11 groundbreaking comics that sold for more than $70,000

161diggsdigg

67Share

This month, an original Todd McFarlane cover from Amazing Spider-Man 313 sold on eBay for $71,200. Apparently Todd wasn't aware of how much his creation was actually worth, because early on in the auction he tweeted, "sold a Spidey cover I did years ago for about $700. It's now on EBAY for over $55,000! Guess I should have asked $800."

And that's chump change compared to some other recent high-profile (and high-dollar) comic sales, including the staggering $1.5 million paid for Action Comics No. 1 in March. If you're wondering just how much comics are worth these days, here's a list of 10 that have gone for $70,000 or more (often MUCH more):

---

Amazing Spider-Man 313

Sale Price: $71,200 Description:Todd McFarlane was paid just $700 for this cover, which is now worth more than 100 times that.

---

More Fun Comics # 52

Sale Price: $207,000 Description: More Fun Comics was the first comic-book series to feature solely original material rather than reprints of newspaper comic strips, and it would later go on to become DC Comics. Issue No. 52 is special because it features the first story for the Spectre.

---

Captain America Comics # 1

Sale Price: $260,000 Description: Yup, you guessed it. This comic, published in 1941, represents the first appearance of Captain America in all of his epicness. That right hook to Hitler's face pretty much sums up what people were looking for in their comics during the time of World War II.

---

Amazing Fantasy # 15

Sale Price: $280,000 Description: "Spider-Man debuted on the cover in August 1960, with the comic book series scheduled for cancellation, but sales proved to be one of Marvel's highest at the time and The Amazing Spider-Man was quickly launched," the Telegraph reported.

---

Batman # 1

Sale Price: $280,000 Description: Not only is this the first issue of DC Comics' Batman, but it also contains the first appearance of both the Joker and Catwoman.

---

Marvel Comics # 1

Sale Price: $350,000 Description:Before Timely Comics became Marvel Comics, they published Marvel Comics (confusing, right?). This first issue included the appearance of Carl Burgos' android superhero the Human Torch, and the first generally available appearance of Bill Everett's anti-hero Namor the Sub-Mariner.

---

Detective Comics # 1

Sale Price: $405,000 Description:This was the inaugural issue of the Detective Comics series, which began in 1937 and went on to feature both Superman and Batman. It was written in the style of the "hard-boiled detective" genre, most notably featuring Slam Bradley.

---

All-American Comics #16

Sale Price: $430,000 Description: This comic introduced the Green Lantern, and with the feature film only months away, you can expect that the owner of this book is a happy camper.

---

Flash Comics # 1

Sale Price: $450,000 Description: "This is the finest known copy of the 1940 DC Comics first appearance of the Flash and Hawkman," said Ed Jaster, vice president of Heritage Auctions. It also saw the introductions of Shiera Sanders, the Whip and Johnny Thunder.

---

Detective Comics No. 27

Sale Price: $1,075,500 Description: This 1939 comic has the first-ever appearance of Batman, and that large price tag makes it the second most expensive comic book out there.

---

Action Comics No. 1

Sale Price: $1,500,000 Description: Widely considered one of the most sought-after comic books in existence, probably because it contains the very first appearance of a little-known character called Superman. And (so far) it's the most expensive comic-book sale on record.

Nerdy Real Life Superheroes to Keep City Safe from Bullies, Jocks

They walk among us—average citizens who don capes and masks at night to battle evil-doers. They call themselves Real Life Superheroes, and they are, of course, deeply nerdy.

A visit to the World Superhero Registry - the apparent home of this movement on the web - reveals images of adult men and women in full-on superhero garb with invented monikers like "Death's Head Moth", "Master Legend" and "Dark Guardian". Their mission? To rid the city of crime and help those in need. Honorable goals, but they seem to be most successful at taking themselves waayyy too seriously and confusing the hell out of the criminals they encounter.

Dark Guardian, for example - whose only superpower seems to be his heavy Staten Island accent - records an encounter where he attempts to chase a hulking drug dealer out of Washington Square Park. When it is revealed that Dark Guardian isn't actually a cop nor does he possess any sort of legal authority to tell the guy to move, things get kinddaaaa awkward. It's like he's just come to the stunned realization that he can't shoot laser beams out of his eyes, and the drug dealer, towering over Dark Guardian, feels too bad for him to even bother roughing him up.

Dark Guardian Chases Drug Dealers Out of Washington Square Park

Then there's Shadow Hare, a 21-year-old whose intimidating Venom-style getup is belied by some B-roll footage of our hero flouncing down a fire escape. Such is the problem for real life superheroes: life is just a little too real sometimes to pull off wearing tights.

