Full early TV Century 21 collection among star lots on latest Compal Comic Auction, plus 2000AD art by Cam Kennedy and more

Compal has just released its August 2021 sales catalogue, and as ever, there’s a massive range of items on offer, ranging from a Very Fine edition of Boy’s Own Annual from 1899, including all 26 episodes of “An Antarctic Mystery” by Jules Verne, through to early Beano comics, and art from creators such as Frank Bellamy (with several “Garth” strips on offer), Mike Lacy, George Wakefield, and 2000AD‘s Ron Smith, Cam Kennedy and Carlos Ezquerra.

There are a number of comic convention sketches on offer too, by artists including Alan Davis, Mike Kaluta and Jeff Smith.

Compal August 2021 sales catalogue
1930s and 40s comics with free gifts

Realtime bids can be made at The Saleroom and you can also fill out a fax or mail bidding form on the web site of the London-based auction house.

Lots include a the issues of Detective Weekly published in 1935, featuring Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express”, the first issue of the original The Hotspur, published in 1933, and by Scoops No 1, “The UK’s First Science Fiction Weekly”. – and there are a number of 1930s and 40s comics with free gifts on offer, too.

Detective Weekly (1935) 124-129: Agatha Christie’s Murder on The Orient Express complete in 6 episodes With Detective Weekly (1938) 254-306 complete year with 21 Sexton Blake stories, Night of Dread by John Creasey, The Black Dagger Crimes by Edwy Searles Brooks and The Devil's Brood with cover art by Reginald Heade
Detective Weekly (1935) 124-129: Agatha Christie’s Murder on The Orient Express complete in 6 episodes With Detective Weekly (1938) 254-306 complete year with 21 Sexton Blake stories, Night of Dread by John Creasey, The Black Dagger Crimes by Edwy Searles Brooks and The Devil’s Brood with cover art by Reginald Heade
Adventure No 61 (1922) with 10 adventure Picture Cards, Boys' Magazine (1924-33) 409 wfg presentation plate The Polar Flyer, 414 wfg P. Plate Deep Sea Diving Machine, 596 wfg Metal Propeller and nose cap for monoplane and Book of Xmas Fun booklet for 13 Dec 1924 (without comic). Nelson Lee Library 542 (1925) wfg Stamp Packet No 1 (4 stamps) with Special Xmas Number 34 (1926). Red Arrow (1932) 1, 8, 22, 23, 51 wfgs Junior Football Training Book (No 22) and Strong Man Secrets (No 23). Red Star Weekly 405 (1939) wfg Shirley Temple Film Star Photo. Scout 914 (1925) wfg Every Boy's Book of Football, 876 wfg Railway Engine Photo-Card. Young Britain No 2 (1919) [gd], wfg Picture Plate of Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks, No 156 wfgs Cricketers Photos Jack Hobbs and Percy Fender. With Film Fun Free Gifts (935-37) Buck Jones Thrill Book, Stand-Up Film Star Cards of Jean Arthur, Gary Cooper, Buck Jones , Joel McRea, Merle Oberon, Ginger Rogers and Spencer Tracy, all in Film Fun wallet with Flyer [vg]
1930s and 40s comics with free gifts
Scoops No 1 (1934) "The UK's first Science Fiction Weekly"
Scoops No 1 (1934) “The UK’s first Science Fiction Weekly”
DC Thomson Famous Books In Pictures illustrated by Dudley Watkins (1948-53). Complete set. Kidnapped: book [fn], dj: torn away pieces filled in [gd]. Robinson Crusoe: book [vg], dj: tears, pieces missing [gd], Oliver Twist [fn], Treasure Island [fn]
DC Thomson Famous Books In Pictures illustrated by Dudley Watkins (1948-53). Complete set. Kidnapped: book [fn], dj: torn away pieces filled in [gd]. Robinson Crusoe: book [vg], dj: tears, pieces missing [gd], Oliver Twist [fn], Treasure Island [fn]

Early Beanos include Nos 34, 40, 56, 78, 83, 89, 108 and the famous wartime No 135 with the top cover strapline “Look inside and see Lord Snooty Jape the Nazis!”. The Dandy is also in on the act with No 137 from 1940, accompanying its original artwork piece of Addie and Hermy by Sam Fair, along with Dandy Christmas issues from 1945-49. 

