Rare British comics free gifts, tie-in merchandise on offer in Phil Comics auction

By John Freeman on December 12, 2018

Online British comics auction house Phil Comics has just launched its December 2018 offering, which includes a huge range of bundled comics from the 1960s through to the 1990s, and rare issues of titles complete with free gifts including a copy of TV Century 21 with a Thunderbirds “International Rescue” cardboard hat, released back in 1966 to boost the title’s sales at the time.

TV21 Issue 155 – cover dated 6th January 1968 – with free gift

Joe 90 issue 2 cover dated 25th January 1969 – with free gift

Smash Issue 21 – cover dated 21st February 1970 – with free gift

Marvel UK’s Forces in Combat issue 1 cover dated 15th May 1980

Also on offer, of interest to comics archivists, are a number of rare flyers used to promote the launch or free gift boost issues of comics such as Cor!, Victor and Whizzer and Chips.

The auction also includes the TV 21 Themes 33RPM record released in 1965, which features a terrific version of the original Doctor Who theme, performed by the Eric Winston Orchestra. As a kid, I simply loved this – I’m surprised I didn’t wear the grooves out playing my copy!

TV 21 Themes 33RPM record

A number of the items on offer are items that belonged to the late comics artist Jim Baikie, who died earlier this year.

Run by Phil Shrimpton, Phil Comics specialises in vintage comics and related items such as annuals, holiday specials, free gifts and original artwork.

Holding monthly eBay auctions, often with 500+ listings, they aim to bring a diverse array of items – and are always on the lookout for vintage comic collections, either to buy or auction on commission.

UFO Colouring Book (1971), published by Purnell

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John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.