It was the gamble that saved Marvel Comics.

Roy Thomas, Marvel’s editor-in-chief, convinced publisher Martin Goodman to license the comic book rights to Robert E. Howard’s Conan.

At a time when the comics industry was in a slump due to paper shortages, distribution issues, and a plummeting readership, the instant and unexpected success of the fantasy title helped shore up the flagging publisher, helping to usher in not only a second Marvel Age, but a renaissance of art and storytelling for the comics industry in general.

The groundbreaking style of Barry Windsor-Smith, whose influential art nouveau meets psychedelic style, changed the look of comics. Thomas’ expert, tight plotting and dramatically heightened prose captivated readers, while the eventual entrance of John Buscema onto the title gave Conan its signature look and the artist his signature title for years to come.

ComicConnect is offering the second highest Conan CGC Registry set. Included in the run (average grade is 9.76) includes Conan #1 CGC 9.8, Conan Annual #1 CGC 9.8, Conan #3 CGC 9.8, Conan #21 CGC 9.8 and hundreds more.

“We are honored to offer this incredible collection of Conan, almost every issue in this run is one of the highest-graded copies available, and every one a shining example of the pinnacle of comic artistry,” said Rob Reynolds, Director of Consignments. “We don’t expect to see the likes of this incredible collecting achievement again. We are delighted to offer this historic run in such splendid condition, and are sure collectors will salivate at the chance to once again make comics auction history.”

The auction is now available online. It began May 12, 2014 at noon.