Superheroes, original comic art and more fly in latest Phil-Comics auction

By John Freeman on October 26, 2023

The latest Phil-Comics auction on eBay closes this weekend, again offering a range of great British comics, rare promotional items and some original comic art. With 290 lots on offer, here are just a few of the items that caught our eye…

Run by Phil Shrimpton, award-winning Phil-Comics specialises in vintage comics and related items such as annuals, holiday specials, free gifts and original artwork.

Head to ebay.co.uk/str/philcomics for the full catalogue

*Original artwork for two pages of Billy Bunter in Valiant comic dated 16th July 1966. Drawn by Reg Partlett*

*Original artwork, possibly by Reg Parlett, for a single page story of “Creepy Comic” that was published in Whoopee in the mid 1980s. Possibly drawn for Wow during its 55 issue run in 1982-1983*

*Original artwork for two pages of “Fright School” in Buster, cover dated 20th September 1986, believed to be by Reg Partlett*

*2000AD Prog 2, cover dated 5th March 1977*

Beano Summer Special 1966 - Biffo the Bear cover — *Beano Summer Special 1966 – Biffo the Bear cover*

Beano Summer Special 1966 - Biffo the Bear back cover — *Beano Summer Special 1966 – Biffo the Bear back cover*

*Beezer comic Free Gift / Launch Flyer for #1 and #2 (1956)*

Hulk comic #1 - cover dated 7th March 1979 With Free Gift Sticker Album — *Hulk comic #1 – cover dated 7th March 1979 With Free Gift Sticker Album*

*Lady Penelope No. 62 cover dated 25th March 1967*

*Whizzer and Chips comic #1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11 (1969) Chips sections missing*

Holding monthly eBay auctions, often with a huge number of listings, they aim to bring a diverse array of items – and are always on the lookout for vintage comic collections, either to buy or auction on commission.

Award winners!

Our congratulations to the Phil-Comics team, who were recently announced as the winner of the 2023 eBay for Business Awards, in the eBay Pioneer category.

“We’d like to say a few thank yous to acknowledge those who have helped hugely over the years in the building up of the business,”, Phil said recently, “from selling a few annuals from my Leeds University bedroom in the early 2000s to the full time operation it is today, indeed to being recognised for this award. Thanks to my parents who have supported me constantly over the years, specifically since the age of about ten when I started collecting comics, lending a few pounds to buy an old book (paid back over several weeks with paper round money) and driving around collecting comics even to this day.

“To all our customers past and present, friends in the comic community, to all who voted in the awards, to eBay of course – without whom I very much doubt I’d be doing the job now that I love and, perhaps most important of all, to my wife, Liz, for putting up with endless talk of comics and having so many comics in the house over the years!”

• All listings in this eBay Phil-Comics auction end on Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th and Monday 30th October 2023 from 18:30 hours UK time, respectively.

• Head to www.ebay.co.uk/str/philcomics for the full catalogue

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.