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1980s Toys Generate Dollar Signs in the Latest Hake’s Auction

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Graphic Policy Team

The 1980s! The decade where we got a glimpse of the future, and were amazed by its visions of flying cars, transforming trucks, and robots made of jungle animals. And while much is made of the music of the 1980s, it’s the toys of that era that have truly withstood the test of time. Hake’s Auctions has a variety of 1980s toys on the auction block this month, and they inspire dizzying levels of nostalgia, both for those who lived through it and those who wish they did. Check out some of the top items:

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (1986) – ETERNIA SERIES 5 PLAYSET AFA 70 EX+

Ah, Eternia – home of Snake Mountain, Castle Grayskull and a little-used monorail system that connects all three. Seriously, why did He-Man never take the monorail? It would have saved a lot of gas for the Air Raider and Sky Sled. Anyway, the Eternia playset’s monorail featured the Battle Tram, Sky Cage and Jet Pack Fighter, and all seem like perfectly acceptable, all-electric forms of transportation. This massive box was marked down to $70 back in 1986, but you’ll pay a little more for it today. Starting Bid: $5,000

TRANSFORMERS (1985) SERIES 1 – OPTIMUS PRIME AFA 85 NM+ (HASBRO/IGA MEXICAN RELEASE)

Mas de lo que ves! That means “More than Meets the Eye” in Spanish, more or less, and that’s what it says on the box of this Mexican release of Optimus Prime. Much more rare than the US release, this version replaces the Tech Specs chart on his filecard with a full Spanish biography, just one of the many little touches that makes this a collector’s must-have. Current Bid: $2,000

VOLTRON – DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE (1984) – PANOSH PLACE GIFT SET AFA 75 EX+/NM (WINDOW BOX)

Sure, you can gift someone a PART of Voltron, but then you need to know what lions they have, or which color is their favorite, or what body part they prefer to play with. Better to just gift them the full robot, with all five lions and a bevy of weapons. This gift set from 1984 is any kid’s (or adult’s) dream. Opening Bid: $1,000

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (1988) – TURTLE BLIMP SERIES 1 VEHICLE AFA 85 NM+ (VIDEO GAME NOTICE)

You’ve gotta love the attitude rolling off the box for the Turtle Blimp by Playmates: “Blueprints included for easy-to-follow assembly. If you’re a know-it-all, chuck ‘em!” “Collect all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle accessories… or else!” “We’re four wild and crazy guys!” Okay, that last one was likely cribbed straight from 1970s SNL episodes, but overall we’d say the copywriter deserves a raise for making a blimp sound like a fun time. To seal the deal, it comes with a joke book. Opening Bid: $1,000

THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS (1986) – FIRE STATION HEADQUARTERS SERIES 1 PLAYSET UKG 75%Q

With the firehouse making a new appearance in the latest Ghostbusters film, demand is sure to double for the original 1986 Firehouse action playset by Kenner. The only downside to owning this graded, 75% rated (opened but not played with) boxed set is that you can’t play with the working firepole, ghost trap, containment unit and Goop Grates. Sure you can see them all on the box, but that’s gotta be torture. Starting Bid: $1,000

M.A.S.K. (1985) – THUNDER HAWK SERIES 1 AFA 85 NM+ (SECOND RELEASE, LONG MASK)

While every MASK vehicle had its own appeal – the pickup, the semi, the motorcycle that turned into a helicopter – the most iconic was definitely the Thunder Hawk, a Camaro that turned into fighter jet. (Okay, “jet” is generous, it was really just a flying Camaro.) While this 1986 release spells out “Camaro” on the box for the first time, it also features some other minor differences from the 1985 release, not that anyone will be looking closely enough to care – they’ll be too busy admiring the picture of the flying Camaro. Starting Bid: $1,000

G.I. JOE WEAPON TRANSPORT PROTOTYPE VEHICLE

When was the last time you saw a prototype GI Joe vehicle? This all-grey model of the Weapon Transport is made of plastic and styrene, with part numbers labeled in marker. Sure, it’s missing a tire and has a few cracks in it, but this is a piece of history, a behind-the-scenes piece of an iconic American toy line. It’s your patriotic duty to place a bid, assuming you’re an American. If not, it’s still pretty darn cool. Starting Bid: $1,000

