AboutBrian G. Philbin Expertise I`ve collected comics for 40 years and I'm able to answer most questions regarding comics, creators, fandom and the industry from the Golden Age through the Silver & Bronze Ages up through today`s comics, with an emphasis on super and action heroes. I have knowledge of the Western, Funny Animals, Romance and other genres, but to a lesser degree. My expertise lies in DC Comics/National Periodical Publications, although my general knowledge extends well into Marvel, Tower, Archie, Charlton & many of the "Independent" companies that began in the late 70`s & 80`s.
Experience I have been a comics reader/fan for over 35 years now and have followed industry trends from distribution to creation to fandom to retail and back again. I have had several letters published in Comic Buyers Guide and have several websites dedicated to comics at:
If there's a question I don't know the answer to, I usually know who to ask and have been providing online information to a wealth of inquirers for over 10 years now. I'll do my utmost to answer your question, no matter whether it is simple or in-depth.
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:
