CRANSTON, R.I. – A copy of Timely Comics Marvel Mystery Comics #9 from July 1940 sold for $40,000 and three other vintage comic books topped the $10,000 mark at a Spring Comic, Toy & Sports Auction held May 21 by Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers. Also, a 1970s or 1980s Wayland Flowers Madame puppet cracked the top ten.

The copy of Timely Comics Marvel Mystery Comics #9 was the auction’s expected top lot, as it was #33 on Overstreet’s Top 100 Golden Age Comics list. The book featured the second Sub-Mariner cover, with an iconic Human Torch vs. Sub-Mariner battle, plus great artwork by Bill Everett and Alex Schomburg. It had a mid-level grade of CGC 4.0.

A copy of Marvel Comics Fantastic Four #1 from Nov. 1961, graded CGC 2.0, featuring the origin and first appearance of the Fantastic Four and Mole Man, finished at $18,750. “While it may not have been the most expensive comic in the auction, the Fantastic Four #1 was a great result and new record for the grade,” said Bruneau & Co. auctioneer and Director of Pop Culture Travis Landry. “I’m sure its value will only continue to rise over time,” Landry said, adding, “Overall, it was a great sale with strong results throughout. Comics, as always, proved to be the strongest category of the day.”

A copy of Marvel Comics Amazing Spider-Man #1 from March 1963, graded CGC 1.8, which included the first appearance of J. Jonah Jameson and Chameleon, the first Fantastic Four crossover and a retelling of the origin of Spider-Man brought $10,938. Also, a copy of Marvel Comics X-Men #1, from Sept. 1963, featuring the origin and first appearance of the X-Men and Magneto and a grade of CGC 5.0, with a slight restoration, changed hands for $10,625.

The Madame puppet was made popular by Wayland Flowers (American, 1939-1988) in his comedy act and on the hit 1980s TV show Madame’s Place. It featured a hand-painted composite head with an articulated mouth and an elaborate bedazzled gown with rhinestone earrings and a necklace. The Madame puppet was recently featured on an episode of PBS’ Antiques Roadshow and was accompanied by a VHS of Flowers and Madame. It sold for $7,812.

Additional highlights from the May 21 sale include a copy of volume 1, #1 of Playboy magazine from December 1953, featuring the iconic color nude photo of Marilyn Monroe as the Sweetheart of the Month. It was graded at CGC 6.5 and went for $6,250. In addition, a collection of Playboy magazines, beginning with Vol. 1 issue 2 from Jan. 1954 and running through Vol 8 issue 8 from Aug. 1961, in conditions ranging from approximately CGC 4.0 to 7.0, rang up $6,000.

Rounding out the highlights was a 1978 Canadian Kenner Star Wars 20B back Boba Fett action figure, part of an original owner collection featured throughout the auction. It was graded CAS 75 and earned $4,625.

To contact Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers about consigning a single piece or an entire collection, email info@bruneauandco.com or phone 401-533-9980. To learn more about Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers, please visit www.bruneauandco.com.

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