From Golden Age Heroes to Cosmic Showdowns: Four Comic Highlights to Watch

Comic collectors have plenty to explore this fall as Hake’s Auctions presents its October 2026 Comics and Art Online Exclusive Auction on Bidsquare. The timed sale runs from September 15, 2026 through October 7, 2026, bringing together 377 lots spanning vintage comic books, key character appearances, horror classics, and original comic art. Highlight 2

Whether your interests lean toward Golden Age superheroes, Bronze Age milestones, or the hand-drawn artwork behind the finished page, there is plenty to discover. Here are four highlights that show just how varied this auction is.

Green Lantern Vol. 2 #87: A Landmark First Appearance (Lot 263)
For collectors of DC Comics, Green Lantern Vol. 2 #87 is an issue with an especially significant place in the series. Published in December 1971–January 1972, it marks the first appearance of John Stewart and also includes the second appearance of Guy Gardner in a cameo. This particular copy is graded an impressive CGC 9.8 NM/Mint, with off-white to white pages. 

The issue features stories by Denny O’Neil and Elliot S. Maggin, with a Neal Adams cover and art, along with additional art by Dick Giordano. Hake’s describes it as a key Bronze Age Green Lantern comic, and its combination of character history, recognizable creators, and exceptional grade makes it an immediate standout within the sale. The lot carries an estimate of $5,000 - $8,000.

Human Torch #7: A Golden Age Standout (Lot 266)
Moving back three decades, Human Torch #7 from Spring 1942 offers a very different glimpse into comic-book history. The issue is graded CGC 5.5 Fine- and carries an estimate of $2,000 - $5,000.

There is plenty packed inside. The issue includes a Sub-Mariner backup story as well as a two-page text story by Mickey Spillane. Carl Burgos contributed story and art, Allen Simon provided art, and the cover is by Alex Schomburg. 

For collectors drawn to early superhero comics, the appeal is easy to understand. Rather than hinging on a single element, this lot brings together period artwork, multiple recognizable creators, and two characters closely associated with the earliest years represented in the Marvel Comics category.

War Against Crime #11: The Beginning of E.C. Horror (Lot 358)
War Against Crime #11, dated February–March 1950, captures an important transition in E.C. Comics history. Graded CGC 7.0 Fine/VF, the issue features what Hake’s identifies as the first E.C. horror cover as well as the second appearance of the Vault Keeper. Even more notably, this was the final issue of War Against Crime before the title became The Vault of Horror. 

Its creative credits add another layer of interest. The issue contains a Johnny Craig story and story and art by Al Feldstein, with additional artwork by Harry Harrison and George Roussos. The copy has off-white pages and carries an estimate of $2,000 - $4,000. 

For collectors interested in the development of horror comics, this is a particularly intriguing snapshot of a title changing direction, both in name and subject matter.

Jim Starlin’s Thanos #6 Original Art: A Cosmic Confrontation (Lot 140)
Not every highlight in the auction comes inside a grading case. One of the sale’s notable original-art offerings is a page from Thanos #6, published by Marvel Comics in January 2004.

Measuring 11.25 by 17.25 inches, the Marvel artboard features original pencils by Jim Starlin with inks by Al Milgrom. The six-panel page is from page 13 of the issue and depicts Thanos facing a defeated Galactus, who floats among debris with his helmet gone and his costume in tatters. Highlight 4

The physical page provides something a finished comic cannot: a direct look at the artists’ work as it appeared on the board. Described as being in excellent condition with light aging and handling wear, the lot is estimated at $1,000 - $2,000.

Four Highlights, Four Different Ways to Collect
Part of the appeal of the October 2026 Comics and Art Online Exclusive Auction is the range represented within a single catalog. A 1942 Human Torch issue sits alongside a high-grade John Stewart debut, an early E.C. horror milestone, and original Marvel artwork created more than half a century later.

Together, these highlights show just how many directions comic collecting can take — from condition and first appearances to cover art, genre history, and original artwork. Hake’s Auctions’ timed sale remains open on Bidsquare.com through October 7, giving collectors time to explore the full catalog and find the pieces that speak to their own corner of comic-book history.