HONORABLE 1970s MENTION:

MEGO WORLD’S GREATEST SUPERHEROES (1976) – AQUAMAN CARDED FIGURE AFA 75 EX+/NM

The Mego Corporation is back, churning out pop-culture icons in the 8-inch scale on a regular basis, but they only recently regained the DC license at that scale, which they did so well with in the 1970s. This 1976 Aquaman is mint on card, with a clear blister and crisp green pants, and is one of only four examples graded by the AFA. Starting Bid: $2,000

HONORABLE 1960s MENTION:

GILBERT JAMES BOND 007 THUNDERBALL ACTION FIGURE IN BOX

While G.I. Joe was the first action figure, James Bond was hot on his trail! This 1965 Gilbert figure of James Bond as he appeared in Thunderball includes the likeness of Sean Connery, as well as a mask, snorkel and swim fins. Once you buy it, you have the right to remove the snorkel from the front of his pants, thereby avoiding awkward conversations. Starting Bid: $200

Toys and Collectibles

Rare Graded Video Games Fetch High Bids in Heritage Auction

Posted on November 11, 2023 by Graphic Policy Team

Video game nostalgia has come a long way – once the realm of people who remembered playing Pong, there are now nearly 50 years of video game history living rent-free in our heads, and along with that comes the desire to recapture our respective glory days. Last week, Heritage Auctions closed an auction featuring a variety of vintage video games and game systems, many graded by the Video Game Authority (VGA), and several of them went for high dollar values.

The highest bid received in the entire auction was for the Nintendo Entertainment Deluxe Set, which included the iconic NES console, two controllers, a Zapper light gun, R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy), and two boxed games: Gyromite and Duck Hunt. Graded at 85 NM+ by the VGA, this unopened set went for $120,000 with buyer premium.

Other notable VGA-graded items in the auction:

A sealed copy of Mario Tennis for the Nintendo 64 system sold for $10,800. In addition to being a fun game with great box art, it is also the first appearance of Waluigi, partner to Wario and rival to Luigi. It received a grade of 90 NM+/MT.
An open (but complete) Nintendo 64 game console was graded at 85+ NM+ (Qualified) and sold for $8,400. While it didn’t outlast its competitor, Sony’s Playstation, this relatively rare system became famous for thoroughly enjoyable games like Super Mario 64 and Goldeneye.
Measuring approximately 2 feet squared, a bundled “Value Pak” of a Super NES console with controller, a Super NES Super Scope 6 with six unnamed games, and three extra games – Battle Clash, Yoshi’s Safari, and Metal Combat: Falcon’s Revenge – received a grade of 85+ NM+ from the VGA, and sold for $10,200.

Video Games

Video Game Authority Grades Bestselling Games in a Recent Auction

Posted on March 16, 2023 by Graphic Policy Team

Everyone knows that video games are big, big business. But did you know that graded video games are also big business? A large auction of video games just wrapped up at Heritage Auctions, with a sizable portion of them graded by the Video Game Authority (a division of the Collectible Grading Authority). Here’s a look at some of the auction highlights.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for Nintendo 3DS – VGA 100 GEM MT Uncirculated, 2011

It’s not often that you get a grade of 100 on anything, so when you’ve got an uncirculated copy of an iconic game like Legend of Zelda, with an iconic logo and cover, it’s going to go for top dollar. Sold for: $16,800.00

Golden Sun for Game Boy Advance – VGA 95 Mint Sealed, Nintendo 2001

A lesser-known game franchise, this was the first of three Golden Sun installments, only for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. Perfect for proving your gamer cred. Sold for: $5,520.00

Ninja Five-O for Game Boy Advance – VGA 85+ NM+ Sealed, Konami, 2003

Not one that turns up in people’s collections a lot, but how can you pass up a game about a ninja… policeman? Who rescues hostages and defeats bad guys? The name alone sells it. Sold For: $2,400.00

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! for Nintendo Switch – VGA 95+ Mint Sealed [Poké Ball Plus Bundle], 2018

