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British comic art aplenty on offer in latest Compal auction: “Charley’s War”, Dan Dare, Judge Dredd – and a rogue Dalek model, too!

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The latest Compalcomics auction (for May/June 2023) is open online and features an absolutely incredible array of original comic art among its many lots, which include the usual wide-ranging items of both British and American comics.

The catalogue is open for realtime bidding at thesaleroom.com now, and can also browse auction lots and print a fax or mail bidding form at Compalcomics.

The star lot from the UK section is Magic Comic 1-7 in a bound volume. Bought by the vendor in the mid 1980s, it is the highest grade run of early issues offered at auction grading at [fn/fn+].

  • Magic Comic (1939 D.C. Thomson) 1-7 in bound volume. Introducing Koko the Pup by E.H. Banger and Peter Piper by Dudley Watkins. With the Tickler Twins in Wonderland and Uncle Dan the Magic Man. The highest grade of early Magic Comics to be offered at auction. Bright covers, light tan pages [fn/fn+]
  • Magic Comic (1939 D.C. Thomson) 1-7 in bound volume. Introducing Koko the Pup by E.H. Banger and Peter Piper by Dudley Watkins. With the Tickler Twins in Wonderland and Uncle Dan the Magic Man. The highest grade of early Magic Comics to be offered at auction. Bright covers, light tan pages [fn/fn+]
  • Magic Comic (1939 D.C. Thomson) 1-7 in bound volume. Introducing Koko the Pup by E.H. Banger and Peter Piper by Dudley Watkins. With the Tickler Twins in Wonderland and Uncle Dan the Magic Man. The highest grade of early Magic Comics to be offered at auction. Bright covers, light tan pages [fn/fn+]
  • Magic Comic (1939 D.C. Thomson) 1-7 in bound volume. Introducing Koko the Pup by E.H. Banger and Peter Piper by Dudley Watkins. With the Tickler Twins in Wonderland and Uncle Dan the Magic Man. The highest grade of early Magic Comics to be offered at auction. Bright covers, light tan pages [fn/fn+]
  • Magic Comic (1939 D.C. Thomson) 1-7 in bound volume. Introducing Koko the Pup by E.H. Banger and Peter Piper by Dudley Watkins. With the Tickler Twins in Wonderland and Uncle Dan the Magic Man. The highest grade of early Magic Comics to be offered at auction. Bright covers, light tan pages [fn/fn+]

To see if Koko the Pup, Peter Piper and Uncle Dan the Magic Man can live up to their names – have a look at Lot 14’s photographic evidence. Just before those Magics in the catalogue is a very fresh-looking Dandy Monster Comic annual No. 1 from 1939, which has had some highly professional attention to its spine and corners resulting in a restored grade of Very Fine. It is followed by a No 3 with Korky’s Marching Band cover from the same stable, restored to Fine Minus.

Dandy Monster Comic annual No. 1

DC Thomson file copies of The Dandy Nos 188-204 (Jul-Dec 1944) are also a rarity containing some wonderful propaganda war issues, one of which shows Desperate Dan digging a tunnel under Nelson’s Column, all the way to America to transport tanks, ammo, butter and (of course) lollipops back to England whilst the German Navy destroyers and U-boats patrolling the North Atlantic get so bored they scuttle themselves.

War years Dandys from 1943-45 follow in groups of four, as they sold so successfully in this format in February. The first 43 issues of Beezer (missing No 30) in seven bound volumes are offered together at £700-1000. These issues are so difficult to find, let alone in this group’s high grades. A further run of Beezer complete years complement the above.

Also published by DC Thomson, Secrets was a comic offering ‘Thrills, Romance and Top Song Hits’ and Compal first auctioned this title last November and the vendor, being hugely pleased by more than £10 a copy then, has let the auction house have four more lots from the 1950s to romance and thrill you.

Most issues of Cowboy Comics Library are on offer too, from Nos 2 to 185 with Western Library 1-50, Lion 1-36, Buster No 1, TV Express 286 (No 1) – 299 and the scarce Big One, a complete run 1-19.

