of the 1950s, which made hanging covers, and other
gruesome acts controversially commonplace in comics.
Bertoia Auctions, the New Jersey company that made
international headlines with its $12.1 million, five-part auction of the Donald
Kaufman antique toy collection, is gearing up for yet another high-profile
event. The company’s owner, Jeanne Bertoia, has confirmed that Bertoia’s will
auction the renowned Richard T. “Dick” Claus collection of nautical toys and
boats later this year.
The collection will be divided into two parts, with part I to be auctioned on
May 12, 2012. Part II will be offered in the fall.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents The
Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees each
week in Scoop.
As an editor with EC Comics, Al Feldstein wrote,
illustrated and edited titles in one of the most influential comic book lines in
history. With a body of work ranging from horror (Tales from the Crypt)
to science-fiction to crime and suspense, his contributions have been reprinted
numbers of times over the years. They also stood up to the harshest critic:
time.
Produced by Jay Ward (before he
was the Jay Ward) and TerryToons mogul Paul Terry's nephew Alexander
Anderson Jr., Crusader Rabbit was one of those rare cartoons that just... had to
be. Created in 1948 and debuting in sketchy, black and white short segments
featured on other children's shows, the cartoon paved the way for other 'toon
animal adventures. Here are a few really interesting facts about it:
Crusader Rabbit is considered television's first cartoon series.
Between 1949 and 1951, 195 episodes were created (though, arguably, no less than
10 episodes were used to complete just one story arc).
He created plenty of cartoon characters over the span of his career,
including Pepé Le Pew, Marvin the Martian, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, but
Chuck Jones, the Academy Award-winning director of Duck Amuck, What's
Opera, Doc?, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and other animated
classics, also created Crawford, a little-remembered 1978 comic strip
that ran for only six months.
In light of Jones’ amazing career and the popularity of his art, it seems
astonishing that a comic strip by this master could be so overlooked, but it has
been… until now. The story of the 27-year effort by Jones to tell the story of
Crawford, an accident prone, nine-year-old boy, is the subject of the new
Library of American Comics book, Chuck Jones: The Dream That Never Was.
Hollywood Memorabilia, Movie Posters, Pop Culture, & Rock
N Roll
1/20/2012 02:00 PM
Including material from the Lester Glassner Estate featuring
Photos & More. There will be Additions from other Estates including a Selection
of Movie Posters, Box Lots of Photos, Negatives, Original Broadway Window Cards,
Playbills, Original Artwork for 1920/30's Theatre Magazines, 3 Rare Andy's Gang
Buster Brown Shoe Store Displays (each approx. 30" tall) featuring Froggy the
Gremlin, Midnight the Cat, and Squeaky the Mouse. Also included will be a Large
Collection of Original Movie Costumes including Laurel & Hardy Costumes from
"The Bullfighters", Jane Russell Costume from "The Outlaw", James Cagney Suit
from "Yankee Doodle Dandy", Bette Davis Gown from "The Virgin Queen", Rudolph
Valentino Vest from "The Son of the Sheik", Charlton Heston Costume from "Planet
of the Apes", and Much More. Original Pastel Art Painting of Janet
Gaynor, Constance Bennett, Lillian Gish, Original Oil on Board Movie Poster
Design Painting of "Swing Time" with Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. Wonderful
Selection of Original 1920's Linen Backed One Sheet Movie Posters and Window
Cards, Extremely Scarce Captain January Shirley Temple Diecut, and Much more.
Original Jim Henson "Fozzie Bear" Muppet, Extensive Collection of Approx. 990
Vogue Magazines to be Sold as a Collection with Issues Ranging from 1913-1991
with Strength in the 1930's thru 1960's.
