The Schwartz is With Heritage

DALLAS, TEXAS: For fans of science-fiction and comics, few names equal that of Julius Schwartz in importance. One of the founders of s-f fandom and the co-creator of The Time Traveller, the first science-fiction fan magazine in 1932, literary agent to many of sci-fi’s best known names, including Robert Bloch, Alfred Bester and Ray Bradbury. In 1956, as the editor of DC’s Showcase and the impetus behind the revival of the Flash, he ushered in the Silver Age of comics, paving the way for Marvel and Stan Lee several years later.

In over seven decades in the sci-fi and comics fields, Mr. Schwartz (known as “Julie” to his many friends) has amassed an impressive collection of memorabilia, items that he’s now offering to his fans through Heritage Comics Auctions’ (HCA) March 6-9 sale in New York City.

“It’s like opening a treasure chest,” said John Petty, HCA’s Director of Auctions. “I first met Julie at last year’s WonderCon in Oakland, CA, and he broached the idea of releasing some of the material he’s gathered throughout the years. A few months later, I visited him at his DC office and was overwhelmed with the stuff he had found.”

Some of the highlights of Schwartz’s offerings include the complete art for Superman #411, a special issue done to commemorate Julie’s 70th birthday.

“Not only is the complete interior art offered here,” said Petty, but the cover as well, which has been signed by a virtual Who’s Who of science fiction and comics.” Signatures on this unique piece include Ray Bradbury, Mark (“Star Wars”) Hamill, Alan (“League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”) Moore, Steve (“Spider-Man”) Ditko, Gray Morrow, Joanne and Jerry (“Superman”) Siegel, Jack Kirby, Gil Kane, Forry (“Famous Monsters of Filmland”) Ackerman, and dozens (maybe hundreds) more.

But the collection doesn’t end there. “We’ve also got Julie’s personal presentation copy of Batman: The Dark Knight Limited Edition,” said Petty. “This was part of a presentation set of 26 lettered copies, of which this is letter ‘X’. This is so rare, I didn’t even know of its existence before Julie showed it to me!”

“Additionally, we’re offering pieces by a number of great artists, including Curt Swan, Gil Kane, Norm Breyfogle, Keith Giffen and Sheldon Meyer, most of it done personally for Julie. We’ve got Julie’s Alley Award Statue from 1967 and his Jack Kirby Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award as well as a Lucien Piccard presentation watch given him by DC.

How many of those have you ever seen for sale? We’ve even got some certifiably oddball items, like his collection of industry business cards and convention badges, in addition to a number of books and trades from his personal library.”

Petty continued, “This is a very personal collection from one of the giants in our industry. Without Julie and his efforts, we probably wouldn’t be here today, and we’re very proud and grateful that he’s chosen to entrust us with his treasures.”

For more information about the Julius Schwartz collection, or about any of Heritage’s auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HeritageComics.com

HCA 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 214-252-4288 or Fred McSurley at 214-252-4293 to discuss their rare comics and original illustration and comic art. Or visit http://www.HeritageComics.com and click on the “consign” tab. Or simply email Ed Jaster at EdJ@HeritageComics.com or Fred McSurley at FredM@HeritageComics.com

Movie poster consignors, please call Grey Smith at 214-668-6928 or email GreySm@HeritageMoviePosters.com

To order the next three sale catalogs, visit Heritage’s website to pay by credit card, or send a check or money order payable to Heritage Comics in the amount of $100 (a fraction of Heritage’s actual cost-to-produce the catalogs) to: Norma Pedrero, c/o Heritage Comics, 100 Highland Park Village, 2nd Floor, Dallas, TX 75205.