The 1950s are well represented by a whole bunch of free gifts with their original comics, the pick of which must be Top Spot No1 with its Glow Spot Tie Clip. The Beano has complete years of 1958 and ’59 and The Dandy’s into the 1960s with complete years of 1963, ’64 and ’65. Fantastic, (It’s) Terrific, Valiant and Wham! early issues are all here with their free gifts, (some really hard to find) especially Fantastic No 2’s Stick-On Scars, Terriific No 2’s Iron Man’s Missile Launcher, Wham No 15’s Whampire Bat and Solo No 1 with its Amazing Solar Saucer.

  • TV Century 21 (1965-67) 1 - 140
  • TV Century 21 (1965-67) 1 - 140
  • TV Century 21 (1965-67) 1 - 140
  • TV Century 21 (1965-67) 1 - 140
  • TV Century 21 (1965-67) 1 - 140
  • TV Century 21 (1965-67) 1 - 140
  • TV Century 21 (1965-67) 1 - 140

However the pick of the 1960s has to be a complete set of TV Century 21 Nos 1-141 offered mostly in high grades, with the gifts for 1 and 2 along with The Thunderbirds are Go Special from 1966. The collection is expected to sell for anything between £1800 and £2300 – I expect it may well be higher.

Star Wars Weekly No 1 (1978) wfg Star Wars X-Fighter
Star Wars Weekly No 1 (1978) wfg Star Wars X-Fighter

From the 1970s, though we also get Star Wars Weekly No 1 from Marvel UK, published in 1978, with its fee gift – push-out Star Wars X-Fighter.

Comic Art

There is plenty of art in this auction to savour, including art by Frank Bellamy, Bertie Brown, Sam Fair, Robert McGillavray, Dicky Howett, Hugh Morren, Steve Sampson, and George Wakefield.

Plus, are some strong artwork contenders from 2000AD including the prog 304 double-page spread and prog 307 back cover, both by Ron Smith, “Rogue Trooper” by Cam Kennedy and “Judge Dredd” by Carlos Ezquerra.

