CGC-graded Donald Duck Comics in Upcoming Heritage Sale

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Published in 1942, Four Color #9 features the first Donald Duck by iconic Disney artist Carl Barks. This 64-page story was adapted by Donald Duck comic strip writer Bob Karp from an unproduced feature. It was the first Donald Duck story originally produced for an American comic book, and also the first involving Donald and his nephews in a treasure-hunting expedition.

Barks is famous for creating a cast of eccentric and colorful characters, such as Scrooge McDuck, the wealthiest duck in the world who makes his debut in Four Color #178, also offered in this auction. Barks also created Gladstone Gander, Gyro Gearloose, the Beagle Boys, Magica De Spell and Flintheart Glomgold — among many others.

Prior to 1960, Barks' identity remained a mystery to his readers. However, many readers recognized Barks' work and drawing style and began to call him the “Good Duck Artist,” a label that stuck even after his true identity was discovered by fans in the late 1950s. He retired from Disney in 1966 and passed away in 2000.

Heritage Auctions previously presented a Dell and Gold Key Comics auction in November 2022, which included a Star Trek #1 graded CGC 9.6 that sold for $46,500.

Other CGC-graded comics in this auction include:

• an Astro Boy #1 File Copy graded CGC 9.6 (lot 82001)
• a Dell Giant #48 (The Flintstones) graded CGC 9.8 (lot 82033)
• a Dick Tracy Monthly #1 with a Promise Collection pedigree graded CGC 9.4 (lot 82035)
• a Four Color #199 (Donald Duck) graded CGC 9.4 (lot 82101)
• a Four Color #203 (Donald Duck) graded CGC 9.6 (lot 82102)
• a Four Color #1015 (Peanuts) with a White Mountain pedigree graded CGC 9.4 (lot 82199)
• a Howdy Doody #1 graded CGC 9.4 (lot 82283)
• a Lobo #1 graded CGC 9.6 (lot 82290)
• a Space Ghost #1 File Copy graded CGC 9.8 (lot 82366)
• a Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories #46 graded CGC 9.4 (lot 82394)