The latest ComPal comic auction catalogue and features “Charley’s War” art, a promotional Eagle rarity and much more among some 385 lots in total, including US comics.
The last ComPal auction back in May achieved some record prices with £5600 for the fourth Beano Book (1943), a record price for a non-Number One annual and £4250 for the Dandy Monster Comic of the same year. Both copies were from the Brenda Butler Archive. A well-worn Beano Issue Two made £1220 and Tiger Issue 1, published in 1954, complete with Space Gun and Flying Saucers shot to £940.
Beano Comic No 1 (1938) with Beano No 1 and No 2 Flyer 8 page mini comic. Introducing Big Eggo, Lord Snooty, Little Peanut and Tin-Can Tommy
Modern Boy (1928) 1-20, in a bound volume with Issue 1 free gift King George V GWR express engine in coloured tinplate.
Captain America 2 (1954) L. Miller. This British comic reproduces John Romita Sr. cover and stories from US Captain America #78 (the last US
Golden Age issue)
In this catalogue there’s a Beano Issue One on offer complete with its eight-page promotional flyer, as well as Christmas issues for 1939 and 1942 – and a series of lower grade Dandy and Beano propaganda war issues along with early copies of Knock-Out and the first three Fun Books. Modern Boy 1-20, with brilliant art deco covers are on offer in a bound volume and L Miller’s elusive Captain America Issue Two vies for your attention with a high grade run of Captain Marvel Jr 1-22.
Mighty Midgets ‘Blitz’ books (1940-44, published by W. Barton). Mostly sold by Woolworth’s at 3d each, these booklets helped distract children in air-raid shelters and underground stations during bombing raids over London. Consequently, they became known as ‘Blitz’ books and are scarce. The 3d price was subsidised by Kiwi, Saxa Salt, Bisto and Paxo who advertised on Mighty Midgets back covers
The 1950s star is the promotional issue of Eagle Issue One, which was distributed free to churches and schools prior to the main print run. The complete run of L.Miller’s Mystery Comic Tales with L B Cole artwork and some rare Australian reprint first issues are low priced mouth-watering prospects.
Eagle Promotional 8 page full colour issue, distributed to churches and schools up and down the country in 1950 to publicise the imminent print run of the Eagle’s first issue. The front cover has no “Dan Dare Pilot of the Future” header and a different date of 21 April 1950
Dan Dare Pilot of The Future Pop-Up Action book (1953)
UK Superheroes comics from the late 1940s-50s –
Electroman 1-4 (published by Scion). With Meteor and Round Up one-shots (Mallard)
Scarce Australian reprint No 1s (1950s) including
Ace Carter, Dickie Dare, Doll Man, Frank Merriwell, and Rusty Boy Detective,
The auction’s artwork selection is strong with three Joe Colquhoun boards of “Charley’s War” from Battle taking centre stage, one signed by the great man, himself.
Charley’s War original front cover artwork (1984) by Joe Colquhoun for Battle 484, cover dated 11th August 1984. Dated “October 2nd 1918”, Corporal Charley Bourne has escaped from a POW camp to join the British attack on the St Quentin canal. Under heavy enemy fire the British swam the canal with the aid of lifebelts, ropes and rafts in what has been regarded as the most daring action of the Great War.
Charley’s War original artwork (1984) by Joe Colquhoun for Battle 484 page 2, cover dated 11th August 1984. Under enemy fire, Charley sets up a machine gun post on the enemy bank but after heavy losses Captain Snell tries to drive them on … This art is signed to the reverse: “Best wishes from Joe Colquhoun”
Charley’s War original artwork (1984) by Joe Colquhoun for Battle 484. Charley stalks and captures a German machine gun post and his men take the bridge in the fourth page of this “Charley’s War” episode – but some are dying from influenza.
Dudley Watkins’ “The Broons” and “Oor Wullie” and John M. Burns Space:1999 pages (from Look-In) are here, the latter featuring Commander Koenig, so elegantly played in the TV series by the recently deceased Martin Landau. There’s also a Joker original production cel from Batman: the Animated Series.
Space: 1999 original artwork (1975) by John M Burns for Look-in No 45, cover dated November 1st 1975. Featuring the familiar faces of Commander Koenig (Martin Landau ) and Professor Bergman (Barry Morse)
The US section highlights Golden Age All Top #12 and #13, Human Torch #7 and first issues of Okay Comics, Dark Mysteries, Forbidden Worlds and World of Mystery. The Silver Age offerings includes long runs of Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers, Batman, Detective Comics, early Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk #3, Iron Man, Sgt Fury, Tales of Suspense and X-Men – with some key CGCs amongst them, including Iron Man #1 in 9.4.
• There are 385 lots in this auction. The catalogue is open for bidding at the-saleroom.com | You can also browse and search auction lots at the Compalcomics website – www.compalcomics.com | Bidding closes on Sunday 10th September 2017 starting at 2.00 pm UK time. If you have any questions about items in this auction, send emails to Compalcomics Director Malcolm Phillips: 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: Auctions, British Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Other Worlds
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