Rare 1943 All-New Comics #4 to Auction November 5

A CGC-graded copy of the historical comic will be sold during an upcoming showcase auction.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Comic Books

Rare 1943 All-New Comics #4 to Auction November 5

Live Poll

Do you believe historical fiction is an effective way to learn about past geopolitical trade conflicts?

Heritage Auctions is listing a copy of All-New Comics #4 for auction on November 5, 2026. This rare issue from 1943 is one of only 16 recorded Universal copies known to exist.

Why it matters

The issue is historically significant for containing stories that serve as allegories for international trade tensions during World War II. The content reflects the geopolitical climate when the United States implemented export restrictions on vital industrial materials.

The specific copy at auction holds a CGC grade of 5.5 with off-white to white pages and a detached centerfold. It is being offered as part of the Golden Age Century Comics Showcase Auction VI.

The players

Heritage Auctions

This organization is a major auction house that specializes in collectibles, including rare comic books and historical documents.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

He was the 32nd President of the United States who oversaw the national response to international trade tensions during the war years.

Sam Glanzman

He was a notable comic book artist known for his work on wartime features, including the story Poison in the Universe.

Bob Powell

He was a prolific comic book writer and artist whose work included stories depicting the aerial conflicts of World War II.

The details

The comic features the story Poison in the Universe, drawn by Sam Glanzman, and Bombs Over Berlin, written by Bob Powell. These narratives mirror the strain of U.S.-Japan relations during the 1940s, a period when Japan relied heavily on U.S. scrap metal imports.

1939: Japan relied on the U.S. for approximately 90% of its scrap metal.
October 16, 1940: President Franklin D. Roosevelt began export restrictions on iron and steel.
1943: All-New Comics #4 was originally published.
November 5, 2026: The comic will be sold at auction.

Culture Shift

This auction highlights a growing interest in Golden Age comics as historical documents that reflect the U.S.-Japan scrap metal trade tensions of World War II. Collectors increasingly value these issues as tangible intersections of pop culture and critical geopolitical events.

For collectors and hobbyists, this auction represents an opportunity to acquire a scarce piece of wartime-era printing. Prospective buyers should be prepared for the specific condition notes, including the detached centerfold, when evaluating their potential bid.

The takeaway

This item demonstrates how comic books from the 1940s served as narrative responses to the global economic realities of their time. Investors should remember that rarity and historical context often drive the long-term value of such Golden Age collectibles.