Sure, Pokémon are popular, that’s why this game, with a big picture of Pikachu and a pack-in Poké Ball, went for big bucks. Sold For: $2,280.00

Resident Evil for GameCube – VGA 90+ NM+/MT Sealed, Capcom, 2002

Even if it’s a later port on a different system, a 20-year-old copy of the original Resident Evil is a treasure worth protecting, and worth owning, even if it costs you a pretty penny. Sold for $2,040.00

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo Wii U – VGA 90 NM+/MT Uncirculated [Controller & Adapter Bundle], 2014

Super Smash Bros. box art is always great, but it’s even better on an oversized box, which is what this game-and-controller bundle comes in. Sold For: $960.00

Hake’s Opens a New Auction With Rare Toys and Prototypes

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Graphic Policy Team

Hake’s Auctions newest auction, #237 is chock-full of pop-culturey goodness. From now until March 21-22, you can bid on some of the rarest toys around, including some one-of-a-kind prototypes! Read on to see what cool items are on the auction block!

G.I. JOE:

#1345. G.I. JOE (1982) – SNAKE EYES, SERIES 1/11 BACK. AFA 85 NM+ (STRAIGHT ARM). The original ninja commando gets a high grade here, with his original, iconic, no-frills figure on a nice card. Hard to believe that a toy released with no paint on it would become such a sensation! Current Bid: $1,210.00

#1347. G.I. JOE (1983) – DESTRO SERIES 2/20 BACK. AFA 85 NM+. While the Cobra forces had no shortage of metal-faced members, Destro was the king of the metalheads, and rocked a sweet chest medallion besides. Plus, he was his own boss! Current Bid: $3,575.00

#1375. G.I. JOE (1985) – U.S.S. FLAGG, SERIES 4 VEHICLE, AFA 60 EX. If you’re going to spring for a graded G.I. Joe vehicle, you might as well go for the biggest and best, right? The G.I. Joe team’s aircraft carrier was the grail item for any child of the 1980s, and remains so for any adult of the 2020s. Current Bid: $4,400.00

#1376. G.I. JOE (1985) – COBRA FLIGHT POD, SERIES 4, AFA 80 NM. The Flagg a little out of your reach? The “Trubble Bubble” was the vehicle of choice for the Cobra team, and has become an iconic part of the 1980s TV series and toy line. Current Bid: $610.50

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE:

#1388. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (1987) – SCARE GLOW SERIES 6. AFA 80 NM (GREEN HALBERD). He-Man figures are getting remade left and right these days, but this is the O.G.! One of the most desired He-Man figures, Scare Glow was an evil ghost from another dimension, and NOT Skeletor at the beach as he might seem at first. Starting Bid: $1,000.00

#1391. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (1984) – SNAKE MOUNTAIN SERIES 3 PLAYSET. AFA 80 NM. Another must-have from the He-Man line, Skeletor’s headquarters was one of the creepiest office buildings in toy history. Since it’s graded, you won’t be able to use the voice-changing microphone, but you can still creep yourself out every time you look at it! Current Bid: $1,210.00

#1392. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (1986) – ETERNIA SERIES 5 PLAYSET. AFA 70 EX+. Three towers! Three battery-operated vehicles! Almost 40 years of wanting! The ultimate He-Man collectible may be sealed in its box for eternity, but you would still have bragging rights over your childhood friends. Current Bid: $1,710.50

TRANSFORMERS:

#1402. TRANSFORMERS (1984) SERIES 1 OPTIMUS PRIME. AFA 85 NM+ (TRADEMARK LOGO). This particular Optimus Prime has a Trademark symbol on the Transformers logo, which is much rarer than the Registered logo. Regardless, everyone needs an Optimus Prime in their collection. Current Bid: $7,480.00

#1407. TRANSFORMERS (1984) SERIES 1 JET – STARSCREAM. AFA 85+ NM+ (RUBSIGN). Need something that makes you hear Chris Latta’s voice every time you walk by it? Sure, you could go the Cobra Commander route, but Starscream turns into a jet, which makes him a lot cooler. Current Bid: $4,950.00

