Danny Fuchs is a well known Superman collector who has spent over 50 years building an impressive collection of vintage Superman memorabilia. He has been active in the collecting community, attending dozens of conventions and shows every year as both a dealer and a buyer. Anyone who has bought, sold, or needed information about Superman collectibles has most likely interacted with him.

Fuchs amassed an amazing collection over the decades, beginning in 1962 with Superman comic books before quickly expanding the scope of his collecting to include merchandise of all types featuring the Man of Steel. He has collected promotional and advertising items that include pieces from Superman’s early days that were produced during World War II. Some of his favorites outside of paper material are the Ideal Superman doll, Marx wind-up airplane, and the Daisy Krypto Ray Gun.

Many items from his collection were featured in Harry Matetsky’s seminal book The Adventures of Superman Collecting, with some of those very same book examples being offered in this and future auctions.

The Danny Fuchs Collection includes comics like Action Comics #19 CGC 1.0, which was the issue that began consecutive Superman covers in the title and the rare Superman Work Book #nn CGC 7.0 (Fred Ray cover). Special Edition #1 CGC 7.5 reprints Action Comics #80 (first Mr. Mxyztplk cover), #2 CGC 9.0 reprints Action Comics #81 (New Year’s cover by Wayne Boring), and #3 CGC 7.5 reprints Superman #33 (third appearance by Mr. Mxyztplk).

The Captain Action Superman uniform and equipment boxed set comes with the ring. The complete and unused example of the Ideal set comes in the original box with great Murphy Anderson art. It includes the Superman face mask, jumpsuit with foil “S” decal, belt, Phantom Zone projector, Krypto figure with cape, Kryptonite, shackles, boots, and cape. This 1967 second issue has the “Video-Matic Ring” in a yellow insert that flickers/flashes between Captain Action and Superman.

The rarely seen 1961 Topps Superman Tattoo Gum display box measures 4-1/2” x 6-3/4” x 2-1/2” and originally contained 120 packs of gum. Superman flies across the die-cut lid, a portrait of the Man of Steel is on the front panel, and his logo is on the right and left sides. This is the only example Hake’s has offered in their 57 years.

The rare, high grade Superman Cut-Outs book from 1940 is complete and unused. One of two varieties, it differs in that the pages are printed on stiff paper rather than cardboard, with pieces designed to be cut out, not perforated for punching out. It has a red cover and four single-sided pages with six Superman images in various action scenes. Lex Luthor appears as he originally did in comics with a full head of red hair. This is just the fourth example that Hake’s has ever offered.

The Superman Official Swim Aids advertising sign is a die-cut cardboard sign with a full body image of Superman and notes that he’s famous in comics, movies, radio, and TV. Measuring 12-1/4” x 18-1/4” it also features images of Superman swim fin, snorkel, and goggles. The very rare example was originally used to promote the extensive line of swimming gear produced in the mid-1950s.

Items in the Danny Fuchs collection also offered in this auction include a 1938 Superman – Action Comics early and historic newsstand retailer advertising sign, a rare Superman Silent Flame Table Lighter by Dunhill, and a Superman Adco 1954 metal lunchbox.

Even more highlights are a 1948 Fo-Lee Superman Bubble Gum die-cut box lid panel, a Wonder Woman telephone figure, Superman Tootsie Roll candy and comic book advertising comic book rack sign, rare Superman Action Target game, and a Superman World War II “Salvage Speeds Victory” home-front poster.

Hake’s premier Auction #241 is closing soon on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 30-31, 2024.