A unique Golden Age comic book offering, the only known example of the Wonder Woman #1 ashcan, sold for an impressive $57,668, last week in the recently concluded ComicLink Featured Auction.

“An incredible rarity, the Wonder Woman #1 ashcan is dated January 1942, produced the same month and using the same image as Wonder Woman’s first published cover appearance in Sensation Comics #1. This ashcan version was created to secure the copyright for the title Wonder Woman and is the first usage of the term ‘Wonder Woman’ within a title, a series that has run non-stop now for 76 years, during which time the character has become an icon to millions as the most well-known and most popular superheroine from her introduction up through the present day,” ComicLink CEO Josh Nathanson said.

Wonder Woman’s first appearance was in All Star Comics #8 (December 1941/January 1942), so this ashcan was produced very soon after the creation of the character. The published version of Wonder Woman #1 didn’t come out until around six months later, in June of 1942 with a cover date of Summer 1942. This unique example is also in high grade condition, certified at CGC 8.5.

This Wonder Woman #1 ashcan was one of several kept in the personal files of Sol Harrison, DC’s production manager from 1942-1976 and president from 1976 until he retired in 1981. Harrison sold the ashcans in 1985 and the Wonder Woman ashcan has only exchanged hands once since that time, selling for $17,250 in 2002. “This is one of many of the great examples of vintage comic book collectibles showing great growth as investments over time,” Nathanson added.  

The Wonder Woman #1 ashcan result was one of many record results within the ComicLink Featured Auction. The firm is now gathering last minute consignments for the upcoming September Focused Auction, the October Focused Auction, the Fall Featured Auction beginning in November, and other upcoming auctions. Interested sellers can contact ComicLink at buysell@comiclink.com or (617) 517-0062 (option 1) to speak with Josh Nathanson, Douglas Gillock, Jason Crosby, Jon Signorelli, or Ross Kearney. Upfront cash advances are available upon request.