Latest Heritage Amazing Comics Auction^TM Internet 15041

Dallas, Texas: Heritage's Amazing Comics Auction^TM (ACA) sale #15041 ended Sunday, April 3, with 1,132 lots offered. 473 bidders placed bids, and 242 of them were successful, for a total sell-through of $83,824.45 for 1,096 lots (96.81% of lots offered).

A few highlights from the April 3 ACA sale were:

Amazing Fantasy #15 (Marvel, 1962) CGC VG+ 4.5 Off-white pages. This is the most valuable comic book of the Silver Age according to Overstreet, and no wonder: it has the origin and first appearance of Spider-Man. And the character isn't just a comic book phenomenon anymore -- thanks to the character's movie breakthrough, even your wife, kids, and grandma know the origin story told here. This book is to the Silver Age what Action Comics #1 is to the Golden Age, and the jump in popularity thanks to the movies means this book is a better investment than ever. The classic tale, which also has the first appearance of Aunt May and Uncle Ben, is by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, with a cover by Jack Kirby. REALIZED: $3,737.50.

The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel, 1963) CGC Apparent VF- 7.5 Moderate (P) Off-white pages. For those readers who had caught Spidey's first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15, and then eagerly awaited the next installment, the six month wait was rewarded with this key Marvel Age issue. Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko reprise their cover penciler/inker roles from the first appearance, producing one of the most memorable covers in history, and Ditko again provided the interior art. The Fantastic Four cross over to help Marvel's latest super hero launch his own title. J. Jonah Jameson and the Chameleon make their first appearances. CGC notes, "Restoration includes: moderate amount color touch, pieces added, tear seals, spine splits sealed, reinforced, staples replaced." REALIZED: $2,990.

The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel, 1963) CGC VG+ 4.5 Off-white to white pages. Marvel's most famous and enduring character debuted in his own title and made only his second appearance overall here. This book is ranked as the fourth most-valuable Silver Age book by Overstreet, topped only by the first appearances of the Fantastic Four, the Silver Age Flash, and Spidey himself. The cover is billed as a team effort between Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby -- it would appear that Jolly Jack did the layouts, and Sturdy Steve took care of the rest. The Fantastic Four don't suspect Spidey's "real power," so Amazing Fantasy #15 must have sold out before they could get a copy. But don't you miss out on this key #1. REALIZED: $2,760.

Amazing Fantasy #15 (Marvel, 1962) CGC Apparent VG/FN 5.0 Extensive (P) Cream to off-white pages. Perhaps the most desired Silver Age Marvel book ever, this important issue features the origin and first appearance of Spider-Man. Stan Lee introduced the world to Peter Parker, who becomes the now famous web-head in this issue. Also features the first appearance of Uncle Ben and Aunt May. Jack Kirby provided the classic cover. Interior art by Steve Ditko. CGC notes, "Restoration includes: color touch, pieces added, tear seals, cover cleaned, reinforced. (All 3 edges of cover trimmed)" REALIZED: $2,300.

Milton Caniff - Terry and the Pirates Daily Comic Strip Original Art dated 1-20-37 (Chicago Tribune, 1937). General Klang trips the light fantastic with the buxom Burma, until Terry throws a wet blanket on Klang's smooth moves. The image area of the daily measures 20" x 5.5". An art corrected area in the upper left of panel four has been scraped out of the surface of the paper; otherwise the art is in Excellent condition. REALIZED: $805.

Bidding closed April 3, at 10pm CT. To bid in future auctions, simply go to Heritage's website, and join their free web community. Or write or e-mail Heritage for a printed or fax listing.

Heritage's current ACA auction ends (and a new one begins) April 17, 2005, at 10pm CT. Call today to consign to a future auction, as the earliest consignments receive the most attention and publicity. Those interested in consigning to ACA or to Heritage's live Signature auctions are invited to visit a special section on HCA's website or call Lon Allen directly at 214-252-4261, or email at LonA@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.