Heritage Comics to Offer Spider-Man Classics in March Signature Sale and February Amazing Comics Auction™

Dallas, TX -- The Heritage offices are fairly abuzz at the prospect of what looks to be a faithful and fairly spectacular adaptation of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's immortal creation. And in anticipation of this exciting event, Heritage Comics Auctions is offering a ton of Amazing SPIDER-MAN comics, original art, high-grade keys, great group lots, and even some nice mid-grade copies for the less affluent bidder. Here are some of the highlights from HCA's upcoming March 15-17, 2002 Signature auction:

JOHN ROMITA SPIDER-MAN COVER ART
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One of the highlights of our auction is the John Romita Spider-Man piece that was used as the basis for the cover painting of SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #1, Marvel's first attempt at a b/w magazine-sized superhero comic. HCA will also offer a very nice Romita piece of Spidey battling the Hulk and the Sandman, that was used as the cover for a Sanger-Harris promotional booklet.

AMAZING FANTASY #15 CGC VF- 7.5, OFF-WHITE PAGES
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The granddaddy of all Silver Age keys, featuring the origin and first appearance of Spidey. From Jack Kirby's "amazing" (and oft-imitated) cover, to the highly imaginative artwork of Steve Ditko – perfectly complemented by the groundbreaking, humor-laced dialogue by Stan Lee – this is the very definition of a classic, and the most important superhero launch since DETECTIVE #27. Here is a very good-looking copy, with some moderate Marvel chipping along the right edge, but is otherwise very attractive and appealing, with rich cover colors, tight staples, and an excellent cut.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1 CGC VF/NM 9.0, OFF-WHITE TO WHITE PAGES
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A true milestone in the Silver Age, and the book that really established Marvel as a worthy contender to take on DC's long-standing dominance of the superhero market. In a typically cunning move, Stan Lee brought in the already-established Fantastic Four to guest-star in the Web-Slinger's premiere issue, and their appearance on the brilliantly-designed cover (a rare Kirby-Ditko team-up) is a perfect contrast with the more free-wheeling attitude of Spider-Man. In addition to the FF appearance, this issue also features a brief re-telling of Spidey's origin, and the debut of J. Jonah Jameson and the Chameleon. This is a very attractive copy of this landmark issue, with a very small crease in the lower right corner, and very light edge wear being the only obvious problems; there is no Marvel chipping to be found. The cover has lush colors, and is one of the brighter ASM #1 covers we've seen. A truly beautiful copy, this would be a fine addition to any high-grade Spider-Man collection.

THE AMAZING SIDER-MAN #3 CGC GD/VG 3.0, LIGHT TAN TO OFF-WHITE PAGES – The debut of a crazed scientist who eventually went on to become Spidey's arch-enemy, namely the infamous Otto Octavious, better known as Doctor Octopus. This is a very nice low-grade copy of this rare early issue, which displays quite well, despite some minor Marvel chipping and a small glue spot. An affordable alternative on this well-loved issue, plus the fact that this is an original-owner book, which is always cool. Classic Ditko cover.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #7 CGC VG/FN 5.0, CREAM TO OFF-WHITE PAGES – The Vulture debuts in this classic issue, sporting one of Ditko's best covers. A very respectable copy (another original owner book from a small collection consigned to our auction) with great color.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #9 CGC NM- 9.2, OFF-WHITE TO WHITE PAGES – Yet another "electrifying" debut as Electro steps in to make trouble for our favorite Web-Head. This is a gorgeous high-grade copy with eye-popping colors; Except for a very slight abrasion near the bottom of the spine, this looks like it came off a printing press yesterday. Gorgeous.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #14 CGC NM- 9.2, OFF-WHITE TO WHITE PAGES – Spider-Man's ultimate foe – the Green Goblin – debuts in this landmark issue. Seeing as how the Goblin is the villain featured in the upcoming film, this issue is sure to be in high demand, especially in such high grade. This is a stunning copy with bright and richly-saturated colors. In addition to this copy, we will also be offering the stunning White Mountain copy of ASM #14.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #37 CGC VF/NM 9.0, OFF-WHITE TO WHITE PAGES – "Once Upon a Time…There was a Robot!" The penultimate Steve Ditko issue, pitting Spidey against a lethal mechanoid, and featuring some of SD's wildest layouts and artwork. This is a great-looking copy with razor-sharp corners and beautiful page quality.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #100 CGC NM 9.4, WHITE PAGES – One of John Romita's most memorable Spidey covers highlights this special anniversary issues. This is a perfect copy, with supple white pages, a worthy addition to any ASM collection.

ALSO CAUGHT IN THE WEB: Can't afford the NM SPIDEY #1, but still want to fill in this vital key for your collection? Never fear, HCA also has a solid GD+ 2.5 (which actually looks great for a low-grade copy, though it does have significant Marvel chipping) copy of #1, and will also be offering a fabulous group lot of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1-50, in various mid- and high-grades, with about a dozen issues CGC certified (the ASM #1 is an apparent FN/VF 7.0 with slight restoration). Other top Spideys include a nice NM 9.4 copy of #121 (Death of Gwen Stacy), and a spectacular copy of #83 in NM/MT 9.8. If you're not already a member of HCA, pop over to www.HeritageComics.com and sign up (it's free, and only takes a few minutes) so you'll be ready to bid on all these fabulous treasures!

And don't forget HCA's AMAZING COMICS AUCTION™.
ACA closes the first Sunday night of every month at 10 pm, so remember to check the NEXT ACA, going up just as the previous one ends. From February 3 to March 3, 2002, HCA will be offering a nice low grade Marvel selection including Spider-Man #1, plus some spectacular CGC certified books such as: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #33 CGC NM+ 9.6, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #8 CGC NM 9.4; PLASTIC MAN #1 CGC VG/FN 5.0; DARING MYSTERY COMICS #7 CGC FN+ 6.5; SUPERMAN #4 CGC VG+ 4.5; NATIONAL COMICS #53 & 54, in CGC NM- 9.2, both from the Crowley collection; and much more.

Heritage Comics is actively seeking collections for outright purchase, private treaty consignment at fixed price, or for consignment to upcoming auctions such as Wizard World Chicago 2002. The minimum consignment value for this auction will be $5000 per consignment. HCA's consignment deadline for July 5-7 Wizard World Chicago Signature sale extends through May 8, 2002. However, early consignors will receive extra promotion of their material through HCA and Wizard's vast publicity machines and entire combined mailing list (which also includes the entire Greg Manning comics and movie posters client list, purchased by HCA late last year).

Those interested in consigning are invited to visit a special section on HCA's website http://www.heritagecomics.com/auctions/consigning.asp or call John Petty at 214-252-4392 or email Auctions@HeritageComics.com.

HCA specializes in rare, high-grade comic books, as well as vintage comic and animation art, illustration art, movie posters and comics-related collectibles. Their website, http://www.HeritageComics.com, allows visitors to submit their want lists and items for sale, or join a mailing list to receive special offers and advance notice of upcoming auctions and other events. There is also a free web community with numerous benefits. For example HCA members receive 20% rebates on their CGC submissions.