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Beano animation rarity, original art and more offered in latest Phil-Comics auction

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Phil-Comics have listed their latest round of auctions on eBay, with listingsThe listings running until Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th May. 2026.

Dennis and Gnasher TV Series Animation Cel (1996), from the DC Thomson Archive. This is the first time any such cels from the two series have been offered for sale. This item has officially come from surplus material held by the DC Thomson Archive. Dennis and Gnasher was an animated TV series broadcast on BBC from 2nd April 1996 until 7th May 1998. Re-runs aired on CBBC until January 2007. The series was produced by Collingwood O'Hare Productions and DC Thomson, in association with BBC Television. Largely written by Tony Collingwood, two series were made with 13 episodes in each, making a total of 26 episodes, running for 25 minutes each. The series focussed on Dennis the Menace and Gnasher, with voiceovers from voice actors and features the likes of Dennis' Mum and Dad, Granny, Curly, Pie-Face, Walter the Softy, and Foo Foo, amongst other smaller part characters based on the famous comic strip in The Beano.

There are 300 listings in this auction, spanning a wide array of titles, genres and eras, so feast your eyes on some of the highlights. Unusual items include a Dennis and Gnasher TV Series Animation Cel (1996), from the DC Thomson Archive. This auction marks the first time any such cels from the two series have been offered for sale.

This Adventure Land Book Annual 1923 has officially come from surplus material held by the DC Thomson Archive in Dundee - please see further down for full details. The first Adventure Land annual, which was published off the back of Adventure story paper. Adventure launched in Sep 1921 and must have been an instant success, as this was published the following year, the first of fourteen annuals over the next twenty odd years.

One of the oldest items in this auction is surely the 1923 Adventure Land Book Annual, a “surplus item” from the DC Thomson Archive, but there are a number of other great vintage items, too, including various Chum annuals; and copies of the 1920s story paper, Boys’ Magazine, including the very first issue, cover dated 27th February 1922, complete with its Free Gift, an Aston Villa team card.

Boys' Magazine, including the very first issue, cover dated 27th February 1922, complete with its Free Gift, an Aston Villa team card
A copy of the Snow-White and Rose-Red Book published around 1939 by John Leng, also from the DCT Archive. In the second half of the 19th Century, John Leng & Co Ltd was one of two publishers in Dundee, along with the Thomson family business. In 1905 the two firms came together with the incorporation of DC Thomson, although they remained two separately named companies. John Leng continued to publish books up until the 1960s and still remains a part of the DC Thomson business today

Also in the auction is a copy of the Snow-White and Rose-Red Book published around 1939 by John Leng, also from the DCT Archive. In the second half of the 19th Century, John Leng & Co Ltd was one of two publishers in Dundee, along with the Thomson family business. In 1905 the two firms came together with the incorporation of DC Thomson, although they remained two separately named companies. John Leng continued to publish books up until the 1960s and it still remains a part of the DC Thomson business today.

One of author and script writer David Motton’s “Dan Dare” scripts for Eagle, an episode of “All Treens Must Die”, features in this auction. The episode ran in Eagle Volume 15 No. 27, cover dated 4th July 1964, a chapter of one of the later “Dan Dare” tales, and one many remember with fondness. It ran for twenty consecutive issues, with art by Keith Watson.
One of author and script writer David Motton’s “Dan Dare” scripts for Eagle, an episode of “All Treens Must Die”, features in this auction. The episode ran in Eagle Volume 15 No. 27, cover dated 4th July 1964, a chapter of one of the later “Dan Dare” tales, and one many remember with fondness. It ran for twenty consecutive issues, with art by Keith Watson.
One of author and script writer David Motton’s “Dan Dare” scripts for Eagle, an episode of “All Treens Must Die”, features in this auction. The episode ran in Eagle Volume 15 No. 27, cover dated 4th July 1964, a chapter of one of the later “Dan Dare” tales, and one many remember with fondness. It ran for twenty consecutive issues, with art by Keith Watson.
One of author and script writer David Motton’s “Dan Dare” scripts for Eagle, an episode of “All Treens Must Die”, features in this auction. The episode ran in Eagle Volume 15 No. 27, cover dated 4th July 1964, a chapter of one of the later “Dan Dare” tales, and one many remember with fondness. It ran for twenty consecutive issues, with art by Keith Watson.
One of author and script writer David Motton’s “Dan Dare” scripts for Eagle, an episode of “All Treens Must Die”, features in this auction. The episode ran in Eagle Volume 15 No. 27, cover dated 4th July 1964, a chapter of one of the later “Dan Dare” tales, and one many remember with fondness. It ran for twenty consecutive issues, with art by Keith Watson.

