ComicConnect’s April 2022 Mega Auction opens on Monday, 03/28/2022 at 1:00 PM. They’ve got TONS of books up for bids – here’s a look at a few that caught our eye.*All lot descriptions courtesy of ComicConnect.
“Neal Adams cvr/art; origin & 1st app. of Man-Bat (6/70)
This white-paged milestone issue features the first appearance of Man-Bat in “Challenge of the Man-Bat!” script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Neal Adams, and inks by Dick Giordano.
This book brings together zoologist Kirk Langstrom and his serum that can endow people with enhanced auditory abilities via a specialized bat gland extract. Kirk Langstrom is pleased with his progress and decides to test his new formula upon himself; he mutates into Man-Bat.
“A Burial for Batgirl!,” script by Denny O’Neil, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Vince Colletta; Barbara Gordon has come to Hudson University to help with an Edgar Allen Poe festival; She discovers a murder and captures Hank Osher, who appears to be the murderer; Batgirl begins to believe that Hank has been framed and investigates further, which leads to her being captured and bricked into a wall.” 
This grade’s three most recent sales are indicative of how inconsistent the sales prices have been. Most recently, we’ve seen $722.49 (1/2/22, eBay), $473 (12/7/21, Hake’s), $695 (8/24,21, eBay).
Further back, most sales seem to hover around the $200 make with a few outliers here and there. There are 963 books registered in the CGC census, with 7.0s landing in the top 61.9%.
GIANT-SIZE X-MEN (1975) #1 CGC G/VG: 3.0
“white pages
Gil Kane cvr, Dave Cockrum cvr & art; 1st app. of the new X-Men (Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, & Thunderbird), 2nd full app. of Wolverine.
In the pantheon of modern superheroes, the X-Men have made an indelible mark. 2000’s “X-Men” was the first, and arguably one of the best, of what was to become a long line of cinematic blockbusters for Marvel. With that film and all of its sequels, the Uncanny X-Men have become household names as Wolverine has cemented himself as one of the most popular heroes of all time. A revamping in 1975 by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum of the book’s original lineup from the mid-60s, Giant-Size X-Men #1 was the very first appearance of many of the characters we now associate with the movie franchise.
Replacing most of the original characters while creating a multi-national team of superheroes, this issue renewed interest in the lagging title that continued through with X-Men #94 shortly after and spawned numerous X-titles all through the 80s, 90s, and the 2000s. To this day, the mutant team and all of their spin-offs continue to be amongst Marvel’s best-selling books.” 
Fiona Staples cvr/art; 1st app. of Marko, Alana, Hazel, Prince Robot IV, Special Agent Gale, Vez, The Will & Lying Cat”
Recently, we’ve seen 9.8s realize $725 (2/28/22, eBay),
The all-time record for this comic came in slightly higher, at $814.82 (2/11/22, also through eBay).
Kane/Cockrum cover; new X-Men begin (Sunfire quits)
The current sales record in this grade was for $2,000 back on May 10, 2021, through eBay.
Dave Cockrum cvr/art; origin & 1st app. of Phoenix
TALES TO ASTONISH (1959-68) #59 CGC F/VF: 7.0
“ow/w pgs
1st app. Hulk in the title; first mention that anger triggers transformation.”
The Hulk battles Giant-Man in “Enter: The Hulk!” Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Dick Ayers, inks by Paul Reinman. Guest appearances by Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America. Spider-Man cameo. This is the Hulk’s first appearance in this title. Back-up feature, “Let’s Learn About Hank and Jan!” Script by Lee, pencils by Ayers, inks by Reinman. Jack Kirby/Sol Brodsky cover. Cover price $0.12.
With issue #60, the title begins a split format, with two stories per issue. The Hulk is featured as the second story and remains as such until the series conclusion with issue #101. 
There are 555 Blue Label 7.0s registered in the CGC census, with the 61 7.0s hitting the top 52.8% of all graded.
This grade has not seen an auction in a bit, but the three most recent sales prices hit $265.00 (8/1/20), $199.95 (2/17/20), and $225 (9/11/19).
Given that it’s been years since we’ve seen a 7.0 at auction, where it will land is anyone’s guess. What’s yours?
MARVEL SPOTLIGHT (1971-77; 1979-81) #2 CGC NM: 9.4
“Ahite pgs
Adams cover; Ploog, Everett art; origin & 1st app. Werewolf by Night (Jack Russell)
Suscha News Collection”
Suscha News: *courtesy of CGC
“The Suscha News pedigree offers a detailed insight into the mind of a collector during the ’60s and ’70s, chronicled by the original owner himself when his collection was sold to Metropolis in 2010. Born in 1949, he grew up in Wisconsin with a casual interest in comics until a friend introduced him to superheroes in 1963. His meticulous nature ultimately led him to strike a deal with his local distributor in the early ’70s, named Suscha News, who allowed him to cherry pick his comics at half price. The deal ended in 1976, and his collecting soon after. The collection’s most famous attribute are multiple copies of late ’60s and ’70s issues in pristine condition; the books are void of any identifying marks.”
There are only 75 9.4s in the CGC census, hitting the top 7% of all graded books. The grade has a current FMV of $4,500, and that’s without taking the book’s Pedigree into account.
Will you be watching the final sales?
What do you think? Will we see some records set in ComicConnect’s April 2022 Mega Auction? Let us know in the comments!
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not reflect investment advice on behalf of GoCollect.
