In the early ’90s, Sotheby’s struck a partnership with Marvel Comics and Jack Kirby to produce and sell select recreations of some of the most iconic Silver Age comic covers. Only three pencil recreations by Jack Kirby were sold at auction in June of 1994: Amazing Fantasy #15, Amazing Spider-Man #1, and Tales of Suspense #39. 

“We are thrilled to offer the simply stunning, large-sized recreation of Tales of Suspense #39,” said Vincent Zurzolo, co-founder of ComicConnect. “Since the whereabouts of the original cover is unknown, this may be the closest a collector will ever get to owning this exemplary illustration of the first appearance of Iron Man.”

Iron Man was one of the key superheroes to debut during Marvel’s Silver Age and the Armored Avenger has been a driving force throughout the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe since his film debut in 2008. Tales of Suspense #39 remains one of the most iconic Marvel covers of all time, inspiring countless homages over the years.

The auction started Monday, August 19, 2019, at 12 PM with 273 lots. In addition to the Tales of Suspense #39 piece, collectors can go after a few more pieces by Kirby, plus Frank Frazetta, Gil Kane, Bill Sienkiewicz, Barry Windsor Smith, Al Capp, Greg Hildebrandt, Mike Zeck, Joe Quesada, Jimmy Palmiotti, and more artists.

“The three Kirby Mr. Miracle #14 pages and Gil Kane’s Marvel Premiere #17 cover with Iron Fist practically leaping off the page are just two of many auction highlights,” Zurzolo continued. “Investors should not miss the two stunning Johnny Comet dailies.”

Bidding runs through September 9 at 7 PM ET. The entire Original Art Auction can be viewed on comicconnect.com.