Largest Private Comic Book Collection at Auction this Week

Master Collector Jon Berk Auctioning Amazing Comic Collection

After amassing one of the world’s most impressive collections of vintage comic books and art, Jon Berk is letting it go. On May 15, the highly-respected comic authority will begin auctioning his treasures on ComicConnect.com, the Manhattan based leading online comic marketplace and auction house. The exhibit runs until June 2.

“This is a unique opportunity for collectors and investors,” says Vincent Zurzolo, COO of ComicConnect and its sister dealership, Metropolis Collectibles, as well as Metropolis Gallery.

“Jon is respected in our community not only as one of our most knowledgeable collector/historians, but as a true steward of the medium.”

Berk’s collection includes more than 18,000 comics and 300 pieces of art. The auction will feature rare copies of Action Comics #1 (Superman’s first appearance, 1938), Detective Comics #27 (Batman’s first appearance, 1939) and much more.

It will also feature coveted artworks, including Lou Fine’s iconic cover art for Planet Comics #1 (1940), considered the most significant sci-fi title of the Golden Age of comics.

Berk, a civil trial attorney in Hartford, Connecticut, fell in love with comics as a kid growing up on Long Island. He started collecting seriously while in law school at Boston University. His favorite character: Spider-Man.

Over the years, Berk has made significant contributions to the comic community. He allowed Ernest W. Gerber, publisher of the Photo Journal Guide to Comic Books—a beautifully-illustrated reference book that allows collectors to view rarely-seen comics—to photograph his collection. He also served as president of the American Association of Comicbook Collectors (AACC), a group committed to raising ethical standards within the hobby.

Forbes described Berk as a collector “with the seriousness of an historian and the zeal of a kid,” in a 2005 interview, a description he gleefully embraced.

“To me, comic books are different from coins or paintings,” he says. “They have a story between the covers.”

“I’ve known Jon for over thirty years as a fellow historian, fan, client and friend,” says ComicConnect CEO, Stephen Fishler. “This is one of the greatest, deepest most historically significant collections I’ve had the privilege to work on. It’s humbling.”

One of the highlights of opening night is that Berk will attend. He is happy to talk about his collection, noting that it’s time for the next generation to enjoy it.

When asked to offer advice to younger collectors, he says, “A lot of this stuff comes around just once. You’ve got to be ready to go for it.”

After the opening, the gallery will be open to the public Tuesday–Friday 11:00am – 5:00pm through June 2. To arrange a private viewing, call 212-260-4147 ext. 119 or 1-800-229-6387.