Fantastic Four Centennial Cover to be Auctioned by Heritage!

Kirby/Sinnott Masterpiece is a Classic of the Silver Age

Dallas, TX: In 1970, after nearly a decade of continuous publication, Fantastic Four became the first Marvel superhero comic to reach the 100-issue mark. To commemorate the event, artists Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott, the reigning team-supreme on "The World's Greatest Comic Magazine," pulled out all the stops and crafted an action-packed cover, replete with nearly a dozen of the FF's fiercest foes.

"The word 'iconic' gets thrown around quite a bit in this hobby," said Ed Jaster, Vice President for Heritage, "but I think even that term is ill-suited to describe this, one of the foremost covers of the Silver Age of Comics. By the time the FF reached their landmark 100th issue, penciler Jack Kirby and inker Joe Sinnott were at the top of their games, creatively. With writer Stan Lee, the epic storytelling in this 100-issue run, capped by this important cover, would stand as one of the most monumental achievements in comic history."

"Truly classic Fantastic Four covers are hard to find," Jaster continued. "Covers to such important issues as #1, the intro of the team; #4, the return of the Sub-Mariner; #5, the first appearance of the implacable Dr. Doom; and #48-50, the first appearances of both the Silver Surfer and Galactus - the legendary 'Galactus Trilogy' - have not been confirmed to have survived the years. With that being said, this may very well be the most important, most significant Fantastic Four cover in existence. Apparently, even Kirby thought so, as after the piece was returned to him by Marvel, it hung proudly in his home for many years. On whose wall will it hang next?"

"Those interested in this cover, and all the other great offerings in our upcoming auction, should visit our website, www.HA.com," Jaster said, "where they can see enlargeable, full-color images of each lot, read our complete and informative catalog descriptions, and even place their bids online from the comfort and convenience of their home or office. Believe me, this is going to be one fantastic auction!"

Heritage Auction Galleries' upcoming Comics Signature Auction will be held May 3 & 4, 2007 in their Dallas, Texas world headquarters.

Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott - Fantastic Four #100 Cover Original Art (Marvel, 1970):
ESTIMATE: $60,000 & up

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

Heritage specializes in rare, high-grade comic books, as well as vintage comic and animation art, illustration art, classic toys, movie posters and comics-related collectibles.

Prospective consignors and sellers of top-end comics material, toys, and original art are invited to call Ed Jaster at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 288 or Lon Allen at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 261 to discuss their rare comics and original illustration and comic art. Or visit www.HA.com/Sell. Or simply email Ed Jaster at EdJ@HA.com or Lon Allen at LonA@HA.com.

Music and Hollywood memorabilia collectors should contact Doug Norwine at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 452 or email DougN@HA.com.

Movie poster consignors please call Grey Smith at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 367 or email GreySm@HA.com.

To reserve your copy of a catalog for any upcoming Heritage auction, please visit www.HA.com/Catalog, or contact Customer Service, c/o Heritage Auction Galleries, 3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor, Dallas, TX 75219, or call 1-800-872-6467, ext. 150.