Lot # 15: 1941 Timely Comics Sub-Mariner #1 - CGC 4.0

One of Timely Comics "Big Three" super-heroes emerges from the depths of long seclusion by a loving owner, with this 1941 Sub-Mariner #1 issue. Publisher Martin Goodman recognized the success of DC's Superman and Batman in 1938-1939, and countered with Captain America, the Human Torch, and Namor the Sub-Mariner, who all started showing up between 1939 and 1941. Anti-hero the Sub-Mariner debuted in Timely's first ever comic book, Marvel Comics #1, in October 1939, alongside the Human Torch and the Angel. Captain America was drafted into being in 1941, and Sub-Mariner started his first self-titled comic the same year, with this Timely Comics Spring, 1941 Sub-Mariner #1 issue.

The brainchild of comic creator Bill Everett, Sub-Mariner was first deemed an enemy of the USA, however he soon took up the cause to stop Nazi forces, as evidenced by the fantastic cover of this #1 issue. This captivating cover was delivered by legendary artist Alex Schomburg, who is responsible for many prized 1940s Timely covers. Namor is depicted up-ending a Nazi ship, spilling German troops in the ocean. Also seen on this classic cover, is the detective character Angel, in an inset at bottom-right.

Ranked in the upper half of the Top 100 Golden Age Comic Books, this thrilling Sub-Mariner #1 issue has just returned from CGC grading submission, with a pleasing grade of 4.0, Light Tan to Off-White Pages. To date, CGC has graded just ninety copies of this important key issue comic book in Universal Grade holders, and this middle-of-the-pack example stands as a major find for dedicated Golden Age collectors. Label notes are "Bill Everett and Paul Gustavson story, Bill Everett and Paul Gustavson art, Alex Schomburg cover. Sub-Mariner and the Angel begin.".