Mask 1 (1986) [fn]. Wfg Matt Trakker mask and Mask Super Preview issue [vfn]. With T.V. Help No 1 (1987) and The Bog Paper No 1 (1989) wfg Stink-o-Meter (4). No Reserve

A first issue of M.A.S.K., published in 1986 is also up for sale, complete withfree gift, a Matt Trakker mask, the lot including a M.A.S.K. Super Preview issue, along with TV Help No 1 (1987) and The Bog Paper No 1 (1989) with its free gift, a Stink-o-Meter!

Comic Art Aplenty!

Art-wise, there’s plenty to savour, starting with a variety of items from the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic, 2000AD…

Black Hawk original artwork (1979) by Massimo Bellardinelli for 2000AD Prog 128. Black poster paint on card. 19 x 14 ins
Black Hawk original artwork (1979) by Massimo Bellardinelli for 2000AD Prog 128. Black poster paint on card. 19 x 14 ins
"Judge Dredd" colour artwork (1992) by Sean Phillips from 2000AD Prog 801. "I am the Marshall! Nothing stands between me and justice, NOTHING!" Bright gouache colours on board with text acetate overlay. 21 x 15 ins
“Judge Dredd” colour artwork (1992) by Sean Phillips from 2000AD Prog 801. “I am the Marshall! Nothing stands between me and justice, NOTHING!” Bright gouache colours on board with text acetate overlay. 21 x 15 ins
"Rogue Trooper" original colour artwork (1991) painted and signed by Ron Smith with text acetate overlay for 2000AD Prog 784. Poster colour on card. 18 x 15 ins
“Rogue Trooper” original colour artwork (1991) painted and signed by Ron Smith with text acetate overlay for 2000AD Prog 784. Poster colour on card. 18 x 15 ins
"The Mind of Wolfie Smith" original artwork by Eduardo Vano (1979) for 2000 AD Prog 141 pg 22. Indian ink and black poster paint on card. 20 x 14 ins
“The Mind of Wolfie Smith” original artwork by Eduardo Vano (1979) for 2000 AD Prog 141 pg 22. Indian ink and black poster paint on card. 20 x 14 ins

Artwork for three consecutive episodes of “Charley’s War” for Battle-Action, written by Pat Mills, with art by Joe Colquhoun are on offer.

"Charley's War", complete episode by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 234, published in 1981. August 1916. After months of hard fighting Charley Bourne's platoon were now in rest billets behind the line… where a camp concert was a welcome relief form the horrors of the trenches. Indian ink on card. 19 x 15 ins
"Charley's War", complete episode by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 234, published in 1981. August 1916. After months of hard fighting Charley Bourne's platoon were now in rest billets behind the line… where a camp concert was a welcome relief form the horrors of the trenches. Indian ink on card. 19 x 15 ins
“Charley’s War”, complete episode by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 234, published in 1981. August 1916. After months of hard fighting Charley Bourne’s platoon were now in rest billets behind the line… where a camp concert was a welcome relief form the horrors of the trenches. Indian ink on card. 19 x 15 ins
"Charley's War", complete episode by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 235, published in 1981. August 1916. Charley Bourne's officer, Lieutenant Thomas, has been courtmartialed for ordering his men to retreat, when they were under bombardment from their own guns. Indian ink on card. 19 x 15 ins
"Charley's War", complete episode by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 235, published in 1981. August 1916. Charley Bourne's officer, Lieutenant Thomas, has been courtmartialed for ordering his men to retreat, when they were under bombardment from their own guns. Indian ink on card. 19 x 15 ins
“Charley’s War”, complete episode by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 235, published in 1981. August 1916. Charley Bourne’s officer, Lieutenant Thomas, has been courtmartialed for ordering his men to retreat, when they were under bombardment from their own guns. Indian ink on card. 19 x 15 ins
"Charley's War", complete episode by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 236, published in 1981. . August 1916. After refusing to execute their officer by firing squad, Charley Bourne and his mate, Weeper had been given the most brutal punishment in the British army… Field Punishment Number One… administered by their old enemy, The Beast. Indian ink on card. 19 x 15 ins (3 artworks)
"Charley's War", complete episode by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 236, published in 1981. . August 1916. After refusing to execute their officer by firing squad, Charley Bourne and his mate, Weeper had been given the most brutal punishment in the British army… Field Punishment Number One… administered by their old enemy, The Beast. Indian ink on card. 19 x 15 ins (3 artworks)
“Charley’s War”, complete episode by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 236, published in 1981. August 1916. After refusing to execute their officer by firing squad, Charley Bourne and his mate, Weeper had been given the most brutal punishment in the British army… Field Punishment Number One… administered by their old enemy, The Beast. Indian ink on card. 19 x 15 ins (3 artworks)

