One of the holy grails of the Silver Age, and predominantly responsible
for the revival of Marvel Comics and superheros, this beauty is ranked
third amongst Silver Age titles by Overstreet. Certainly doesn't hurt
that a major motion picture was released last year with sequels to
follow!
Prices vary widely on this book. It is very uncommon, perhaps one
can say scarce, in high grade and it is not often to see one on the
market. During 2004-2005, several issues sold ranging from
$19,000 to $25,000. An identically graded copy currently on Comiclink
is seeking nearly $26,000 (with an existing bid approaching $24,000). A
9.4 copy sold for over $111,000 four years ago (which seemingly makes
my offered #1 appear relatively inexpensive)!!!
But none of the other books, to my knowledge, offer what this copy
does: presumably signed by the FF creator himself, the master Jack
Kirby!!!
Unfortunately, the signing was not done in the presence of CGC so no
verification exists. Of course, there is no guarantee that the
signature is authentic. However, I am aware of the recent history of
this book and spoken with a prior owner who is a well-known comic book
dealer. It was he who had the book certified by CGC. He told me that he
has seen many authentic copies of Kirby's signature and he was of the
opinion this signature is, in fact, authentic. Moreover, I spoke with
CGC and confirmed that had they believed it was not Kirby's signature,
it would not have been noted on the label (which is not the same, of
course, as confirming authenticity).
This copy was actually given away as the Grand prize in a sweepstakes
run by Activision. Luckily the current owner saved the book during the
flooding caused last year by Hurricane Katrina!
This book is going nowhere but up! The next buyer will not be unhappy with this copy!
NETWORK OF DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: This book was previously certified as
a CGC 7.5 and was resubmitted by a prior owner and graded in its
present form of a CGC 8.0. It was not pressed.
Note: This book is on consignment to EsquireComics.com.
Published in the Fall of 1939 this second issue contains reprints of the daily comic strip and an ad for the NY World's Fair. Only one other copy has been graded higher than this beautiful and scarcely seen book. Ranked 70th of the Top 100 Golden Age Age Books by the Overstreet Price Guide.
Origin retold; ranked 55th out of 100 Top Golden Age Age book by the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.
A copy with lower quality Cream to Off-White pages was sold by Heritage Auctions on August, 9, 2006, for $9,337.50, and then on May 4, 2007, for $8,962.50. Another copy just sold on February 26, 2009, also with Cream to Off-White pages but also with some dried glue on the cover, for $8,365.00. To some collectors, the PQ means everything. Up to you!
THIS COPY IS PRICED AT BELOW GUIDE!
Overstreet 2008 VF 8.0 value $10,628; VF/NM 9.0 value = $18,314
The first issue of one of the premier titles ever to be issued!!
Overstreet ranks this as the 75th top book of the 100 most expensive
Golden Age comics. As of February 14, 2009, there are only four higher certified copies than
this one, and the prices on those will reach into the stratosphere!!!
A beautiful Alex Schomburg cover is featured on this second issue of a very popular title. This is actually #2 of this title. The numbering of the title was corrected by Timely with issue #5.
It is impossible to find these early Actions in high grade so it is no
suprise this is the second highest graded copy. As a bonus it has two
ads for More Fun #52 (first Spectre) which, of course, you can't see
because the book is CGC'd. Sorry!.
This second squarebound issue of the title (formerly World's Best
Comics) is tough to find in high grade, and you won't find any copy
better than this highest graded copy (as of April 22, 2008).
Overstreet 2008 VF 8.0 value = $2,873; VF/NM 9.0 value = $5,087.
