Expert: Brian G. Philbin - 8/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: I just found this comic. It's in OK shape, no tears. The interesting thing is that the cover and 1st page are autographed. The signature is quite "artsy" so I can't figure out the name. It is clear, just difficult to decipher. The signatures are also dated 8 Aug 1954. Any idea who the artist/author is for this edition? That could help me figure it out. I assume a signed Golden Age comic is rare, does it seem possible this is genuine? Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi, Brian - thanks for your question!

At the moment, I don't have specific information on this comic, as my usual source for contributor/creator information is www.comics.org, but their server is currently down.

That said, I do know that the cover was by Joe Maneely, but if the signature is inside, it may be one of the contributors, and not the cover artist.

That said, autographs do not usually add any real value to any comic.  It has never been considered an "added value".  In fact, in some cases - dependent upon the nature of the signature and it's impact on the condition of the book, it can be considered a detriment to its overall value.

Astonishing #34 lists in the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (the bible of comics values) in Near Mint condition for $250.00.

The likelihood of this being authentic, however, is a real stumper.  There were no comic conventions or other opportunities for any fan to meet an artist or other contributor, so the date doesn't seem likely to be referencing the actual date of the signing.

Then again, if this were to be authenticated (a process that would take a bit of time, but not a tremendous amount of effort once the contributors are identified), it might be an item that a real collector of Astonishing would pay some big bucks for - possibly multiples of the NM value, even if the condition isn't NM.

Too many variables exist for me to be able to say for sure - however, I can point you to a source for obtaining a likely authentication.  These guys grade comics and also authenticate signatures:

www.cgccomics.com

I'd also recommend you check out the Grand Comics Database (www.comics.org) and seek out "Astonishing" (it will be the 1951 volume) and also look into performing a general grade for yourself with this online visual aid:

http://www.e-bigs.net/freetool.php

Hope that's helpful!

Pax, harmonia,

Brian Philbin
www.metropolisplus.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Brian, Thanks so much for your quick, insightful reply. I've stared and stared at that signature (it's on the cover and 1st page) and still can't make it out. It doesn't look like Joe Maneely though. My finding this thing was quite a lark. I currently live in Malaysia and had driven a friend to a local Sunday market. It's by a big hotel and mainly sold tourist stuff: jewelry, clothes, etc. One stall had a few old Malaysian coins. I've recently started collecting silver US coins so I thought I'd grab a couple of local ones. On the ground next to the table were a few comics. On a whim I grabbed a Son of Tarzan and a couple of others that looked to be intact; one of which was the "Amazing" issue. I paid $6 for the three. I figured I'd show my 10yr old son what we did for entertainment before iPods, computers, and Gameboys. Needless to say, we're going back and buying the rest next Sunday.

I assume (hope) that one of those sites you suggested will let me figure out who did the story artwork as well as who wrote each section. On rechecking the date may be Dec 8 1954. It's 12/8/54. These dates in Asia default day/mo/yr; but it seems we Yanks do it the other way: mo/day/yr. Do you know of any surviving folks who worked at that place during that time frame?

I'm researching this more for curiosity than anything else. We have no need to sell the thing. I told my son that I hope he gives it to his son someday.

Thanks again,
Brian (me, not you)

Answer
Hi, Brian -

I suggest you check out this page:

http://www.comics.org/details.lasso?id=11494

It will have all of the information I could possibly give you on that particular issue/title concerning all the people who worked on the book.

Since not all records were kept, the information is incomplete, but hopefully it will provide you with enough to suss out the signature.

Pax, harmonia,

Brian G. Philbin