Our April 4-7 Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction features a stunning array of first appearances of the most famous superheroes in the history of the industry. From Superman to Spider-Man to Batman and beyond (get it? “Batman Beyond”?), the sale is teaming with key issues that would be the cornerstone of pretty much anyone’s comic book collection. Listed below are a half dozen highlights from one of the most impressive assemblies of comics ever to grace the auction block. We’ll follow up with another six from this sale in our next post.
1. Action Comics #1 Kansas City Pedigree (DC, 1938) CGC VF+ 8.5 Off-white to white pages.
While Action Comics #1 wasn’t the world’s first comic book, it is arguably the most important, kickstarting the superhero genre and introducing the world to Superman, who is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Thanks to The Adventures of Superman radio serial, he quickly learned to fly, and the rest is comic book and pop culture history. The pedigree copy listed is the third highest graded example on record, according to CGC’s census, and we have no doubt that bidding will be fierce. This is a landmark offering to be sure!
2. Detective Comics #27 (DC, 1939) CGC GD/VG 3.0 Slightly brittle pages.
Second only to Action Comics #1 on Overstreet’s list of the Top 100 Golden Age Comics, Detective Comics #27 features the debut of The Dark Knight Detective, as well as the first appearance of Commissioner Gordon. It’s difficult to imagine the comic book industry—or the movie, TV, and video game industries, for that matter—without Batman, and we have this iconic issue by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, and company to thank. Don’t let the 3.0 grade dissuade you from checking out this incredible lot. It does have some discoloration and wrinkling, but it looks very nice overall.
3. Captain America Comics #1 (Timely, 1941) CGC NM- 9.2 Off-white to white pages.
There are few comic book covers more satisfying than the one for Captain America Comics #1, with the title character punching out Adolph Hitler in a blaze of red-white-and-blue glory. Predating the United States’ entry into World War II by less than a year, the issue was relevant to the public at large as well as highly important within the comic book industry. Not only does it feature the debut of Cap, who influenced countless patriotic heroes to follow, but it also introduced readers to his teen sidekick, Bucky, and his archnemesis, the Red Skull. The copy we’re offering is an absolute stunner, with only three graded higher on CGC’s census.
4. Amazing Fantasy #15 (Marvel, 1962) CGC VF- 7.5 Off-white to white pages.
Facing cancellation, Amazing Adult Fantasy was on the brink of obscurity when publisher Martin Goodman permitted Stan Lee and Steve Ditko to unveil a groundbreaking hero, Spider-Man, in its final issue—thus, Amazing Fantasy #15 was born. Eager to inject reality into the world of comics, Lee endowed Peter Parker with relatable struggles, ranging from neuroses to financial woes, setting him apart from his contemporaries like Barry “The Flash” Allen, whose most notable fault was habitual tardiness. This bold move not only redefined the superhero archetype but also marked the inception of a legend, forever altering the comics industry. The issue paved the way for a new era of storytelling that embraced complexity and humanity within its heroes.
5. Journey Into Mystery #83 (Marvel, 1962) CGC VF 8.0 Off-white to white pages.
“You’ll behold in breathless wonder; The God of Thunder, Mighty Thor!” My first memories of Thor date back to the 1966 animated series, The Marvel Super Heroes, which I watched as a kid during the 1970s. The animation was limited, but it brought the comic book pages to life, and I loved it. I discovered later that the character first appeared in Journey Into Mystery #83, in a fascinating story. While on vacation in Norway, Dr. Donald Blake discovers a cane in a hidden cave that transforms him into the Norse god of thunder, Thor, when struck against a rock. Utilizing his newfound powers and the enchanted hammer Mjolnir, Thor foils an alien invasion by the Stone Men from Saturn, marking the beginning of his legendary adventures.
6. The Incredible Hulk #1 (Marvel, 1962) CGC FN- 5.5 Off-white to white pages.
One of my cherished childhood memories is of watching The Incredible Hulk on TV alongside my dad. This experience was enriched years later when I met Lou Ferrigno—the actor who brought the Hulk to life on the small screen—thanks to my involvement in the comic book industry. This cemented my affection for the not-so-jolly green giant. Interestingly, the character debuted in The Incredible Hulk #1 as gray in color, not his signature green. This was due to printing inconsistencies and difficulties, prompting Marvel to opt for green starting with the second issue, ensuring a more uniform and striking appearance. This transition not only enhanced his visual appeal but also became an integral part of his identity. Speaking of, I’ll be green with envy towards the lucky individual who manages to secure this historic issue.
Happy bidding, and be sure to stay tuned for part two of Famous First Appearances in our Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction!