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Beano No. 1 soars to bids of £7000 and counting in latest ComPal auction, plus original art too

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Compal May - June 1976 Cover

The Comic Book Postal Auctions, aka Compal, 2026 May/June catalogue is open for bidding, and there are plenty of treats on offer for collectors, with original artwork and a rare first issue of The Beano attracting plenty of bids – the latter currently at £7000 and counting.

The Beano Comic No 1 (1938). Introducing Big Eggo, Lord Snooty and His Pals, Morgyn the Mighty (first illustrated strip), Whoopee Hank and Tin-Can Tommy the Clockwork Boy. Bright cover colours with three horizontal edge tears by spine. There are minor tears to most overhang right-hand page edges with pg 23 overhang page edge showing some small loss. The back cover has a 1" tear to the left-hand margin and a 3" uneven, vertical tear to the lower margin by the spine. Light tan pages [vg-]
The Beano Comic No 1 (1938). Introducing Big Eggo, Lord Snooty and His Pals, Morgyn the Mighty (first illustrated strip), Whoopee Hank and Tin-Can Tommy the Clockwork Boy

It’s no surprise that issue of The Beano is much sought after – for its age, published back in 1938, it still has bright cover colours and clean pages, although there is an uneven three inch vertical tear to the back cover. If you’re a Beano or The Dandy fan, then there’s a good selection of rare wartime comics in this auction, too, as well as a high grade run of Magic-Beano annuals and Dandy Monster Comics.

Don’t miss out, either, on a copy of British publisher L. Miller’s scarce Black Knight No.1 from the 1950s, either, or the mouth-watering science-fiction selection including Electroman, Masterman, Space Ace, Space Comics, Captain Valiant and Spaceman Comic of the Future, illustrated by Ron Embleton and Norman Light.

Spaceman Comic of the Future (Gould-Light 1953) 3-5, 7-15 final issue Stories by Norman Light, art by Norman Light and Ron Embleton Nos 4, 9, 14, 15 detached covers [gd], balance 8 issues [vg-/vg+] (12)
Spaceman Comic of the Future (Gould-Light 1953) 3-5, 7-15 final issue Stories by Norman Light, art by Norman Light and Ron Embleton Nos 4, 9, 14, 15 detached covers [gd], balance 8 issues [vg-/vg+] (12)
Spaceman Comic of the Future (Gould-Light 1953) 3-5, 7-15 final issue Stories by Norman Light, art by Norman Light and Ron Embleton Nos 4, 9, 14, 15 | Click pictures for larger images

Commando comic fans will delighted to see early 1960s issues on offer – and this auction offers a near complete run of Commando 1-150 and 300-450, plus comics such as The Topper through 1963-64 and a phenomenal run of the Alan Class title, Creepy Worlds nos. 32-38, reprinting Marvel’s Fantastic Four #1-6 and #8 – all CBCS encased and graded (For info, Fantastic Four #7 was not reprinted by Alan Class).

Click pictures for larger images

The 1970s include a group of bound volumes from the IPC Editorial Archive starting with the controversial Action comic (most issues from No 1 cover dated 14th February (With Free Gift) through to the issue cover dated 25th December 1976, plus several girls comics titles – June, Music Star, Princess Tina, Sally, Sandie and Rock On!, all in relatively high grades. There are also complete/near complete years of Romeo, Tammy, Tracy and Valentine.

