The magic part of the title referred to the short-lived Magic Comic – just 80 issues - which ceased publication in 1941 due to paper rationing during the Second World War.
Following the end of the war, Magic Comic was not reinstated and the name of the annual eventually reverted to the original title of The Beano Book in 1950. But many of the characters from the Magic Comic were adopted by the Beano.
This copy of the annual is from 1943 and features Big Eggo, Koko, Peter Piper, The Tickler Twins and Sooty Snowball.
It was auctioned at Comic Book Auctions on May 11 and smashed its £2000-2500 estimate to be hammered down at £5600.
"Highest grade copy"
The catalogue said the copy appears unread and described it as the “highest grade copy ever offered at auction”.
The back cover features war propaganda with Tootsy McTurk's 'V' for Victory sign in morse code.
The result was higher than expected but does not rival the prices achieved for some rare Beano and Dandy copies.
In 2015 a Beano No1 sold for a record £15,175 by Comic Book Auctions and a 1937 Dandy No1 sold at £18,500 in 2004. The collecting market for good condition comic books, particularly those retaining free gifts and inserts, remains very strong.