#1415. TRANSFORMERS (1985) SERIES 2 CONSTRUCTICON GIFTSET – DEVASTATOR. AFA 85 NM+. Not every kid had to build their Devastator one piece at a time, picking up a Constructicon every other week at the local TRU – some kids got the gift set and built the first Decepticon Combiner in one fell swoop. Why not treat yourself? Current Bid: $12,100.00

#1401. TRANSFORMERS: ACTION MASTERS (1990) – WHEELJACK CARD ORIGINAL ART. The only thing better than Transformers was Transformers character artwork, the art that appeared on the front and back of the box and often made the Transformers look much cooler in their robot form than they actually were. This art, attributed to TF regular Jeff Mangiat, was for the Wheeljack Action Masters action figure, and looks straight outta the cartoon. Current Bid: $500.00

STAR WARS:

#1609. STAR WARS (1978) – TUSKEN RAIDER 20 BACK MOCK-UP PROOF CARD (ON 12 BACK-A PROOF CARD). AFA 80 Q-NM. There are a lot of things going on with this card, a 12-back card used to mock up a 20-back card, with a lot of modifications, but the biggest thing is that it calls the Tusken Raider a “Tusken Raider” rather than “Sand People,” which is what they were called in production. A one-of-a-kind item. Current Bid: $9,350.00

#1690. TOLTOYS STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) – JAWA 41 BACK-E. AFA 50 VG (AUSTRALIAN RELEASE, VINYL CAPE, EXTREME RARITY). Sure, you can get a carded Jawa anywhere, even a rare vinyl-cape Jawa, but this one is the rarest of the rare. An Australian release by TOLTOYS, it uses a darker vinyl only released in Australia, and is carded on an Empire Strikes Back card instead of a Star Wars blister card. Very few of these Vinyl Cape Jawas were released by TOLTOYS and only for a very brief time period. This is the first time one has been offered by any auction house, and it’s one of only five examples graded by AFA. Current Bid: $11,111.00

#1728. POPY STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) – BOBA FETT. AFA 85 NM+. Think windowless figure boxes are a new thing? Popy was the only company in Japan to release Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back figures, issuing 15 different figures in bags inside illustrated boxes. This deconstructed Boba Fett box is one of the highest graded examples. Current Bid: $2,000.00

#1811. STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI (1983) – C-3PO COLLECTOR’S CASE OFF-WHITE PROTOTYPE FIRST SHOT. AFA 85+ NM+. Before they started production on the gold C-3PO carrying cases, they did a test shot in white! In addition to looking very cool, it’s incredibly rare. Current Bid: $2,200.00

#1842. STAR WARS: THE POWER OF THE FORCE (1985) – YAK FACE 92 BACK. AFA 80 Y-NM (KENNER CANADA). The most desirable of the last 17 vintage issued figures, Yak Face was only released in foreign outlets. His card is unpunched, his blister is yellow, and his value is very, very high. Current Bid: $6,660.88

#1886. STAR WARS: EWOKS (1985) – SERIES 2 CHIEF CHIRPA FIRST SHOT PROTOTYPE SALES SAMPLE FOR UNPRODUCED FIGURE. AFA 70 Y-EX+. Did you know they never made a second series of Ewoks action figures? Did you know that Chief Chirpa was among the unmade characters? Did you know you can still own one? This unproduced first shot prototype of El Jefe comes on a Series 1 Cardback with a B-Wing Pilot collector’s coin. Current Bid: $7,150.00

LORD OF THE RINGS:

#1446-1450. LORD OF THE RINGS TOYS BY KNICKERBOCKER (1979). Sure, nowadays everyone is into those cool LOTR figures by Diamond Select Toys, but back in 1979 it was all about the Knickerbocker, baby! Based on the classic Ralph Bakshi cartoon adaptation, Gandalf, Frodo, Samwise, Aragorn and a Ringwraith are all here. Starting Bid: $300-500.00

TMNT:

#1462. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (1993) – HOT SPOT SERIES 6/52 BACK. AFA 75 EX+/NM. One of the harder to obtain figures from this line, the firehouse dalmatian came towards the “tail” end of the line. Starting Bid: $500.00

