Found Some Old Stuff - Wondering the Value

[dr00t]

Hey Everyone...

A friend and I recently stumbled across some DC Comic original inked pages, I guess I would call them comps or proofs of what look and appear to be both "Flash" and a few of "Fantasic 4".

I don't know the technical name for them, but they have issue numbers on them... they are basically like large pages of what I see in the comic book. They are all black and white, but they are actually inked. So its basically what the artist drew before putting it over onto the actual comic book itself.

A few of the newer ones, which are still old, have a DC Comics logo on them and others dont. There are also a few large pages that are slightly smaller than the others..but still rather large compared to the comic book or comic book pages themselves.

The coolest thing about one or two of them is that they apparently changed the words from what was originally going to be said on one of the pages in the "Flash" comic sheet. I don't want to peel the plastic piece that they used to cover it to reveal the original word because I want to know the value before I do it.

So my question is, can someone please provide me SOME info about what I am looking at, what these are called, and what these are typically worth? I can provide more info if needed...just tell me what you need to know.

Thanks in advance. - dr00t

[Rob Allen]

You may have the actual original art, or a copy of it. "Fantastic Four" is a Marvel comic, not DC, so it's no surprise that they don't all have the DC logo.

The value of these pages is impossible to estimate; it depends on the artist(s), the age of the pages, the characters, the historical importance of the story, and probably a dozen other factors. You can check eBay for auctions of original comic book art, or if you're near a major city, we might be able to find a local art dealer that you could show these pages to.

[Kirk G]

Yeah, my first thought was that it was a color proof, since you say it has an issue number on it, but then, the description of inked artwork that is used inside the book, well...the term is "Original artwork".

Prices can vary depending on the artist, the figures included, and the quality of the page, and the complete-ness of the page, and how important the story-line is.

I'm curious what issue numbers and titles you've got.
If the page has a particularly large figure that is notable (Superman, Spider-Man, Human Torch, etc) then it can command more dollars, but you'll have to generate a list of titles, issue numbers and specific page number (with any notable figures also noted) before anyone is going to jump at it.

On the other hand, if you want to frame and hang the pieces in your rec room, you'll have one-of-a-kind artwork to boast about!

[Kirk G]

You might send a photocopy of the Fantastic Four page to John Morrow at TwoMorrows Publishing, in case it's an important work by Jack Kirby. He can advise you if he's interested or if it's likely to be wanted on the collector's market.

I'm just curious what issue number, and what page you've got. I can reference my originals or my Essentials black and white books to see what you've got. (Masterworks also.)

[Lone Ranger]

There are also a few large pages that are slightly smaller than the others..but still rather large compared to the comic book or comic book pages themselves.

The coolest thing about one or two of them is that they apparently changed the words from what was originally going to be said on one of the pages in the "Flash" comic sheet. I don't want to peel the plastic piece that they used to cover it to reveal the original word because I want to know the value before I do it.



It looks like you may have some original art there.

Most of the pages should measure about 11" X 16". If any of your pages are more like 14" X 21", you've got older art referred to as 'Twice Up' - these are from the mid-60s or earlier. The paper used for original art is also fairly thick. If any of the pages are the thickness of regular paper, they are likely just photostats.

Often the issue number and page number is written somewhere in the margin, so have a look around for more clues.

Another thing that will tell you about the age of the page is a Comics Code Authority Stampe - often a fairly faint blue stamp on the page of the page with a date. This tell you the date the page was approved - often a few months before it publication date.

Be warned about the Marvel pages - many pages have a copyright stamp on the back that says something like "1984 Cadence Industries" or the like. Many older Marvel pages have this type of stamp (my guess is that their entire library of original art was inventoried in 1984 or so), but don't let anyone tell you that they are from 1984 and convince you they are worth less.

Many people on this board collect this stuff and can give you a sense of what you have on your hands.

Perhaps you can either scans the pages and post them here, or try to describe each page as best you can - keeping an eye our for issue and page number as well as any stamps on the back.

[dr00t]

We will be taking some photos shortly today, and posting links to the photos soon.

