The second highest graded copy of Flash Comics No.1 has made $182,000 in the sale of the John Wise collection at ComicConnect.

The lot led an online sale that closed on June 3 and featured some of the most significant key issues from the golden era.

The Wise collection included the second highest graded copy of Flash Comics No. 1

The 9.2-graded lot features the first appearance of Jay Garrick (aka The Flash) who would go on to become one of the most popular characters in the comic book pantheon.

ComicConnect commented prior to the sale on how Wise began to collect comics in adulthood after leaving the hobby behind before college: "Flush with his first real disposable income as an adult, he reconnected with his childhood and reclaimed many of his past treasures. He explored new passions and undiscovered rarities.

"The passion, dedication, and heart of collectors like John have helped keep the art of comics alive; preserving an art form that otherwise may have been destined to oblivion or obscurity."

A 7.0-graded copy of Action Comics No.1 (featuring the first appearance of Superman) also performed well, achieving a solid $172,000 while an 8.0-graded Detective Comics No. 27, the issue that introduced Batman, made $137,000.

The record for any comic book at auction was set at $2.1m for a 9.0 graded copy of Action Comics No.1 in 2011.

You can take a look at our collection of rare books and manuscripts here.

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