Xtra Special Collectables at Auction
Xtra Special Collectables at Auction
By Elizabeth Talbot
It is 60 years since the International Rescue Team, Thunderbirds, first journeyed to planet Mars. December 2026 marks the Golden Anniversary of the cinematic debut of “Thunderbirds Are Go”. Whilst this film (and its sequel “Thunderbird 6”) failed to achieve the level of success expected in the late 1960’s, the launch of the spacecraft Zero-X in 1966 did cause a huge stir. Designed by Derek Meddings, Zero-X was a fictitious, Earth-made spacecraft in distinctive metallic blue and of colossal size, comprising many detachable sections and elements.
Its introduction in “Thunderbirds Are Go” was accompanied by the release of a radio-controlled toy made by J. Rosenthal (Toys) Ltd. It was marketed as “Five Toys in One” and was made up of several detachable elements, inspired by the filmed original, and the remote control unit doubled as a walkie-talkie.
The action models proved popular then and they remain sought-after collectables now. This meant that when a rare original Thunderbirds boxed Zero-X was consigned for the next Toy Sale at TW Gaze, specialist cataloguer and valuer Aidan Morgan-Sparkes was suitably x-cited. Billed as 'The Space Vehicle of Tomorrow' for Century 21 Productions in 1967, it includes a plug-in remote control, M.E.V (Martian Exploration Vehicle), and detachable heat shield. Aidan has estimated it at £250.00 - £300.00.
Hopefully interest will soar for this and the many and diverse toys, games, models and childhood favourites, including Steiff teddy bears, dolls, trains and vintage vehicles which fill the auction on 13th October.
However, it is another category of classic mid-20th Century culture which Aidan has chosen to highlight alongside the Zero-X: comics. His sale contains a fine selection of 1960’s and 1970’s titles including Batman; Ironman; Nick Fury, Agent of (Marvel’s espionage organisation) S.H.I.E.L.D; Fantastic Four (“Hulk vs Thing”, 112); and The Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love, No. 1, “The Secret of the Missing Bride”, to be sold in separate lots. Amongst them is X-Men, “The Hulk Lashes Out” edition, 66, estimated at £70 - 90.
Written by Roy Thomas with illustrations by Sal Buscema and Sam Grainger, this single-issue comic book was published in March 1970. With Professor X in a comatose state, it involves the valiant efforts of the other X-Men (Cyclops, Jean Gray, Angel and Beast) in a chaotic adventure featuring the Hulk: a gripping narrative that showcases the superheroes’ adventures. It is considered both a good read and a piece of comic-book tradition. The X-Men team first appeared in print in September 1963 but were cancelled in 1970 due to low sales. However, following its 1975 revival it became one of Marvel Comic’s most recognisable and successful franchises and its popularity continues. The striking cover from this comic, like so many other contemporary examples of impactful cover art, has subsequently been adapted into wall canvases, home décor designs, metal signs and vintage poster reproductions. Whilst of its era its style does not date. Meanwhile the market for collectable comics continues to be robust, with new generations joining in the chase all the time.
Pre-auction estimates for the collection of comics range from £30.00 - £300.00 per lot and Aidan is anticipating some competitive interest, with bidders battling for ownership on the day.
Click here for the fully illustrated October catalogue, viewing information and bidding instructions. Contact Aidan at a.morgan-sparkes@twgaze.co.uk if you wish to consign to the pre-Christmas Toy Sale.
