Heritage Auction Galleries’ latest comics signature auction, held September 8–9 in conjunction with Diamond International Galleries, posted results of $2,197,356 for 1,209 lots, with after-auction sales still ongoing and expected to push the total to even higher levels.
“This auction was anchored by the treasures of legendary collector John McLaughlin,” said Ed Jaster, vice president for Heritage. “Enthusiasts worldwide responded eagerly to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire these rare wonders.”
“The highlight of the weekend was, without a doubt, McLaughlin’s copy of All-Story Magazine from October 1912, which featured the very first appearance of Tarzan. In beautiful condition, this exceptionally rare and desirable pulp brought $59,750 after some very heated bidding.”
The auction also featured a fine assortment of original art, which has long been a strong area for the auction house.
Topping the list of original art results was the Carmine Infantino/Murphy Anderson cover of Batman #196. A “New Look” cover from this artistic team, this piece realized $59,750, tying with All-Story as the top lot and far exceeding the presale estimate of $35,000.
Original art highlights included Frank Frazetta’s Battlestar Galactica painting, “In Pharaoh’s Tomb,” and a Peanuts Sunday from 1957, each of which brought $53,775.
A seldom seen highlight was Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s seminal fanzine, Science Fiction, Reign Of the Superman, which introduced a character named Superman and sold for $47,800. “Far different from the Man of Steel we’ve grown accustomed to — this earlier character was actually a villain,” Jaster said. “This is, nonetheless, an important pop cultural artifact, and one that is at the top of the list for any serious Superman collector.”
The firm continued offering choice pieces from the Davis Crippen Collection, which was offered in part in August, including for this sale a copy of Superman #1, which achieved $35,850.
Other highlights included a Police Comics #1 and a Detective Comics #27, both selling for $35,850, and a Marvel Mystery Comics 132-page issue at $28,680.
Heritage Auction Galleries’ next comics signature auction will be held November 16–18 in Dallas, Texas. For more information, www.ha.com or 800-872-6467, extension 272.