100 Pages of Comics #101 (Dell, 1937) CGC
VF/NM 9.0 Off-white pages. It's been five years since
we last offered a copy of this early Dell (which has no number on the front
cover but #101 on the back). The grade is an eye-opener -- it's not easy to find
Dell Giants published 20 years later in this kind of condition! The
Golden Age hadn't even begun when this square bound comic was published, and
even mighty Dell was only publishing three series (Popular, The
Funnies, and The Comics) at the time. Overstreet 2009 VF/NM 9.0 value
= $1,545; NM- 9.2 value = $2,175. CGC census 10/09: 1 in 9.0, 1 higher.
Marvel Mystery Comics #21 Billy Wright
pedigree (Timely, 1941) CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white to white pages.
A beautiful copy -- any doubters of the legitimacy of the grade are encouraged
to come out to our lot-viewing day. Trust us, you'll find little to nit-pick!
The creative mind of Alex Schomburg gave the Human Torch and Toro a tough
challenge in the form of an unbelievable Nazi fortress! This issue is also
unusual in that the back cover is a full page pin-up of the Sub-Mariner.
Overstreet 2011 NM- 9.2 value = $5,300. CGC census 12/11: 1 in 9.2, none higher.
These covers by
Carlos Alberto Santos
are for the Spanish edition of the original Vampirella comic magazine, we
think. Anyone fluent in Spanish who wants to give us the full scoop should
click the link below.
Antique toy expert and Antiques Roadshow senior
appraiser Noel Barrett hosted a November 18-19, 2011 auction featuring clockwork
toys and automata from the Frank Mohr collection. The sale also included early
advertising signs and toys from the personal collection of Bill Powell, a
Tennessee-based dealer known for his well-cultivated taste in antiques of many
types.
The auction realized $1,187,000 (all prices quoted inclusive of 15% buyer’s
premium), with Saturday’s sales exceeding the session’s total high estimate by a
whopping 40%.
Comic book dealer and Overstreet Advisor Greg Reece of
Greg Reece's Rare
Comics has announced a record sale of a CGC-certified 3.0 copy of Batman
#1 for $32,500.
“The copy was sold to a private collector in Canada,” he said.
A trademark Barkhouse Bros. &
Co. Gold Dust Kentucky Bourbon bottle, one of the most popular western fifths
and one of the finest known to exist, sold for $28,000 in an Internet and
catalog auction held December 9-18, 2011 by American Bottle Auctions. The bottle
was the top seller of the 144 western whiskeys and historical flasks that
changed hands.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents The
Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees each
week in Scoop.
As the creator of Namor, the Sub-Mariner, Bill Everett (1917-1973) was
responsible for one of Timely Comics' three main characters (the other two were
Captain America and The Human Torch). Namor was likely the first very successful
anti-hero in the comic book world, since he was nearly constantly at war with
the surface-dwelling humans. Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1 featured
the character's first appearance, which was then expanded for Marvel Comics
#1. He wrote and drew the character in a number of different titles for the
publisher both before and after his service in World War II.
For six years, Throckmorton P.
Gildersleeve built up a solid fan following as Fibber McGee's comical nemesis
and next door neighbor on the radio serial, Fibber McGee and Molly.
But in 1941, writers decided that Gildersleeve was a strong enough co-star to
stand alone. So they conveniently moved him away from the slaptstick suburb of
Wistful Vista (where Fibber McGee and Molly took place) and settled him in
Summerfield, an outlying town where he met and began to raise an orphaned niece
and nephew, Marjorie and Leroy.
