Super collection of 1960s Marvel comics to wow bidders at Lichfield auction

Sale date Monday 29th September

A 'FANTASTIC' archive of hundreds of 1960s comics is set to wow collectors at a Lichfield auction.

The impressive line-up of mostly Marvel comics goes under the hammer with Richard Winterton Auctioneers on Monday, September 29, at The Lichfield Auction Centre.

Iconic superheroes featured include Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, The Silver Surfer, X-Men, The Avengers, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Sub-Mariner, Doctor Strange, Daredevil and Thor.

Catalogued across more than 50 lots following an initial valuation enquiry via email, the comics are anticipated to fetch between £4,500 to £7,000.

They were all bought contemporaneously by a Tamworth man who enjoyed them in his youth and have subsequently been carefully stored in a loft for many years.

Particular highlights include The Fantastic Four #48, #49 and #50 featuring the first appearances of the Silver Surfer and Galactus, guided at £400 to £600.

The new 2025 reboot The Fantastic Four: First Steps is based on this story.

Other highlights include:

• The Silver Surfer #1 – the first solo Silver Surfer comic and featuring the character's origin story, estimated at £200-£300
• The Amazing Spider-Man #50 – first appearance of the Kingpin, estimated £200-£250
• The Fantastic Four #52 – first appearance of Black Panther, estimated £150-£200
• X-Men #12 – first appearance of Juggernaut, estimated £100-£150
• X-Men #14 – first appearance of the Sentinels, estimated £80-£100.

The DC comic in the collection is Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134, featuring the first appearance of Darkseid.

"From the moment our specialist saw the list of titles, we knew this collection was going to be remarkable," said a spokesperson for Richard Winterton Auctioneers.

"When the comics were consigned we could see it was an outstanding archive which will doubtless be of great interest to collectors.

“It’s especially interesting to see The Fantastic Four issues #48, #49 and #50 featuring the first appearances of the Silver Surfer and Galactus and the original story on which the new movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps is based.

“A truly fantastic element of a fantastic collection.”

The comics go under the hammer at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, in the Antique & Home Sale on Monday, September 29, starting at 9am.

Viewing in person takes place on Friday, September 26, between 10am and 4pm.

The catalogue goes live a week beforehand and can be viewed via our Auction Calendar.

For more information, to arrange a free valuation of all types of antiques and collectables or to enquire about a home visit for large collections or house clearances, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 251081.

Free valuations of watches, jewellery, toys and collectables are also available at The Tamworth Auction Rooms – email tamworth@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01827 217746.