Jon Berk Collection Highlights

Make no mistake about it. This is one of the most interesting collections out there and seeing it go as a single-seller auction is a real treat. I understand why some collections are parceled out over months or years, but I'm personally happy to see this one collected into a single auction and catalog.

For this preview, I've had to put a limit on myself or else I'd just end up listing the entire catalog as "highlights", so here are 10 lots that I think are especially noteworthy.

All New Comics # 8 Cover Art

I just added this comic to my various want-lists (Got one? Sell it to me?) I don't know that it's significant as a Suspense 3 prototype (maybe?), but… this is a cool cover whatever its historical significance. I'm not enough of an original art expert to opine on the population of existing Schomburg covers, but I can't imagine there are many out there (any?) that could compare to the overall quality (and bonkers nature) of this one.

Mary Marvel Comics # 5 Cover Art

What an incredible image this is. The printed cover is a delirious blast of color, but even in black and white it just sings.

Planet Comics #1 Cover Art

I would seriously like to see this piece go through some conservation. Cleaned up, it would be even more dramatic. 

Don't get me wrong, this is a great cover as-is. I love the fact that the cover to the #1 issue of the Fiction House flagship (it's my Fiction House flagship title at least) even exists. As a piece of art that straddles the pulp and newsstand comic era it's just a classic.

Action Comics 1938 # 7 Court Copy

Let's see… one of the hottest Golden Age books over the past few years and it's the Court Copy? I love this book. This #7 is going to be one of the toughest books in the auction to win. It's already over $100,000 and there are 17 days to go at this writing.

Amazing Man Comics #22 CGC 7.0

Green Nazi gorillas!

That's a pretty good selling point and it's also a crazy tough book. It's a classic cover and there are seven (7!) in the census. Have fun bidding!

The Comics Magazine #1 CGC 9.0

This is an advanced comic. So… of course Jon owned it.

For starters, it's rare. This is one of those books I've never seen in person. Secondly, if it's rare in any grade it's impossible in high grade. A 9.0 of this book is just silly. Thirdly, and most importantly, this is a historically significant book with a somewhat mysterious backstory- having a connection to the publisher National (what would become DC) through staff and featuring variations on National characters.

Fantastic Comics #1 CGC 9.8 Edgar Church copy

I love the #3, of course, but this book is just nuts. In case you were wondering what the big deal is with Church copies is, take a look at this book.

Fantastic Comics #3 CGC 9.4 Edgar Church copy

I know there's a Detective #27 and an Action #1 in this auction that might sell for more than this Fantastic #3, but this is still the the book in the auction. I'm really not sure what it will sell for. This is an incredibly popular book and this copy can't be beat, so all bets are off on this one.

Mystery Men Comics #1 Edgar Church CGC 9.0

I love this cover.

This is, interestingly, not the best copy even though it is the Church copy. There's an Allentown 9.2. Allentown copies do that from time to time. 

Punch Comics # 12 CGC 6.5

Another classic cover. 

Skulls are cool.