Several Dan Dare artworks, Eagle comic pages and merchandise art are on offer:

Dan Dare/Atlantines original artwork (1953) by Frank Hampson (some text in original pencil). Poster colour on board. 15 x 12 ins. Offered with a copy of the Dan Dare Pop-Up Book (1953), from which it comes and Into Space with Ace Brave Pop-Up Book (1955), art by Ron Turner
Dan Dare/Atlantines original artwork (1953) by Frank Hampson (some text in original pencil). Poster colour on board. 15 x 12 ins. Offered with a copy of the Dan Dare Pop-Up Book (1953), from which it comes and Into Space with Ace Brave Pop-Up Book (1955), art by Ron Turner
Dan Dare/Eagle original artwork (1950) by Frank Hampson, from The Eagle Volume 2, together with an original 'Atlantines Soldiers' sheet signed by Frank Hampson. The highly detailed Atlantine Soldiers sketches were typical of Hampson's painstaking attention to detail for all his alien beings and planets, thus embellishing the studio's burgeoning reputation and enthralling generations of young Eagle readers for decades to come. From the Frank Hampson Archive. The board panels are horizontally split for ease of transportation. Gouache on board 22 x 16 ins (2)
Dan Dare/Eagle original artwork (1950) by Frank Hampson, from The Eagle Volume 2, together with an original ‘Atlantines Soldiers’ sheet signed by Frank Hampson. The highly detailed Atlantine Soldiers sketches were typical of Hampson’s painstaking attention to detail for all his alien beings and planets, thus embellishing the studio’s burgeoning reputation and enthralling generations of young Eagle readers for decades to come. From the Frank Hampson Archive. The board panels are horizontally split for ease of transportation. Gouache on board 22 x 16 ins (2)
Dan Dare/Eagle original cover artwork (1957) by Frank Hampson with original comic Volume 8, No 46, pg 1. Dan and his crew are trapped in a pit, dug to trap the dreaded Selektrobots - most dangerous of the Mekon's mechanized monsters. They wait tensely as the clanking din of the giant clockwork killers draw near... Bright gouache colours on board. The Eagle masthead and square text boxes have been added as laser colour copies to complete the look of the artwork. 16 x 13 ins
Dan Dare/Eagle original cover artwork (1957) by Frank Hampson with original comic Volume 8, No 46, pg 1. Dan and his crew are trapped in a pit, dug to trap the dreaded Selektrobots – most dangerous of the Mekon’s mechanized monsters. They wait tensely as the clanking din of the giant clockwork killers draw near… Bright gouache colours on board. The Eagle masthead and square text boxes have been added as laser colour copies to complete the look of the artwork. 16 x 13 ins
Dan Dare/Eagle original artwork (1957) by Frank Hampson and Don Harley Volume 8, from the story "Reign of the Robots".. Digby deceives the Mekon, but Dan and the crew are held prisoners on their own ship as the Treens lock an orbital flight-path to Earth… Bright gouache colours on board. 17 x 13 ins
Dan Dare/Eagle original artwork (1957) by Frank Hampson and Don Harley Volume 8, from the story “Reign of the Robots”.. Digby deceives the Mekon, but Dan and the crew are held prisoners on their own ship as the Treens lock an orbital flight-path to Earth… Bright gouache colours on board. 17 x 13 ins