An Original 1969
Vintage Theater-Used Folded Six-Sheet Movie Poster (6sh; measures 81" x 81" [206
x 206 cm])
Film Description: The Green Slime, the 1968 (released in the U.S. in
1969) Kinji Fukasaku U.S./Japanese/Australian science fiction (sci-fi) monster
horror thriller ("The Green Slime are coming!"; "The Green Slime are here!";
"Invaders From Beyond the Stars!") starring Robert Horton, Luciana Paluzzi,
Richard Jaeckel, Bud Widom, Ted Gunther, David Yorston, Robert Dunham, and Gary
Randolf
Important Added Info: Note that this poster comes with a loose snipe that
reads "are here!" and was intended to be glued over the words "are coming!" (as
verified in the pressbook). This was done with the hope that theaters would
paste it over the "are coming!" tagline at the top of the poster once they began
playing the movie (they were made for the one-sheets, three-sheets, and
six-sheets). We have seen posters with the snipe attached and ones where the
theater never used the snipe, and it is just loose with the poster. Note that
this six-sheet was printed in 4 sections.
Overall Condition: very good. There are some
creases and several tears along the foldlines that were on the outside when the
poster was fully folded. There are some creases, smudges, and tiny tears on some
foldlines, and some tiny paper loss at some crossfolds.(Learn
More)
ALL-AMERICAN COMICS #11 Publisher: DC Condition: CGC 1.8 GD- Page Quality: Cream to Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored CGC Grading Comments: Cover detached. Starts At: $1 Auction Start Date: 1/11/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This is a very rare, early (2/1940) DC Golden Age book. For a collector,
obtaining this book is extremely difficult, and CGC has certified just 6 in any
condition, 2 of which are restored. Despite the techncial grade, this example
brings a presentation that's far nicer. It's the 2nd cover for early hero,
Ultra-Man, as All-American shifted from funny stuff to superhero
material. Ultra-Man, however, would soon fade with the historic introduction of
Green Lantern in issue 16 of this title.
PEP COMICS #4 Item description:
1940, Invasion of the Capital Building. The Shield protects the capital of the
United States from invading tanks. A foreshadowing of Pearl Harbor?
Condition: CGC 5.0 VGF Page Quality: White Pages Type of Holder: Restored Degree Of Restoration: Slight Professional Restoration CGC Grading Comments: Restoration includes: small amount of color touch
on cover. (2 pieces of tape on interior cover.) Starts At: $1 Auction Start Date: 1/11/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
Just 6 examples for this 1940 war-cover MLJ have been certified by CGC in any
condition at all. This one presents as a mid grade 5.0, and CGC notes the only
restoration being a small amount of color touch. This example brings great eye
appeal, and has the added bonus of perfectly preserved White Pages.
6" long hard plastic with "Space Patrol" logo
appearing on each side of rocketship nose, sides of body also have recessed
areas representing windows. Front has working spring-loaded nose cone. Ralston
premium offered c. 1950s. Comes with separate spaceship base which "Space
Patrol" rocketship attaches to. Exc. Rare.
Price:
$225.00$168.75 You save: $56.25
(25%)
PALADIN "HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL" WITH TAG FULL SIZE HARTLAND
FIGURE.
The Oscar that Orson Welles won
for the screenplay for Citizen Kane was sold by Nate D. Sanders
Auctions this week for $861,542 to an undisclosed bidder,
Deadline Hollywood has reported.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents The
Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees each
week in Scoop.
Considered by many to be the father of the American graphic novel, Will
Eisner was a writer, artist, master storyteller, and businessman. In a career
that spanned eight decades, he created The Spirit, John Law, Lady Luck, Mr.
Mystic, Uncle Sam, Blackhawk and numerous other characters.
He co-founded the Eisner -- Iger Studios, then created The Spirit
sections which were issued weekly in newspapers across America, and developed
and packaged P.S. Magazine for the U.S. Army.
Electra Woman and Dyna Girl are
two cult '70s icons who've proven that just because a show is short-lived
doesn't mean its characters can't endure.
From the fecund minds of Sid and Marty Krofft grew these cute and campy
superheroines in orange and red caped costumes (with matching tights and
knee-boots, of course) whose eponymous series debuted on ABC during the 1976-77
season (as part of Krofft Supershow's first season).
A few years back, longtime collectors Joe Ahearn and Ed
Catto realized a dream held by many collectors by becoming the owners of one of
their favorite characters, Captain Action.
