DALLAS, TX.- The legendary series Astérix and Obélix, created by artist Albert Uderzo and writer René Goscinny in 1959 and continued as a solo venture by Uderzo after Goscinny’s 1977 death, is consistently ranked among the five best-selling comics of all time with over 380 million copies sold worldwide, a pillar of global popular culture.
Despite the comic’s long run and massive popularity, though, few of Uderzo’s cover paintings have ever hit the open market, as most remain in institutional collections or the artist’s estate. Now, among the other outstanding lots in the April 18–19 International Comic Art Signature® Auction, Heritage Auctions is offering for the first time an opportunity to purchase an original Uderzo Astérix and Obélix cover painting, from the instantly recognizable Les Lauriers de César.
“As is its tradition, this Signature sale presents the world’s most distinguished selection, bringing together the finest examples of American comic art, Franco-Belgian masterpieces, international works and Manga,” says Olivier Delflas, Heritage’s Director of International Comic Art and Anime. “Yet this edition transcends expectations with an Uderzo color Astérix painting — a landmark debut for Heritage Auctions.”
The work captures the wit, theatricality and graphic authority that define the golden age of Astérix in a masterful composition, the monumental marble profile of Julius Caesar dominating the left side in cool, sculptural tones, while on the right Astérix and Obélix advance with comic stealth against a radiant orange background. The exquisite 12-inch-by-16-inch piece is an exceptional example of Uderzo’s work.
This exceedingly rare cover is accompanied by a remarkable interior page featuring one of the series’ most celebrated comedic moments, as well as group of two early works by the master showcasing his character Belloy, De Ruige Ridder, De Verwenste Baron - Belloy, Le Baron Maudit Story Pages B.147-B.148 and Story Pages B.149-B.151.
“Together, these works represent a singular opportunity for Heritage Auctions’ discerning clientele,” Delflas says.
They are, of course, not the only noteworthy works to cross the block. No International Auction of this caliber would be complete without the unparalleled artistry of Jean Giraud, also known as Moebius. From Silver Surferto The Airtight Garage to the ethereal The Snake Woman and the iconic Blueberry, these offerings immerse collectors in the very essence of his visionary oeuvre.
A milestone in American comic art is offered as well, the first Johnny Comet Sunday comic strip art, dated February 2, 1952. It’s a dynamic showcase of Frank Frazetta’s masterful flair for drama and motion set one dark and stormy night at a sleepy roadside gas station.
The sale continues with an exceptional array of works by Gene Colan, the illustrious Romita family — both Sr. and Jr. — Bill Sienkiewicz and Jack Kirby.
Colan pages on offer include a kinetic splash page from Daredevil No. 68, story pages from DaredevilNo. 20 and No. 60, and a Sub-Mariner No. 43 story page.
The dynamic Bronze Age Captain America No. 140 cover featuring the Gargoyle is among the commanding elder Romita’s lots, while his son asserts himself as a crucial modern era Marvel artists with a dramatic The Amazing Spider-Man No. 503 cover, among others.
Among the Kirby pieces is a quintessential late-Silver Age Silver Surfer page from Fantastic Four No. 76 featuring the cosmic visionary in every panel — and the dramatic revelation of the micro-world tyrant Psycho-Man.
The international section is magnificently elevated by significant works from Boris Vallejo, Manuel Sanjulian, Simone Bianchi, Gabriele Dell’Otto and Milo Manara, alongside a compelling representation of the underground movement — two “amazing specimens,” one might say — with cover art from The Complete Crumb Comics Vol. 10 and a story page from Weirdo No. 7 by the renowned Robert Crumb.
Finally, this International Signature Auction again presents an ever-expanding, premier selection of original Manga art — an area whose global momentum continues to define one of the most dynamic frontiers in the market. This segment is highlighted by a remarkable color page by Jiro Kuwata from Moonlight Mask alongside works by the legendary Osamu Tezuka.
