The Incredible Hulk #1 - long considered one of the most difficult Silver Age Marvel comics to find in high grade - has sold for $125,475.
It sold at Heritage Auctions $4.8m Vintage Comics and Comic Art Auction, November 19-21 in Dallas, Texas.
The Hulk was the Marvel line's second earliest superhero, preceded only by the Fantastic Four, and the edition is dated May 1962. Marvel had yet to put itself on the map at this stage, and the Hulk was no overnight success - cancelled after just six issues.
As a result, many of the earliest Hulk comics did not survive, and those that did only survived in poor condition.
The Hulk isn't the only Marvel superhero to bring large amounts at auction. A near mint, unrestored copy of Human Torch #2 sold for an exceptional $92,612 at Heritage's November 18-20 sale. It has gained nearly $18,000 in value over three years.
 The Incredible Hulk #1 featured a grey Hulk (he was later green) to avoid association with any ethnic groups |
Another big seller was a near-mint copy of Showcase #22 Green Lantern, one of two highest-graded copies of the issue ever to appear, which left the auction block at a stunning $59,750.
The comic is notoriously difficult to find in the high grade, and has tripled its value over three years.
Elsewhere, an important strip dated June 25, 1961, featuring the popular Peanuts comics character Snoopy was scooped up for $53,775.
This edition is especially sought after because it marked Snoopy's evolution into becoming the heart and soul of the comic, later loved by children for decades.
Unsurprisingly for a comics auction, the name Steve Ditko wasn't far from everyone's lips. A piece by the legendarily reclusive artist who designed Spiderman and other characters also sold at Heritage.
Comic Crusader #4 Mr A "Debater's" Splash Page, from 1968, realised an incredible $38,837. Against a pre auction estimate of $5,000, it was a record price for an original fanzine.
Ditko's unique and philosophical creation is considered one of his best, and has influenced scores of comics and fans since, hence its high selling price.
Overall, Heritage's auction showed that the market for comic books is strong - and the six and five-figure sums paid for Hulk #1 and other superhero gems will likely turn heads in the worldwide collectors market.
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