On November 23-30, 2017, Heritage Auctions collaborated with The National Cartoonists Society Foundation and major strip syndicators to launch the inaugural Thanks & Giving Auction benefiting Hurricane Relief. This specialty charity auction of original comic strip art by 34 of the world’s top cartoonists raised $53,384 for victims of deadly hurricanes.
“The auction was completely sold out,” said Jim Halperin, co-founder of Heritage Auctions. “It was inspiring to see so many talented artists create and then donate collectible original comic strips or personal keepsakes from their personal collection.”
Artists whose work was featured in the auction included Patrick McDonnell (Mutts), Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse), Mort Walker (Beetle Bailey), Cathy Guisewite (Cathy), Jeff Keane (The Family Circus), Al Jaffee (MAD Magazine), Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman (Zits), Rick Kirkman (Baby Blues), and many other well-known creators. These artists incorporated feelings of gratitude, appreciation and empathy to those affected by this year’s natural disasters.
“The results of this auction reflect the spirit of cartoonists and what they do. They create work designed to entertain people, and make them laugh and smile. So it’s no surprise that so many great artists were willing to come together to help raise money for people who have been through so much hardship because of natural disasters,” added Halperin.
Highlights from the auction included Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes “The Last Sunday” print signed for $10,157, Carlos Castellanos and Hector Cantu Baldo Daily comic strip original art for $896.50, Patrick McDonnell Mutts Daily comic strip original art for $3,585, Garry Trudeau Doonesbury daily comic strip original art for $2,629, and Brian Diskin Christmas Duck illustration original art for $1,314.
As well as George Booth “An Old Old Story” unpublished single panel cartoon original art illustration for $1,135, Mo Willems Elephant and Piggy poster illustration original art for $1,045, Mike Peters editorial comic strip for $956, Al Jaffee MAD Magazine #548 Mad fold-in inside back cover painting original art, prints, and magazines group of 5 for $896, Carlos Castellanos and Hector Cantu Baldo daily comic strip original art for $896, and Dan Piraro Bizarro single panel comic strip for $776.
