Royal Mail celebrates UK’s comics with superhero special stamps
Special stamp issues have frequently celebrated the bestof British.
From high literature to artistic achievements, Royal Maildesigns have been used to celebrate the cultural influence of the UK’s authors,illustrators and painters on the rest of the world. Now, it is the turn ofcomics with theannouncement that a series of superhero special stampswill be available in March 2019.
Britishcontribution
Britain has had a long association with the production ofcomics loved by children (and adults) across the globe.
It was in the 1930s that Dundee-based publisher DC Thomsoncreated The Beano and The Dandy. The former title is Britain’s longest-runningchildren’s magazine and is expected to reach 4,000 editions in 2019.
Meanwhile, following the success of the Marvel comics inthe US (previously known as Timely Comics), Marvel UK was established in 1972 -with the aim of repurposing stories from characters such as Hulk, Thor andSpider-Man for a British audience.
And in 1976, Captain Britain Weekly was launched. Withits tales of adventure and daring, the Marvel superhero devised solely for UKreaders, may have been short-lived but is still remembered fondly to this day.
Superherospecial stamps
Royal Mail’s superhero special stamp edition has been designedby AlanDavis, who has been working as a Marvel illustrator since1981.
The 15-stamp set features much-loved and timelesscharacters including Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Panther and Peggy Carter – notto mention Captain Britain himself.
The Spider-Man stamp sees Peter Parker take on hisenemies and save the day, thanks to his radioactive-fuelled arachnid powers.
Bruce Banner’s alter-ego takes centre stage on a stampshowcasing the superhuman strength of the Hulk, while T’Challa (aka BlackPanther) is the all-powerful ruler of the fictional kingdom of Wakanda.
Acollector’s item
The special stamp set, which will be released on 14 March2019, is certainly a treat for philatelists and comic book fans alike.
Not only will collectors be able to purchase the15-strong series in full, but a further 5 stamps are available in an additionalminiature sheet. Also designed by Davis, this sheet depicts a specially-createdstory – ‘Avengers UK’ – which sees Captain Britain take on the evil villain,Thanos.
Addingto your stamp collection
At Tony Lester Auctions we handle sales andpurchases formany budding stamp collectors, enthusiasts or dealers. You can talk to us aboutadvice during one of our auctions throughout 2019.
Tony Lester’s nextstamp auction will be held on 14 April. For more information, simply getin touch online or give usa call on 01926 270107.
