One of the most prized comics in the Marvel Superhero Universe will be sold at auction in Dallas Thursday.
The 1939 Marvel Comics No. 1 issue is set to sell for as much as $1 million. Dallas-based Heritage Auctions says that would set a record for the most expensive Marvel comic book ever sold at a public auction.
“This is a historic copy of a historic comic book,” said Ed Jaster, Senior Vice President at Heritage Auctions, in a statement. “Without question, this is the granddaddy of all Marvel Comics, without which we would not have the characters and stories we enjoy in today’s comics and feature films.”
The comic, known as the "Big Bang" of the Marvel Superhero Universe, features the first appearances of the Human Torch, Ka-Zar and Angel. Its cover art was designed by influential science fiction illustrator Frank R. Paul.
A mailman originally bought the comic off a newsstand rack in Pennsylvania 80 years ago — he was known for collecting first-issue comics and magazines.
The Marvel Comics No. 1 copy will be offered along with other vintage comic books and pieces of art as a part of a four-day auction.
