MastroNet’s Americana auction closed on April 13. The auction was just part
of a much larger three day auction that is scheduled to close on April 15. (See
article in this week’s Scoop). During the online auction, MastroNet
offered collectors almost 500 lots of Americana.

For many, the highlight
was Kull of Atlantis. The complete, 20-page Conan prototype story was created by
Barry Smith at the request of Roy Thomas for Marvel. While Thomas hoped for John
Buscema to pencil the project, Goodman insisted that the untried experiment be
handled by Marvel’s lowest paid artist at that time, rather than by a top-rate
talent like Buscema. The assignment fell to the newest artist to join the staff,
Barry Smith. As the cliché goes, the rest is history. All 20 pages of
original art brought $41,718.

This was not the only comic-related item
being offered. MastroNet offered comics and other comic-related items during the
auction.

A collection of checks written by 34 of our 43 Chief Executives
brought $91,672. This incredible collection starts with George Washington and
ends with Ronald Reagan. The best check in the collection is from Richard Nixon.
The fact that is made out to Evangelist Billy Graham really sets it apart.

For complete details on the auction, visit www.mastronet.com.