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+].
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.
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.
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…
Artwork for three consecutive episodes of “Charley’s War” for Battle-Action, written by Pat Mills, with art by Joe Colquhoun are on offer.
Several Dan Dare artworks, Eagle comic pages and merchandise art are on offer:
Artwork from TV-focused titles includes
Artwork by Dudley D. Watkins, best known for his work on The Beano and The Dandy, is also included…
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
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.
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
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
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.
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. 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.
Categories: 2000AD, Art and Illustration, Auctions, British Comics, Charley's War, Classic British Comics, Comic Art, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Other Worlds, US Comics