Bidding has just opened in ComicConnect.com's November-December 2010 Event Auction, and it is to be led by two classic art works from the Golden Age of superhero comics; iconic images capturing early themes from Superman and Batman.

Jerry Robinson created Batman's nemesis the Joker aged just 18 for Detective Comics. At the time, comic book art was not respected at all, and the Indian ink on thick board original works were not considered to have any value.

Yet Robinson carefully kept his own "Double Guns" Joker cover to Detective Comics #69 (Batman had been introduced in issue 27). This became part of his personal collection, as did for Fred Ray's famous "Patriotic Shield" cover to Superman #14. Both date from 1942, and are expected to sell for at least $1m between them.

Many of the art works which were used for classic early covers were simply thrown out by the company. Now, with a certain reluctance, Robinson has consigned both to ComicConnect's auction.

Detective Comics Double Gun issue with the Joker (Click to enlarge)

"The cover to Superman #14 is arguably THE most important piece of surviving original comic art in existence, and the cover to Detective #69 is just 'mind-blowingly' rare and historic," stated Rob Reynolds, Director of Consignments at ComicConnect.com.

"When compared to something like a Jackson Pollock, and thought of in the context of cultural relevance and desirability - one can easily understand why both these pieces are already garnering attention and interest from the fine art world."

In 1942, the first waves of American superheroes were clearly at the height of their considerable powers. No two superheroes stood taller than Superman and Batman. Rarely is one able to gaze upon pieces of art that so perfectly capture a moment in time. A moment in time made up of one part innocence, one part patriotism and one part pure fantasy escapism. Such were the early 1940s.

Jerry Robinson assembled and preserved for seventy years one of the greatest collections of comic art, and this collection has never been offered to the public until now, and the sale is expected to break records.

Superman issue 14 'Patriotic Shield' (Click to enlarge)

World records have been set several times in the past several months for comics and comic book art, highlighting their extraordinary power as an investment. ComicConnect.com has been at the forefront of this.

In February, a copy of Action Comics #1, in exceptional condition, was the first to reach a seven figure value, selling in a private sale for exactly $1m.That was topped just weeks later by a Heritage Auctions sale of a copy of Detective Comics #27, which brought the Caped Crusader to the public for the first time.

We interviewed Heritage's David Tosh at the time. However, ComicConnect.com then sold another copy of Action Comics #1 for $1.5m, and that record stands.

So it's with some confidence that we predict that more records will be falling at this winter's auction, with bidding closing in just over 20 days' time for both items. Watch this space for news of the sale.

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