One of author and script writer David Motton’s “Dan Dare” scripts for Eagle, an episode of “All Treens Must Die”, features in this auction. The episode ran in Eagle Volume 15 No. 27, cover dated 4th July 1964, a chapter of one of the later “Dan Dare” tales, and one many remember with fondness. It ran for twenty consecutive issues, with art by Keith Watson.

This item has come from David’s personal collection, a writer who enjoyed a thirty-year career working in comics from 1954 to 1985. We previously interviewed David about his career here on downthetubes. Tom Atkins is currently documenting David’s career, trying to match script names with published stories – no easy task – and, occasionally, reports progress on the Facebook Mighty World of British Comics Group.

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

These are just some of the items in the current auction. Check out the current full Phil-Comics catalogue here on eBay 

Original Art

Beano Book 1974 Beano Town Original Art by Robert Nixon. A rarely seen page of original artwork from a DC Thomson title, by Robert Nixon . The first of a two page strip. Measures approx 19 x 12.25 inches (48 x 31 cm)

Beano Book 1974 Beano Town Original Art by Robert Nixon

A rarely seen page of original artwork from a DC Thomson title, by Robert Nixon . The first page of a two-page strip. Measures approximately 19 x 12.25 inches (48 x 31 cm)

In his indispensable A-Z of British Newspaper Strips, Paul Hudson notes the American strip “Double Trouble” by Bill McLean ran in the London evening newspaper, The Star, through the night 1940s and early 1950s. When the source material dried up with its cancellation in 1953, after a brief hiatus, Brian White, who had finished his long run on “Nipper” for the Daily Mail, was contracted to produce new adventures of the troublesome twins.

“Double Trouble” No. 1740 newspaper strip by Brian White for the Star (1960s)

In his indispensable A-Z of British Newspaper Strips, Paul Hudson notes the American strip “Double Trouble” by Bill McLean ran in the London evening newspaper, The Star, through the night 1940s and early 1950s. When the source material dried up with its cancellation in 1953, after a brief hiatus, Brian White, who had finished his long run on “Nipper” for the Daily Mail, was contracted to produce new adventures of the troublesome twins.

An original page of artwork which seems to have been drawn by Seth, a Canadian cartoonist whose real name is Gregory Gallant. We're not sure of the year, the name of the strip or the comic it was published in, but likely 1980s, possibly connected with the character “Mr X”. The artist was born in 1962 and this has a 1980s feel to it, or perhaps 1990s. The vendor who supplied it owned it for the best part of 25 years.

Original Comic Artwork circa 1980s by SETH 

An original page of artwork which seems to have been drawn by Seth, a Canadian cartoonist whose real name is Gregory Gallant. We’re not sure of the year, the name of the strip or the comic it was published in, but likely 1980s, possibly connected with the character “Mr X”. The artist was born in 1962 and this has a 1980s feel to it, or perhaps 1990s. The vendor who supplied it owned it for the best part of 25 years.

A silent strip from Cyril Price, signed as Kim, one of his pseudonyms; he used “Gwynne” on another strip, “The Whiskers Club”. Art measures approximately 15.5 x 5.75 inches (39.5 x 14.5 cm) and has the code 2714 on the reverse side. There is other pen writing to the reverse which we can't really make out, other than the date of 10th December 1953.

