Stan Lee and Heritage Comics to offer rare early Spider-Man pinball machine in San Diego

Dallas, Texas: Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, the X-Men, Daredevil, the Hulk, and countless other superhero icons, has become the darling of the auction set over the past several months, offering a record breaking collection of comics and original art through Heritage Comics Auctions (HCA) of Dallas, Texas. "The Stan Lee File Copy collection of comics has been a big success," said John Petty, Director of Auctions for HCA. "These were the copies that Stan used and referred to, and fans have been eating them up, paying as much as 45 times Guide prices for a chance to own a piece of comics' history." Lee has also offered original art from his syndicated Spider-Man newspaper strip through HCA.

"And now," Petty continued, "we're pleased to offer what may be the most unusual item from Stan's collection, an actual, original Spider-Man pinball machine from the early 1980s."

When asked for comment, Stan Lee wrote, "The Spider-Man pinball machine being offered by Heritage Comics Auctions is my personal property. I was assured when I acquired it that it was one of the very first Spider-Man pinball machines ever made. I've had it for decades, and throughout that time it has resided in my office, which, nomad that I am, has been relocated often. Regardless of my office's location, this machine went with me and has never been in storage. Over the years, I have spent countless frustrating yet perversely enjoyable hours attempting to play on it, as have numerous colleagues, friends and business associates (some quite famous, though a combination of modesty, shame and my legendary bad memory prevents me from divulging their names here) during their unrelenting pilgrimages to my office. In fact, I think many of these scions of arts and industry came over JUST to beat me up at pinball. I hope its new owner will be a better player than I am."

The above letter from Stan Lee is included with the machine.

The machine, which will be offered at HCA's July 16-20 auction in San Diego, CA, features art by some of Spider-Man's most famous creators, including Ross Andru and John Romita, Sr.

For more information about the Stan Lee 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.