Chips, Comic Cuts, Puck, Jingles and Jester (1920s-50s) original artwork panels (most) by Bertie Brown including Homeless Hector (his cat!), Weary Willie and Tired Tim, Willie and Wally, Dan Druff the Barber and Ray Ling the Fence! Indian ink on card. Most panels 5x7 ins (a few are smaller)
Chips, Comic Cuts, Puck, Jingles and Jester (1920s-50s) original artwork panels (most) by Bertie Brown including Homeless Hector (his cat!), Weary Willie and Tired Tim, Willie and Wally, Dan Druff the Barber and Ray Ling the Fence! Indian ink on card. Most panels 5×7 ins (a few are smaller)
Joe E Brown original artwork by George Wakefield (1938) for Film Fun 5 February 1938. Joe gets into terrible trouble looking after his friend's mummy … Complete 15 panel story - Indian ink on card, each panel 9½ x 4½
Joe E Brown original artwork by George Wakefield (1938) for Film Fun 5 February 1938. Joe gets into terrible trouble looking after his friend’s mummy … Complete 15 panel story – Indian ink on card, each panel 9½ x 4½
Addie and Hermy original artwork by Sam Fair (1940) with Dandy 137 (Jul 13 1940). Propaganda war issue from which it comes. Der big prize for winning der horse race is Der Big Feed so Addie and Hermy rocket to first place but der big Feed is for the horse - Der Oats! Indian ink on cartridge paper 12 x 11 ins, Dandy Comic is [vg]
Addie and Hermy original artwork by Sam Fair (1940) with Dandy 137 (Jul 13 1940). Propaganda war issue from which it comes. Der big prize for winning der horse race is Der Big Feed so Addie and Hermy rocket to first place but der big Feed is for the horse – Der Oats! Indian ink on cartridge paper 12 x 11 ins, Dandy Comic is [vg]
Addie and Hermy original artwork by Sam Fair (1940) with Dandy 137 (Jul 13 1940). Propaganda war issue from which it comes. Der big prize for winning der horse race is Der Big Feed so Addie and Hermy rocket to first place but der big Feed is for the horse - Der Oats! Indian ink on cartridge paper 12 x 11 ins, Dandy Comic is [vg]
Addie and Hermy original artwork by Sam Fair (1940) with Dandy 137 (Jul 13 1940). Propaganda war issue from which it comes. Der big prize for winning der horse race is Der Big Feed so Addie and Hermy rocket to first place but der big Feed is for the horse – Der Oats! Indian ink on cartridge paper 12 x 11 ins, Dandy Comic is [vg]
Just Jimmy original artwork by Hugh Morren for The Dandy No 758 (1956), which is included. Jimmy opens a jar of honey from mum's shopping and the bees misbeehive… Hugh Morren was a freelance artist working for DC Thomson and this was his first Just Jimmy artwork for The Dandy. He also drew the popular Smasher strip for 30 years and Jimmy's female counterpart, Calamity Jane for The Beezer Black and red poster colour on card. 15 x 12 ins (2)
Just Jimmy original artwork by Hugh Morren for The Dandy No 758 (1956), which is included. Jimmy opens a jar of honey from mum’s shopping and the bees misbeehive… Hugh Morren was a freelance artist working for DC Thomson and this was his first Just Jimmy artwork for The Dandy. He also drew the popular Smasher strip for 30 years and Jimmy’s female counterpart, Calamity Jane for The Beezer Black and red poster colour on card. 15 x 12 ins (2)
Guy The Guide original artwork by Reg Parlett for Swift (1962) These two boards have been extended for inclusion in a future IPC comic, title unknown. Indian ink and wash on board. 21 x 15 ins
Guy The Guide original artwork by Reg Parlett for Swift (1962) These two boards have been extended for inclusion in a future IPC comic, title unknown. Indian ink and wash on board. 21 x 15 ins
Garth - "The Wreckers" two signed original artworks (1973) by Frank Bellamy for the Daily Mirror 3/13 December 1973. Indian ink on board. 21 x 17 ins (2)
Garth – “The Wreckers” two signed original artworks (1973) by Frank Bellamy for the Daily Mirror 3/13 December 1973. Indian ink on board. 21 x 17 ins (2)
Garth: 'Bride of Jenghiz Khan' original signed artwork (1974) by Frank Bellamy for the Daily Mirror 6th November 1974. Indian ink on board. 21 x 17 ins
Garth: ‘Bride of Jenghiz Khan’ original signed artwork (1974) by Frank Bellamy for the Daily Mirror 6th November 1974. Indian ink on board. 21 x 17 ins
Garth: 'The Angels of Hell's Gap' two original consecutive artworks (1975) drawn and signed by Frank Bellamy for the Daily Mirror 12/13 March 1975. Indian ink on board. 21 x 17 ins (x2)
Garth: ‘The Angels of Hell’s Gap’ two original consecutive artworks (1975) drawn and signed by Frank Bellamy for the Daily Mirror 12/13 March 1975. Indian ink on board. 21 x 17 ins (x2)
Garth: 'The Beautiful People' signed original artwork (1976) by Frank Bellamy for the Daily Mirror 11 February 1976. Indian ink on board. 21 x 17 ins
Garth: ‘The Beautiful People’ signed original artwork (1976) by Frank Bellamy for the Daily Mirror 11 February 1976. Indian ink on board. 21 x 17 ins
Cor! 1978 Annual front cover artwork of Ivor Lott and Tony Broke by Mike Lacy. Poster colour on board. 19 x 14 ins
Cor! 1978 Annual front cover artwork of Ivor Lott and Tony Broke by Mike Lacy. Poster colour on board. 19 x 14 ins
Angus Og original artwork (1989) drawn and signed by Ewan Bain
Angus Og original artwork (1989) drawn and signed by Ewan Bain for the Scottish Sunday Mail June 18 1989. The Royal Family prepares to visit Scotland – without Princess Di … Black marker pen on board with original colour overlay. 15 x 9 ins
‘The Fantastic 400' four original artworks written by Tim Quinn and drawn and signed by Dicky Howett. A pastiche of The Fantastic Four published in Thor (UK Marvel) Nos 12, 14, 15 and 17, July-August 1983. Indian ink on card. 13 x 9 ins (4)
‘The Fantastic 400′ four original artworks written by Tim Quinn and drawn and signed by Dicky Howett. A pastiche of The Fantastic Four published in Thor (UK Marvel) Nos 12, 14, 15 and 17, July-August 1983. Indian ink on card. 13 x 9 ins (4)
Judge Dredd 'Whodunnit' newspaper strip (1990) original art, drawn and signed by Mike Collins for the Daily Star 28 May 1990. Indian ink on cartridge paper. 16 x 6 ins
Judge Dredd ‘Whodunnit’ newspaper strip (1990) original art, drawn and signed by Mike Collins for the Daily Star 28 May 1990. Indian ink on cartridge paper. 16 x 6 ins
2000AD Prog 304 (1983) original artwork by Ron Smith pgs 16-17 double page spread. The Mega-City Criminals, led by Danzo Prezzel, set a trap for Judge Dredd. Indian ink on board. 32 x 22 ins
2000AD Prog 304 (1983) original artwork by Ron Smith pgs 16-17 double page spread. The Mega-City Criminals, led by Danzo Prezzel, set a trap for Judge Dredd. Indian ink on board. 32 x 22 ins
Rogue Trooper original artwork (1984) by Cam Kennedy for 2000 AD prog 376 pg 29. Indian ink on board. 16 x 14 ins
Rogue Trooper original artwork (1984) by Cam Kennedy for 2000 AD prog 376 pg 29. Indian ink on board. 16 x 14 ins
2000 AD Prog 807 (1992) back cover original artwork painted and signed by Ron Smith, also signed to the lower margin
2000AD Prog 807 (1992) back cover original artwork painted and signed by Ron Smith, also signed to the lower margin
Judge Dredd - Phartz! (2003) original 3 panel artwork by Carlos Ezquerra for Judge Dredd Magazine 201 Jan 14 2003 with colour full page print of the relevant page and Ezquerra biography. Indian ink on paper. 11 x 7 ins
Judge Dredd – Phartz! (2003) original 3 panel artwork by Carlos Ezquerra for Judge Dredd Magazine 201 Jan 14 2003 with colour full page print of the relevant page and Ezquerra biography. Indian ink on paper. 11 x 7 ins

