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British Comic art rarities, Bob Kane sketches, and hundreds of DC, Marvel comics set to go under the hammer at Anderson & Garland soon

By John Freeman on February 2, 2022

Westerhope-based auction house Anderson & Garland are hosting another massive Comic Auction this month (Tuesday 15th – Wednesday 16th February 2022) from their premises in Newcastle upon Tyne. Alongside hundreds of DC and Marvel Comics, many rare, there are some British comic lots, too – including 2000AD, Eagle, Tiger and rarities such as The Football Comic, published by Sports Cartoons Ltd and L. Miller distributors.

Here’s some of the items that caught our eye, including a Joker sketch by Bob Kane and artwork by Barry Kitson, “Captain Hurricane” art, and some smashing British girls comics art – which, sadly, the auction house hasn’t included creator details for.

Here are some of the British comics-related highlights…

Original felt-pen sketches of Batman and the Joker, signed by Bob Kane, and two copies of Oracle Fanzine, No. 1, which reproduces the Bob Kane Joker drawing included in this lot; and a typescript Superman story "Superman's Old Age!", author unknown, dated May 1959 — Original felt-pen sketches of Batman and the Joker, signed by Bob Kane, and two copies of Oracle Fanzine, No. 1, which reproduces the Bob Kane Joker drawing included in this lot; and a typescript Superman story “Superman’s Old Age!”, author unknown, dated May 1959

A page of original artwork featuring the character Judge Ballard in a scene from a 2000AD story Judge Anderson by artist Barry Kitson, in pen and ink, inscribed "Anderson Pg.2", 51.5 x 38cms, in glazed frame — A page of original artwork featuring the character Judge Ballard in a scene from a 2000AD story Judge Anderson by artist Barry Kitson, in pen and ink, inscribed “Anderson Pg.2”, 51.5 x 38cms, in glazed frame

*Three-and-a-half pages of original comics artwork from The Valiant 18th July, featuring a complete Captain Hurricane story, ink on heavy paper in seven sections, full-page measures 53.5 x 42.5cms*

Two pages of original artwork from Princess Comic, pages 26 and 27, dated March 24th and titled "Stefa's Heart Of Stone", featuring the character Stefa Giles, ink on boards, 47 x 40cms overall — *Two pages of original artwork from Princess comic, pages 26 and 27, dated March 24th and titled “Stefa’s Heart Of Stone”, featuring the character Stefa Giles, ink on boards, 47 x 40cms overall*

Two pages of original artwork for Princess Tina Comic, July 1st 1972, pages 22 and 23, featuring a Sue Day story, ink and wash on boards, 54 x 38cms. — *Two pages of original artwork for Princess Tina comic, July 1st 1972, pages 22 and 23, featuring a Sue Day story, ink and wash on boards, 54 x 38cms*

A four-panel cartoon "B(aby?) Smasher - Christmas Pudding", pen and ink with pencilled lettering, in the manner of artist Brian Walker, unframed, 38 x 13.5cms — *A four-panel cartoon “B(aby?) Smasher – Christmas Pudding”, pen and ink with pencilled lettering, in the manner of artist Brian Walker, unframed, 38 x 13.5cms*

The Football Comic No's 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and Special Cricket Edition No.3, published by Sports Cartoons Ltd and L. Miller distributors. — *The Football Comic No’s 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and Special Cricket Edition No.3, published by Sports Cartoons Ltd and L. Miller distributors*

War Picture Library (Fleetway), No's. 29, 30, 98, 106, 223, and sundry later issues (x39); War Picture Library, Vol. 2, sundry issues between No's. 10 and 336 (x11); and other British Digest Comics: Commando, Valliant Picture Library, Lion Picture Library, and Super Detective Picture Library sundry issues. — War Picture Library (Fleetway), No’s. 29, 30, 98, 106, 223, and sundry later issues (x39); War Picture Library, Vol. 2, sundry issues between No’s. 10 and 336 (x11); and other British Digest Comics: Commando, Valliant Picture Library, Lion Picture Library, and Super Detective Picture Library sundry issues

*The Eagle, sundry copies dating between 1963 and 1968; one issue of The Tiger, Christmas 1972; and various war digest comics: Air Ace War Picture Library; Battle Picture Library, etc*

A number of British comic zines from the Ian Penman Collection - Oracle, No's. 1, 10, 12, 13, 19, 21, 27, 28 and 29; and Armageddon, No's. 2, 4 — *A number of British comic zines from the Ian Penman Collection – Oracle, No’s. 1, 10, 12, 13, 19, 21, 27, 28 and 29; and Armageddon, No’s. 2, 4*

A number of British comic zines from the Ian Penman Collection - Armageddon, No's. 2, 3, 4 (42 copies); and Oracle, No's. 1, 28, 29 — *A number of British comic zines from the Ian Penman Collection – Armageddon, No’s. 2, 3, 4 (42 copies); and Oracle, No’s. 1, 28, 29*

US comic highlights of this catalogue include American Silver Age, Bronze Age and Modern Comics by Marvel, DC, Charlton, Warren, Curtis, and Independent Publishers including Daredevil No.1, Werewolf by Night No.32, Uncanny X-Men No.94, Ghost Rider No.1, Avengers No.57, Sub-Mariner No.1, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No.1, and many more – many of them “pence” issues.

Established in 1840, Anderson & Garland are the leading firm of Auctioneers and Valuers in the North of England and Scottish Borders and one of the largest independent auction houses in the UK.

• Check out the full catalogue here on the Anderson & Garland web site | Public viewings are on Friday 11th February 2022 10.00am – 3.00pm and Monday 14th February 2022 10.00am – 3.00pm at Anderson House, Crispin Court, Newbiggin Lane, Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 1BF | You must be pre-registered to bid

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.