Bestselling author James Patterson is auctioning a signed galley copy of his new novel, The Shadow for charity. The book will be offered in Heritage Auctions’ Rare Pulps and Collectibles Special Online Auction on May 20, 2021.

Making this opportunity even more exciting, the signed galley that Patterson donated is for the novel that revives the popular crime fighter, The Shadow. It will be released in the summer of 2021.

“Who can forget The Shadow’s historic tagline: ‘Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?’” Patterson said in an official announcement. “Well, The Shadow knows. And soon readers will, too. I’ve long been a fan of The Shadow and am looking forward to bringing his legendary character to life in the modern age.”

Patterson’s rare, signed galley copy is joined by over 580 lots of magazines. Covering 50 years of pulps, the auction focuses on the 1920s and 1930s, which is considered the most popular period for pulp magazines.

One of the key lots is Doc Savage #1 from March 1933. This historic first issue of the pulp series is the nicest of the five copies that Heritage experts have seen.

Another lot that’ll likely be a too seller is the scarce 1931 first edition of The Shadow, which is just the second copy that Heritage has offered. This magazine is widely considered the first hero pulp, with influence that is akin to Action Comics #1 in comics.

Auction highlights also include a group of the British Spring-Heeled Jack penny dreadfuls from 1904 (including the first issue), a 1923 Weird Tales first edition, second state copy, a 1928 Weird Tales featuring “The Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft, and a second, special group of Weird Tales publisher file copies that were given to artist Margaret Brundage when she was creating art for the title.