I just stumbled onto an absolute mind-blowing piece of comic book market history. While doing research in a 1997 Overstreet Price Guide for another project, I hit a massive "aha!" moment that clarifies the provenance of the legendary Tales of Suspense #39 original art currently setting the market on fire.
Right now, the single introductory splash page by Don Heck is cruising past the $1 million mark at Heritage Auctions. But 30 years ago, the entire complete 13-page origin story—entitled "Iron Man is Born"—crossed the block at a 1996 Sotheby's auction for a mere $46,000.
The kicker? The lot came directly from the personal collection of rock legend Graham Nash (of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young fame), who originally packaged the complete story alongside a 1993 cover recreation Jack Kirby.
🎙️ Edgar Church’s Basement Podcast
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/edgar-churchs-basement/id1872746765
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IdlxY2AB8ExWRPwzWCIde?si=dd5837d35faa4dee
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/620e2e28-9264-4485-bfad-bcba7471fabf/edgar-church's-basement
📊 The Edgar Church Data Project
The ultimate resource for tracking the most important pedigree collection in history.
Official Site: http://edgarchurchdata.com
📝 Deep Dives & Analysis
The Main Blog: https://itsalljustcomics.com/
The $100,000 Club: https://itsalljustcomics.com/100000-club/
Timeline of Record Sales: https://itsalljustcomics.com/a-timeline-of-world-record-comic-book-sales/
Silver Age Key & Pedigree Data:https://itsalljustcomics.com/existence-and-grades-of-silver-age-key-books-from-the-major-pedigree-collections/
Most Valuable Comics: https://itsalljustcomics.com/the-most-valuable-comic-books-in-the-world/
🛒 Support & Shop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsalljustcomics/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/itsalljustcomics
eBay: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?&_ssn=rob_react