The original art for the cover of Superman #12 (DC, 1941) by Fred Ray – the earliest piece of art from the comic book series to ever surface – saved from the trash bin more than 70 years ago by legendary Batman artist Jerry Robinson, will make its first ever public auction appearance as the centerpiece of Heritage Auctions‘ May 28-30, 2015 Comics Signature Auction. The cover, one of the most iconic Superman covers of the Golden Age, shows the Man of Steel marching arm and arm with two of America’s brave sailors and soldiers, ready to defend their country against the Axis threat. It was the first depiction of America’s armed servicemen on the cover of this title, though certainly not the last.
1941 Superman #12 Original Cover Art, Never Offered Before, Paces Powerhouse Comics Auction
Equally as important is the fact that one of the greatest Batman artists of all time, Jerry Robinson – who was also a close friend of Ray’s – asked DC Comics for the art after the issue had published. Robinson passed away in 2011, kept the art for more than 70 years. It has been consigned to auction by his family.
Robinson’s work is also featured in the top comic book lot of the auction, as a copy of Batman #1 (DC, 1940) CGC-Graded VG+ 4.5, the #6 comic book on Overstreet’s Top 100 Golden Age Comics list, is expected to bring $80,000+ when it comes across the block. A nice copy of Captain America Comics #1 (Timely, 1941), CGC-grade FN- 5.5- famously featuring Cap knocking out Hitler – joins Batman at the top of the comics pile in the auction with an equal estimate of $80,000+.
1941 Superman #12 Original Cover Art, Never Offered Before, Paces Powerhouse Comics Auction
Alex Raymond’s original Sunday comic strip art for Flash Gordon June 12, 1936 (King Features Syndicate) is a sterling example of the best of Raymond’s iconic work on the classic strip and it should bring more than $50,000. The story, a fantastic, action-packed “Water World of Mongo” Sunday, features Flash, Dale and Zarkov chained by the neck and doing battle with the evil Pluton. Another important and elusive artist, Basil Wolverton, is represented in the auction with the original art for a complete eight-page “Powerhouse Pepper” story, “A Scoot for Loot” (Humorama Publications, c. 1950s), the first time Heritage has ever offered a complete story by Wolverton. It is expected to bring $35,000+.
1941 Superman #12 Original Cover Art, Never Offered Before, Paces Powerhouse Comics Auction
1941 Superman #12 Original Cover Art, Never Offered Before, Paces Powerhouse Comics Auction
