On Sept. 12, 2025, during Heritage Auctions’ auction number 7446 in Dallas, the original painting by U.S. illustrator Frank Frazetta (New York, 1928 - Fort Myers, 2010) created for the cover of the Conan novel published by Lancer/Ace Books in 1967 sold for $13.5 million. The work, known as the Man Ape, represents one of the best-known images of the famous barbarian created by Robert E. Howard, and is one of the largest paintings among those created by Frazetta. The high figure makes this panel the most expensive comic ever sold at auction, doubling the previous record that belonged to Frazetta himself (6 million for the 1976 painting Dark Kingdom sold in 2023, also by Heritage Auctions, for $6 million).
Man Ape ’s composition stands out for its visual dynamics and bold palette, elements that place Frazetta at the pinnacle of his artistic production. The artist’s ability to generate movement within the image, guiding the eye to the focal point and creating an instantly recognizable visual narrative, has made this depiction of Conan an enduring icon in the pop culture landscape. The central creature’s red cloak, an immediate visual symbol, gives the image a memorability that lingers after multiple viewings.
“This painting by Frank Frazetta is one of the most recognizable and iconic images of Conan the Ape,” argues historian Mark Finn. "This scene is from the story Rogues in the House in which Conan battles the ape-man Thak."
Man Ape was completed in 1966 and published as a cover for the Lancer/Ace reprints of the Conan novels in 1967, contributing greatly to the commercial success of the series. Frazetta’s paintings for Conan, beginning with this production, redefinedfantasy illustration for an entire generation, becoming a benchmark for subsequent reinterpretations of the character. The commercial impact of the series, aided by the immediate recognition of the covers, subsequently paved the way for Marvel Comics to produce comic books and make films dedicated to Conan, underscoring the cultural influence of Frazetta’s work.
The work, kept by the artist’s family until it was auctioned, shows minimal signs of handling and slight surface wear consistent with age. Small retouches are visible only under black light, but overall the painting is in excellent condition.
Frank Frazetta showed extraordinary artistic talent from an early age and began working in the world of comics at only 16 out of economic necessity. A series of striking covers for Buck Rogers on Famous Funnies and several notable jobs for EC Comics brought him to the attention of cartoonist Al Capp, who soon hired him as an assistant for Li’l Abner’s Sunday strips, a position he held from 1952 to 1961.
By the time Frazetta left his job with Capp, the comics market was declining and freelance opportunities had all but disappeared. This forced the artist to turn to the broader illustration market, later proving to be a decisive opportunity. After producing a series of acclaimed movie posters and paperback covers, his career peaked with the famous covers of Robert E. Howard’s Conan novels. Success continued with a series of outstanding covers for Warren Publishing publications, including Creepy, Eerie and Vampirella. Today Frank Frazetta is universally considered the master of modern fantasy art.
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| Comic books, Frank Frazetta's masterpiece sold for $13.5 million: it's the most expensive ever |
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