Rare early British Tintin album offered in latest Compalcomics auction, Batman, Eagle art and Thunderbirds, too

By John Freeman on May 20, 2020

Compalcomics recently launched its May/June 2020 auction catalogue, which comes crammed with some great collectible British comics, artwork, and US vintage comics, too. Bidding closes on Sunday 7th June 2020.

Compalcomics May/June 2020 auction catalogue

In 1952, due to the popularity of that dauntless reporter, Tintin, publisher’s Casterman printed a smaller number of Herge’s fully illustrated books in English, the scarcest being The Secret of the Unicorn, and a copy is on offer in this auction.

The Secret of the Unicorn by Herge (1952 Casterman) - a scarce English edition of the adventures of that dauntless reporter, Tintin — The Secret of the Unicorn by Herge (1952 Casterman) – a scarce English edition of the adventures of that dauntless reporter, Tintin

This auction highlights a scarce bound volume of 1946 Beano comics. Published fortnightly, the last time a complete year was offered was nearly five years ago.

Beano No. 86, cover dated 16th March 1940. A propaganda war issue in which the “Wild Boy of the Woods” capture a Nazi Flying Boat

Back in March Compalcomics top UK lot was the first five Magic Comics which sold for £4,100. In this auction Nos 5, 6 and 7 are on offer, along with No 36, the only Easter Fun Number in Magic’s short-lived 80 issue run.

Magic Comic 36 (1940), the only Easter Fun Number. A very rare comic, less than 10 copies known to exist

Lion (1952) 1, 2 with free gift Speed Marvels of 1952 booklet Introducing Captain Condor by Frank S Pepper

Included in the auction - the complete year of Eagle, Volume 10, published in 1959. Seven issues were lost to printers' strike in July and August that year. The issues include Dan Dare in “Safari in Space”, “Terra Nova” and “Trip To Trouble” by Frank Hampson, with Frank Bellamy taking over the artwork during the Terra Nova story. “The Shepherd King”, by Bellamy also features — Included in the auction – the complete year of Eagle, Volume 10, published in 1959. Seven issues were lost to printers’ strike in July and August that year. The issues include Dan Dare in “Safari in Space”, “Terra Nova” and “Trip To Trouble” by Frank Hampson, with Frank Bellamy taking over the artwork during the Terra Nova story. “The Shepherd King”, by Bellamy also features

Art on offer in this auction includes three boards of UK Batman artwork from the 1960s annuals; two Sexton Blake Library covers by Eric Parker, the Dandy’s “Our Gang” by Dudley Watkins from the Bob Monkhouse archive; a “Dan Dare” cover by Keith Watson; an early “Riders of the Range” page by Jack Daniel, “Mountain Man” by Denis Mcloughlin from the Buffalo Bill Annual of 1956, “The Trigan Empire” by Don Lawrence; and three Garth boards and a “Thunderbirds” action page from TV21, all signed by Frank Bellamy.

Six World War One painted and black and white sketches by Eric Parker, four signed, with an Eric Parker self-portrait pencil sketch signed and dated 1921. From the Eric Parker Archive

“Our Gang” original double-page artwork (1939) by Dudley Watkins from the Dandy No 67, cover dated 11th March 1939 with original Dandy No 67. From the Bob Monkhouse Archive

George Formby original four-panel artwork (1942) by George Wakefield for Film Fun, cover dated 23rd May 1942. George is chased by autograph hunters and finds a novel way to sign for them. From the Bob Monkhouse Archive

“Sexton Blake - The Case of the Frightened Girl” original cover artwork by Eric Parker for Sexton Blake Library No 247 (1940s). From the Eric Parker Archive. Poster colour on board. 20 x 14 ins — “Sexton Blake – The Case of the Frightened Girl” original cover artwork by Eric Parker for Sexton Blake Library No 247 (1940s). From the Eric Parker Archive

“Sexton Blake - The Crime at the Fair” original cover artwork by Eric Parker for Sexton Blake Library No 292 (1940s) framed and glazed with original booklet — “Sexton Blake – The Crime at the Fair” original cover artwork by Eric Parker for Sexton Blake Library No 292 (1940s) framed and glazed with original booklet

Riders of the Range original artwork drawn, painted and signed by Jack Daniel for The Eagle (1950-51). Starring Jeff Arnold and his side-kick, Luke. Watercolour on cartridge paper, 20 x 15 ins — Riders of the Range original artwork drawn, painted and signed by Jack Daniel for The Eagle (1950-51). Starring Jeff Arnold and his side-kick, Luke

“Mountain Man” original double page artwork (1956) drawn and painted by Denis McLoughlin from the Buffalo Bill Wild West Annual No 8, 1956. Fresh poster colours on board. 20 x 14 ins — “Mountain Man” original double page artwork (1956) drawn and painted by Denis McLoughlin from the Buffalo Bill Wild West Annual No 8, 1956

