Rare Dandy Monster Comic annual offered at auction, expected to sell for over £1000

By John Freeman on April 5, 2019

A rare copy of the first Dandy annual, titled the Dandy Monster Comic, published just before World War two, is to be sold at auction as part of a Two Day Book & Ephemera Sale by Keys Fine Art Auctioneers in Aylsham, Norfolk.

The 1939 Dandy Monster Comic, published late in 1938, was the first of 81 annuals to be published and they continue today, even though the comic closed in 2012.

The book features many of the characters that went on to become household comic names, such as Desperate Dan and Korky The Cat. Copies sold by ComPal have fetched very high amounts, including £4200 for a high quality copy back in 2010.

For those of you who can’t find that amount down the back of the sofa, a facsimile edition is available!

The sale consists of lots of various subject matter, including – but not limited to – the following areas: Children’s and Illustrated, Comics, Modern First Editions, Poetry and Literature, Fine Bindings, Art and Architecture, Antique and Collecting Reference, History, Religion and Theology, Antiquarian Science and Medical, Transport, Military, Sporting Interest, Natural History, Travel and Topography and Local Interest.

• You can view the Dandy Monster Comic lot here and all lots here on the Keys Fine Art Auctioneers

• There is a news item about the annual offered here on the Evening Express web site

With thanks to Tim Robins

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.