Comic art auction: A triumph and a thorn in the side of the ninth art

Comics, that often-overlooked “ninth art” in elite auction circles, have finally had their moment! Last Wednesday, the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo (HVMC) made history by organizing the first Comic art auction entirely dedicated to original works and items from the world of comics. It was an event that brought together over 300 lots and attracted a flood of enthusiasts, eager to capture a piece of the magic of the ninth art.

A star-studded lineup and surprising successes

Iconic characters who have marked generations paraded through the gallery: Tintin, Gargamel, Homer Simpson, Bob Morane, Asterix, and even Philippe Geluck’s mischievous Cat. It was Geluck’s Cat that was among the first stars of the evening. His triptych, which reproduces one of his cult jokes specially created for the Principality – “In Monaco, the roads are no longer safe. Billionaires no longer dare to go out in the evening… Millionaires roam there” – sold for an impressive 42,000 euros. Soon after, a bronze statue of the same Cat reached an incredible 130,000 euros!

These figures attest to the growing value of comic art, although the auction was designed to allow participation for almost all budgets. From pieces costing just a few hundred euros to those with much higher prices, everyone could find something for themselves. And while a few lucky attendees in the hall enjoyed direct bidding, the lion’s share of sales took place via telephone calls and online bids.

A shadow of doubt: Uderzo at the center of controversy

However, this historic auction was not without its drama. Despite the celebration of comic iconography, the event was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the authenticity of works by Albert Uderzo, the ingenious mind behind Asterix. This issue cast a shadow on an otherwise brilliant success, serving as a reminder that even in the world of art, the path to recognition can be paved with challenges.