Hake’s opens Lawrence Klein comic collection auction Sept. 28

Hake’s will auction Part 1 of the Lawrence Klein collection online from Sept. 28 to Oct. 21, featuring rare comic books, original comic art and MoCCA memorabilia. Top lots include early Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spider-Man material, with several items estimated at $100,000 or more.

Why it matters: - The sale brings to market one of the more notable private collections of vintage comic books and original comic art. - High-grade key issues and original pages from major creators can draw serious demand from collectors, especially when paired with provenance and signatures. - A special group of MoCCA and early convention souvenirs will also support charities tied to comics, art and humane causes.

What happened: - Hake’s is offering Part 1 of the Lawrence Klein collection in an online-only timed auction. - Bidding opens Monday, Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. ET and lots begin closing Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 9:40 p.m. ET. - The 233-lot sale is already live in fully illustrated catalog form on Hake’s website. - The auction includes comic books, original comic art and signed convention memorabilia from Klein’s collection. - A free printed catalog and additional information are available by phone, email or through the fully illustrated catalog online.

The details: - The auction opens with Lot 1, a Gobbledygook #1 (Mirage Studios, 1984) graded CGC 9.4 and featuring the first appearance of Fugitoid. - Kevin Eastman authenticated the issue and signed the interior cover, and the back cover includes an ad for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 that predates the Turtles’ comic debut. - Lot 3 is a first-printing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 graded CGC/JSA 9.8 NM/MINT, with the origin and first appearance of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Splinter and Shredder. - Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird signed authenticated autographs on the interior front cover, and the copy is described as the highest-graded first printing known in the sale copy’s category. - Lot 18 is original pen-and-ink page art by Eastman and Laird for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5, Page 10, showing all four Turtles and the Fugitoid introducing himself as Professor Honeycutt. - The TMNT #5 page has been in a private collection for 40 years and is being offered at auction for the first time. - Lot 161 is Todd McFarlane’s pen-and-ink art for Amazing Spider-Man #302, with Spider-Man web-swinging past On-Line Research and toward a construction site; estimate: $50,000+. - Lot 162 is Todd McFarlane’s pencil art for Amazing Spider-Man #304, inked by Joe Rubinstein, showing a close-up of a hand holding Webs; estimate: $75,000+. - Both McFarlane works were obtained in person at a San Diego Comic-Con and include multi-signed reading copies signed by McFarlane, Rubinstein, Rick Parker and Jim Salicrup. - Lot 70 is Neal Adams’ original cover art for World's Finest #209, showing Superman and Hawkman under the Tempter’s control; estimate: $50,000+. - Lot 77 is Michael Allred’s Batman Black And White #4 page from the “Tea-Minus Party” storyline; estimate: $5,000+. - Lot 81 is Jim Aparo’s original title splash art for Batman And The Outsiders #5, signed by Mike W. Barr and Aparo; estimate: $15,000+. - Lot 88 is Pat Broderick and Bob Smith’s cover art for Detective Comics #551, featuring Batman, Robin and the Calendar Man; estimate: $20,000+. - Lot 114 is Mike Grell and Alex Saviuk’s cover art for Green Lantern Vol. 2 #102, signed by Grell with a “Bestest!” inscription; estimate: $20,000+. - Lot 115 is Tom Grindberg’s cover art for Silver Surfer Vol. 3 #102, accompanied by a multi-signed reading copy; estimate: $10,000+. - Lot 120 is Ed Hannigan and Klaus Janson’s cover art for World's Finest #293, plus an EGS 9.0 signed copy of the comic; estimate: $10,000+.

Between the lines: - Klein’s collection reflects both collecting depth and creator access, with many pieces acquired directly from artists or at conventions. - The strongest lots combine multiple value drivers: first appearances, high grades, original art, signatures and recognizable characters. - The MoCCA-related section also shows Klein’s role as a connector in the comics community, not just a buyer and seller. - The charities named for proceeds include the Center for Cartoon Studies, the HERO Initiative, the Berkshire Humane Society and the Berkshire Art Association.

What's next: - Collectors can register, bid and review the catalog now through Hake’s website. - The market will get an early read on demand for premium TMNT, Spider-Man and Batman material when bidding opens Sept. 28. - Hake’s plans to close the sale over multiple lots on Oct. 21 starting at 9:40 p.m. ET.

The bottom line: - Hake’s is pairing a major private collection with marquee comic key issues and original art, setting up a strong test of collector appetite for top-tier comic nostalgia and investment-grade pieces.