Since the late 1930s, comic books have gone from casual entertainment to some of the most sought-after collectables in the world. Printed cheaply, passed around freely, most copies didn't survive a decade.
The Northern Collection, Part 1, brings together some of the rarest comic books in the hobby. From first appearances to unique high-grade copies, this massive collection goes to auction on the 27th of March, and here is what to look out for.
1) Tales of Suspense #39
Before the name Tony Stark became associated with blockbuster cinema, he appeared in a classic Marvel comic series, Tales of Suspense. These issues had been running since 1958 and were a rotating showcase of science fiction and monster stories typical of the era. Later, it became a launch pad for Marvel Superheroes.
Issue #39 of the Tales of Suspense series introduced Anthony (Tony) Stark, a genius and arrogant weapons developer, whose fate takes a turn when a patrol ends with a landmine, a chest full of shrapnel, and his capture. Imprisoned and slowly dying, he is tasked with building a weapon. Misleading his captors, he constructs an iron suit with a box of scraps is not only a life-support machine but a way for him to make his escape.
Tales of Suspense #39 marks the first appearance of Iron Man, who has become one of the most recognisable figures in twentieth-century pop culture. As an origin point for such an iconic character, this comic book is among the most famous issues ever published.
The Northern collection features a CGC-graded 5.5 copy of Tales of Suspense #39. While the number of copies graded 8.0 by CGC is very small, surviving examples in strong collectable condition are desirable. A mid-grade copy such as this is a rare opportunity to own a foundational piece of comic book history.
2) Avengers #1
Avengers #1 is the first issue of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Thor, Iron Man, Ant-Man, the Wasp and Hulk spontaneously form a team, the Avengers.
The Avengers #1 features the villain Loki plotting to destroy Thor, using the Hulk as his pawn. However, a distress call goes out across the Marvel Universe, and four heroes answer it. Thor, Iron Man, Ant-Man, the Wasp and Hulk team up to stop Loki.
For collectors, this is one of the most significant issues in the Marvel Universe. Not only did it help create one of the highest-grossing film franchises in cinema history, but it also helped define Marvel's identity for the next six decades. Every roster change, every 'Avengers Assemble' moment starts on these pages.
Our auction features a CGC-graded 6.0 of Avengers #1, which is impressive since this issue comes from an era when comic books were not as valuable. A CGC 6.0 means the comic book is complete and well preserved, but since it has been around for almost six decades, some wear is visible.
3) Batman #73 1952 Swedish Edition
By 1952, Batman was already over a decade old.
In this issue, Gotham criminals are using a black-market firearms rental operation run by a mysterious figure known only as the Renter. Criminals borrow weapons, commit their crimes, and return them. No traceable guns, no physical evidence, no connection to establish in court. It leaves the Gotham City Police Department completely at a loss.
The writer Bill Finger and artist Dick Sprang worked on Batman #73. Sprang, in particular, is one of the key visual creators of Batman, and original issues featuring his art have become highly sought after.
Our CGC 9.4 graded Batman #73, 1952, is an extraordinary issue that will be for sale in a future auction. A 6.0 on a 1963 Marvel comic book represents a copy that beat the odds; a 9.4 on a DC comic book from 1952 means it has spent seventy years in near-perfect condition.