Spider-man creator's comic book originals go on sale

Original copies of comic books belonging to Spider-Man creator Stan Lee were being sold off at an auction in the States today.

The comic books, which the legendary writer used for reference, include the very first issue of Amazing Spider-Man and the 15th edition of Amazing Fantasy in which 79-year-old Lee first introduced the comic character.

Lee’s personal comic books from the 1960s and some of his original artwork were among a host of material being sold by Heritage Comics Auctions (HCA) at their Wizard World auction in Chicago.

And Lee was due to open the auction of his comics this evening.

The comic genius, who created The Incredible Hulk and X-Men, allowed HCA director John Petty to trawl through his collection at his Los Angeles offices and pick out articles to go up for sale.

Mr Petty explains: ‘‘He had mentioned at one point that he has got this storeroom full of stuff and he let me come out and look through it.

’’He just figured it was time to do this.’’

Mr Petty says it is impossible to estimate how much the comic books, some of which are signed by Lee, will sell for.

But a copy of the Amazing Fantasy issue which first introduced Spider-Man to the world went for around pounds 32,000 at an auction earlier this year.

Mr Petty said: ‘‘It’s impossible to predict what they will sell for but these file copies of Stan Lee’s are totally unique.

’’These are the only ones that Stan actually read and kept for himself. I’m just thrilled we are selling them, Stan is my personal hero and I learned to read through his comic books.’’

Stan Lee said: ‘‘These comics are my personal copies, the ones I’ve read and referred to over the years.

’’They may not be in mint condition but I love each one because they represent the highlights of my career to me and I’ve enjoyed thumbing through them time and again.

’’In fact, they’re the only copies of these key books that I’ve saved and treasured. I’ve been waiting for just the right opportunity to release these colourful old friends of mine to collectors all over the world.’’

Lee said he doesn’t have the ‘‘vaguest idea’’ what he will make from the sale.

The auction includes first editions of Marvel comics Fantastic Four, Avengers and Daredevil and the copies will bear the designation ’Stan Lee File Copy’.

In addition to the comics there is a selection of original art from the Spider-Man newspaper strip.

Prospective bidders who can’t make it to Chicago for the sale can bid online at www.HeritageComics.com.