[dr00t]

Alright guys, I placed a bunch of photos we took in a password protected directory on my host...

Here is the information...

http://tinyurl.com/2rqe57

username: comics
password: comicpass

I look forward to hearing back on what you have to say regarding these photos.

Thanks.

[MWGallaher]

Yep, those are original art pages. The Flash pages are drawn by Greg Larocque, and they're not especially valuable. He's a fairly well-appreciated artist, but never had wide adulation. I could see those selling for around $40 each, although the presence of Gorilla Grodd might encourage some buyers to go higher.
The Fantastic Four page is from Marvel's "What If?" issue number 6. The age of that one (printed in 1977) and the fact that it's an "alternative" origin page should make that page have a higher value than the Flash pages, I think. Artists Rick Hoberg and Sam Grainger are not highly regarded, but I quite like this page. It's an attractive piece, and I'd personally hope for a sale price of at least $75 on this, maybe more.
The Cavewoman art is by Budd Root. I don't have any idea what prices art from a "minor" publisher like Caliber (which published this) would go for, but the art (which is very much inspired by the work of the late Tom Sutton) is very nice. I wouldn't let a page like this go for less than $50.
There are a couple of pencilled pages by Lee Moder, featuring characters that I don't recognize. Since it's in pencil, it was most likely never published. Moder is not a "hot" artist either; I have no guess at how these might be valued. Maybe if the characters are from the X-Men cast, it could draw a buyer's interest, but I don't know recognize anyone.
The gem in this set is the grey-toned page from Eerie #103, by Paul Gulacy. Gulacy is a much more highly-regarded artist (in general) than any of the others represented in these pages, and this is an attractive example of his work. I can't make a stab at what a reasonable price would be for this, but I'm certain it'd be over $100.

[Lone Ranger]

MWG has done a bang up job in assessing these books, and I know that he has experience selling art on eBay, which really gives you a good sense of how much various pieces are worth.

I think his analysis is spot on.

The Gulacy best is certainly the most valuable and it might trigger a decent bidding war.

I had a Laroque Marvel Team Up page featuring Spider-Man and Daredevil sell for $60 a few years ago, and I can't see those Flash pages going above that level.

On a good day those Fantastic Four pages from the What If? might cross $100, as Marvel bronze age stuff usually attracts quite a bit of attention.

That being said, eBay is a funny thing as you never really know who will be interested in what - I've had Gene Colan and John Buscema pages barely crack $100 where a Larry Lieber page went for more than $300.

If you friend can find a dealer willing to give you more than what MWG indicated above, I'd take it. Otherwise, I put some up on eBay with a fairly low minimum (to attract attention) but not so low that your friend will regret it (say $19.99 for the Flash pages, $29.99 for the What If? pages etc...)

[MDG]

On a good day those Fantastic Four pages from the What If? might cross $100, as Marvel bronze age stuff usually attracts quite a bit of attention.

That being said, eBay is a funny thing as you never really know who will be interested in what - I've had Gene Colan and John Buscema pages barely crack $100 where a Larry Lieber page went for more than $300.
Unless something is by a top-tier--or hot--artist, prices for bronze age and later pages seem much more dependent on characters than creators. I'm shocked--SHOCKED--at what some pretty mediocre Marvel 70s pages go for.

MDG

[dr00t]

Thanks to everyone for your input thus far.

[DoubleWide]

Forgive me if I'm being a stick in the mud, but have you checked to see if these pages were stolen? Every once in a while, there is a report of an artist or another person from the comics industry has told of having their work taken. I would suggest you ask Marvel & DC if it was stolen. It might save you some grief later on. If not, feel free to sell it.

[dr00t]

Well, personally.. I am 23 years old.. which would rule me out. Haha

However, I can assure everyone here, these are not stolen. They are personal property of a rather famous photographer. I am sure he had some connection to the men who gave him these items. There are also things associated with these drawings that would lead me to believe that they were gifts to him.

[Rob Allen]

If you want to find people who are really into original comic art, the best places I know are:

- the comicart-l group at Yahoo: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/comicart-l
- the Comic Art Fans site - www.comicartfans.com