During Heritage’s Comics & Comic Art Auction on November 16-18, 2017, there were 14 lots that each sold for at least $100,000, pushing the sale to over $8.75 million.
“To have 14 books each realize more than $100,000 is extraordinary,” Heritage Auctions Comics & Comic Art Director of Operations Barry Sandoval said. “The performance of these lots shows that the demand is there for exceptional, high-end comics. Our bidders went after books of the highest quality and collectible value, and they got them.”
Journey Into Mystery #83 CGC 9.4 with the origin and first appearance of Thor hammered for $191,200. Seventeen bidders vied for the comic which is the second highest-graded copy that Heritage has offered.
The Dark Knight was a significant draw as Detective Comics #33 CGC 8.0 rose to $167,300. This is a key Golden Age issue that features Batman’s origin story and saw plenty of bidding that led to the impressive result.
Appreciation for original art and Underground Comix pushed the Robert Crumb Your Hytone Comics complete 8-page story original art to $167,300, more than tripling the estimate.
Fantastic Four #1 CGC 9.0, the second highest graded copy offered at Heritage, brought $161,325. Featuring the origin and first appearance of the Fantastic Four, the book boasts the talents of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Showcase #4 CGC 8.5 saw 22 bids push the book to $155,350. One of the most significant keys of the Silver Age, it features the first appearance and origin of Silver Age Flash Barry Allen.
Tales of Suspense #39 CBCS 9.6 realized $155,350. This key includes the origin and first appearance of Iron Man with art by Jack Kirby, Don Heck, Steve Ditko, and Gene Colan.
Other top sales were Showcase #22 CGC 9.2 for $149,375, Robert Crumb complete sketchbook original art and his Your Hytone Comics complete 3-page story original art each went for $143,400, The Amazing Spider-Man #1 CGC 9.4 for $131,450, and Detective Comics #31 CGC 5.0 for $131,450.