Comic Book Collection Sells for £62,625 at Surrey Auction

A remarkable collection of comic books amassed over a lifetime by lecturer Nigel Kitching has sold for a total of £62,625 at an auction in Surrey. The sale took place at Ewbank’s Auctioneers, where the collection was divided into 340 separate lots, showcasing approximately 6,000 comics that date back to the early 1960s. Notably, the collection includes rare first appearance issues of iconic characters such as Iron Man, X-Men, and the Fantastic Four.

The 66-year-old Kitching’s love for comics began at an early age when he received his first comic books from a farm worker on his father’s property in North Yorkshire. This early exposure ignited a lifelong fascination that led him to write comics himself and contribute to the industry for over two decades. He later developed and lectured a Master’s degree in Comics at Teesside University.

After relocating and reassessing his collection, Kitching decided to part with most of it. The auction featured numerous highlights, including an Incredible Hulk magazine, No. 181, which prominently features the first appearance of Wolverine. This particular issue fetched £4,160, making it the most expensive item in the auction.

Reflecting on his early experiences, Kitching emphasized the pivotal moment when he first received Marvel comics at the age of five. “When my father’s friend gave me the Fantastic Four numbers 30 and 31 in the early 1960s, it set my life on a different course,” he remarked. “I would probably be a farmer now if it wasn’t for that. It changed the course of my life and became my career.”

Kitching’s collection is not only extensive but also diverse. It includes significant issues, such as a 1963 copy of Tales of Suspense, featuring the origin story of Iron Man, and X-Men No. 1 from the same year, which marks the debut of the X-Men alongside characters like Professor X and Magneto. Other notable titles in the collection include major works featuring Spider-Man, Daredevil, and even Dracula.

Kitching’s passion for comics has remained strong throughout his life. He recalls searching for rare issues during family holidays, notably in Scarborough, where he discovered comics that were used as ballast on ships arriving from the United States.

Tom Duma, a specialist at Ewbank’s, commented on the significance of the collection, stating, “This isn’t a single trophy-lot consignment, but rather a substantial, broad-based comic collection built by an early, engaged Marvel-era collector.” He added that the collection represents a foundational collector’s run that spans the formative years of modern superheroes.

As the auction concluded, the entirety of Kitching’s collection showcased a rich history of comic book artistry and storytelling that captivated audiences for over six decades. The sale not only highlights the enduring appeal of comic books but also serves as a testament to Kitching’s lifelong dedication to the medium.