  • Action (14 Feb-25 Dec 1976) 34 issues including No 1 wfg Red Arrow from The IPC Editorial Archive. Missing issues: 28 Feb, 13 March, 10, 17, 24 April and 1 May and the banned 23 October. So 30 of the pre-ban issues are present along with all 4 post-ban issues. Starring Dredger, Hook Jaw, Hellman of Hammer Force, The Running Man, The Coffin Sub and Death Game 1999. No 1 and a few further issues [vg+/fn-], balance [fn/vfn+] (34)
  • Action (14 Feb-25 Dec 1976) 34 issues including No 1 wfg Red Arrow from The IPC Editorial Archive. Missing issues: 28 Feb, 13 March, 10, 17, 24 April and 1 May and the banned 23 October. So 30 of the pre-ban issues are present along with all 4 post-ban issues. Starring Dredger, Hook Jaw, Hellman of Hammer Force, The Running Man, The Coffin Sub and Death Game 1999. No 1 and a few further issues [vg+/fn-], balance [fn/vfn+] (34)
  • Action (14 Feb-25 Dec 1976) 34 issues including No 1 wfg Red Arrow from The IPC Editorial Archive. Missing issues: 28 Feb, 13 March, 10, 17, 24 April and 1 May and the banned 23 October. So 30 of the pre-ban issues are present along with all 4 post-ban issues. Starring Dredger, Hook Jaw, Hellman of Hammer Force, The Running Man, The Coffin Sub and Death Game 1999. No 1 and a few further issues [vg+/fn-], balance [fn/vfn+] (34)
  • Action (14 Feb-25 Dec 1976) 34 issues including No 1 wfg Red Arrow from The IPC Editorial Archive. Missing issues: 28 Feb, 13 March, 10, 17, 24 April and 1 May and the banned 23 October. So 30 of the pre-ban issues are present along with all 4 post-ban issues. Starring Dredger, Hook Jaw, Hellman of Hammer Force, The Running Man, The Coffin Sub and Death Game 1999. No 1 and a few further issues [vg+/fn-], balance [fn/vfn+] (34)
  • Action (14 Feb-25 Dec 1976) 34 issues including No 1 wfg Red Arrow from The IPC Editorial Archive. Missing issues: 28 Feb, 13 March, 10, 17, 24 April and 1 May and the banned 23 October. So 30 of the pre-ban issues are present along with all 4 post-ban issues. Starring Dredger, Hook Jaw, Hellman of Hammer Force, The Running Man, The Coffin Sub and Death Game 1999. No 1 and a few further issues [vg+/fn-], balance [fn/vfn+] (34)

Action, cover dated 14th February – 25th December 1976 – 34 issues including No 1 wfg Red Arrow from The IPC Editorial Archive. Missing issues: 28th February, 13th March, 10th, 17th, 24th April and 1st May and the banned 23 October. 30 of the pre-ban issues are present along with all four post-ban issues

Monster Fun (1975) 1 wfg Plate Wobbler, 2 wfg Freaky Spider Ring. 'Edited' by Ken Reid's Frankie Stein who also drew Martha's Monster Make up, Draculass - Daughter of Dracula and Leo Baxendale's Badtime Bedtime Story Book centrefold strip, complete and uncut. No 1 [fn-], No 2 [vfn] (2)
Monster Fun (1975) No. 1 With Free Gift Plate Wobbler, and No. 2 With Free Gift Freaky Spider Ring
Sally (30 Jan-27 March 1971) 9 issues in bound volume. Starring Cat Girl, The Ghost Hunters, Broken-Hearted Rebel and Maisie's Magic Eye. From the IPC Editorial Archive. Cream pages with slightly darker margins [fn+] (9)
Sally (30 Jan-27 March 1971) 9 issues in bound volume. Starring Cat Girl, The Ghost Hunters, Broken-Hearted Rebel and Maisie's Magic Eye. From the IPC Editorial Archive. Cream pages with slightly darker margins [fn+] (9)
Sally (30 Jan-27 March 1971) 9 issues in bound volume, starring Cat Girl, The Ghost Hunters, Broken-Hearted Rebel and Maisie’s Magic Eye. From the IPC Editorial Archive | Click pictures for larger images
Sandie (12 Feb (No 1)-14 Jun 1972 and 12 August - 10 Feb 1973) in two bound volumes. 50 issues starring Trixie the Tennis Tramp, Ann of a Thousand Sorrows, Wendy's Private War and Second-hand Rosie with Brenda's Brownies and Wendy the Witch by Leo Baxendale. And from the 'You're Joking!' page: 'Who was the first Knight of the Round Table?' Answer 'Sir Cumference!' (sigh), From the IPC Editorial Archive [fn/fn+] (50)
Sandie (12 Feb (No 1)-14 Jun 1972 and 12 August - 10 Feb 1973) in two bound volumes. 50 issues starring Trixie the Tennis Tramp, Ann of a Thousand Sorrows, Wendy's Private War and Second-hand Rosie with Brenda's Brownies and Wendy the Witch by Leo Baxendale. And from the 'You're Joking!' page: 'Who was the first Knight of the Round Table?' Answer 'Sir Cumference!' (sigh), From the IPC Editorial Archive [fn/fn+] (50)
Sandie, from issue cover dated 12th February (No 1) -14th June 1972 and 12th August – 10th Feb 1973) in two bound volumes. 50 issues starring Trixie the Tennis Tramp, Ann of a Thousand Sorrows, Wendy’s Private War and Second-hand Rosie with Brenda’s Brownies and Wendy the Witch by Leo Baxendale. And from the ‘You’re Joking!’ page: ‘Who was the first Knight of the Round Table?’ Answer ‘Sir Cumference!’ (sigh), From the IPC Editorial Archive | Click pictures for larger images
Star Lord (1978) 1-22 Complete run with Star Lord Summer Special. Art by Carlos Esquerra (Strontium Dog), Kevin O'Neill and Dave Gibbons (Ro-Busters) and Ian Kennedy (Planet of the Damned and Timequake). The Hell Planet Game in four issues is intact and uncut. Issues 1-3 with all free gifts. 30th Sept (No 21) 1" of top corner cover torn away [vg+], balance issues [vfn/nm] (23)
Star Lord (1978) 1-22 Complete run with Star Lord Summer Special. Art by Carlos Esquerra (Strontium Dog), Kevin O'Neill and Dave Gibbons (Ro-Busters) and Ian Kennedy (Planet of the Damned and Timequake). The Hell Planet Game in four issues is intact and uncut. Issues 1-3 with all free gifts. 30th Sept (No 21) 1" of top corner cover torn away [vg+], balance issues [vfn/nm] (23)
Star Lord (1978) 1-22 Complete run with Star Lord Summer Special | Click pictures for larger images

