“Preacher” art by Glenn Fabry, “Steel Claw” gem and more on offer in new Catawiki International Comic Art auction

By John Freeman on January 28, 2022

A smashing “Preacher” illustration by Glenn Fabry is among the sought after comic and comic-related art in this week’s Catawiki International Comic Art auction – and although it’s a new artwork, bidding is already looking fierce.

The “Preacher” art by Glenn Fabry was received directly from the artist on commission during the 2021 convention in Palermo.

There are plenty of other artworks by British comic creators or art featuring British comic characters on offer this week, too.

Among them, an ace example of the “Jeff Hawke” strip by Sydney Jordan, from the story, “On the Run”, first published in the Daily Express in 1973.

But a page of “The Steel Claw” by the brilliant Jesus Blasco, may be more your cup of tea, from Valiant, cover dated 24th May 1967…

A page from the “Robot Archie” story “The Mole Men” by Ted Kearon, first published in Lion in 1964, sees Archie and chums face wrongful arrest – but the mechanical marvel seems to be on the trail of the real villains!

How about a page of “Eagles over the Western Front” written by Mike Butterworth, art by Bill Lacey, from Look and Learn?

(Don’t forget Bear Alley Books collected this strip in one volume in 2020, copies still available here).

A smashing page from the 1971 “Trigan Empire” story “The Imposter” by Don Lawrence is also up for grabs.

*A beautiful, original page from the Trigan Empire by Don Lawrence, from the story “The Imposter” (1971)*

How about a lovely page featuring TV characters “The Herbs”, from Pippin 314, drawn by Bill Mevin?

There’s a page of “Billy Bunter” by Reg Parlett on offer, too, this example featuring Dutch word balloons – but purely visual humour shines throughout.

Catawiki often offers illustrations of comic characters by series artists, and Modesty Blaise, drawn by Enrique Badia Romero, is a popular heroine – and there’s just such an item offered this week.

Finally, if you’re a fan of the Daily Mirror’s layabout character Andy Capp, then a sample strip, No. A157, by his creator, Reg Smythe, may well be up your street!

• Check out items offered by Catawiki in their International Comic Art category – ends at 7.00pm Thursday 3rd February 2022

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

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.