Superheroes have been making movie debuts for decades -- long before Kevin Feige and the Marvel Cinematic Universe took a collective hold over all of us. Starting in the 1930s, serial adaptations of popular comic and pulp heroes were commonplace, and while we may not talk about them as much today, these serials played an important role in how superheroes and other comic book characters were merchandised. From November 19 - 20, Heritage is offering a number of early comic book serials posted up for auction.

The Batman - Chapter 1 

Over twenty years prior to Adam West using Batshark Repellent on the big screen, Lewis Wilson donned the cowl to fight the seedy underbelly of Gotham City. These serials are still important to the Batman mythos to this day -- after all, this serial introduced the modern Alfred (played by William Austin), and the iconic Batcave.

This serial also featured Douglas Croft as Robin, and Shirley Patterson as Linda Page, a Gotham socialite who occasionally dated Bruce Wayne. This poster is a real visual treat -- from the solemn Batman holding a frame from the serial to Batman and Robin going after some goons.

This poster is backed on linen and has had some minor touchup work done. Heritage notes that this piece is in Fine/Very Fine condition. Heritage sold a similar poster in 2005 for $4,025.

Spy Smasher - Chapter 1

Based on the Spy Smasher comic from Fawcett (who also gave us Captain Marvel/Shazam), this serial is considered one of the best from the time period. Featuring Kane Richmond as Alan Armstrong/Spy Smasher and Marguerite Chapman as Armstrong's fiance, Eve Corby. The serial was 12 chapters long and was one of the most expensive serials Republic released. The serial would be released again for television in 1966 and was titled Spy Smasher Returns. Due to possible restrictions on television, all 12 chapters were condensed down to 100 minutes total.

This one sheet is noted as having minimal signs of wear and is otherwise in Very Fine Condition. Heritage estimates that this poster could end up between $1,000 - $2,000.

Captain America - Chapter 15 

This poster is a personal favorite, as it shows Captain America (Dick Purcell) and Gail Richards (Lorna Gray) front and center. While this isn't exactly the Cap we know from the comics, this is the first time a Marvel superhero was on the big screen. This was also Republic's last time creating a serial based on a comic book hero.

Captain America was also the most expensive serial Repulic made. Republic would move on to creating serials based on pulp heroes and would give the world The Crimson Ghost in 1946. The Crimson Ghost might be a lesser-known serial, but the character lives on as the mascot for the horror punk band, The Misfits.

Heritage notes this linen one sheet as having minor touchups, but in overall Fine+ condition. Heritage sold a similar poster in November 2021, which sold for $1,750.

Superman - Chapter 6

In 1948 Columbia would release Superman, a 15-chapter serial starring Kirk Alyn as the man of steel. Alyn would, later on, portray Sam Lane -- Loise Lane's father -- in 1978's Superman. Initially, DC comics balked at letting Republic create any Superman serials as they wanted to retain complete creative control.

After failed attempts to get both Universal Studios and Republic on board, Superman went to Columbia. Episode one also has a specific line in it that talks about great powers and responsibilities-- but most of us are familiar with Uncle Ben uttering those words in Spider-Man.

Heritage notes this linen one sheet as having light touchup work, but overall is in Very Fine condition. Heritage did sell a similar one-sheet in April 2022 for $5,760.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.