#1468. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (1988) – SERIES 1 TURTLE BLIMP VEHICLE. CAS 85. In most toy lines, you’d have to build up to the heroes having their own blimp, but not the Ninja Turtles. Nope, Series One release. This one’s graded, so you can’t blow it up, but still an iconic vehicle for an iconic toy line. Starting Bid: $1,000.00

HORROR:

#1486. AURORA FRIGHTENING LIGHTNING FRANKENSTEIN FACTORY-SEALED BOXED MODEL KIT. Kit No. 449-150. This 1969 officially licensed model kit includes glow-in-the-dark head and hands and is still sealed in shrinkwrap after 50 years! Starting Bid: $1,000.00

#1506. AURORA GODZILLA FACTORY-SEALED BOXED MODEL KIT. Kit No. 469-149. Released by Aurora in 1964, this shrinkwrapped model kit is a classic Godzilla collectible, back when American Godzilla items were rare. Current Bid: $880.00

#1507. AURORA WOLF MAN’S WAGON FACTORY-SEALED BOXED MODEL KIT. Kit No. 458-98. Also from 1964, Aurora made a line of Universal Monsters hot-rod model kits to cash in on the hot-rod culture that was going around at the time. Now scarce, this sealed Wolf-Man in a hot rod is one of the better examples. Starting Bid: $1,000.00

#1520. AURORA THE MUNSTERS LIVING ROOM FACTORY-SEALED MODEL KIT. Kit No. 804-198. This classic model kit depicting Lily, Herman, Grandpa and Eddie Munster from the TV show “The Munsters” is a highly unique item. With Grandpa hanging from the ceiling, Lily in her coffin chair and Herman in his electric chair, it’s an American family portrait that still holds up to this day. Starting Bid: $1,000.00

#1482. MARX ARCHIVES FILE COPY THE MIGHTY KONG BOXED KING KONG BATTERY-OPERATED REMOTE CONTROL TOY. This Marx Toys 11-inch King Kong from the 1960s is a working remote-control toy, with a wired controller that causes him to move forward, beat his chest, open and close his mouth and growl. Comes in the original cardboard box with an illustrated lid. One of the most desirable battery-operated toys, for obvious reasons. Starting Bid: $500.00

#1519. THE ADDAMS FAMILY HAUNTED HOUSE BOXED AURORA FACTORY-SEALED BOXED MODEL. With “Wednesday” blowing the Addams Family up on Netflix, now’s a great time to look into real estate, with the Addams Family’s mansion in model kit form. Current Bid: $665.50

Toys and Collectibles

Ben Kenobi Figure Sets a Star Wars Record in Hake’s Auction

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Graphic Policy Team

You know that old hermit who lives out by the Dune Sea? Well, he may be looking for better digs soon. A carded action figure of Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi with a double-telescoping lightsaber recently sold for $79,178, setting a record for a carded Ben Kenobi figure, and reaching the second-highest price ever paid for any carded Star Wars figure.

The auction, held by Hake’s Auctions, featured several different versions of the Kenner-made Obi-Wan Kenobi from 1978. The record-setter had a few things going for it, though, including the aforementioned double-telescoping lightsaber (quickly abandoned by Kenner), a SKU number on the yellow footer (inside the plastic blister), an unpunched card, and a grade of 75 EX+/NM from the Action Figure Authority (a division of Collectible Grading Authority).

This auction at Hake’s, #236, also featured a number of pre-production Star Wars items, including a Yoda doll prototype, a Han Solo 12-inch figure in prototype costume, an IG-88 hand-painted prototype, a number of unused backing cards, and a carded sample of Princess Leia on Hoth, wearing a pink poncho, which went for $42,834.

See the full auction results at Hakes.com!

Toys and Collectibles

Rare Graded Toys, Video Games and Comics are going up for Auction

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Graphic Policy Team

Hake’s Auctions is known for their pop-culture auctions, including toys, comics, video games, posters, political memorabilia and more. Now, with online bidding started for their latest auction, they can reveal the full list of what they have on the block, and it is nothing short of incredible. Not only are there a variety of rare, graded toys from the 1980s, there are also over 200 video games graded by Video Game Authority, as well as the usually amazing assortment of key comic issues and artwork.

