Spider-Man’s Black Suit Origin Breaks US Comic Book Record

A single page of original artwork from an acclaimed 1984 comic book starring Spider-Man sold for a record US$3.36 million (about RM14 million) in the United States. United on January 14, making the webslinger the world’s most powerful bidding superhero.

The page features the first appearance of Spidey’s black symbiote suit which would later lead to the creation of the anti-hero Venom in Mike Zeck’s illustrations of Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8.

“This page was the big reveal teased on the cover! This is where Peter Parker actually got his stunning new black suit,” Heritage Auctions said in its description of the artwork for page 25 of the number.

“But…it’s a costume with a secret! Because it very quickly turns out to be alive and has its own agenda. That’s the origin of the Venom character!”

Hand drawn black and white art by artist Mike Zeck for page 25 of issue 8 of ‘Secret Wars’ from 1984. Photo: Heritage Auctions

Bidding for the artwork started at US$330,000 (RM1.4 million).

The previous record for a single page of American comic book interior artwork was a frame showing the first image of Wolverine in a 1974 issue of The Incredible Hulk. The page sold for $657,250 (RM2.7 million).

A copy from 1938 #1 Action Comic, Superman’s first appearance, sold for US$3.18 million (RM13.3 million) on the first day of Heritage Auctions’ recent four-day comedy event in Dallas, Texas, the company said. auction house on Twitter.

The copy has been rated 6.0 by the comics rating authority CGC. According to The Hollywood Reporter. -AFP

Daniel K. Denny