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Rare wartime Dandys, “Charley’s War”,”Dan Dare” and “Doctor Who” comic art on offer in latest Compalcomics auction

By John Freeman on February 9, 2023

The Compalcomics February Auction is open – and there are some absolute gems on offer this time round, including a complete, very rare set of The Dandy comics published in 1944, “Dan Dare” art by Frank Hampson and Frank Bellamy, and Doctor Who art by Dave Gibbons and John Ridgway.

There’s a “Rogue Trooper” page from 2000AD by Ron Smith up for grabs, too; and two complete episodes of “Charley’s War“, with art by Joe Colquhoun – both featuring pivotal moments and images from the incredible World War One strip written by Pat Mills that first featured in the weekly war comic, Battle.

Compalcomics February 2023 Auction closes on Sunday 26th February from 2.00pm. Click here to visit thesaleroom.com or click here to visit Compalcomics

Last November, a low grade The Beano No 1 offered by Compalcomics, which it was estimated would sell for between £1500-2000, realised a strong £5100, as key UK issues continue to out-perform the market. This auction’s star DC Thomson lot is a bound complete year of The Dandy comics from 1944 in fine condition. These publisher’s war propaganda file copies will attract strong interest.

The Dandy comics from 1944 - bound collection

Also available is the complete collection of The Dandy for 1948, along with affordable small Dandy runs from 1940-41, and the complete Coronation year of 1953.

The Beezer boasts a strong run of bound volumes in impossibly high grades. 1957-1959 and 1961 are here along with The Topper, from 1959 and 1960.

The first 50 Cowboy Comics (Library) offered over eight lots aim for your attention, too, as does Sea War Picture Library 1-14 and some scarce Tit-Bits Sci-Fi and Wild West pocket books.

*Cowboy Comics 1 (1952 Amalgamated Press). Buck Jones classic cover*

A Beano 1968 complete year bound volume in high grade vies for consideration, especially as issue 1363 heralded the first appearance of Dennis’s shy, retiring pet… Gnasher!

William Tell original six page artwork (1949) - the complete story, "Emperor's Visit", story by Mick Anglo — *William Tell original six page artwork (1949) – the complete story, “Emperor’s Visit”, story by Mick Anglo*

The UK artwork section continues with two action-packed “Dan Dare” boards, one credited to Frank Hampson, the other by Frank Bellamy.

Dan Dare original art from the Eagle, from Volume 8 No 38, published in 1957. Art by Frank Hampson and Don Harley. The Mekon holds Sir Hubert, Digby, Professor Peabody and the rest of Dan's crew hostage to flush the Colonel out into the Venusian Flame belt but Dan, too, has a plan… — Dan Dare original art from the Eagle, from Volume 8 No 38, published in 1957. Art by Frank Hampson and Don Harley. The Mekon holds Sir Hubert, Digby, Professor Peabody and the rest of Dan’s crew hostage to flush the Colonel out into the Venusian Flame belt but Dan, too, has a plan…

Signed "Dan Dare" original artwork by Frank Bellamy from the penultimate episode of the story "Terra Nova", for the Eagle Volume 10, No 39. The missing panel texts are pasted to the back board. Anastasia zooms down towards the mound city of the fearsome Nagrebs… — Signed “Dan Dare” original artwork by Frank Bellamy from the penultimate episode of the story “Terra Nova”, for the Eagle Volume 10, No 39. The missing panel texts are pasted to the back board. Anastasia zooms down towards the mound city of the fearsome Nagrebs…

"Erik the Viking" original artwork by Don Lawrence for Lion. The strip was re-titled (from "Karl the Viking") for later 1960s publication in SMASH comic. Erik and his soldiers are attacked by giant demons on horseback… — “Erik the Viking” original artwork by Don Lawrence for Lion. The strip was re-titled (from “Karl the Viking”) for later 1960s publication in SMASH comic. Erik and his soldiers are attacked by giant demons on horseback…

There’s also an iconic Daily Mirror piece from 1976, introducing the “Garth” comi strip by Martin Asbury.

Garth original artwork (1976) illustrated and signed by Martin Asbury for the Daily Mirror. The original artwork is the central figure of Garth wielding a sword, Garth in a white suit and the car with forest background. The small panels are collage prints of Asbury's work — Garth original artwork (1976) illustrated and signed by Martin Asbury for the Daily Mirror. The original artwork is the central figure of Garth wielding a sword, Garth in a white suit and the car with forest background. The small panels are collage prints of Asbury’s work

From the weekly war comic Battle, more “Charley’s War” pages continue to graphically illustrate the horrors of World War One, whilst Jordi Panalva’s “Maddock’s Marauders” glorify World War Two.