First, though, there actually had to be a Captain Action for them to
become devoted fans of. That happened in 1966, when Stan Weston, who had helped
Hasbro create the G.I. Joe line two years earlier, took an idea for “Captain
Magic” to Ideal Toys. Other than the name being changed to Captain Action, the
notion of an action figure that could become other heroes was quickly approved
and implemented.
Soon Captain Action was in the hands of children along with costumes so he
could turn into Superman, Batman, Captain America, Spider-Man, the Lone Ranger,
Tonto, Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers, Steve Canyon, Sgt. Fury and the Green Hornet.
The next year saw Captain Action joined by two new characters, sidekick
Action Boy and mortal enemy Dr. Evil, along with more costumes, and eventually
play sets, vehicles and a comic book. Then, as these things often do, Captain
Action faded from view.
That didn’t stop the children of the mid-to-late 1960s from hanging on to
their Captain Action collections. Though smaller and less known than G.I. Joe
fandom, Captain Action collectors became really hard core over the years.
After some false starts and good efforts over the years, the Captain
Action revival seemed to really get started with the first edition of the
definitive Captain Action history written by Back Issue editor Michael
Eury and the release of a new Captain Action comic book series from Moonstone.
Since then it’s been slowly building to something bigger.
Now it seems that “something bigger” is finally here. Scoop talked with
Ahearn and Catto about their journey… and Captain Action’s.
Scoop: This interview will appear in the Christmas week and Hanukkah
issue of Scoop, so maybe it’s fitting that your association with Captain
Action started at Christmas some years back. How did each of your introductions
to Captain Action come about? Ed Catto (EC): It is fitting to be interviewed during this holiday week,
as Captain Action was part of that quintessential Christmas for me. It was 1967
and I vividly remember Santa Claus bringing me a plethora of Captain Action
goodies. My mother still will gently tease me by singing the old commercial
jingle – I think I wore her out with that back in the day.
The television ad was certainly one introduction, but I remember pouring over
the Sears Wishbook’s Captain Action entries. That was kind of our roadmap for
Christmas toys back then. I was a big DC reader from the get-go, so the
wonderful print ads definitely had an impact. There was also a promotional
tie-in with Kool Pops. By collecting “box tops” from Kool Pop packages, kids
(well moms, really) could send in for a special card set. We ate Kool Pops by
the truckload each summer, so sending in for that card set was a natural.
Jo Ahearn (JA): It was July of 1967 and I was a couple of months shy
of 5. I was already a super hero nut watching the Adam West Batman TV
show and reruns of The Adventures of Superman and of course all the
Saturday morning superhero cartoons. I also had just started playing with GI
Joe. We were in upstate New York visiting with my aunt, uncle and cousins. My
cousin Joe was 11 at the time and took me into his room and pulled out this
superhero figure, Captain Action! I recall distinctly he had all of the uniform
boxes stacked up in his closet where he kept each uniform separately even after
breaking it out of the box to play with it. (He was a very organized kid!).
Although cartoonist Alex Raymond’s work on Flash Gordon and – to a
lesser extent – Jungle Jim has been well documented, many today may not
realize that Jungle Jim was the topper to Flash Gordon during
Raymond's ten-plus years drawing the strips. A “topper” was a second strip that,
as the name suggests, ran above the other feature on the printed page. This was
the case for Flash and Jungle Jim during that time, except for a
brief period in the first half of 1935 when King Features switched all their
Sunday comic strips to individual tabloid-format pages before later switching
them back.
The new collection from IDW Publishing’s Library of American Comics imprint
presents the pages as they were originally released.
GOOD GIRL ART LOT OF 4 AVG GRADE = 4.5 Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 1/11/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
Good Girl Art lot of 4 issues including: Rangers #24 (3.5), Rangers #35 (6.0),
Wings #99 (4.5), Women Outlaws #6 (4.0). Paper quality for this lot = Offwhite.
Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD #7 Grade: NM/M
9.8 Page Quality: White CGC Rank: 1 CGC Number: 1035515005 Pedigree: none Date:
12/68 Category: Silver Age Marvels Description: BEST EXISTING COPY!!! One of
only 3 in 9.8!! This is one of the scarcest Steranko issues of the run to find
in NM/M (along with #3 and #6) and it has a KILLER Steranko cover plus a good
Archie goodwin story. Perfect in every way with supple white pages. The last
sale of a 9.8 example was over 2 years ago (they don't come up often) for $1,500
in June, 2009. Good luck finding another 9.8.
Logan's Run #6 Grade: NM/M 9.8 Page
Quality: White CGC Rank: 1 CGC Number: 1027345008 Pedigree: none Date: 6/77
Category: Bronze Age Marvels Description: First solo Thanos story by Scott
Edelman and Mike Zeck. Perfect looking NM/M copy with ghost white pages. Best
known and top CGC rated example.
Collectors in a quest to find rare antique toys in superior
condition struck gold at Bertoia’s November 11-12, 2011 Toys on World Tour
auction, which realized $1,550,000 (inclusive of 15% buyer’s premium). The
1,502-lot sale was very well attended, with phone bidders keeping Bertoia’s
staff members constantly engaged. Internet bidding played a major role in the
auction’s success, as well. The daily average of purchases attributable to
online buyers was 27.4%.
Cast-iron toys proved to be a category with resiliency, as evidenced by the
setting of several world auction records. “I would say that at this auction cast
iron was not only back, but back to the future. That’s how strong it was,” said
Bertoia Auctions associate Rich Bertoia. “The Donald Kaufman auction series,
which grossed over twelve million dollars, seems to have reignited the fever of
collecting cast iron. We even saw a few new players at the sale.”
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents The
Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees each
week in Scoop.
No artist other than Jack Kirby had as much influence on the formative years
of the Marvel Comics universe as Steve Ditko. Although he was not as prolific as
Kirby, the style, substance and mood of his artwork defined Spider-Man, Doctor
Strange and numerous other characters for the publisher.
His work debuted in Black Magic Vol. 4 #3 and Captain 3-D
#1 at about the same time in 1953.
The Harvey stable of superstars
is populated with some fabulously forefront-stealing personalities (Casper,
Richie Rich and Little Lotta spring immediately to mind) and some obscure,
lesser know eccentrics, desperately clamoring for a little time to shine (think
Little Audrey). This week, we pay tribute to one of Harvey's quirky little guys
who falls into the latter category: Little Max.
First featured in Ham Fisher's Joe Palooka series, Little Max was an
adorable 8-year-old fan and sidekick of the oft-pummeled pugilist. With red
hair, batting blue eyes and wide-brimmed hat, Little Max's most defining
characteristic was his inability to speak.
When Harvey licensed the Joe Palooka character in 1945, they brought Little Max
along with him and gave him his own title just four years later.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1 Item description:
1963, 1st Spider-Man title, 2nd Spider-Man appearance, 1st J. Jonah Jameson,
Fantastic Four crossover appearance. Jack Kirby/Steve Ditko cover. Publisher:
Marvel Condition: CGC 2.5 GD+ Page Quality: Cream to Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 1/11/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
With this premiere 1963 issue, Marvel ushered in a new era -- the Amazing
Spider-Man received his own title and the world of superheroes and collectible
comic books would never be the same! Steve Ditko has his first chance at a
Spider-man cover, and the cigar chomping J. Jonah Jameson, editor of the Daily
Bugle, is introduced. The guest appearance of the Fantastic Four adds to the
item's significance, as it ushers in the world of Marvel superhero crossovers,
and one of many encounters between Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four.
