When you were little who did you want to be?
When you were little who did you want to be? Batman, Captain America, Wonder Woman or the Black Widow? And what was your particular superpower to crush the baddies?
It has been an epic year as the two most popular superheroes slugged it out to see who would make the biggest splash.
In April 2021 Action Comics #1,in which Superman made his first appearance, was sold for $3.25 million. This rare DC Comics edition, which sold for 10 cents when it was released in 1938, explained how Superman came to earth from another planet and went on to become Clark Kent - it was a breakthrough publication that kickstarted the superhero genre. That first issue had a print run of 200,000 copies and it is thought there are only around 100 copies left in existence.
But in September 2021 the nimble wall crawler and his alter ego Peter Parker leapfrogged over the Man of Steel. The finest known copy of Amazing Fantasy #15, which introduced Marvel Comic's Spider-Man to the world in 1962 and originally sold for 12 cents, sold for US$3.6 million. The issue details how Peter is bitten by a radioactive spider which gives him his iconic superpowers.
All this interest and activity has shown the depth of passion and commitment to comic collecting. Pannapictagraphists are inspired by their favourite hero, the design of a comic and the challenge to complete a series. When actor Nicolas Cage changed his last name from Coppola (his uncle is Francis Ford Coppola) he was inspired by Marvels character Luke Cage, also known as Power Man, who first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 in 1972. A long-time comic fan he amassed an impressive collection some of which was sold at auction in 2002 for $1.68 million. Other comic fans include actors Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson and television presenter Jonathan Ross.
Established in 1991 ILS World's private client team is experienced at working with clients who include collectibles as part of their investment portfolios providing advice on trust and specialist company formation as tools to safeguard the pieces for owners and future successors. The growing number of online auctions has also boosted the appeal of passion assets. Due to the complexity of managing such luxury assets where necessary we partner with external accredited experts to ensure we are providing our clients with the best advice.
What made the recent sale of Amazing Fantasy #15 particularly special was it was graded CGC Near Mint+ 9.6 making the 1962 Marvel comic one of only four copies ever to receive such a high grade. Until the recent auction the most expensive copy of Amazing Fantasy # 15 was the CGC Near Mint 9.4-graded copy sold for $795,000 in 2020.
The ILS World private client team has a great deal of experience supporting many passionate collectors and we collaborate with acknowledged industry professionals such as storage experts who know that comics need to be stored in cool, dark places as sunlight can bleach pages and heat and moisture can also be damaging.
Storing comics in cardboard boxes, or using backing boards, is also problematic as they are both sources of acid which can react badly with the fibres in the paper.
Why Choose ILS World
As an independent global provider of fiduciary services to professional advisors, international corporate groups, and private clients we pride ourselves on our can-do attitude, taking new legislation and previously unseen business models in our stride, which has allowed us to become a leading fiduciary service provider within the digital sector.
ILS World first entered the eGaming sector in 1998, since then our digital team has acquired strong working relationships with the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC), the Digital team within the Department of Enterprise, and providers of ancillary services. With a GSC approved team of directors we have developed specialist knowledge and skills to keep pace with this ever-changing sector.
Share