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A 15% BUYER'S PREMIUM WILL BE ADDED TO THIS ITEM AT CONCLUSION OF THE AUCTION
tan/ow pgs
1st appearance of Captain Marvel, w/ origin; 1st app. of Dr. Sivana, Shazam the Wizard, Ibis the Invincible, Spy Smasher; Whiz Comics #2 (#1 as first issue on newsstands); C.C. Beck cover/art; Comic Book Impact rating of 10 (CBI)


Whiz Comics #2 marked the first appearance of Captain Marvel — and the first issue of Whiz , with the title's official "#1" being an internal publication for copyright use. Despite being denied the impact of an Action #1, Captain Marvel still became a superhero presence to rival Superman. In fact, the beloved icon managed to outsell Superman on the comic stands, with Whiz often moving as many as five million copies per issue.

DC's lawyers weren't happy with any of this, starting with how the cover of Whiz #2 resembled the cover of Action Comics #1. The idea of young Billy Batson becoming Captain Marvel by saying "Shazam!," however, was C.C. Beck and Billy Parker's own immortal spin on the new superhero mythology. DC still gathered an army of lawyers to pummel Fawcett Publications. The resulting lawsuits would eventually drive Fawcett out of business. Whiz Comics #2 remains a top collectible, with Fawcett's family of Marvels still a cornerstone of the comics industry. That includes an acclaimed Shazam! series that began in 2023 as a showcase for Captain Marvel and the Marvel Family.
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This copy of Whiz Comics #2 (#1) earned a 5.5 CGC Universal Grade, the book enjoys fantastic eye appeal, with an exceptionally sharp cover. From February 1940, this first official issue of Whiz Comics is one of the most highly-sought Golden Age keys. This important issue contains the first appearance and origin of Captain Marvel, as well as the premieres of Sivana, Golden Arrow, Dan Dare, Lance O' Casey, Spy Smasher, and Ibis. The iconic C.C. Beck cover is quite exceptional, with sharp reds and yellows, which shine in both the logo and Captain Marvel's uniform. Just over 50 copies of this book are reported on the CGC Census, making it a very rare find, as well as a historic cultural artifact. Captain Marvel’s debut is the kind of book that continually becomes more elusive, valuable, and desirable over time. With the massively successful “Shazam!” movie already released and spin-offs and sequels coming soon, Whiz Comics has never been a hotter commodity.

Overstreet Guide 2022 FN- (5.5) value = $87,500.

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