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#GoldenAgeComics #DetectiveComics #BatmanHistory #ComicBookAuction #BatplaneFirstAppearance #DCComicsLegends #RareComics #PopCultureCollectibles #ComicArtAuctions #BatmanAndRobin #CGCGradedComics #IconicComics #ComicBookHeroes #VintageComics #ComicBookTreasures
Landry Pop Auctions’ February 18 "Icons & Heroes: Comics and Comic Art" auction was a resounding success, achieving a 97% sell-through rate and a total of $498,709. The event featured nearly 400 lots of comic books, original art, and pop culture memorabilia, with vintage comics, particularly from DC’s Detective Comics series, dominating the leaderboard. The auction showcased iconic characters and rare collectibles, drawing significant attention from bidders.
The standout lot was a 1939 issue of Detective Comics #31, graded very good/fine (5.0) by CGC, which sold for $39,040, surpassing its $40,000-50,000 estimate. This issue is considered a "Golden Age gem" due to its historical significance, featuring the first appearance of Batman’s iconic Batplane, as well as the debut of Julie Madison, Bruce Wayne’s original love interest, and the Monk, one of Batman’s earliest supernatural foes. The cover art was created by Batman’s co-creator, Bob Kane, with additional contributions from Fred Guardineer and Joe Shuster, and stories by Gardner Fox and Jerry Siegel.
Another notable Detective Comics issue was #30, which sold for $23,180, the second-highest price of the auction. This 1939 issue, featuring the villain Doctor Death and a collaborative cover by Fred Guardineer, Sheldon Moldoff, Joe Shuster, and Bob Kane, had recently been graded as a top-nine copy, adding to its desirability among collectors.
The auction also highlighted Detective Comics #38, which sold for $19,520, well above its $10,000-15,000 estimate. This issue is particularly significant as it introduced Robin (Dick Grayson), Batman’s teenage sidekick, a concept that would become a staple in superhero storytelling. The cover art was a collaboration between Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, and the issue was graded fine/very fine (7.0) by CGC.
Original comic art was another major draw, with a complete seven-page story from Journey Into Fear #6 selling for $13,420, more than doubling its $3,000-5,000 estimate. This 1952 story, titled Rose of Doom! by Robert Webb and S.M. Iger Studio, is a rare piece from Canada’s first horror comic, making it a prized find for collectors.
Beyond comics, the auction featured original concept art for Disneyland’s It’s a Small World attraction, created by renowned artist Mary Blair. The work, an oil crayon, gouache, and graphite illustration, depicted a group of singing children in colorful outfits, embodying the global unity and whimsical charm of the iconic ride. Signed by Blair, the piece sold for $8,890, reflecting the enduring appeal of her artistry and the cultural significance of the attraction. Another Blair work, a mockup for an illustration in Gelolo McHugh’s 1950 book Baby’s House, sold for $4,826, exceeding its $2,000-3,000 estimate.
The auction also included a variety of other Detective Comics issues, ranging from $153 for a CGC 6.0-rated Detective Comics #292 to several thousand dollars for other key issues. These sales underscored the enduring popularity of Batman and his supporting characters among collectors.
Overall, the auction highlighted the continued demand for vintage comics and original art, with collectors vying for rare and historically significant pieces. The success of the sale reflects the strength of the comic book and pop culture memorabilia market, as well as the timeless appeal of iconic characters and stories. Prices included buyer’s premiums, and further information can be found at www.landrypop.com or by contacting the auction house directly.