The Shadowhare

"Citizen Prime" spent $4,000 on his custom body armor suit - and spends most of the time wearing it doing common household chores like watering the lawn and vacuuming. He lives in a pretty quiet neighborhood, which reveals itself to be another obstacle for our real life superheroes.

Citizen Prime

But life isn't always so cushy for our real life superheroes. "Master Legend" demonstrates his Iron Fist, for use when drastic measures need to be taken (against defenseless load-bearing walls):

Local news anchors, of course, love these sort of stories because they get to do the reports in that bemused, sing-songy tone that lets us know that this is a story about "colorful local oddballs" who shouldn't be "taken too seriously":

It's sad and hilarious and kind of touching. I suppose they're heroes, in a way. They're not exactly rescuing people from burning buildings... but they are wearing capes. And that's gotta count for something, right?

'Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark' Musical To Opin In December

Posted 8/10/10 5:46 pm ET by Blair Marnell in Marvel, News

After a long and troubled development, "Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark" may finally be ready for Broadway.

According to Yahoo News, the producers of "Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark" have announced that preview performances will begin on November 14, with an official opening night on December 21.

Although Evan Rachel Wood and Alan Cumming stepped aside from their respective roles as Mary Jane Watson and Green Goblin/Norman Osborn, Jennifer Damiano and Patrick Page have been confirmed as their replacements. Reeve Carney will also remain as Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man).

"Turn Off The Dark" is an ambitious collaboration between "Lion King" director Julie Taymor and U2 members Bono and the Edge that is rumored to have cost nearly $50 million to stage.

The first major sign of problems began nearly a year ago, when production was suspended due to the producers' lack of funds. The show was delayed again in October, leading to the much publicized departures of Wood and Cumming.

A third delay earlier this year included refunds amid reports that Disney (Marvel's new owner) had stepped in to help fund the production.

Back in June, Marvel extended the "Spider-Man" license in order to give the producers more time to get the show off of the ground. [http://splashpage.mtv.com/2010/06/17/marvel-extends-spider-man-turn-off-the-dark-license-casts-new-green-goblin/] Shortly before that, Carney told MTV News that he had finally been fitted for his Spider-Man costume.

The most recent reports came last month when choreography for "Turn Off The Dark" was officially started.

"Wow, man, I can't wait for the world to see this thing. ... It's finally happening!!" wrote Carney at the time. "I honestly can't believe I'm getting paid to do things my mom would have killed me for when I was a kid! Ha!"

9 Underrated Spider-Man Stories

One of the bigger news items out of the 2010 Comic-Con was Marvel’s announcement that the three year Spider-Man mega-arc, Brand New Day, will finally come to a close this October. Brand New Day significantly shifted the status quo in Spider-Man’s universe, erasing Peter Parker’s marriage and resurrecting Harry Osborn, amongst other things. But for as much controversy as it was initially met with, its new freedoms and rotating crew of writers and artists have brought along many high quality Spider-Man stories, and the end result has been a Spider-Man renaissance. With an eye toward whats next for the web slinger, I went through my collection and came up with nine great, mostly unsung, Spider-Man stories that I feel represent the characters range and history. Some of these have been reprinted, but some may require some searching for. They are all worth it.

1. Spider-Man: Threat or Menace (Amazing Spider-Man Annual #15)

Writer Dennis O’Neil’s run on Spider-man in the early 80’s is generally not as well regarded as his other works, but this 1981 story was a diamond in the rough. Featuring terrific early artwork by Frank Miller, this annual is also a turning point in the characterization of The Punisher, who begins the transition from one note guest villain to a star character of his own right.

2. Assassin Nation Plot (Amazing Spider-Man #320-325)

It seems unlikely to name any comic featuring art by Todd McFarlane as “underrated”, but this one qualifies. The story of government espionage by David Micheline successfully takes Spidey out of his element but keeps his unique humor intact. The original trade paperback is out of print, but much of the story can be found in Spider-Man Visionaries: Todd McFarlane, vol. 3. Be warned, however, that collection is missing a chapter with art by Eric Larson. It’s worth tracking down.

3. Sin-Eater Returns (Spectacular Spider-Man #134-136)

Peter David’s “The Death of Jean DeWolf” storyline is regarded as a classic, but this sequel is often ignored. It’s a great tale of how Spider-Man can let his guilt overwhelm him, and features sharp art by Marvel Comics legend Sal Buscema.

4. Amazing Fantasy (Amazing Fantasy #16-18)

In 1995, fresh of his success with Marvels, writer Kurt Busiek scripted this interesting take on the early days of Spider-Man. Filling the gap between Spider-Man’s origin and the start of his ongoing series, Amazing Fantasy looks at how Peter Parker evolved past his Uncle Ben’s death into a full fledged hero.