The offered example of this major Key is quite presentable for
the assigned technical grade, and makes for a very attractive candidate for
collectors seeking this book at a more accessible price point. Despite the
assigned tier, there is a noticeable lack of large or overly intrusive defects
which otherwise are acceptable for this range. For a more accessible example,
this book brings good eye appeal.
DAREDEVIL #1 Item description:
1964, 1st Daredevil & Origin! Condition: CGC 7.5 VF- Page Quality: Off-White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 1/11/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
In 1964, Stan Lee tapped the talents of the great Bill Everett, creator of
Sub-Mariner, to create an acrobatic new hero to compliment his growing line-up
of successful Marvel Comics titles. The character's origin was given an
interesting twist by linking the origin of the hero's super-sensory powers to an
accident that also blinds him. Over the years, Daredevil has received treatments
by some of the finest artists and writers in the business and the franchise has
spawned two Hollywood movies. The offered example of this premiere issue is a
fresh upper middle grade with supple Off-White pages.
WEIRD FANTASY #5 Item description:
1951, #17(#5), Atomic Explosion Splash Page Condition: CGC 9.6 NM+ Page Quality: Off-White to White Pages Type of Holder: Universal Degree Of Restoration: Unrestored Census Rank: Highest CGC Graded! Pedigree or Highlight: GAINES
FILE COPY Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
This pristine CGC 9.6 upper Near Mint from the Gaines File Copy Pedigree
Collection is the highest graded for this issue, and 1 of only 4 ever
certified at this top tier. Further enhancing the desirability of this 9.8, CGC
has assigned its near perfect page quality designation, Off-White to White
Pages. This book comes with the original Gaines File Copy certificate signed by
Bill Gaines, Bob Overstreet and Russ Cochran.
The Gaines File Copies are examples of each issue published
that were personally hand-selected for quality by editor Bill Gaines, carefully
wrapped, and stored safely for decades. They are recognized for near-perfect
structure and very high page quality. As a rule, the best surviving examples of
ECs are Gaines File Copies.
EC's Science Fiction line, comprised of the matched set
Weird Fantasy and Weird Science and later the combined Weird
Science-Fantasy and Incredible Science Fiction titles, not only
featured top of the line art, but also groundbreaking stories and content. Where
else can you find artists like Wally Wood, Joe Orlando, Frank Frazetta, and Al
Williamson adapting stories by iconic authors such as Ray Bradbury, Issac Azimov,
and Harlan Ellison? EC's original stories, penned by editors Bill Gaines and Al
Feldstein, were equally compelling, often using tales of the future to address
pressing social issues of the day. Space Opera comics of the Flash Gordon
variety had been around since the dawn of the comic book industry, but these ECs
were probably the first true Science Fiction comics.
CONFESSIONS ILLUSTRATED #1 PAGE 1 TITLE
SPLASH Primary Artist Name: WALLY WOOD Secondary Artist Name: Year: 1956 Starts At: $1
Auction Start Date: 2/21/2012 8:00:00 PM
ComicLink Comments:
Wally Wood was one of the most respected artists of his generation and a major
part of the groundbreaking "New Trend" line at EC. Wood's EC art is among the
most coveted of all the creators to work for the iconic 1950s publisher and
considering the stable of artists that is saying quite a lot. After the
imposition of the Comics Code, EC was forced to change gears and experiment with
new formats to avoid censorship. The Picto-Fiction line, which included
Confessions Illustrated was a short lived attempt to market a black & white,
traditional format magazine of comic art to an adult audience. These magazines
only ran for a few issues each, so the large, over-sized original art from this
period is rare by its very nature. This splash page featuring a young couple
sharing an intimate moment lead off Wood's story in the first issue, "My Tragic
Affair". Wood sets a striking period scene in this image with the use of spot
blacks and shading film, clearly demonstrating that his comic creations were
anything by "kid stuff". This full-bleed art measures 17" x 23". There is a
large amount of opaque white used in the floor-area of the art, surrounding the
couple's feet, but only a small amount in the main image area in the woman's
blouse and hair.
