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SOLD ON: Wednesday, 04/14/2021 10:00 PM
This auction has ended.
PUBLISHER: Timely
COMMENTS: crm/ow pgs
Jack Kirby cvr/art; origin & 1st app. of Red Raven
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crm/ow pgs
Jack Kirby cvr/art; origin & 1st app. of Red RavenRed Raven is just the fourth title and only the seventeenth comic published by Marvel (then Timely) hitting the newsstand at nearly the dawn of comics. This one-off issue was converted almost instantly with issue #2 to the its new title, Human Torch, engaging the popular star of Marvel Comics #1 in his own adventures. With no advertising for a second issue featured in this debut, it's likely that this was a frantic experiment undertaken while awaiting the results of Marvel #1, and was doomed from the moment Timely realized the extent of popularity of the Torch and Sub-Mariner. The Simon and Kirby studio provided their usual top-flight artistry, but readers simply responded more to the fantasy of the competing title, rather than the pulpier adventure elements of this hero. This singular appearance, thus, is among the rarest of Marvel keys, and is a true ultima thule for Timely collectors.Landing in the middle of the pack on the CGC census, Red Raven #1 is a very rare and sought-after comic amongst Golden Age collectors. Being the only issue in the run makes it a bit of a curiosity as Red Raven would be quickly replaced by Human Torch and would not appear again in a Marvel comic for twenty-six years. Some comic fans seek out the oddities and ultra-rare books, a specialty of those addicted to the Golden Age, which has kept Red Raven’s profile on the radar all these years later. The early Simon/Kirby cover is also a strong draw for this interesting footnote to Timely’s story. Presenting quite spiffily, this mid-grade book has eye appeal above its grade, the colors read really clearly and the binding and edges are sharp and stable.
Overstreet Guide 2020 VG+ (4.5) value = $4,838.