LYNBROOK, N.Y. – An original color art page by French artist, cartoonist and writer Moebius (1938-2012) sold for $56,500, original cover art from the legendary comic book artist Joe Kubert (1926-2012) fetched top dollar in Part 1 of his massive comic collection, and sneakers signed by Michael Jordan and worn by him during the 1991 championship playoff series realized $12,000.

They were just part of a major auction featuring sports items, comics, comic art, animation, Star Wars toys and collectibles and more, held Feb. 27 by Philip Weiss Auctions, in the firm’s gallery at 74 Merrick Road in Lynbrook, N.Y. Over 600 lots came up for bid in an auction that grossed just under $500,000. Internet bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com and Proxibid.com.

Between the online bidding (which was also available through the Philip Weiss Auctions website at www.weissauctions.com) and people in the room, the auction attracted 800-1,000 registered bidders. “There was also very lively phone bidding, especially for the Joe Kubert items,” Philip Weiss said. All prices quoted here (to include the gross) include a 13 percent buyer’s premium.

Moebius (real name: Jean Henri Gaston Giraud) was a French artist who worked in the Franco-Belgian bandes dessinees tradition. He used the pseudonym Moebius (and to a lesser extent Gir), for the Blueberry series, which he created with writer Jean-Michel Charlier. It featured one of the first anti-heroes in Western comics. He was esteemed by Stan Lee, Federico Fellini and others.

The Moebius work sold was a direct color art page, drawn for Metal Hurlant in 1977 for The Ballade. Joe Kubert was a renowned American comic book artist, art teacher and founder of The Kubert School. He is best known for his work on many DC Comics characters and was inducted into the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1998.

A choice selection of lots comprised Part 1 of Kubert’s gigantic collection (the remainder will be spread out over a series of future auctions, also to be held by Philip Weiss Auctions). The top lots from his collection in the Feb. 27 sale included signed original cover art for Hawkman #103, which changed hands for $15,800, and Hawk Son of Tomahawk #140, which finished at $5,450.

The pair of black Michael Jordan game-worn sneakers wasn’t in new condition (they were game-worn, after all), but the star’s signature had been declared genuine (the lot came with a certificate of authenticity) and the back-story was compelling: Jordan wore the sneakers during the 1991 NBA championship playoff series against the L.A. Lakers, while a member of the Chicago Bulls.

What would a Philip Weiss Auctions sale be without original Peanuts comic art, drawn by the iconic American illustrator Charles Schulz (1922-2000)? A daily Peanuts strip, signed and dated March 2, 1964, topped out at $15,800. Schulz became one of the wealthiest men in America by using his childhood insecurities and failures as material for his beloved Peanuts comic strips.

The hundreds of comic books in the auction included rare examples from the heralded Big Apple collection. An example was a pedigree copy of All Select #10 that soared to $8,850. A fine group of movie production cels also came up for bid, including a Peter, Chief and Tiger Lily production cel from the classic Walt Disney film Peter Pan, which went to a determined bidder for $3,450.

A wonderful Star Wars collection included a set of 12 back mint on card figures. An unpunched Hans Solo carded figure sold for $3,560, and a 1977 Star Wars Early Bird blasted off to $11,300.
Also in the sale were Golden and Silver age comics, All Star comics and key issues. Sports items featured sports and non-sports cards, autographed jersey, equipment cards, signed bats and more.

Philip Weiss Auctions’ next big sale will be a 700-lot blockbuster event scheduled for Saturday, March 19th, also at 10 a.m. in Philip Weiss Auctions’ Lynbrook, New York gallery. Categories will include militaria, vintage World War I posters, World’s Fair, historical items, advertising, Hollywood, rock ‘n’ roll, ocean liner memorabilia, autographed material, rare books and more.

Expected top lots will feature a 1966 US tour concert program book signed by all four Beatles, a collection of Marilyn Monroe lobby cards, an Andy Warhol audio tape archive, rare mid-20th century Edgar Bergen ventriloquist dummy models, a pair of Eames leather benches from the IBM Pavilion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, signed Grace Kelly memorabilia and more.

Then, on Wednesday, April 20th, also in Lynbrook with a 10 a.m. start time, an auction dedicated mostly to stamps, coins, postcards and ephemera will be held. Headlining the event will be “The Long Island Hoard,” a 50-year collection featuring multiples of key stamps and souvenir sheets, key issues and high values. The collection will be offered individually and in country collections.

Philip Weiss Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future auctions. To consign a single item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (516) 594-0731; or, you can send an e-mail to Philip Weiss at Phil@WeissAuctions.com. For more information about Philip Weiss Auctions and the upcoming March 19th and April 20th auctions, visit www.WeissAuctions.com.

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