Artwork from TV-focused titles includes

"Gun Law" original colour artwork by Paddy Nevin for TV Express No 321, published in 1963. Harry is attacked by a mountain lion as Matt Dillon and Chester ride to the rescue… Poster colour on board. 21 x 17 ins
“Gun Law” original colour artwork by Paddy Nevin for TV Express No 321, published in 1963. Harry is attacked by a mountain lion as Matt Dillon and Chester ride to the rescue… Poster colour on board. 21 x 17 ins
Six-Million Dollar Man original colour artwork (1971) by Martin Asbury for Look-in No 44 pg 25. Steve Austin is hypnotized to assassinate the Russian president and now the CIA and the Russian Mafia are after him… Poster colour on board. 20 x 16 ins
Six-Million Dollar Man original colour artwork (1971) by Martin Asbury for Look-in No 44 pg 25. Steve Austin is hypnotized to assassinate the Russian president and now the CIA and the Russian Mafia are after him… Poster colour on board. 20 x 16 ins
Tomorrow's People original artwork (1971) by John Burns for Look-in No 10. Tomorrow People John, Mike and Elizabeth board the stricken Starquester to repel the alien attack… The centre of the artwork has a horizontal crease not breaking the colour. Black ink and wash on board. 18 x 14 ins
Tomorrow’s People original artwork (1971) by John M. Burns for Look-in No 10. Tomorrow People John, Mike and Elizabeth board the stricken Starquester to repel the alien attack… The centre of the artwork has a horizontal crease not breaking the colour. Black ink and wash on board. 18 x 14 ins
The Protectors by Transformers artist, Mario Capaldi (1935-2004) for TV Action No 130, published in 1973. Magus the Magnificent, a stage magician, calls on Harry Rule (portrayed as Robert Vaughn) for protection from his rival, The Mystic Chang… Poster colour on board with tracing paper text overlay. 21 x 14 ins
The Protectors by Transformers artist, Mario Capaldi (1935-2004) for TV Action No 130, published in 1973. Magus the Magnificent, a stage magician, calls on Harry Rule (portrayed as Robert Vaughn) for protection from his rival, The Mystic Chang… Poster colour on board with tracing paper text overlay. 21 x 14 ins
The Protectors by Transformers artist, Mario Capaldi (1935-2004) for TV Action No 130, published in 1973. Magus the Magnificent, a stage magician, calls on Harry Rule (portrayed as Robert Vaughn) for protection from his rival, The Mystic Chang… Poster colour on board with tracing paper text overlay. 21 x 14 ins

Artwork by Dudley D. Watkins, best known for his work on The Beano and The Dandy, is also included…

Kidnapped: two original artwork panels (1948) by Dudley Watkins (one signed) for Kidnapped 'Told In Pictures' book by DC Thomson, which is included in this lot. These panels were extended and painted in at Thomson's art department in 1953 for the early issues of Topper back cover adventure stories
Kidnapped: two original artwork panels (1948) by Dudley Watkins (one signed) for Kidnapped ‘Told In Pictures’ book by DC Thomson, which is included in this lot. These panels were extended and painted in at Thomson’s art department in 1953 for the early issues of Topper back cover adventure stories
"Lazy Larry" original artwork (1946) by Dudley Watkins for The Dandy No 309 cover dated 5th January 1946, which is included in the lot. Indian ink on card highlighted with crayon 15 x 6 ins. Framed and glazed (19 x 11 ins)
“Lazy Larry” original artwork (1946) by Dudley Watkins for The Dandy No 309 cover dated 5th January 1946, which is included in the lot. Indian ink on card highlighted with crayon 15 x 6 ins. Framed and glazed (19 x 11 ins)