On the toy side, there are toys from Star Wars, GI Joe, Transformers, MASK, Super Powers, Battle Beasts, ThunderCats, Indiana Jones, Inhumanoids and TMNT! Notable items include:

A Star Wars Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi with Double-Telescoping Lightsaber from 1978, AFA-graded 75
Three different carded iterations of straight-arm Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero Series 1 (1982)
Masters of the Universe Man-At-Arms Series 1 (1982) 8-Back figure on card, AFA-graded 80
The Transformers’ Optimus Prime from 1984’s Series 1, in-box, AFA-graded 80
ThunderCats leader Lion-O, with red hair on a 14-back card from 1986, AFA-graded 80

On the video game side, there are over 200 games, all graded by VGA, from Nintendo, Super Nintendo, N64, Game Boy, Game Cube, Wii and more. Items include:

Contra for the Nintendo Entertainment System, from 1988, VGA-graded 85
Nintendo Game Boy system with Tetris game, 1989, VGA-graded 85
Final Fantasy for the Nintendo Entertainment System, from 1990, VGA-graded 85
Street Fighter 2 for the Super Nintendo, from 1992, VGA-graded 90
Super Mario 64 for the N64, from 1996, VGA-graded 85
Goldeneye 007 for the N64, from 1997, VGA-graded 85
Super Smash Bros. for the N64, from 1999, VGA-graded 85

For comic book historians, this auction contains four key issues from Marvel Comics history, among others, each of them likely to generate high interest:

Journey Into Mystery #83 (1^st appearance Thor), 1962, CGC-graded 5.5
Amazing Spider-Man #1 (2^nd appearance of Spider-Man), 1963, CGC-graded 4.5
Tales of Suspense #39 (1^st appearance Iron Man), 1963, CGC-graded 4.5
Giant-Sized X-Men #1 (1^st New X-Men), 1975, CGC-graded 9.4

Comics

Mego Green Goblin Action Figure Sets World Record at Auction

Posted on August 2, 2022 by Graphic Policy Team

Look out, Spider-Man – the Green Goblin is taking the spotlight! A recent sale at Hake’s Auctions set a world record for a Mego action figure, with the sale of an AFA-graded Green Goblin on card. Bringing in $76,700, it went for far more than originally estimated, a testament to the enduring popularity of the Mego World’s Greatest Superheroes line.

One of only two Marvel villains released in the Mego line, the Green Goblin debuted in 1975 and was commonly found in a window box. The carded series of figures only included him in the first assortment, making a Green Goblin on card the most difficult to find of all the Marvel characters.

The record-setting figure received an 80+ grade from the Action Figure Authority, even rarer for the almost 50-year-old toy. Add in a recent appearance in the latest Spider-Man film, and it was a recipe for success. While not a record-breaker, a carded Mego figure of lesser Spider-foe the Lizard (graded 75+) went for $7,139 in the same auction.

Toys and Collectibles

Cover Art, Full Story From Robin’s 1988 ‘Death in the Family’ Shine Bat-Signal on Heritage’s June Comic Art Auction

Posted on May 28, 2022 by Graphic Policy Team

Even before bidding opened for Heritage Auctions’ June 16-19 Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction, one offering made global headlines: Frank Miller and Lynn Varley’s original cover art for 1986’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Book One, the iconic cover from one of the most important titles of the past half century. Yet that historic lightning strike is just one centerpiece among many landmark works of original comic art featured in this historic event, which includes some swinging Spider-Man art from Todd McFarlane and the entirety of one of the most influential – and infamous – Batman stories ever told, “A Death in the Family.”

Not only does this auction feature Mike Mignola’s original cover art for 1988’s Batman #438, featuring a battered Robin, but here, too, you will find the entire 22-page story contained in that issue – the one during which the Joker killed Jason Todd’s Robin with an assist from DC Comics readers and a 1-900 number. The story, written by Jim Starlin with art by Jim Aparo and Mike DeCarlo, features one of the most indelible images in Batman’s long history: The Dark Knight carrying the bloodied Boy Wonder from the wreckage.

