Lichfield auction sees collection of Marvel comics sell for £7,850

The Avengers #1 sold at £1,900

BIDDERS assembled at auction in Lichfield for an impressive single-owner collection of around 700 comics which totalled £7,850.

Included in Richard Winterton Auctioneers' sale on November 2 was a ‘Mega Key’ Silver Age holy grail comic - a copy of The Avengers #1 published in 1963.

Marking the very first appearance of the premier superhero team in Marvel Comics and in extremely good condition for its age, the iconic issue sold at £1,900.

“The Avengers #1 is widely considered a ‘Mega Key’ Silver Age holy grail for collectors and investors alike – a tier reserved for the absolute titans of the medium," a spokesperson for Richard Winterton Auctioneers noted.

“A ‘Mega Key’ introduces a concept that fundamentally changes the entire comic book industry forever. The Avengers #1 is such as it introduces Earth’s Mightiest Super-Heroes as a team, establishing a crossover formula still used by Marvel in Hollywood today.

“The Silver Age refers to the period of intense artistic advancement and explosive mainstream popularity which ran roughly from 1956 to 1970."

Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and famously billed as ‘Earth's Mightiest Super-Heroes’, the original team debuted in The Avengers #1 in September 1963.

Unlike in the modern movies, the founding members came together entirely by chance – Iron Man, Thor God of Thunder, The Hulk, Ant-Man and The Wasp.

Captain America became the first major addition to the team early on, when he was found frozen in a block of ice in The Avengers #4 and revived by the group, quickly becoming the team’s definitive leader and moral compass.

“The Avengers remain a massive global household name thanks to multi-billion-dollar multimedia franchises, and interest in the original 1963 comic book remains exceptionally high because it features the very first team appearance and the origin story,” auctioneers added.

Other Marvel highlights in the collection, which was catalogued across 31 lots, included a box of Captain America comics sold at £500; a box of The Amazing Spider-Man comics, including #46 with the first appearance of the Shocker, sold at £400.

A box including mixed Marvel and DC comics made £420 and a box of Batman and Detective Comics sold at £500.

“This wonderful collection came to us following an email valuation enquiry and is a super example of how getting in touch can uncover some truly special items," auctioneers added.

To arrange a free valuation of all types of comics and other collectable, or to enquire about a home visit for large collections or house clearances, email [email protected] or call 01543 251081.