Welcome back to this week's top pics from Heritage's weekly comic book auctions! Heritage holds weekly funny book auctions that feature key issues, overlooked comics, oddball memorabilia items, and more. These auctions are a must if you want to beef up your collection! Here are my top picks for you to watch.
Crime Illustrated #1 CGC Universal 9.8
It's not every day you find a high-grade Golden Age book - especially a file copy comic! This issue was a part of the Gaines File Copy, and this book is nothing short of stunning. Joe Orlando's cover art is striking. The dead body lying in a pool of blood against a white cover was likely shocking then (and truly, it is still shocking now), even more so when you consider how hard it is to keep white comic book covers clean! Unfortunately, Crime Illustrated only lasted two issues, as the distributor for E.C. Comics went out of business.
This CGC Universal 9.8 features off-white to white pages. To date, CGC has only graded 48 copies, with 5 obtaining a 9.8 grade. The last sale for a similarly graded book was in February 2020, but interest in this book has been steady. This is a unique book worthy of a unique collection!
Green Lantern #87 CGC Universal 8.0
Are you excited about the new Lanterns television show? I am crazy excited about it. While there is no release date for the series as of yet, we will get a small taste of the Lantern Corps in this summer's Superman. We know Baltimore's own Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) will be in the movie, and as of now, he will also be in Lanterns. But Lanterns will also feature one of the most prominent Green Lanterns of the modern era - John Stewart. Stewart's first appearance in Green Lantern #87 is in this week's auction. This book has had its share of ups and downs price-wise, but this is an important key book. While I'm not one to speculate, this book (as well as other key Lantern books) could see a price spike this year.
This CGC Universal 8.0 features off-white to white pages and a dynamic cover. The current fair market value for an 8.0 is $550, but in August 2021, an 8.0 did sell for $1,600. Interest in this book is starting up again, so now would likely be the best time to buy.
The Men in Black #1 CGC Universal 9.2
If you're new to collecting comics, it may surprise you to see that Men in Black existed before the Will Smith movie. In fact, the idea existed long before the comic as well. Based on the conspiracy theory of the same name, The Men in Black follows a government agency that investigates alien activity. The series would inevitably go on to create a media franchise, with the Men in Black movie series being the most recognizable of the franchise. The comics themselves don't get much attention - even with the popularity of the movies. But they are still an important piece of weird American history. After all, if it wasn't for the conspiracy theory, would we have that super catchy Will Smith song?
This CGC Universal 9.2 features white pages. Books in a similar grade have a current fair market value of $120, with interest trending down. This could be a great opportunity for the right collector to grab this book for their collection.