“Harry” Daily Sketch Newspaper Original Comic Artwork by Kim (Cyril Price) 1953

A silent strip from Cyril Price, signed as Kim, one of his pseudonyms; he used “Gwynne” on another strip, “The Whiskers Club”. Art measures approximately 15.5 x 5.75 inches (39.5 x 14.5 cm) and has the code 2714 on the reverse side. There is other pen writing to the reverse which we can’t really make out, other than the date of 10th December 1953.

Art by an unknown artist, publication unknown, believed circa 1960s, measuring 28.5 x 19.5 inches (73 x 50 cm) on thick card

“Jane and John – Thrills in Fabulous India” Original Comic Artwork circa 1960s

Art by an unknown artist, publication unknown, believed circa 1960s, measuring 28.5 x 19.5 inches (73 x 50 cm) on thick card

Two original pages of artwork by Ed McHenry and Ray Peters, with a fine level of detail. The strip featured in Issue Three of Denis Gifford's 1976 Ally Sloper title. It was originally bought them from Hamer Auctions, when they sold off Denis Gifford's collection.The first page measures approximately 15.5 x 12.5 inches (39 x 32 cm). The second page is 1.5 inches narrower. Quite thin but sturdy card with black ink and very crisp lines. In very nice shape overall.

Ally Sloper “Kaptain Kween” Original Artwork by Ed McHenry and Ray Peters

Two original pages of artwork by Ed McHenry and Ray Peters, with a fine level of detail. The strip featured in Issue Three of Denis Gifford’s 1976 Ally Sloper title. It was originally bought them from Hamer Auctions, when they sold off Denis Gifford’s collection.The first page measures approximately 15.5 x 12.5 inches (39 x 32 cm). The second page is 1.5 inches narrower. Quite thin but sturdy card with black ink and very crisp lines. In very nice shape overall.

Five individual, consecutive “Nigel” newspaper strips featuring the Adventures of a young boy, Nigel and his dog Pepito, who seems to possess some of the magic qualities seen in the early adventures of “Flook”. Jackson was also responsible for “Artie’s Headline”, which would often feature alongside pocket cartoon by Osborne Lancaster in the Daily Express during the 1950s. The small number in the lower corner of the last panel of each page runs from 40 to 44, and the reverse side has a number starting with 2651 on the #40 page, going to 2655 on the #44 page. Each page has an ink stamp mark to the reverse side with his name and address on. Each page measures approximately 16 x 6.5 inches (41 x 16 cm)

“Nigel” Daily Express Newspaper Original Comic Artwork by Artie Jackson – 1950s

Five individual, consecutive “Nigel” newspaper strips featuring the Adventures of a young boy, Nigel and his dog Pepito, who seems to possess some of the magic qualities seen in the early adventures of “Flook”. Jackson was also responsible for “Artie’s Headline”, which would often feature alongside pocket cartoon by Osborne Lancaster in the Daily Express during the 1950s. The small number in the lower corner of the last panel of each page runs from 40 to 44, and the reverse side has a number starting with 2651 on the #40 page, going to 2655 on the #44 page. Each page has an ink stamp mark to the reverse side with his name and address on. Each page measures approximately 16 x 6.5 inches (41 x 16 cm)

Original comic artwork for “The Perishers” strip dated 11th June, which appeared in The Sunday Mirror, SM 281 in the last panel indicating the Sunday version of the paper. Possibly from the 1970s. The art measures approximately 21 x 7.5 inches (53 x 19 cm). It has a vertical centre fold

“The Perishers” Original Cartoon Artwork for Sunday Mirror Newspaper circa 1970s

Original comic artwork for “The Perishers” strip dated 11th June, which appeared in The Sunday Mirror, SM 281 in the last panel indicating the Sunday version of the paper. Possibly from the 1970s. The art measures approximately 21 x 7.5 inches (53 x 19 cm). It has a vertical centre fold.

