Online with Superman

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

In the market for magazines and albums of strips and comics, the more desirable are the first numbers of the series. Besides the prestige afforded by the possession of a number 1, we feel a more cultural reason: at number 1, success is not guaranteed, and the number of printed and sold copies is still low.

I have already discussed in this column about Action Comics No.1, where Superman made his first feat in June 1938. I do not repeat here, and invite you to read this article "The Birth of Superman", where I gave as usual a brief description and some information on the context of the creation of the work.

For these multiple items, condition is heavily changing the price. The copy that I described in my article, in good condition, has reached 115 K $ including expenses at Heritage on 22 May 2008.

The new one is in exceptional condition. The paper has kept its original freshness. It could not remain at a low price! It is sold without a reserve price by Comic Connect in a sale on the web and by phone that ends on March 13. The international press has been informed, and announces that the price could reach 400 K $. Thirteen days before the sale, we already have 38 bids and 220 K $.

Knowing the importance of this lot, Comic Connect offers credit facilities to the lucky winner. This house does not charge a buyer premium.

Regulars of my articles know that I depart very rarely from live auctions. We can make an exception for the category of old papers, which are multiples whose condition is easy to describe, and so fit very well in online sales.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Curiously, I did not find the result (excellent) at the site of the auction house but in the French press (Le Monde): 317 K $.

The auction house does not charge the buyer.