Iron Man's First Page Fetches Millions at Auction

The original opening page of Iron Man No. 1, created by artist Gene Colan and inked by Johnny Craig, was recently offered at auction. This iconic splash page, marking the debut of Iron Man's solo comic series in May 1968, was presented by David Maisel, the founding chairman of Marvel Studios. This offering highlights the immense collectible value of early comic art.

This artwork represents a crucial moment in Marvel's publishing history, establishing Iron Man's own comic title after his earlier appearances in Tales of Suspense. It signifies a new chapter for a character who would become one of Marvel's most recognizable superheroes.

Maisel views this page as a symbolic link between original comic creators and those who adapted their work for cinema, including himself. He particularly admired Colan's expressive depiction of Iron Man's armor and the cinematic quality of his illustrations, further enhancing the page's appeal.

This sale follows a monumental event in July 2026 when the original opening page of Tales of Suspense No. 39, which introduced Iron Man, sold for $3.875 million, setting a new auction record for comic art. The two pages represent distinct milestones: the character's introduction and the launch of his solo series.

The auction also featured other significant comic art, including Jack Kirby's cover for Fantastic Four No. 56 and Frank Miller's artwork from Daredevil, showcasing a range of influential comic book history.