• View the full catalogue on Compal’s website. You can place realtime bids at the-saleroom.com

Original Art

The original artwork on offer features “Robin Hood” for SWIFT, by Frank Bellamy, “Dan Dare” for EAGLE by Frank Hampson, art by Ron Turner featuring The Red Baron, Rick Random and Battle‘s “Johnny Red” by Ron Turner”, more stunning “Charley’s War” art by Joe Colquhoun, plus “Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons” by Malcolm Stokes, a TV Comic “Doctor Who” centrespread by John Canning, “The Daleks and Terror Task Force” by Edgar Hodges for the 1976 Dalek Annual, “The Six Million Dollar Man” by Martin Asbury for Look-In, “Faceache” by Ken Reid for Buster, and “Mission Impossible” and “UFO” boards by John M Burns for TV Action.

Billy Bunter 1930s original artwork drawn and signed by C.H. Chapman. Pencil on paper. 12 x 8 ins
Billy Bunter 1930s original artwork drawn and signed by C.H. Chapman. Pencil on paper. 12 x 8 ins
Charley's War (1979): 4 original artworks by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 301 pgs 2-4 and 303 pg 2 (which seems to directly follow on). 'Charley and Blue are finally caught by a military policeman known as "The Drag Man"… who was forcing Blue to tell his story at gunpoint...' Pen and ink on card (with one speech balloon missing (pencil text only)). 18 x 15 ins (4 artworks)
Charley's War (1979): 4 original artworks by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 301 pgs 2-4 and 303 pg 2 (which seems to directly follow on). 'Charley and Blue are finally caught by a military policeman known as "The Drag Man"… who was forcing Blue to tell his story at gunpoint...' Pen and ink on card (with one speech balloon missing (pencil text only)). 18 x 15 ins (4 artworks)
Charley’s War (1979): Four original artworks by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 301 | Click pictures for larger images
Charley's War (1979) 2 original artworks by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 305 pgs 2 & 3. 'Charlie and Blue had been caught by The Drag Man who was forcing the so-called 'cowardly deserter' to tell his story…'. Pen and ink on card with one speech balloon missing (pencil text only). 18 x 15 ins (2 artworks)
Charley’s War (1979) – Two original artworks by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 305
Johnny Red 3 original artworks by Ron Turner (1984) for Battle Holiday Special 1984. 'March 1944 - The English Channel RAF Troubleshooter Johnny "Red" Redburn had taken over command of 313 Spitfire Squadron. On his first mission with his new unit Johnny had to protect the whole squadron from disaster...'. Black ink and wash on card. 20 x 14 ins (3 artworks)
Johnny Red 3 original artworks by Ron Turner (1984) for Battle Holiday Special 1984. 'March 1944 - The English Channel RAF Troubleshooter Johnny "Red" Redburn had taken over command of 313 Spitfire Squadron. On his first mission with his new unit Johnny had to protect the whole squadron from disaster...'. Black ink and wash on card. 20 x 14 ins (3 artworks)
Johnny Red – three original artworks by Ron Turner (1984) for Battle Holiday Special 1984 | Click pictures for larger images
Captain Scarlet and The Mysterons 'The Giant Awakes': 2 original artworks (Sept 1971) by Malcolm Stokes for Countdown No 29 pgs 4 & 5. Black ink and wash on board. 18 x 15 ins (2 artworks)
Captain Scarlet and The Mysterons “The Giant Awakes” , two original artworks by Malcolm Stokes for Countdown No 29 (September 1971)
Faceache original artwork by Ken Reid from Buster (1980). 'Elp! Police! Maniacal Monsters!' The Gasman gets a double scrunge! Indian ink on paper. 20 x 16 ins
Faceache original artwork by Ken Reid from Buster (1980)
CHiPs - 3 original artworks by Barrie Mitchell (1983) for Look-in No 7 pgs 20 and 21 and No 9 pg 21 (last episode of story). Black pen and ink on card. 20 x 15 ins (3 artworks)
