My first comic book convention was the Dallas Fantasy Fair way back in 1983, making this year my 40th anniversary of attending such pop culture expos. I’ve gone to countless cons since (as a fan and as a member of the press), including Fan Expo Dallas, Wizard World, and Comic-Con International: San Diego, among many others.
During these events, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting (and interviewing in many cases) more comic book creators than I ever thought possible, and I’ve even become friends with some of them. However, I realize not everyone is so fortunate, and it’s simply not possible for some fans to attend conventions and hobnob with their favorite writers and artists. It’s also hard to authenticate autographs on items you didn’t get signed in person.
Enter CGC Private Signings, a service provided by the Certified Guaranty Company, a leader in professional comic book certification. In our September 7 Signature Series Comics Showcase, we’re offering a slew of CGC-certified comics autographed by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Frank Miller, Arthur Adams, Jim Lee, Chris Claremont, and Neal Adams.
Here are five comics from the sale that I find especially appealing for a variety of reasons, from artistry to historical importance to the popularity and iconic nature of the characters:
1. Batman #404 Signature Series: Autographed by Frank Miller (DC, 1987)
Written by Frank Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli, Batman: Year One reimagined Batman’s first year as a vigilante and his interactions with Gotham police detective James Gordon. Miller’s four-issue story was a hardboiled eye-opener for us longtime Batmaniacs, and the legendary scribe’s autograph on part one would be a prized possession for pretty much any fan of the character. Released the year after The Watchmen and Miller’s own The Dark Knight Returns and Born Again (starring Marvel’s Daredevil), the story helped push the superhero genre in a darker, grittier, more realistic direction, changing the industry forever in the process.
2. Wolverine #1 Signature Series: Signed by Chris Claremont (Marvel, 1988)
With the exception of Spider-Man, Wolverine just might be the most well-liked character in the Marvel Universe. By helping popularize the concept of the anti-hero and the mysterious figure in comics, he’s also one of the most important. The Uncanny X-Men was the dominant comic book series of the 1980s, and Wolverine was the team’s breakout star. He was the first mutant to get a dedicated book, and the cover to issue #1 said what fanboys across the world were thinking: “AT LAST—IN HIS OWN MONTHLY SERIES!” Speaking of the cover, it is by the legendary John Buscema, and it is signed by Chris Claremont, arguably the greatest X-Men writer of all time. The back cover by John Byrne is amazing as well. Wolverine fans as well as Marvel Comics buffs in general will appreciate this adamantium-laced lot.
3. Deathstroke: The Terminator #2 Signature Series: with Mike Zeck Autograph (DC, 1991)
Marv Wolfman and George Pérez created Deathstroke, and penciler Steve Erwin is probably the artist most associated with the character, but the biologically enhanced mercenary and his solo series simply wouldn’t be the same without those awesome Mike Zeck covers. This one is particularly striking as Slade Wilson not only looks awesome, and he not only has a baddie literally and figuratively up against a wall, but he also manages to bark out a quip that would make Spider-Man proud. Comics writer Christopher Priest once called Deathstroke the “first modern supervillain.” Whether you agree with this assessment or not, you’ve got to admit he strikes an imposing figure, especially when drawn by Zeck.
4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Meet Archie Signature Series: Signed by Kevin Eastman (Archie, 1991)
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Archie mashups over the years. As a longtime KISS fan and the author of Encyclopedia of KISS Music, Personnel, Events and Related Subjects, I was, of course, all over Archie Meets KISS. And who could resist the most bizarre mashup of them all, Archie Meets the Punisher? Perhaps the coolest Archie crossover was with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In this one-shot, the Heroes in a Half-Shell help rescue Veronic from kidnappers. Signed by TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, the wraparound cover by Dan DeCarlo—my favorite Archie artist—shows the Riverdale gang and the Turtles at a summer music festival, with Jughead and Michelangelo sharing a pizza. The musical act? Josie and the Pussycats, of course!
5. Edition A – Signature Series: with Jim Lee Signature (DC, 2020)
For Wonder Woman’s 750th issue celebration, DC published a bunch of different covers for the 96-page comic book, including this beauty by Jim Lee and Scott Williams. It features a bold and determined, classic-style WW bolting forward, ready to save the day, with arch nemesis Cheetah and others appearing in the background. Lee’s signature is to the left of the title: distinct but unobtrusive. It is a beautiful image, and the package makes for a striking display piece. The stories inside cover Wonder Woman’s past, present, and future by such longtime creators as Colleen Doran, Gail Simone, Greg Rucka, and Phil Hester, among various others. It also features pin-ups by Ramona Fradon and Sandra Hope, Travis Moore, Liam Sharp, Emanuela Lupacchino, and the legendary José Luis García-López, whose familiar work has appeared on a ton of licensed DC merchandise.
Browse all the comics and comic art for sale in the September 7 Signature Series Comics Showcase auction.