"Maddock's Marauders" original cover artwork (1966), painted and initialled by Jordi Panalva, for Fleetway Super Library Front Line series No 11 — *“Maddock’s Marauders” original cover artwork (1966), painted and initialled by Jordi Panalva, for Fleetway Super Library Front Line series No 11*

"Maddock's Marauders" original cover artwork (1966), painted and initialled by Jordi Panalva, for Fleetway Super Library Front Line series No 23 — *“Maddock’s Marauders” original cover artwork (1966), painted and initialled by Jordi Panalva, for Fleetway Super Library Front Line series No 23*

"Charley's War" original art by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action 263. October, 1916: "Operation Wotan" raged on with the British trying to retake "Wormwood Scrubs" and German reinforcements hurling them back towards "OId Kent Road"

"Charley's War", art by Joe Colquhoun with script by Pat Mills for Battle-Action No. 257. October, 1916: The Germans were mounting a raid on the British lines the night Charley Bourne was on sentry duty. An exhausted Charley fell asleep and is about to be shot by his commanding officer...' Indian ink on card. 19 x 15 ins

Doctor Who originals by Dave Gibbons and John Ridgway compete from a Police Box near you, whilst 2000AD’s “Rogue Trooper” artwork by Ron Smith tries to consume a poor, little Lettice Leaf by John Ryan.

Original "Black Hawk" art by Massimo Belardinelli for 2000AD Prog 146,cover dated 5th January 1980 — *Original “Black Hawk” art by Massimo Belardinelli for 2000AD Prog 146, cover dated 5th January 1980*

Art from the Doctor Who Monthly story "Dreamers of Death" by Dave Gibbons, from for Doctor Who Monthly No 48, published in 1981. With the dreaded Slinths finally defeated, K9 is re-energised and the Doctor's faithful assistant, Sharon finds new life with Vernor — Art from the Doctor Who Monthly story “Dreamers of Death” by Dave Gibbons, from for Doctor Who Monthly No 48, published in 1981. With the dreaded Slinths finally defeated, K9 is re-energised and the Doctor’s faithful assistant, Sharon finds new life with Vernor

"Terror Task Force" original artwork by Edgar Hodges for The Dalek Annual (1976) — *“Terror Task Force” original artwork by Edgar Hodges for The Dalek Annual (1976)*

"Dalek Reconnaissance De-Briefing" artwork by Edgar Hodges for The Dalek Annual (1976). With annual test page — *“Dalek Reconnaissance De-Briefing” artwork by Edgar Hodges for The Dalek Annual (1976). With annual test page*

A page from the Doctor Who story, "A Religious Experience", written by Tim Quinn, drawn and signed by John Ridgway. This featured in the Doctor Who Yearbook 1994. The First Doctor and Ian enjoy an evening stroll along the beach on the planet Seetar in the Malachi System whilst Barbara and Vicki sleep in the TARDIS — A page from the Doctor Who story, “A Religious Experience”, written by Tim Quinn, drawn and signed by John Ridgway. This featured in the Doctor Who Yearbook 1994. The First Doctor and Ian enjoy an evening stroll along the beach on the planet Seetar in the Malachi System whilst Barbara and Vicki sleep in the TARDIS

"Lettice Leaf" original artwork by John Ryan for Princess, cover dated 7th August 1965 — *“Lettice Leaf” original artwork by John Ryan for Princess, cover dated 7th August 1965*

"Rogue Trooper" original colour artwork drawn, painted and signed by Ron Smith for 2000AD Prog 721, published in 1991 — *“Rogue Trooper” original colour artwork drawn, painted and signed by Ron Smith for 2000AD Prog 721, published in 1991*

"The Black Knight" original artwork, pencils by Paul Neary, inks by John Stokes, for Hulk No. 24 cover dated 15th August 1979 and reprinted in Marvel Masterworks The Black Knight Volume 1. The Black Knight must recover the body of Captain Britain, killed in battle, and borne away by the Nethergood Mandrac - Lord of the Slain! — “The Black Knight” original artwork, pencils by Paul Neary, inks by John Stokes, for Hulk No. 24 cover dated 15th August 1979 and reprinted in Marvel Masterworks The Black Knight Volume 1. The Black Knight must recover the body of Captain Britain, killed in battle, and borne away by the Nethergood Mandrac – Lord of the Slain!

Zorro: two original artworks drawn and signed by Dave Taylor for Marvel UK's Zorro #9, published in 1990 — *Zorro: two original artworks drawn and signed by Dave Taylor for Marvel UK’s Zorro #9, published in 1990*

"The Mind of Wolfie Smith" original artwork by Eduardo Vano for 2000AD Prog 139, cover dated 17th November 1979 — *“The Mind of Wolfie Smith” original artwork by Eduardo Vano for 2000AD Prog 139, cover dated 17th November 1979*

The 1980s magazine, Look-in, is well collected for its nostalgic mix of pop, fashion and sport with strips of “Charlie’s Angels”, “Buck Rogers”, “Sapphire and Steel” and “Mork and Mindy” – the years of 1981-84 are on offer, if you’re AdamAnt.

Compalcomics tell us the first tranche of the Michael A. Cox Comic-Book Archive did exceptionally well last November and their second offering of mid to high grade Marvel and DC titles continues, including Amazing Spider-Man, The Avengers, Daredevil, Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Journey Into Mystery, Silver Surfer, X-Men, Batman, Detective Comics, Superman and World’s Finest, many key issues included.

• Compalcomics February 2023 Auction closes on Sunday 26th February from 2.00pm | Click here to visit thesaleroom.com | Click here to visit Compalcomics | Postal bids need to be submitted by Friday 24th February and the team will enter them on your behalf

If you have a question about any of the items in the catalogue, please send an email to Compalcomics director Malcolm Phillips at comicbook@compalcomics.com

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.