CHiPs - 3 original artworks by Barrie Mitchell (1983) for Look-in No 7 pgs 20 and 21 and No 9 pg 21 (last episode of story). Black pen and ink on card. 20 x 15 ins (3 artworks)
CHiPs – three original artworks by Barrie Mitchell (1983) for Look-in No 7, the last episode of the story | Click pictures for larger images
Ron Turner signed original artwork (1987) The Red Baron WW1 Dogfight, reproduced on page 261 of 'The Fantastic Art of Ron Turner' book by John Lawrence. Poster colour on board, 18 x 15 ins
Ron Turner signed original artwork (1987) “The Red Baron”, reproduced in “The Fantastic Art of Ron Turner” book by John Lawrence
Rick Random: 2 original artworks (1957) by Ron Turner for Super-Detective Library No 111 (included in the lot) pages 30 & 39. 'Some of the leading scientists of the Universe have disappeared and Rick needs super computer Charlie to find out why….' Pen and ink on card 14 x 10" (2 artworks)
Rick Random: 2 original artworks (1957) by Ron Turner for Super-Detective Library No 111 (included in the lot) pages 30 & 39. 'Some of the leading scientists of the Universe have disappeared and Rick needs super computer Charlie to find out why….' Pen and ink on card 14 x 10" (2 artworks)
Rick Random: two original artworks (1957) by Ron Turner for Super-Detective Library No 111 (included in the lot) | Click pictures for larger images
Robin Hood original artwork by Frank Bellamy from Swift Vol 3 No 23, 9 June 1956 (with original comic). Robin encounters Little John in battle for the first time. Indian ink and grey wash on board, 21 x 15 ins
Robin Hood original artwork by Frank Bellamy from Swift Vol 3 No 23, 9 June 1956 (with original comic). Robin encounters Little John in battle for the first time
UFO original artwork by John M Burns for TV Action No 113 (1973) pg 8. 'Ed Straker and Paul Foster do battle with the Aliens to stop the destruction of SHADO'. Black ink and wash on board. 21 x 16 ins
UFO original artwork by John M Burns for TV Action No 113 (1973)
Mission: Impossible original artwork by John M Burns for TV Action No 124 pg 14 (1973) The Man from Death Row. 'Judge Leigh Oakley's daughter Laura has been kidnapped and Jim Phelps, disguised as the Judge, takes the ransom money to a ghost town…'. Black ink and wash on board. 21 x 16 ins
Mission: Impossible original artwork by John M Burns for TV Action No 124 pg 14 (1973)
Alias Smith and Jones/The Indian Affair, two original artworks by Charles Morgan (1973) for TV Action No 129 pgs 18 & 19. 'Smith and Jones stumble on gold, hidden in a mountain and protected by an Indian 'ghost'…' Poster colour on board with speech balloon overlay (2 speech balloons missing) 19 x 14 ins (2 artworks)
Alias Smith and Jones/The Indian Affair, two original artworks by Charles Morgan (1973) for TV Action No 129 pgs 18 & 19. 'Smith and Jones stumble on gold, hidden in a mountain and protected by an Indian 'ghost'…' Poster colour on board with speech balloon overlay (2 speech balloons missing) 19 x 14 ins (2 artworks)
Alias Smith and Jones/The Indian Affair, two original artworks by Charles Morgan (1973) for TV Action No 129 | Click pictures for larger images
Whiplash original artwork (1984) by Ron Turner. This artwork was the forerunner of Turner's 64 page WWII illustrated story about a renegade Aussie patrol on Australia's Northern Territory sabotaging the insurgent Japanese army patrols from occupied New Guinea. Poster colour on board, 18 x 14 ins
“Whiplash” original artwork (1984) by Ron Turner. This artwork was the forerunner of Turner’s 64 page World War Two illustrated story about a renegade Aussie patrol on Australia’s Northern Territory sabotaging the insurgent Japanese army patrols from occupied New Guinea

