It was a HUGE weekend over at Heritage Auctions.
The comic book market has been in a "downturn" (correction?) for months now.
Are we coming back out of it?
Not sure, but this could be a sign that we are.
Here's a few of my favorite books that were scooped up, including what is now the most expensive comic book purchase in history.
1) ACTION COMICS #1 CGC 8.5
This magnificent copy of Action Comics #1, the origin and first appearance of Superman, is part of the Kansas City Pedigree.
It's the highest grade (unrestored) copy that Heritage has ever had up for auction.
As of 3/24/24, there were only 2 other copies at 8.5 on the CGC census.
The Kansas City Pedigree Collection is the earliest pedigreed collection ever found.
It was found in the 60s and had over 200 high grade number ones from 1937 and into the 40s.
On April 4th, 2024 this copy went to a lucky high bidder for the price of:
6 Million Dollars
Superman's first appearance in Action Comics once again becomes the most expensive comic book in history.
2) ACTION COMICS #1 CGC 8.0 Restored
This restored copy includes "Color Touch" and "Pieces Added", but that didn't stop someone from grabbing this one for just over a half million: $576,000.
3) AMAZING-MAN COMICS #22 CGC 2.0
This issue apparently had only been up for auction at Heritage three other times prior.
It's a pretty rare Golden Age comic book and the "epitome of weird World War 2 propaganda".
This one went for $43,200.
4) Batman #1 CGC 2.5
Not too bad for a lower-grade, "entry level" copy. This first issue of the series features the first appearance of the Joker and Catwoman. It sold for $156,000.
5) CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 CGC 9.2
Not only does the first issue feature the first appearances of Captain America and Bucky, but it's also the first appearance of their arch nemesis, Red Skull.
And what a cover. Timely Comics, 1941.
This one ended up selling for $156,000 as well.
6) DETECTIVE COMICS #31 CGC 2.5
This absolute classic cover by Bob Kane went on to inspire homage covers in the future.
Issue 22 features the first appearances of the Monk, the Batplane and the Batarang.
One of Overstreet's Top 100 Golden Age Comics.
It's a 2.5, so naturally its seen the some things, but I'd say it's still a beauty.
Sold for $90,000.
7) HOUSE OF SECRETS #92 CBCS 9.8
This first appearance of the Swamp Thing probably needs no introduction.
It's the most sought after House of Secrets issue.
It's a classic and it's on many collectors' grail lists.
Overstreet has it at #6 on their top 100 Bronze Age Comic Book list.
This pristine CBCS-graded 9.8 copy went for $58,800.
8) PUNCH COMICS #12 CGC 5.5
The Classic Golden Age skull cover. This is a holy grail for precode horror comic book collectors. As of this posting, only 3 others at this grade on the CGC census. 4 higher.
This one is going to a lucky bidder that will pay $60,000 to own it.
9) CRIME SUSPENSTORIES #18 CGC 9.6
Precode cover by Johnny Craig. These great EC books are always in demand. This one probably would have went higher if not for the old CGC label.
This issue of Crime SuspenStories sold for $4,440.
10) CHAMBER OF CHILLS #19 CBCS 5.0
Punk rock fans may recognize this one. It was used as inspiration for The Misfit's cover art for their song, Die, Die My Darling in 1984.
It was bid up to $18,000.
11) DYNAMIC COMICS #8 CGC 3.0
Here's another scarce book. This precode issue of Dynamic Comics from 1944 features a cover by Gus Ricca and a panel showing hypodermic needle use.
This particular issue has a hole punch through the whole book, along with a detached cover.
Despite the wear, it sold for $19,800.
12) HAUNTED THRILLS #6 CGC 9.2
Another one for the skull collectors
A beautiful 9.2 copy of Haunted Thrills #6. There's only one other at this high grade on the CGC census.
This one was bid up to $50,400.
13) THE HAUNT OF FEAR #17 CGC 9.6
This high-grade issue of The Haunt of Fear is apparently another Gaines file copy but did not come with a certificate stating it.
It sold for $12,000.
14) MASK COMICS #2 CGC 4.5
Devil cover by L.B. Cole from 1945. Another one that's considered scarce.
This one went to a high bidder for $20,400.
15) STARTLING COMICS #49 CGC 8.5
Beautifully airbrushed cover by Alex Schomburg. Highly sought after for collectors of cover art depicting girls in bondage.
No surprise, this one ended up going for $23,400.
16) TOMB OF TERROR #15 CGC 7.5
Undoubtedly one of (if not THE) most sought after precode horror comic book covers. Tomb of Terror 15 features a gnarly "exploding face" depiction by Lee Elias.
Surprisingly, this one "only" went for $12,600.
17) WEIRD MYSTERIES #5 CGC 6.0
Another hard to find precode horror cover.
At this point, Heritage has only had two higher-grade copies of Weird Mysteries #5 up for auction.
In September of 2022, a 5.5 copy went for $22,800.
This one ended up going for $16,200.
18) BATMAN #200 CGC 9.8
This pristine copy of Batman 200 (cover by Neal Adams) sold for $3,960.
19) BATMAN #241 CGC 9.8
Another iconic Batman cover from Neal Adams, along with Bernie Wrightson on inking duties.
This 9.8 copy was bid up to $4,680.
20) THE TOMB OF DRACULA #10 CGC 9.8
This Gil Kane and Tom Palmer cover of the 10th issue of The Tomb of Dracula introduced Blade to the world.
This particular copy went to the highest bidder of $19,200.
21) THE WALKING DEAD #1 9.9
One of the biggest comic book issues and series of the modern era.
First appearances of Rick Grimes, Shane and Morgan.
This started a phenomenon that would change pop culture for years to come.
This was the 3rd 9.9 copy up for auction at Heritage and this particular one was bid up to $16,800.
All photos are from the Heritage Auctions catalog.