Classic comics set to go under the hammer

More than 340 lots are set to go up for auction at Special Auction Services (SAS) in Dudley, with a full range of comics going back to the 1950s.

The star lot of the auction on Thursday, May 27 will be lot 112, which is issue number of the Fantastic Four, which was released by Marvel Comics in 1961.

The comics were owned by a private collector and were found in his home boxed in cupboards following his death.

Andrew Willetts, auctioneer and valuer at SAS, helped to catalogue the collection and spoke about some of the other lots available in the auction.

He said: "We also have the first Captain America issue of his own comic, which says issue 100, but was when Marvel changed the name to Captain America, so it's the first with his name on.

"The bulk of the collection are from the Bronze and Silver age and have all been quite well looked after as it seems to be a serious collection.

"Almost all of them have been what we call bagged and boxed in plastic sleeves and laid flat, so they've all been pretty well looked after."

The collection will be the main part of the Antiques & Collectables at Baylies Hall in Dudley, which will be taking place online.

SAS has said that anyone interested in any of the lots can request a private viewing to check the quality and condition and will be able to make a bid online.

Mr Willetts, who said he was a keen collector himself, said the popularity of comic book movie like the Avengers, Deathpool and X-Men was helping to create a buzz around comics.

He said: "The prices are going up and up and buying comics does seem to be a good investment.

"I always think that once you've read them, you can pop them away, but you need to be careful in storing them because they're so delicate, so being careful of water and other things which could damage them."

The auction starts at 10am on Thursday, May 27.

To find out more, go to specialauctionservices.com/Auction-Calendar/2021/Antiques-Collectables-(11)