An episode of the short-lived humour strip “Scott Lanyard” for the Daily Sketch, published between 1955 and 1956. The strip was launched soon after McClelland had Deck to the sketch after having spent 20 odd years at the Daily Mirror. Measures approximately 19 x 7.25 inches (48 x 18 cm) and has the code B125 to the first panel corner. The reverse side has 2584 written in pen

“Scott Lanyard” Daily Sketch newspaper strip art by Hugh McClelland No. 2584

An episode of the short-lived humour strip “Scott Lanyard” for the Daily Sketch, published between 1955 and 1956. The strip was launched soon after McClelland had Deck to the sketch after having spent 20 odd years at the Daily Mirror. Measures approximately 19 x 7.25 inches (48 x 18 cm) and has the code B125 to the first panel corner. The reverse side has 2584 written in pen.

Two pages of original “Scott Lanyard” art for the Daily Sketch, art by Hugh McClelland. The page measures approximately 18.75 x 7.25 inches (47.5 x 18.5 cm) and has the code B202 and B204 in one of the panel corners. These correspond with a code on the back of 2603 and 2604, respectively. #2604 seems to be made of a few pieces of card taped together, which makes its construction as a working piece of art all the more interesting. Odd minor blemish but generally in pretty nice condition.

“Scott Lanyard” Daily Sketch newspaper strip art by Hugh McClelland No. 2603 and 2604

Two pages of original “Scott Lanyard” art for the Daily Sketch, art by Hugh McClelland. The page measures approximately 18.75 x 7.25 inches (47.5 x 18.5 cm) and has the code B202 and B204 in one of the panel corners. These correspond with a code on the back of 2603 and 2604, respectively. #2604 seems to be made of a few pieces of card taped together, which makes its construction as a working piece of art all the more interesting. Odd minor blemish but generally in pretty nice condition.

Badges and Other Ephemera

Released in the 1970s, this Ally Sloper's Half Holiday Comic Club Badge is possibly something related to comic archivist and editor Denis Gifford's 1970s Ally Sloper comic fanzine. The badge measures 25mm in diameter. It’s in nice shape.

Ally Sloper’s Half Holiday Comic Club Badge

Released in the 1970s, this Ally Sloper’s Half Holiday Comic Club Badge is possibly something related to comic archivist and editor Denis Gifford’s 1970s Ally Sloper comic fanzine. The badge measures 25mm in diameter. It’s in nice shape.

The free gift badge that came with the issue of Buster cover dated 19th February 1983. There’s no comic with it, but this badge is hard to find and Phil-Comics have only sold one in the past.

Buster comic Free Gift Badge from the issue cover dated 19th February 1983

The free gift badge that came with the issue of Buster cover dated 19th February 1983. There’s no comic with it, but this badge is hard to find and Phil-Comics have only sold one in the past.

Seven badges given away as free gifts in The Dandy comic in the 1990s. The Cuddles and Dimples badges, Korky badge and the two non-round Desperate Dan badges have yellowed. As a guide, the large round badge measures 55mm in diameter

Dandy Free Gift Badge x 7 circa 1990s – Desperate Dan, Korky, Cuddles Dimples

Seven badges given away as free gifts in The Dandy comic in the 1990s. The Cuddles and Dimples badges, Korky badge and the two non-round Desperate Dan badges have yellowed. As a guide, the large round badge measures 55mm in diameter

First Issues and Other Gems…

Herre’s just a small selection of the individual titles on sale, including 2000AD, Beano, Bunty, Buster,Commando, a good run of Lady Penelope and more, some including their Free Gifts.

2000AD #20,22,23,24,25,26,27 (1977)
Beezer Book 1964
Buster cover dated 24th September 1960 - Buster still described as "The Son of Andy Capp"
Red Dagger 26
Commando 83 - Send for Spitfires
Commando 49 - Blood Valley
Commando 25 - Take No Prisoners!
  • The Beano No. 2311 With Free Gift "Twirlycopter"
  • The Beano No. 2254 With Free Gift "Gnasher" puppet
  • The Beano - 1995 Issues
  • The Beano - 1985 Issues
  • Bunty Picture Library - Various
  • Bunty Picture Library - Various
  • Bunty Picture Library - Various

• Check the latest Phil-Comics auction on eBay

The listings run until Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th May 2026, from 17:00 hours until about 22:30 hours

 
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