• View the full catalogue on Compal’s website. You can place realtime bids at the-saleroom.com

American Comics

Batman 12 (1942) Worn covers with brittle edges, re-attached with later staples. Some brittleness to interior page corners [fr/gd]. No Reserve
X-Men 1 (1963). Weak spine with discoloured tape residue, splash page doodle to "X-Men" lettering, off-white pages [gd/vg]. No Reserve

The US section boasts a scary selection of Golden Age Horror comics, including Adventures into Terror, Adventures into Weird Worlds, Black Terror, Chilling Tales, Ghostly Weird Adventures, Weird Terror and Witchcraft. Other Golden Age titles include Amazing Detective, Batman, and more.

The Silver Age Marvels includes a copy Amazing Fantasy #15, introducing Spider-man, Iron Man #1, X-Men #1 and long early runs of Avengers, Fantastic Four, and more, plus DC titles, and Charlton’s scarce Fightin’ 5 #40 & 41 (1st and 2nd Peacemaker) along with Peacemaker #1-5.

Doctor Who Art and Miscellanea…

Doctor Who Press-Out Book (1977). Unused with all press-outs intact
Doctor Who Press-Out Book (1977). Unused with all press-outs intact
Doctor Who Press-Out Book (1977). Unused with all press-outs intact
Doctor Who Press-Out Book (1977). Unused with all press-outs intact
Doctor Who Press-Out Book (1977). Unused with all press-outs intact

There are a couple of Doctor Who items on offer, including a smashing-looking Doctor Who Press-Out Book, published in 1977, plus photographs on offer in this auction from the BBC Archives showcasing TV film stills and promotional shots of past Doctors: William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker and Peter Davison with more Daleks than you can throw a Sonic Screwdriver at.

Plus, these artworks…

Dalek/Terror Force: two original artworks by Edgar Hodges for the Dalek Annual (1976) pgs 20 & 21. With the original annual pages. Pen and ink on card, 6 x 4" and 7½ x 4½"
Dalek/Terror Force: two original artworks by Edgar Hodges for the Dalek Annual (1976)
Doctor Who original double-page artwork by John Canning (1976) for Mighty TV Comic No 1330 pg 11. 'The Kling commander orders the execution of the Strange One and a Braggen Dog (Doctor Who and Petra!). Pen and ink on board, 18 x 25 ins
Doctor Who original double-page artwork by John Canning (1976) for Mighty TV Comic No 1330

• View the full catalogue on Compal’s website. You can place realtime bids at the-saleroom.com

All postal bids need to be with us by Friday 12th June 2026 and Comic Book Auctions Ltd. will enter them on your behalf in thesaleroom.com/Comic Book Auctions website closing Sunday 14th June 2026 from 2.00pm

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