First 2000AD “Dan Dare” centrespread at auction today

By John Freeman on December 6, 2025 • ( 2 )

The 2000AD Prog #1 Original Dan Dare Centrespread Art by Massimo Belardinelli goes under the hammer today, Saturday 6th December 2025, over at Excalibur Auctions, part of a larger auction of comic collectables.

The item is described as a “Rare opportunity to own a piece of iconic original art from the very first issue of 2000 AD in 1977 – The original black and white art for the Dan Dare centrespread as drawn by Massimo Belardinelli.

“This was the comic’s main feature and the notations on the edge of the artwork reference JNP13 which was the code used by IPC for Juvenile New Paper 13 : 2000AD – Artwork measures 77cm by 47cm (V)”

• Check out this unique Dan Dare art here via The Saleroom | You must be registered to bid

• Full auction catalogue here on The-Saleroom

UPDATE: Here’s a selection of 2000AD selling prices in this auction (thanks to Sheridan for info in comments below)

The original Belardinelli Prog 1 centrespread artwork: £18,000
Prog 1 (with space spinner): £350
Prog 2 (with biotronic stickers): £1,600
Prog 3 (with red alert survival wallet): £220

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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as 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.