A Spider-Man Life-Sized Replica Model, 2000s.
A Styrofoam form dressed in the super hero's classic uniform, affixed to a base;
made as a limited edition collectible. (Please note the costume is somewhat
dirty and has a few areas that need minor repair.) Requires third party
shipping.
Approximately: 65" x 18" x 8" Estimate:
$1,000 - up.
“Our November-December Event Auction kicked off with a new
world record sale of Action Comics #1 CGC 9.0 at $2,161,000 and only got
better from there as we set new sales records every night of our five day
auction,” said Rob Reynolds, the company’s Director of Consignments.
“The sale of the Whiz #2 (#1) CGC 6.0 at $176,007 struck like a bolt
of lightning and a crash of thunder to comic book fans the world over,” he said.
“I’m glad to see the first appearance of Captain Marvel gaining the monetary
respect it deserves. Captain Marvel is here to stay.”
From the Jerry Siegel collection, the sale of the Superman #1 CGC 5.5
at $214,000 smashes the previous sale in the same condition by over $80,000. A
lock of Jerry Siegel’s hair weaved its way to a $1,000 hammer price while a set
of 12 original Sunday newspaper proofs made it to a $2,063 sale.
The debut of the Oregon Collection consisting of all Superman themed comics
brought bids in a flurry with sales of Action Comics #252 CGC 9.2
$25,500, Action Comics #254 CGC 9.4 $3,100, Adventure Comics #247
CGC 7.5 $5,099, Superboy #86 CGC 9.4, Superman #143 CGC 9.4
$5,900, and World’s Finest #90 CGC 9.0 $4,600. More comics from the
Oregon collection will be showcased in the company’s March Event Auction
catalog.
Joe DiMaggio may have retired his bat in 1951, but the
legendary Yankee Clipper continues to slam home runs at auction. A game-used
road jersey with the team name “New York” on the front and DiMaggio’s
long-retired Yankee number “5” on the back commanded $256,858 in Grey Flannel’s
November 30, 2011 Holiday Auction (all prices quoted are inclusive of 20%
buyer’s premium).
DiMaggio wore the jersey in 1948 and possibly into 1949. Its left sleeve
shows evidence of a black armband worn through the end of 1948 to memorialize
Babe Ruth, who died on Aug. 16th of that year. In addition to a chain-stitched
“DiMaggio” nametag inside the rear collar, the DiMaggio jersey retained its
original Wilson manufacturer’s label and size 44 flag tag. It was entered in the
sale together with a photo-match of DiMaggio wearing the jersey, the picture
overwritten with “$100,000,” a reference to the fact that he was the first
baseball player in history to earn six figures in a single season.
An old-fashioned American Christmas traditionally includes a
statuesque, fragrant tree, topped by either an angel or star and accompanied by
a vintage toy train that chugs energetically around its base to announce that
Santa has arrived.
Finding the perfect train to complete the classic holiday scenario is as easy
as bidding in Stephenson’s December 16, 2011 auction, which contains hundreds of
classic loco/tenders, boxed sets and coveted accessories by Lionel, American
Flyer and other revered names. Nearly all of the train lots have come from three
multi-generational estates in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Who are the individuals who have made
great contributions to the comic book arts? Who are the writers, artists,
editors, publishers and others who have plied their craft in insightful ways?
The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide presents The
Overstreet Hall of Fame. We’ll take a look at one of our inductees each
week in Scoop.
Palmer Cox (April 28, 1840 -- July 24, 1924) was a Canadian-born cartoonist
whose best known work revolutionized the world of comic characters and comic
character merchandise. As the creator of The Brownies, Cox can be credited with
the first successful recurring characters, the first internationally successful
characters, and with developing a principled road map for producing
character-themed merchandise for children.
GET THE BEFORE WATCHMEN PAGE LINK
