Original Art Among Top Performers in Hake’s Auction

Hake’s premier Auction #241 saw a total of $2.9 million for its 2,120 lots of Americana and pop culture memorabilia. There were many standout sections in the auction that closed on July 30-31, 2024, including a plethora of original comic book art.

The Moon Knight: First of Khonshu #6 original cover painting by Bill Sienkiewicz conjured a $35,046 total, well over the $20,000 estimate. Featuring Sienkiewicz’s highly stylized imagery, it shows a shadowy Moon Knight standing along a stone wall with a wintery woods background with snow swirling around him. The moody, atmospheric image depicts just Moon Knight’s cape and cowl and the moon symbol visible from their shadowy recesses.

Alex Ross’ Amazing Fantasy #15 cover recreation original art for Hero Illustrated #6 reached $32,450. The piece combines the iconic images from Spider-Man’s debut, created by Jack Kirby, with Ross’ modern style and sensibilities. It quite literally brings together one of the most iconic character introductions of the Silver Age with one of the most popular modern artists.

The Ghost Rider Marvel Comics Presents #99 original cover art by Sam Kieth went for $29,854. Ghost Rider/Danny Ketch appears surrounded by Fear Lord D’Spayre’s minions, the D’Sprytes. One of the cover’s notable aspects is that Kieth did not depict Ghost Rider wearing his trademark leather jacket; instead he opted to show Ghost Rider’s bare, skeletal arms.

Zot! #1 original cover art by series creator Scott McCloud sold for $21,417, just over its $20,000 estimate. The cover features an action-packed image of Zacchary T. Paleozog flying and dodging raygun blasts as he holds his trusty golden pistol. Siblings Jenny Weaver and Butch dodge raygun blasts as Zot’s loyal robotic butler Peabody provides backup cover fire.

Walt Simonson’s Shadow Cabinet #0 original cover hammered for $15,056. The cover was made for the issue that served as the conclusion of the Shadow War crossover event. It also marks the first full appearance of the Shadow Cabinet with Hardware, Xombi, Iron Butterfly, Icon and Rocket, Static, and Blitzen ready for action. Simonson original art rarely comes to market, making this a great opportunity for Simonson and Milestone fans.

John Romita Sr. was responsible for two pieces of original art that surpassed their estimates. His The Amazing Spider-Man daily comic strip art more than doubled its $5,000 estimate when it sold for $12,460. Dated November 8, 1980, the art features three panels with Spider-Man pondering a career in show business. Romita’s specialty art he did of Mary Jane Watson crushed its $2,000 estimate by realizing $10,094. The full figure image of M.J. in a swimsuit was done in colored pencil and is inscribed to “Caroline” in the word balloon.

All of the top results in Part I and Part II can be viewed on Hake’s website.