Miller made mention of Jason Todd’s death in The Dark Knight Returns, two years before the Joker beat him up and blew him up. And though Miller (and many others at DC) loathed the publisher’s decision to put Robin’s fate to a vote – out of more than 10,000 calls, the Boy Wonder lost by a mere 72! –Starlin’s “A Death in the Family” has gone from one of the Batman Family’s most controversial tales to one of its most enduring.

Mignola’s cover art, and Aparo and DeCarlo’s iconic interiors (which feature a cameo from Superman, essentially reprising his The Dark Knight Returns role asgovernment operative), have been in a private collection since the 1990s.

This auction also includes original artwork from another 1980s Batman book that, like Dark Knight Returns and “A Death in the Family,” had profound and long-term ramifications. This event offers two pages from Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s 1988 Batman: The Killing Joke, in which the Watchman writer and his artist collaborator provided the Joker with a tragic origin story defined by a single bad day (and a red hood, which later became the disguise of a resurrected Jason Todd after his murder at the hands of the Joker). The Killing Joke, of course, is best known as the book in which The Joker shoots and paralyzes Barbara Gordon, who eventually morphed from Batgirl to the Oracle.

Iconic Batman covers abound in this auction, among them one of the earliest ever offered at auction. That would be the cover art for 1942’s Detective Comics #59, featuring Batman and Robin as drawn by their co-creator Bob Kane and his beloved Golden Age Batman collaborator Jerry Robinson. This is the first time Heritage has had the privilege and pleasure of offering a Kane cover.

Also featured is Jim Lee‘s triple gatefold variant cover for Batman #619, which wrapped the 12-part “Hush” epic that resurrected Jason Todd and established Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle as more than mere Bat and Cat chasing each other on rooftops. This is the Batman Family version of the variant, a roster that includes Batman and Catwoman, Robin and Nightwing, Oracle and her father Commissioner James Gordon, Huntress, Superman, Harvey Dent and Hush himself.

This event also features two Caped Crusader covers by illustration legends gone too soon: Batman #246 by Dave Cockrum and Neal Adams (Frank Miller’s mentor, who died April 28) and Batman #438 by George Pérez, who died only eight days after Adams.

One of the definitive artists of the 1990s was Todd McFarlane, who swung to stardom on Spider-Man’s spaghetti webbing. This auction features one of the more coveted covers McFarlane drew during tenure with the Web-Slinger –the final one, too: 1991’s Spider-Man #16, guest-starring Rob Liefeld’s X-Force. That cover is accompanied in this auction by individual pages, offered separately, from the same issue, McFarlane’s final fling with Spidey before launching Spawn at his Image Comics.

And to really tie this auction together, several Frank Miller pages will be offered – among them a page from The Dark Knight Returns Book Four, featuring Superman off to fight Batman. Now, as then, everyone wins.

Comics

IDW and Hasbro Auction a One of a Kind My Little Pony Comic for Charity

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Brett

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fast became the best-selling comic in IDW‘s history and last year the title reached a monumental milestone of selling over one million copies at retail. To celebrate the occasion, IDW and Hasbro collaborated on a very special promotion. In an unprecedented move, an extremely rare variant cover by fan-favorite Sara Richard of issue #12 of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic was made, so rare it was limited to ONE copy total!

IDW and Hasbro are proud to announce that they are joining with Heritage Auctions, the largest collectibles auctioneer and third largest auction house in the world, to auction both the one-of-a-kind issue and the original artwork by Richard, at Heritage’s Signature Auction, this August 7^th. Proceeds of the auction will benefit Give Kids The World, a non-profit organization that provides children from around the world with life-threatening illnesses and their families a memorable and cost-free visit to Central Florida attractions.

The one-of-a-kind variant issue #12 of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic will be on view at Heritage Auctions booth at Comic-Con International: San Diego.

How to Register & Bid Online (online bidding starts approximately July 18^th)
1. For the Comic: http://comics.ha.com/itm/modern-age-1980-present-/humor/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-12-cover-b-sara-richard-1-million-edition-only-copy-produced-idw-publishing-2013-cgc-nm-96-white-pages/p/7097-136001.s
For the Original Art: http://comics.ha.com/itm/original-comic-art/covers/sara-richard-my-little-pony-12-1-million-cover-b-original-art-group-idw-2014-/p/7097-136002.s
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5. Bid!