Two “Maddock’s Marauders” original cover artworks by Jordi Panalva for Fleetway Super Library Front Line series are on offer, for issues 9 and 13 resepctively

"Maddock's Marauders" original cover artwork (1966) by Jordi Panalva for Fleetway Super Library Front Line Series No 9. Gouache on canvas board. 16 x 12 ins
"Maddock's Marauders" original cover artwork (1966) by Jordi Panalva for Fleetway Super Library Front Line Series No 13. Gouache on canvas board. 16 x 12 ins

Another Fleetway boys item on offer is a page of “The Spider and Spider-Boy” by Reg Bunn for Lion, for the issue cover dated 25th September 1967.

"The Spider and Spider-Boy" by Reg Bunn for Lion, for the issue cover dated 25th September 1967. "The fabulous Spider was an amazing crime fighter who invented many fantastic weapons at the laboratory of wicked scientist, Sylvester Jenkins. Spider and Spider-Boy were trapped by giant robots…" Indian ink on card highlighted in white. There is a horizontal cut separating the panels (done in studio for ease of postal transportation) 19 x 16 ins
“The Spider and Spider-Boy” by Reg Bunn for Lion, for the issue cover dated 25th September 1967. “The fabulous Spider was an amazing crime fighter who invented many fantastic weapons at the laboratory of wicked scientist, Sylvester Jenkins. Spider and Spider-Boy were trapped by giant robots…” Indian ink on card highlighted in white. There is a horizontal cut separating the panels (done in studio for ease of postal transportation) 19 x 16 ins

Two consecutive pages of “The Daughter of Lorna Doone” commissioned for Princess in the 1960s, with art by Ron Embleton. Bright poster colours on board. 23 x 17 ins

"The Daughter of Lorna Doone" commissioned for Princess in the 1960s, with art by Ron Embleton. Bright poster colours on board. 23 x 17 ins
"The Daughter of Lorna Doone" commissioned for Princess in the 1960s, with art by Ron Embleton. Bright poster colours on board. 23 x 17 ins

Plus for Rupert Bear fans, there’s a Rupert original artwork cel “Podgy’s Christmas” signed, illustrated and dedicated “Best wishes! John Harrold”, the artist of the time on the character, from the Rupert Annual 1988. Water colour on board with black outline acetate overlay. 10 x 10 ins

Rupert original artwork cel "Podgy's Christmas" signed, illustrated and dedicated "Best wishes! John Harrold", the artist of the time on the character, from the Rupert Annual 1988. Water colour on board with black outline acetate overlay. 10 x 10 ins

The US section is led by Marvel’s Avengers #1, Journey Into Mystery #83 and Tales of Suspense #39 with long runs of high grade cents copies including Fantastic Four, Avengers, Journey Into Mystery/Thor, Silver Surfer, Tales of Suspense, Action, Adventure, Batman, Detective and Superman, many from the last tranche of the wonderful Michael A. Cox comic-book archive.

Mk3 Movie Dalek 1-8 scale Plastic Injection Kit, produced by Comet Miniatures in 1973

One non-comics item that might interest downthetubes readers is a Doctor Who Mk3 Movie Dalek 1-8 scale Plastic Injection Kit, produced by Comet Miniatures in 1973. It’s offered complete with instruction booklet in original box. Listed with contents “as new””, it’s ready to assemble and exterminate!

• The Compal May/ June 2023 catalogue is open for realtime bidding at thesaleroom.com now, and can also browse auction lots and print a fax or mail bidding form at Compalcomics

Postal bids need to be with sent in by Friday 2nd June and the Compal team will enter them on your behalf in thesaleroom.com/Comic Book Auctions website closing on Sunday 4th June from 2.0) pm.

If you have a question about any of the items in the catalogue, please send an email to Compalcomics director Malcolm Phillips at this address:
comicbook@compalcomics.com

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. Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Star Trek Explorer (previously known as Star Trek 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.

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