Jasper52 presents classic comic book auction Aug. 9

Swamp Thing #1, GD. Jasper52 image

NEW YORK – Superheroes and arch-villains abound in a no-holds-barred comic book auction that will be conducted on Sunday, Aug. 9, by Jasper52. This no-reserve online auction of 273 vintage comic books features several #1 issues and a few first appearances by notable characters. Bid absentee or live online exclusively through LiveAuctioneers.

DC Comics awarded Swamp Thing his own title comic book in the October-November 1972. The Swamp Thing fought against evil as he sought the men who murdered his wife and caused his monstrous transformation, as well as searching for a means to transform himself back to his human form, Dr. Holland. Horror artist Berni Wrightson drew the first 10 issues of the series, and Swamp Thing #1 is featured in the Jasper52 auction.

Journey into Mystery is a comic book series that switched from science fiction in the 1950s to superheroes in the early 1960s. The Mighty Thor, created by writers Stan Lee and Larry Lieber and artist Jack Kirby, made his first appearance in issue #83 (August 1962). Offered in the auction is Journey into Mystery Starring the Mighty Thor #86, which marks the first first full appearance of Odin and the Tomorrow Man.

Journey into Mystery #86, GD/VG. Jasper52 image

Also created by Lee and Kirby was the Black Panther, who first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966). The first superhero of African descent in mainstream American comics, the Black Panther received his own Marvel comic book title in January 1977. Offered in the auction is The Black Panther #14 (March 1979), which also has the Avengers appearing on the cover. The price listed on the cover: “Still only 35 cents.”

Black Panther #14, VG+. Jasper52 image

Wolverine is credited with his first appearance – a cameo on the final page – in the Incredible Hulk #180 (October 1974).

Collectors will have many opportunities to fill blanks in their Spider-Man series. For example, Spidey battles the Green Goblin in Marvel Tales #12 (January 1965), which is a reprint of the Amazing Spider-Man #17 from just two years earlier – and much more affordable than the original. Also featured in this issue is the Human Torch and the Mighty Thor.