LOS ANGELES, CA.- Calling all collectors! On Tuesday September 19th, 2023,
John Moran Auctioneers will present their first-ever Comics and Pop Culture Memorabilia auction at noon PST. The selection will feature over 200-lots of comics (some dating back to 1940!), figurines, original art, posters, and sports memorabilia. Leading the sports collectibles is a framed, autographed Kobe Bryant Lakers jersey along with a signed photo collage. The Incredible Hulk comic featuring the first appearance of Wolverine highlights the enormous and impressive comic offerings, and a 24-lot Tintin figurine collection is sure to catch attention. Fine art will include works by John Romita Sr., SHAG, Charles Fazzino, Carl Barks, Mischa Richter, and over 30 Disney posters by Eric Tan and Stacey Aoyama. With a wide range of collectibles, there is sure to be something for every comic, cartoon, and sports fanatic!
The top lot of the sports memorabilia will present an autographed Kobe Bryant (1978-2020) Los Angeles Lakers framed jersey from 2000, dated 20 years to the day before he passed, estimated $8,000-10,000. It is a framed yellow mesh jersey with the patches “Bryant 8” on the verso, signed in black Sharpie and having the Mounted Memories hologram seal. Another collectible Kobe relic is a signed photo collage, authenticated by The Upper Deck and donning a numbered hologram seal. This 12” H x 24” W poster comes with a $5,000-6,000 estimate.
Incredible Hulk #181 is the defining issue of the Bronze Age of comic books. The edition, released November 10th, 1974, is where Wolverine made his first full appearance. While there were many other characters created and debuting during that time, Wolverine is by far the most popular in comics and film. It was the biggest first appearance in this era. Experts say this comic is a sure bet as far as increasing value and minimal market fluctuation. Moran’s Incredible Hulk #181 has a grade of 7.5 and is valued at $5,000-7,000. Other highly coveted comic books include Detective Comics #62, estimated $1,800-2,200, featuring the Joker’s second cover appearance, and Incredible Hulk #180 which introduces Wolverine on the last page, estimated $1,500-2,000.
A 24-lot collection of Tintin figurines will delight fans of the Belgian cartoon. The Adventures of Tintin was created by Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi (pen name, Hergé). The series was one of the most popular European comics of the 20th century and by 2007, (a century after Hergé was born) Tintin had been published in more than 70 languages with sales of more than 200 million copies, and had been adapted for radio, television, theatre, and film. The standout piece of the collection is a Pixi “Tintin” figurine scene from the album “Les Cigares du Pharaon,” 2007. The large metal and polychrome resin figurine depicts Tintin riding an elephant, accompanied by other marching figures and scattered flowers and has an estimate of $3,000-5,000.
Representing the variety of fine art is an acrylic and vinyl painting by SHAG (aka Josh Agle, b. 1962). SHAG is known for his colorful, mid-century-style art, and Disney collectors are sure to be familiar with his designs for The Walt Disney Company. Of the four works in the sale, his “Alligator,” 2003, estimated $2,500-3,500, is a favorite along with “Birds,” 2003, valued at $2,500-3,500.
One of the most internationally renowned 3D Pop artists is Charles Fazzino (b. 1955). Since developing his distinctive 3D art technique more than thirty years ago, Fazzino’s work has been seen in hundreds of galleries and museums worldwide. There will be five lots featuring Fazzino, one being “Disney Dontics,” a 3D screen-print and mixed media on museum board and in a mount with portions designed by the artist, estimated $1,000-1,500.
Other sports collectibles will include more basketball ephemera as well as baseball. Art offerings will incorporate cartoons such as Rugrats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Disney, and present original works by Michael Bedard, Barry Blitt, Bill Wolfryd, and Ben Kudo. The immense comic book selection will include Detective Comics, The Amazing Spiderman, Marvel Spotlight, Action Comics, House of Secrets, Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer, Daredevil, Batman, Justice League of America, Thor, Conan the Barbarian, Green Lantern, Captain America, Black Panther, Blue Beetle, Doctor Strange, Swamp Thing, Iron Man, Dracula, Aquaman, Spiderwoman, and so much more!
