Philadelphia’s Fat Jack’s Comicrypt is one of the most venerable East Coast comic shops, with nearly 45 years of continuous business. And to stay in business, they are adapting with the times, launching their first Facebook Live auction later today, from 7-9 p.m. EST.
FB Live auctions have become a staple of post-COVID comic shop life and have been surprisingly profitable outlets for sales.
Fat Jack’s is joining the fray with some choice collectibles, including a copy of Action Comics #8, which was literally used as evidence in historic litigation; the complete art to Black Panther #2 (2005) by Reggie Hudlin, John Romita JR and Klaus Janson; and more items from Mark Brooks, Dan Jurgens, Frank Miller, Alex Ross original art, Gail Simone, Mark Waid, Joe Quesada, Adam Kubert, Benjamin Percy, Brian Michael Bendis and limited edition covers by Peach Momoko, CGC Graded Books of key issues and so much more.
You can read all the details below, and check out the livestream at 7 pm EDT tonight.
In light of the current state of the world due to Covid-19 and the inability of some patrons to make it in to the stores, Fat Jack’s is excited to launch this promotional effort to adapt, innovate, and connect with customers. Offerings will include collectible historic “back issues” of comic book titles, new and backstock paperback and hardcover collections, one-of-a-kind original art, signed limited editions, sketches, statues, and more. Rare items consigned by collectors will be showcased in the show as well.
Fat Jack’s is celebrating nearly 45 years of continuous business, as one of the world’s oldest comic book specialty stores and Philadelphia’s first fully dedicated to the hobby. Mike Ferrero grew up reading and collecting comic books, even buying doubles to keep pristine copies and for trading purposes. On June 26, 1976 his first retail location opened at 20 th and Walnut Streets. Through the years, Fat Jack’s has expanded, relocated, and even acted as a sub-distributor to other retailers, with a height of five locations in the area. Today their two storefronts are in Rittenhouse Square and Oaklyn, New Jersey. The store has been frequented by many professionals in the industry through the years, including Matt Wagner ( Grendel, Batman), Bill Willingham ( Fables), Michael Avon Oeming ( Powers), and others.
Of particular note in the initial livestream sale is the complete original art for Black Panther (2005) #2 with art by artist John Romita Jr, inker Klaus Janson and written by Reggie Hudlin. This key historical story features the very first appearance of Shuri, the Black Panther’s younger sister who became a worldwide fan-favorite in the 2018 blockbuster film, one of the most popular heroines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as played brilliantly by Letitia Wright. With speculation that her character may take on a larger role or even the title of Black Panther down the road, her earliest stories have been heating up in value. The entire complete story for the preceding first issue will also be available, with the pair sold as a single lot. This opportunity will not present itself again as the consignor has stated that he is only offering it on this show, and then not again for the foreseeable future should it not sell.
Also on offer is the actual copy of Action Comics #8 used as evidence in the drawn-out 1940s legal battle between DC Comics and Fawcett Publications over allegations that Captain Marvel (Shazam) was an infringement on Superman. The comic is stamped by the court and is CGC Graded. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a genuine piece of comic book history, and Fat Jack’s is thankful to JHV Associates for consigning this item. JHV has also consigned a CGC Graded Tales to Astonish #13 featuring the very first appearance of Groot and issues of the original Amazing Spider-Man series from #23 to #100! Additional Golden Age & Silver Age comics will be up for sale.
There will also be a nice run of X-Men including issues from the classic Byrne and Claremont years!
And for the more modern fans and collectors of limited editions, we will be showcasing items by Mark Brooks, Dan Jurgens, Frank Miller, Alex Ross original art, Gail Simone, Mark Waid, Joe Quesada, Adam Kubert, Benjamin Percy, Brian Michael Bendis and limited edition covers by Peach Momoko, CGC Graded Books of key issues and so much more.
Fans and collectors are invited to check out the presentation event, as they may just find the items needed to fill out their want list, or a perfect grail piece. Sold items will be shipped or available for pickup from retail locations. If there are items that you’re looking for that we don’t have in the show, just drop us a line and ask, and we’ll see if we can get it for you. And we look forward to your feedback to our show.Fat Jack’s Comicrypt is Philadelphia’s oldest and best comic specialty store, and has locations in Center City Philadelphia at 2006 Sansom Street & 521 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn NJ 08107 (856) 858-3877. For more information, visit www.comicrypt.com.
