Laughing matter: British comic classics including The Dandy, Eagle and Beano up for auction

The first Eagle appearances of Dan Dare and free gifts still in their envelopes are among the stand-out offerings from Comic Book Auctions.

Whether it is a run of comics bound together or original artwork, lots of options are available for collectors at a variety of price points.

Here are five ideas on what to buy at the Comic Book Auctions times online sale that closes on June 6.

Beano bonanza

A complete year of the Beano from 1948 (issues 326-351) is estimated at £900-1400 (pictured top). Now formed in a bound volume, the comics were issued fortnightly.

They include: No 326, the last Big Eggo cover; No 327, first Biffo The Bear cover by Dudley Watkins; Peter The Penguin begins, and the last Beano artwork by Reg Carter. The Christmas issue has over 20 Beano characters on the cover.

To bid for a complete year of the Beano from 1948 (issues 326-351) view the catalogue entry on thesaleroom.com.

Human cannon ball

This Desperate Dan original artwork by Dudley Watkins was created for 'The Dandy' No 162 (January 4, 1941) – estimate £800-1200 at Comic Book Auctions' time online sale ending on June 6.

This Desperate Dan original artwork by Dudley Watkins was created for The Dandy No 162 (January 4, 1941). Dan wants to ring in the New Year but the bell breaks, he becomes a human cannon ball, holes a U-Boat and rings in the New Year with it. The Indian ink on board image measures 20 x 15in.

Estimate £800-1200.

View the catalogue entry for the Desperate Dan original artwork by Dudley Watkins on thesaleroom.com.

War artwork

Four original artworks for the classic 'First World War' featuring 'Charley’s War' from 'Battle Action' No 266 (1979) are offered with a guide of £800-1200 at Comic Book Auctions' time online sale ending on June 6.

Four original artworks for the classic First World War feature Charley’s War from Battle Action No 266 (1979) are offered with a guide of £800-1200.

It is October 1916: Operation Wotan reaches its climax with the Judgement Troopers occupying ‘Downing Street’ in the third British line. Below, in a deep ex-German dugout known as ‘Ten Downing Street’, Charlie Bourne and his comrades are trapped.

The Indian ink on cartridge paper depictions measure 17 x 15in each.

View the catalogue entry on thesaleroom.com to bid for original artworks for Charley’s War from Battle Action No 266.

Dan Dare debuts

Vol 1 nos 1-52 'Eagle' comics introducing Dan Dare – estimate £250-350 at Comic Book Auctions' time online sale ending on June 6.

Estimated at £250-350 is Vol 1, nos 1-52 complete, of the Eagle comic. Dating from 1950, these feature the first appearance of Col Dan McGregor Dare - Pilot of the Future.

Bid on Vol 1, nos 1-52 complete, of Eagle comic via thesaleroom.com.

Welcome gifts

These copies of Hornet from the 1970s come with gifts as new in their original envelopes. Estimate £150-200 at Comic Book Auctions' time online sale ending on June 6.

Comics often came with free gifts to lure in the readers. Many are now missing but add to value when included. These copies of Hornet from the 1970s come with gifts as new in their original envelopes.

The lot features No 419: Hi-Flyer Boomerang; No 420: Be A Super Boy book; No 475: Hornet Glider and original Flyer; No 476: All-Star Ring and 20 Super Stars photos; and Nos 526 & 528 both with All Star Banners.

Estimate £150-200.

View the catalogue entry for these copies of Hornet from the 1970s that come with free gifts on thesaleroom.com.