Following the death of Christine Farrell in April, the legendary comic book collection she owned is set to be auctioned online through Heritage Auctions. Farrell, who passed away at 73 after a prolonged illness, was the proprietor of Earth Prime Comics and Quarterstaff Games in Burlington, Vermont. A celebrated lifelong collector, she was particularly passionate about DC Comics, owning what is believed to be the complete DC run, dating back to its inception in 1938. Her collection includes first appearances of iconic heroes like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, but she remained private about her treasures, seldom engaging with the media.

The online auction begins on October 7, with live bidding scheduled for October 22 to 25. Jordon Lewis van Dyke, manager at Farrell’s shops, stated that the upcoming sale could significantly impact the comic collection market, labeling it a “market-changing sale.” The total worth of the collection will only be determined after Heritage Auctions grades each issue ahead of the sale. While some items will be auctioned, many will be gifted to friends and collectors, ensuring they find good homes, consistent with Farrell’s wishes.

Van Dyke continues to operate both Earth Prime and Quarterstaff, although the future of the stores will depend on the resolution of legal proceedings related to Farrell’s estate. He is hopeful that they will continue, honoring Farrell’s legacy in the comic community. Portions of the collection can be viewed at comics.ha.com, with the full setup debuting on October 7. Farrell’s impact on the comics community in Vermont and beyond remains significant due to her substantial contributions.