MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J. – The sale of original comic book art and related items from film director and proud comics nerd Kevin Smith’s collection was an auction, but it was also a party, of sorts. Held at Bodnar’s Auction Sales on September 27, Smith was present during the sale, commenting on each piece as it reached the auction block in what amounted to live provenance testimony. Every lot also came with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from Bodnar’s Auction, autographed by Smith.
Bodnar’s reported that more than 3,000 registered bidders from 40 countries participated in the auction. All 176 lots were sold, yielding a grand total of $458,400 including the buyer’s premium. Absentee and Internet live bidding was facilitated through LiveAuctioneers. The sale’s live feed was also broadcast on Bodnar’s Facebook page, and those who missed it can view an archived recording of the proceedings there.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of the Kevin Smith Comic Art Sale,” said Joe Bodnar, owner of Bodnar’s Auction House. “The auction showcased the immense talent and creativity of Kevin Smith, as well as the deep connection he has established with fans through his work. Each piece selling well beyond its high estimate demonstrates the enduring impact of Smith’s contributions to the world of comic art.”
Top-lot honors went to a page of original comic book art for Daredevil issue 161, page 22, which pictured a vigorous and lively fight scene between Daredevil and Bullseye. Estimated at $20,000-$40,000, it sold for $67,500 ($79,650 with buyer’s premium).
Other strong performers included original comic book cover art for Daredevil issue #8, from the Marvel Knights series, which also served as the cover for the Marvel Knights Omnibus. Featuring images of Daredevil and Spiderman and signed by pencil artist Joe Quesada and inker Jimmy Palmiotti, it sold for $23,000 ($27,140 with buyer’s premium). In addition, original comic book art for Saga of the Swamp Thing, issue 21, page 20, featuring The Anatomy Lesson, a story by Alan Moore, sold for $26,000 ($30,680 with buyer’s premium).
Another standout among standouts was lot 55, a 1985 piece of original mixed media color comic book trade paperback cover art for Comico Comic’s Mage Book Vol. 2, rendered by Matt Wagner. It realized $17,000 ($20,060 with buyer’s premium), which Bodnar’s officials said might be a record for the artist at auction.
