Hake’s Auction #244 was filled with a bevy collectibles from Americana and pop culture categories, totaling $2.5 million in sales. When the auction closed on July 29-30, 2025, it was clear that original art was one of the strong categories, accounting for several of the noteworthy sales.

The Judge Dredd – 2000 AD Prog 197 cover by Brian Bolland from 1981 totaled $51,920. It features the tough law enforcer being blown from his Lawmaster motorcycle as an atomic bomb explodes in the background, destroying multiple Mega-City One buildings. The art has been signed by Bolland in red felt tip pen. This cover was made for the issue that featured the first part of the “Pirates of the Black Atlantic” story.

The Star Wars Weekly #8 cover by Gil Kane that was featured on Marvel UK’s adaptation of the American Star Wars comics brought $32,450. The UK books were typically split into smaller segments and published over a number of issues with the movie adaptation stretching into 12 issues and featuring eight covers exclusive to the UK market. This cover captures the lightsaber battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 witness the fight.

Star Wars #2 page 26 by Howard Chaykin with inks by Steve Leialoha from the second part of the adaptation of A New Hope cleared $26,057. The page contains six panels with Stormtroopers advancing on Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they discuss the Millennium Falcon’s condition. The heroes quickly retreat to the Falcon with Han shooting back and Chewie firing up the deflector shield.

Detective Comics #522 cover by longtime Batman artist Jim Aparo with inks by Anthony Tollin went for $20,190. Batman appears in the foreground being chased by the Snowman around the edge of a snowy cliff. The artboard also has the DC indicia, title stats, and Green Arrow backup story stat, then the back has the DC copyright stamp.

Superman Vol. 2 #65 cover by Dan Jurgens with inks by Brett Breeding flew to $19,470, nearly double the $10,000 estimate. The cover shows Superman charging into battle, flanked by Batman, Captain Marvel/Shazam, Green Lantern, Agent Liberty, Deathstroke, Aquaman, and the Guardian. It was made for the “Panic in the Sky! Second Strike” storyline and will be reused later in 2025 for the cover of Superman: The Triangle Era Omnibus Vol. 2.

Secrets of the Legion of Super-Heroes #3 cover by Dick Giordano hammered for $19,470, almost doubling the $10,000 estimate. It features Superboy, Chameleon Boy, Shadow Lass, Mon-El, Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, Dawnstar, and Wildfire fleeing from a futuristic city as they are pursued. Giordano’s name is inked on the left margin and he signed the art in black ink at the lower right.

All of the top sales from Session 1 and Session 2 can be viewed on Hake’s website.