Early Massimo Belardinelli “Perry Rhodan” art offered in latest Catawiki International Original Comics Art Auction

By John Freeman on October 29, 2022

“Strontium Dog” art by Kev Walker, another “Robot Archie” vintage board and “Perry Rhodan” board by Massimo Belardinelli are among numerous items on offer in this week’s Catawiki International Original Comics Art Auction, closing Thursday 3rd November.

While this isn’t art from a British comic – the lots we largely highlight from this regular online auction – 2000AD fans may be intrigued to see this page from a “Perry Rhodan” strip credited to Massimo Belardinelli, from the German comic, Perry Rhodan #72, a story titled “Verloren in Raum und Zeit” (“Lost in Space and Time”).

Perry Rhodan #72, a story titled “Verloren in Raum und Zeit” (“Lost in Space and Time”). Art by Massimo Belardinelli

Perry Rhodan #72, a story titled “Verloren in Raum und Zeit” (“Lost in Space and Time”)

Published in 1973, Massimo represented by Studio Giolitti across Europe, the Italian artist drew a number of Perry Rhodan strips, a space hero character first popularised in SF novels, but one not so well known in the UK. Massimo’s work here is a much cleaner style than seen in 2000AD, and a stark contrast to his work on strips such as “Dan Dare” and “Ace Trucking”.

The page style harks back to his earlier work on Star Trek comics for Gold Key in the 1960s, working under his agent and fellow artist Alberto Giolitti, who’d began working on the series without ever seeing an episode of the show. To keep up with the workload, he often called in the help of fellow artists like Massimo, Giovanni Ticci, Giorgio Cambiotti, Mario Pedrazzi and Angelo Todaro.

Also on offer is the second page of an episode of the “Robot Archie” story “The Lost World“, first published in Lion and Thunder dated 2nd June 1973, art by Ted Kearon. The first page sold previously €192.

Second page of an episode of the “Robot Archie” story “The Lost World“, first published in Lion and Thunder dated 2nd June 1973, art by Ted Kearon

A “Strontium Dog” page by Kev Walker for the 1988 2000AD Winter Special, the latest offers from this story on the auction site. The reserve on a previously offered page from this story wasn’t met.

“Strontium Dog” by Kev Walker for the 1988 2000AD Winter Special

There’s plenty more to savour in the auction, but we’ll leave you with this powerful design work for Notre Mère la guerre (“Our Mother War”), a graphic novel by Mael, published in 2014 by Futuropolis. We’re sensing a tip of the hat to Joe Colquhoun and “Charley’s War” on this…

Notre Mère la guerre (“Our Mother War”) by Mael

• This week’s Catawiki International Original Comics Art Auction, closes at 7.00pm on Thursday 3rd November 2022

• Pat Mills tribute to Massimo Belardinelli on downthetubes

• Massimo Belardinelli Appreciation Society – run by collector Robert Cox

• 2000AD art by Massimo Belardinelli

• Perry Rhodan comics guide (in German)

Potential Additional International Auction Costs

This advice box was last updated on Friday 6th May 2022

The UK’s departure from the European Union means there may be additional import duties on sales.

Prior to Brexit, the effective rate of UK tax on imports of art was 5%, which is lower than most other European countries. An owner could previously import an artwork to the UK from outside the EU and was then free to transport it to other EU countries, where the import tax rates may be higher, without incurring any further import-related tax charges. If the owner then wished to bring the artwork back to the UK, there would also have been no further tax charge.

The Guardian previously reported that online orders up to £135 are now supposed to have the UK’s prevailing VAT rate added at the point of sale by the EU retailer, which has to have registered with HM Revenue & Customs.

While buying from European sellers carries the sting of larger costs, the auction house Catawiki does now endeavour to provide an estimate of those in its lot descriptions.

Unfortunately, many smaller EU-based retailers have decided that the paperwork of collecting UK VAT is not worth the hassle and as a result will no longer supply UK consumers. It has also meant that some British sellers will no longer export to Europe.

This apolitical guide outlines what you should be aware of when buying or selling art internationally but is a work in progress

• Don’t forget Catawiki runs several regular auctions, including a dedicated US Comics auction, too – check out all the current lots on offer here

Potential Additional International Auction Costs

This advice box was last updated on Friday 6th May 2022

The UK’s departure from the European Union means there may be additional import duties on sales.

While buying from European sellers carries the sting of larger costs, the auction house Catawiki does now endeavour to provide an estimate of those in its lot descriptions.

This apolitical guide outlines what you should be aware of when buying or selling art internationally but is a work in progress

• Don’t forget Catawiki runs several regular auctions, including a dedicated US Comics auction, too – check out all the current lots on offer here

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.