The US Golden Age selection contains three beauties: Comedy Comics #1, Shield-Wizard #1, both CGC encased, with Superman #33 in [fn-].

  • Rocketeer and Shadow original sketch (2011 London) drawn and signed by Alan Davis and Mark Farmer. Black marker pen on paper 8 x 12 ins
  • Mike Kaluta Phases of the Moon #2 hand pulled lithograph No 5 of 44 signed in pencil 'Mike Kaluta 1982'. (Based on Kaluta's bonus plate from 'Children of the Twilight' portfolio 1979) 15 x 12"
  • Shadow pencil sketch drawn and signed 'Mike Kaluta 79'. Pencil on paper. 12 x 9½"
  • Rocketeer original artwork sketch signed by Mike Golden 11 x 8 ins, black marker pen on card. With The Rocketeer (1982) 1, 2, Rocketeer Adventure Magazine 1 (1988), Rocketeer 1 Special Edition (1984), Amazing Heroes 37 (1983), Rocketeer Official Movie Souvenir Magazine with Dave Stevens In Memorium page inserts, Rocketeer Postcard sets 1 & 2 factory sealed. Rocketeer metal pin badge and Dave Stevens: Complete Sketches & Studies, 1st printing (2011) 256 pg hardcover book. A few small dents to cover. Book [vfn], comics [nm] (11)
  • Curse of Rune #4 (1995) original pg 4 artwork by Mitch Byrd (pencils) and Thomas Fiorimonte (inks). Indian ink on card. 17 x 12 ins
  • Bone original sketch drawn and signed by Jeff Smith (1994). Blue ink on paper, 11 x 9 ins
  • ‘Hair' original artwork drawn and initialled by Barry Windsor-Smith (1987) published in his book, Barry Windsor-Smith Opus Volume 2, with letter to prospective purchaser noting that 'I mounted and matted the drawing myself'. And Fantastic Islands illustrated folder. Artwork in matte frame 18 x 9 ins. Indian ink on paper

The Silver Age highlights cents copies of Fantastic Four #3 and #48, early Journey Into Mystery, Batman and Green Lantern #1 with some mouth-watering later years artwork and sketches by Barry Windsor-Smith, Bill Ward, Mike Kaluta and Howard Chaykin.

The auction closes on Sunday 29th August 2021 from 2.00 pm.

• The Compal August 2021 catalogue is open for bidding now. You can place realtime bids at The-Saleroom. You can also browse lots here and fill out a fax or mail bidding form



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