5. Maybe Next Year (Peter Parker: Spider-Man Vol. 2, #33)

Paul Jenkins’ Spider-Man stories from 2000-2005 we’re uniformly excellent, and this done-in-one story with art by Mark Buckingham is the best example. Peter reflects on a childhood trip to a New York Met’s game with his Uncle Ben, and the ways he learned to be a fighter long before he had super powers.

6. No One Gets Outta Here Alive! (Spider-Man #17)

While trying to rescue a young girl and her mother, Spider-Man is killed, and has to fight his way past death, literally. Faced with Thanos, the Marvel personification of the grim reaper, Spidey has to punch, scrap and argue his way back to the land of the living. Along the way, he makes the case for why his life is valid, and his work is unfinished. Writer Ann Nocenti is best known for her stellar run on Daredevil in the late ’80’s, but her take on the webslinger is not to be missed.

7. To Have and To Hold (Sensational Spider-Man Annual #1)

While fugitives on the run, the Peter and Mary Jane find their marriage tested beyond belief. Along the way writer Matt Fraction gives readers a new look at the genesis of their unlikely relationship, and why perhaps a science nerd and a model have more reason to be best friends then you might think. Published on the eve of the controversial “One More Day” storyline, this annual gives as solid an argument as I’ve read for why Peter and MJ make perfect sense with one another.

8. The Child Within (Spectacular Spider-Man #178-184)

J.M. DeMatteis’ most famous Spider-Man story is “Kraven’s Last Hunt,” but this 1991 arc is a great example of his killer work on the Spider-titles throughout the early 90’s. Harry Osborn seemed to have moved on from his evil father’s Green Goblin legacy, but a series of events turn him back down a horrible path, and into direct conflict with Spider-Man. Spidey desperately fights a losing battle for his friends redemption, and the end result is heartbreaking.

9. High Tide (Spider-Man Versus Wolverine #1)

There were a number of classic Spider-Man stories published in 1987, and this gem tends to get lost in the shuffle. While in Berlin, Peter Parker finds himself at odds with the X-Man Wolverine, and learns just how far you have to go sometimes in order to save lives, regardless of your beliefs. This one-shot also features several key Spider-Man moments that caused waves in the Spider-books, including the death of long time supporting character Ned Leeds and a major transition in Peter’s relationship with MJ. The script is by Jim Owsley with excellent art by Mark Bright.

Take a Break and Watch This: 'Thor' Comic-Con Trailer Leaked

Kryptonite Handbook

Joss Whedon's latest project just hit Hulu

courtesy of SciFi Wire

The popular graphic novel Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday just launched on Hulu as a motion comic created by legendary comics artist Neal Adams. And what the heck's a motion comic? It's a video based on the artwork from the comic books, using all the original words and drawings, and Marvel is hoping the new form will change the way we read comics.

"At this point in the history of motion comics, Gifted is the very best motion comic book out there," Adams said in an interview on the Hulu blog. "There will be some in the future that will be as good if not better, but right now it's the best one."

Adams also had this to say about about Whedon:

"I guess there may be a better script writer out there, but is there someone more used to the form of both comic books and film? I don't think there is."

Check it out for yourself below.

Kevin Smith takes Care of Heckler at Comic-Con 2008 (Take a Break and Watch This)

It would be funny if they had presenters at BabelCon that were as funny (and famous) as Kevin Smith. This is what a real convention is all about.


EMBED-Kevin Smith Owns Jerk At Comic Con - Watch more free videos

'Heroes' is getting desperate for Viewers

courtesy of examiner.com

Hayden Panettiere going gay on 'Heroes'

Several overseas media outlets are reporting that Hayden Panettiere's character Claire Bennett (the Cheerleader) on NBC's Heroes will go gay next season.

A source told the UK's Daily Star that Claire will share a same-sex kiss with her college roommate. “It’s just girly fun at first. But it might progress into a more serious relationship. It depends on how viewers respond."

The 19 year-old actress dated her Heroes co-star Milo Ventimiglia (Peter) in real life for several months, but the two allegedly had a nasty break-up that made working together on set difficult.

The show could certainly use some help after two lackluster seasons and plummeting ratings. If you want to see a hot lesbian relationship on network TV, make sure to tune in to Heroes and send the producers your messages of support!

Doctor Doom tells Jokes at Comedy Club

I think it's safe to say that Doctor Doom doesn't like the Fantastic Four.

Take a Break and Watch this: the Greatest Fan Film of all Time (Fanmade)

The Greatest Fan Film of All Time
by Bullcrank

Olivia Munn in Iron Man 2

Olivia Munn will have an unspecified appearance in Iron Man 2.

