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Original comic art was once considered trash—publishers simply threw drawings away. But in the past few decades, the works have become incredibly valuable, worth more than the books themselves. Here's a sampling of what has been sold, and what is currently on the market.
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Thor, No. 148, cover
By Jack Kirby (penciller); John Romita Sr. (inker), Vince Colletta (inker)
Price: $45,000
This rare piece is from 1968, soon after printing technology improved and covers were done in an 11-by-17-inch size, Snyder says.
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Justice League of America, No.47, cover
By Mike Sekowsky
Price: $50,000
A lot of early DC Comics art was destroyed, since that was company policy, Snyder says. This cover work is rare and large, and shows the first appearance of DC's Justice Society.
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Thor, No. 216, cover
By Gil Kane (penciller); John Romita Sr. (inker)
Price: $15,000
The strong cover image and great inks by renowned Marvel artist John Romita Sr. help explain the high price of this work, Snyder says.
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Astro City, No. 8, cover
By Alex Ross
Price: $6,000
A "great example" of comic art by a very popular modern artist, Snyder says. Depicting flawed heroes, the Astro City series was especially loved by adult comic fans.
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Escape from Venus, undated
By Frank Frazetta
Price: $251,000
This oil painting by legendary artist Frank Frazetta sold at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con International, setting a world-record price for the master of fantasy art.
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King Kong, undated
By Frank Frazetta
Price: $200,000
Another old painting by Frazetta was snapped up by a collector at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con International.
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Our Fighting Forces, No. 20, 1957
Jerry Grandeneti (penciller); Jack Adler (inker)
Price: $10,000
Another great example of DC's famed 1950s-era "war comics" with a very rare gray-tone, ink-wash cover. It was recently purchased by a collector at the San Diego Comic-Con International.
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