CRANSTON, R.I. – Vintage Spider-Man comic books – even ones in poor condition – can still bring dizzying prices at auction, as was proven in Bruneau & Co.’s Comic, TCG, Toy & Sports Auction held December 11th, online and live at the Cranston gallery. Two early 1960s comics featuring Spidey – one graded CGC 1.0 and the other CGC 2.0 – brought a combined $36,562.

The top lot of the 545-lot sale was a copy of Marvel Comics’ Amazing Fantasy #15 from August 1962, featuring the origin and first appearance of Spider-Man and the first appearance of Uncle Ben and Aunt May. Despite its CGC grade of 1.0, bidders saw it for what it was: a great entry-level copy to the undisputed fan favorite book from the Silver Age of comics. It sold for $25,000.

Marvel Comics, quickly realizing it had a winner on its hands, gave Spider-Man his own comic in March 1963 with Amazing Spider-Man #1. The book featured the first appearance of J. Jonah Jameson and Chameleon, the first Fantastic Four crossover. It also retold the origin of Spider-Man. The copy sold, graded CGC 2.0, had tape on the cover and inside, but still rose to $11,562.

“The comic market closed out 2021 strong,” said Travis Landry, a Bruneau & Co. auctioneer and the firm’s Director of Pop Culture. “It shows great promise for what New Year’s Day might hold for us. It’s not too often you see comics like that coming up for auction.” He was referring to a small but potent 20-lot New Year’s Day Premier Comic Auction slated for Saturday, January 1st.

Following are additional highlights from the December 11th auction. Internet bidding was provided by LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com, Bidsquare.com, bidLIVE.Bruneauandco.com and the mobile app “Bruneau & Co.”. All prices quoted include a 25 percent buyer’s premium.

A copy of Marvel Comics’ Giant-Size X-Men #1 (Summer 1975), featuring the first appearance of the new X-Men and second full appearance of Wolverine, graded CGC 9.2, realized $9,375. A copy of Marvel Comics’ Incredible Hulk #180 (Oct. 1974), featuring the first appearance of Wolverine in cameo on the last page, plus a Wendigo appearance, graded CGC 9.6, hit $8,438.

Sports memorabilia was highlighted by 1930s-era Goudey baseball cards. A 1933 Goudy Babe Ruth card #149, graded BVG 2, gaveled for $8,125; a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card #53, graded BVG 2, fetched $7,188; and a 1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig card #92, graded BVG 4, made $4,500.

“While it was not the largest section by lot count, the collection of early tin toys was fantastic,” observed Kevin Bruneau, Bruneau & Co’s president and an auctioneer. “They all came out of one estate in Ware, Massachusetts. They were the lady’s mother’s toys. The Fischer clown was one toy we might not see again for a very long time.” Again, bidders ignored condition issues.

The rare, early 20th century German Fischer tin clown tricycle windup toy, graded C8, went for $2,875, despite not being in working condition. “The paint presented very well, with only minor areas of scratching,” Mr. Bruneau explained, “while the tin lithography showed slightly darker from age. Otherwise, it was a great example of a scarce and early toy.”

The upcoming January 1st New Year’s Day Premier Comic Auction may only contain 20 comic books, but don’t let the size fool you. The books are from a single-owner Midwest collection (Bruneau & Co. sold the bulk of the collection this past year); what remains are his last, final comics, to be sold without reserves. The sale will be held online and live in the gallery.

All 20 lots are rare, highly desirable Marvel comics from the Silver and Bronze Age, to include Amazing Fantasy #15 CGC 5.5, Amazing Spider-Man #1 CGC 7.5, Fantastic Four #1 CGC 8.0, Strange Tales #110 CGC 9.2, Incredible Hulk #1 CGC 6.5, and Werewolf By Night #1 CGC 9.8. Comics of this caliber rarely come up at auction. Serious collectors need to mark their calendars. 

Three comics carry estimates of $50,000-$80,000. One is lot 11: a copy of Tales of Suspense #39 (March 1963), graded CGC 8.5. The comic features the origin and first appearance of Iron Man, plus an iconic cover by Marvel legend Jack Kirby. Two other examples of the comic in the sale, but with lesser grades of 5.5 and 5.0, are estimated at $15,000-$20,000 and $12,000-$18,000.

The second is a copy of Fantasy Four #1 (Nov. 1961), graded CGC 8.0, the comic that arguably brought the entire Marvel Universe into existence. Featuring the origin and first appearance of the Fantastic Four and Moleman (Marvel’s first-ever superhero team), the book sports one of the most famous covers by Jack Kirby in comic history. This is a must-have for dedicated collectors.

The third is a copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 (Aug. 1964), graded CGC 5.5, featuring the origin and first appearance of Spider-Man and the first appearance of Aunt May and Uncle Ben. The cover art is a collaboration between Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, helping it land in the number one spot atop Overstreet’s list of Top 50 Silver Age Comics. It’s a true Holy Grail collectible.

A preview is available by appointment the week of and day of sale, with doors opening at 9 am Eastern time.  The auction will begin at 12 noon. Bidding is available via in-person, absentee, telephone or Internet, with a 20% buyer's premium (or 18% with cash, check or wire transfer). 

Internet bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com, Invaluable.com, Bidsquare.com, bidLIVE.Bruneauandco.com and the mobile app “Bruneau & Co.” on iTunes or GooglePlay.

Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions, with commissions as low as zero percent. Now would be a perfect time to clean out your attic. To contact Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers about consigning a single piece or an entire collection, you may send an e-mail to info@bruneauandco.com. Or, you can phone them at 401-533-9980.

To learn more about Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers and the 20-lot New Year’s Day Premier Comic Auction on Saturday, January 1st, please visit www.bruneauandco.com. Updates are posted often.

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