Marvel is bringing back Captain America

Title says it all. Marvel is resurrecting Captain America in a new series title Captain America Reborn set to release on July 1, 2009.

Fantastic Four Reboot and Lone Ranger in the Works

When word like this comes around, you know that there must be a nerd god somewhere. The Fantastic Four movie series, while not a complete failure, sure did leave a bad taste in your mouth a few days after seeing it. I can remember getting so hyped up to go see it and afterwards, just being... well, let down. Hopefully they do it right this time and not use a freakin dark-haired, dark-eyed looking girl again. Everyone knows that Susan Storm has blonde hair and blue eyes. Come on Marvel! Work with me here. (Yea, I know they dyed her hair and used contacts, but for me it just wasn't believable.) Anywayz, It'll be cool if they can successfully reboot the franchise and get some good storylines going. That what a great comic book deserves!

In other news, some moron is planning on making a Lone Ranger movie. Yippee... *rolls eyes*

Take a Break and Watch This: Another Green Lantern Trailer (Fan-made)

This is a second Green Lantern fan-made, movie trailer I came across. First one can be found here. I guess a lot of comic book fans want a Green Lantern movie :p . It was made by Jaron Pitts a video editor from Dallas. He made the (fake) Green Lantern trailer using clips from various movies. It looks really cool. *video below*

"Human Target" Comic coming to TV

via comicbookmovie

Fox has given early series orders to the comicbook drama "Human Target." The network wouldn't officially confirm the pickups, as execs want to hold off until Monday's upfront before making any series announcements. But insiders confirmed the orders Tuesday afternoon of "Human Target" and "Sons of Tucson."

The shows join animated "Family Guy" spinoff "Cleveland" and music-themed drama "Glee" -- which gets an early premiere on the net this month -- as Fox's new fall shows picked up so far.

"Human Target," from Warner Bros. TV, Wonderland and DC Comics, revolves around a man who assumes the identity of people in danger. Jon Steinberg wrote the pilot and will exec produce with Brad Kern, Peter Johnson and McG. Mark Valley, Chi McBride and Jackie Earle Haley star.

X-Men Origins: Deadpool in the Works

courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com By Borys Kit

Fresh off the muscular performance of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" at the boxoffice, Fox has thrown into development a spinoff featuring Deadpool, the wise-cracking mercenary played in the film by Ryan Reynolds.

Reynolds is attached to reprise the character for what for now is simply being called "Deadpool." Lauren Shuler Donner and Marvel Studios would act as producers.

Deadpool is known as "the merc with a mouth," a character that under Reynolds lived up to his billing in "Wolverine" until the end, when the movie deviated from the comic book persona, imbuing him with several superpowers and sewing his mouth shut.

It is understood that Reynolds would regain the ability to mouth off, with the movie going back to the roots of the character known for his slapstick tone and propensity to break the fourth wall. The character also was disfigured in "Wolverine," though it's unclear at this time how much the studio would want to mess with Reynolds' handsome mug.

The project is out to writers.

Fox considered a "Deadpool" spinoff early in "Wolverine's" development process, which is why it cast Reynolds. The actor was brought back in the month before the movie's release to shoot one of two "Easter egg" scenes that appeared after the end credits. The scene showed Deadpool alive, though when last audiences saw him, he appeared to be dead.

UTA-repped Reynolds next stars opposite Sandra Bullock in Disney's romantic comedy "The Proposal."

New Cartoon Iron Man Armored Adventures to be Released

Nicktoons Network, the fastest growing kids' network, introduces Iron Man: Armored Adventures as the newest installation in the network's partnership with Marvel Animation. The new animated half-hour series, which includes an original theme song from musical group Rooney, follows a teenage Tony Stark as he attempts to balance the pressures of being a teen with his responsibilities as Iron Man. The 26-episode adventure begins with two back-to-back episodes Friday, April 24, from 7- 8p.m. (ET), and continues regularly Fridays at 7p.m. (ET) on Nicktoons Network.

Upcoming Marvel Movies

Marvel updated it's list of upcoming movies. Here it is.

IRON MAN 2
May 7, 2010

SPIDER-MAN 4
May 6, 2011

THOR
June 17, 2011

CAPTAIN AMERICA
July 22, 2011

THE AVENGERS
May 4, 2012

Marvels intentions is to hire the actors to multi-picture deals and feature story arcs that will be interwoven and culminate in a multi-character motion picture known as The Avengers. In other words, this has all the ingredients to be fucking awesome. Please don't screw it up Marvel.

Take a Break and Watch This: Watchmen 80's Cartoon (fanmade)

If the 'Watchmen' was made into an 80's cartoon...