Robin Hood and His Merrie Men original front cover artwork for the book by Dean & Sons (1965). Artist Unknown

Batman: 'Slaves of Terror Syndicate' original artwork from the Batman Story Book Annual 1966 — Batman: ‘Slaves of Terror Syndicate’ original artwork from the Batman Story Book Annual 1966

‘Batquipment' original two page artwork by John Leeder from the Batman Story Book Annual 1967. Indian ink and half-tone on board. 14 x 18 ins with original annual — ‘Batquipment’ original two page artwork by John Leeder from the Batman Story Book Annual 1967

Thunderbirds original artwork (1968) drawn, painted and signed by Frank Bellamy for TV21 No 176. Two marathon runners are kidnapped by Lavan Morgan. Scott Tracy tracks them down to the Atlas Mountains in North Africa… and is also captured. Under pain of death they must race to retrieve the long lost pirate gold before the volcano explodes… Bright Pelikan inks on board. 15 x 18 ins

Batman title and contents pages artwork from Batman Story Book Annual 1969. Indian ink and half-tone on board. 19 x 14 ins — Batman title and contents pages artwork from Batman Story Book Annual 1969

Dan Dare original front cover artwork (1969) by Keith Watson for The Eagle Volume 15, No 52. As Digby is taken hostage, Dan Dare floors the Mekon! Bright watercolour on board. Eagle title headers are added to complete the look of the artwork. They are not stuck down. 21 x 15 ins — Dan Dare original front cover watercolour artwork (1969) by Keith Watson for The Eagle Volume 15, No 52. As Digby is taken hostage, Dan Dare floors the Mekon!

“The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire” original artwork drawn and painted by Don Lawrence for Look & Learn, cover dated 8th August 1970. With Dutch language speech balloons this “City of Jewels” story was reprinted in the Netherlands for the weekly comic, Sjors, some years later. Gouache on board. 18 x 14 ins — “The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire” original artwork drawn and painted by Don Lawrence for Look & Learn, cover dated 8th August 1970. With Dutch language speech balloons this “City of Jewels” story was reprinted in the Netherlands for the weekly comic, Sjors, some years later

Three original consecutive artworks for “Garth: The Doomsmen” (1976) drawn and signed by Frank Bellamy for the Daily Mirror 27th - 30th June 1976. Indian ink on board. 21 x 7 ins — Three original consecutive artworks for “Garth: The Doomsmen” (1976) drawn and signed by Frank Bellamy for the Daily Mirror 27th – 30th June 1976

Summer, Holiday and Christmas Specials were quite expensive in their day so not that many survive. There are groups of these Specials on offer, starting with Mickey Mouse from 1937-39, the highly collectable first Dandy-Beano Summer Special, Fantastic, Lion, Smash, Victor, Warlord and 2000AD, all including first issues, all here. There are also the first 25 issues of Transformers from 1985 – which are tough to find.

Dandy-Beano Summer Special 1 (1963). The first DC Thomson publication to combine Beano and Dandy characters. Desperate Dan, Dennis the Menace, Biffo, Korky, Roger the Dodger, General Jumbo - and Corporal Clott all present and incorrect! — Dandy-Beano Summer Special 1 (1963). The first DC Thomson publication to combine Beano and Dandy characters. Desperate Dan, Dennis the Menace, Biffo, Korky, Roger the Dodger, General Jumbo – and Corporal Clott all present and incorrect!

Fantastic Summer Special 1 (1968), Smash Holiday Special 1, 2 (1969, 1970). Only these two issues were published. With Lion and Thunder Holiday Special (1971, 1972), Lion Holiday Special (1974, 1976, 1978)

On offer: Transformers (1985-86 Marvel Comics Ltd) 1-25 with Annuals 1-3 and Transformers The Movie Winter Special

There is growing demand for super-hero Australian reprints and Compalcomics have the first 10 Batman issues over several lots along with Superman No 113 which reprints US Action Comics #252, the first appearance of Supergirl.

Batman 1 (1950 K.G. Murray Australian reprint)

The US section includes Amazing Spider-Man #14 and Conan #1, , Daredevil #1, The Incredible Hulk #3, 4, 5 and 6, Tales of Suspense #39 and X-Men #1 with DC strong runs of Batman, Detective Comics, The Flash and including House of Secrets #92, and Lois Lane 70.

• Compalcomics May/June 2020 auction catalogue catalogue is open for bidding now. Bidding closes on Sunday 7th June starting at 2.00pm UK time. Click here to visit The-Saleroom to bid (registration required) | You can also browse auction lots and print a fax or mail bidding form at Compalcomics. | Click here to visit Compalcomics

• If you have any questions about items in this auction, please send an email to Compalcomics Director Malcolm Phillips:comicbook@compalcomics.com

About the Author
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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.

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