Original Sunday page artwork for the Flash Gordon comic strip, done by the illustrator known as “the artist's artist,” Alex Raymond (1909-1956) and dated 1/24/1937, sold for $60,375 at an auction of comics, comic art, animation, illustration art, sports items and movie memorabilia, held September 8, 2016 by Philip Weiss Auctions, in the firm's gallery at 74 Merrick Road, Lynbrook, NY.

The Flash Gordon strip, commissioned in 1937 by King Features Syndicate, distributors of the comic, was the top achiever in an auction of about 600 lots that grossed right around $600,000. The strip showed Flash and Dale battling a Magnoped, with great action for both key characters. The lot was truly fresh to the market, having only recently been pulled from a noted cartoonist's estate.

“This was our first sale of the fall season, and it was a big success, with nice high prices, active bidding and large numbers of bidders,” said Philip Weiss of Philip Weiss Auctions. “Prices were strong across the board, in all categories, and the market for original comic book art and scarce comics continues to be strong. I feel confident offering more of this material in future auctions.”

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted are inclusive of a sliding scale buyer's premium, which differed depending on how a winning bid was placed. Internet bidding was provided by LiveAuctioneers.com and Proxibid.com.

The runner-up top lot was an example of one of the rarest, most iconic comic books ever printed: Superman #1 (DC Comics, 1939). It was a handsome copy, with some restoration along the spine of the front cover and routine wear and tear due to age, but it would still be the centerpiece of most anyone's Golden Age collection. This less-than-perfect comic book gaveled for $32,500.

The sale featured Part 3 of the Joe Kubert collection. Kubert (1926-2012) was a legendary comic artist and his estate included important drawings by him of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, as well as signed original cover art for Tor #3 (1974), Starman #12 (first special, 1976), Dr. Fate #9 (1975), Omac #8 (1975), Battle Classics #1 (1978), and G.I. Combat #198 (1977). All came up for bid. 

Of these, the strongest lot was the pair of costume concept drawings of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, done in ink on 6-inch by 10-inch and 10-inch by 8-inch sheets and dated 1958-1959. They appear to be the first concept renderings of these Silver Age characters, who debuted in 1961. Both were signed and dated and featured Kubert's handwritten notes. They were sold as one lot for $13,800.

Close behind was Kubert's original art for Tarzan #242 (October 1975), for the cover story “Mayan Sacrifice.” The artist-signed, 12-inch by 17-inch piece went for $11,500. Also, original cover art for Hulk #253 (November 1980), by Rich Buckler, for the cover story “Trial By Monster,” 11 inches by 17 inches, hit $7,500 despite condition issues from improper storage after Hurricane Sandy.

A late 1940s, post-World War II release French grande poster for the Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor classic film The Maltese Falcon (Warner Brothers), 45 inches by 61 inches (less the frame), finished at $23,000. The linen-backed piece, a wonderful foreign version of the beloved movie, was printed in Paris (Imp. Aussel) and had some areas of restoration and color touch-up.

An original oil on board Halloween-themed illustration by Tom Lovell (1909-1997), signed on the back and inscribed lower left, “To Dick Masselli, May 1964,” topped out at $21,900; and a fresh to the market Krazy Kat comic page, drawn by George Joseph Herriman (1880-1944), dated 3-22-36 and featuring Ignatz, Krazy Kat, Officer Pup, and The Ladybug, brought $17,250.

Philip Weiss Auctions has a full slate of auctions planned for the remainder of fall, all of them in the Lynbrook gallery. It begins with a sale of stamps, coins, postcards and paper ephemera on Thursday, September 29, starting at 10 AM ET. Featured will be Part 2 of the ‘Long Island Hoard’ of rare stamps, a large number of US stamp collections and dealer inventory collections.

Then, on Thursday, October 20, also at 10 AM, a sale featuring fresh to the market estate material will be held, highlighted by a nice collection of art glass from all the best makers, original oil paintings by noted listed artists, porcelain (including Meissen), rugs, jewelry from the New York County Public Administrators Office, designer clothing and accessories, sterling silver and more.

After that, auctions will be held in November and December (dates and times to be announced) that will feature militaria, advertising items, World’s Fair memorabilia, rare books, toys, trains, soldiers, die-cast pieces, toy robots, Star Wars collectibles, pressed steel and more. Watch the website as November approaches for dates, times and information.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign an item, estate or a collection, you may call them at (516) 594-0731 or you can send an email to Philip Weiss at Phil@WeissAuctions.com. For more information about Philip Weiss Auctions and the upcoming September 8 auction, visit www.WeissAuctions.com. Updates are posted often.