A remarkable comic book collection assembled over a lifetime by late Oklahoma City attorney Eric J. Groves is headed to auction this month.
Groves, who died last July at 82, was widely known for his civic leadership, preservation efforts and support of the arts. Less publicly — though no less passionately — he was a devoted comic book historian and collector.
Now, his trove will be featured in Event Auction 65 hosted by ComicConnect, running Feb. 23 through March 15–19. The collection includes first appearances of iconic characters such as Captain America, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Mickey Mouse and Blue Beetle, along with a deep selection of prized Golden Age titles.
Among the standouts is a 1937 Detective Comics #1 graded 8.5 by Certified Guarantee Company — the highest-graded copy known to exist. Also featured are Action Comics #10 (1939), continuing Superman’s early run, and a restored Captain America #1 (1941), famous for its cover depicting the hero striking Adolf Hitler.
ComicConnect CEO Stephen Fishler called Groves “an important collector and an insightful comics historian,” noting that he collected out of love rather than investment — though the auction could ultimately reach seven figures.
Groves began collecting as a child in Philadelphia, clipping Sunday comic strips before graduating to comic books bought with pocket change. Over decades, through military service and a legal career that brought him to Oklahoma City, he continued building what would become one of the most significant private collections in the hobby.
Even while serving as an attorney, councilman and vice mayor, Groves remained active in the comics community, attending conventions nationwide and tracking down rare Golden Age issues in person.
With each graded book now labeled as part of The Eric Groves Collection, his lifelong passion is set to find a new generation of readers — and collectors.
