Meet Allen Stewart: Inside the Collection
The Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum holds Superman, Batman, Captain America, Deadpool, Wonder Woman and many more!
Jul. 12, 2020
Many collectors aspire to turn their collection into a museum; Allen Stewart is one step ahead of them. His Hall of Heroes superhero museum houses his collection of 65,000 comic books — all of which he's read — as well as a wide range of memorabilia, movie props and more.
Allen shares with Lisa some of his proudest finds: a wooden Superman action figure from 1939; the 1942 comic that first cover-featured Wonder Woman; the sports car crushed by Iron Man in the Marvel Universe movie; and a shield used onscreen by Chris Evans’ Captain America.
We brought along Peter Przysiezny, president of Comic Book Roadshow, who set a value on the museum's contents. Peter also brought a copy of the rare comic that debuted Batman's nemesis the Riddler, which Allen doesn't have, in the hopes of making a trade with him.
1. Welcome to the Hall of Heroes
Allen established his Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Elkhart, Indiana. Want to visit yourself? Learn more here.
2. Step inside the Hall of Heroes
With approximately 65,000 comics, Allen holds the 4th largest collection in the world.
3. Superman Collection
Allen arranges his displays by the hero. Let's begin with Superman. Remember Crazy Foam?
4. 1939 Superman Doll
This wooden doll was the first-ever superhero toy, released months after the character made his debut. Allen says his is just one of two on display in museums. It's valued at about $3,500.
5. Greatest American Hero Costume
William Katt wore this caped costume in the cult-classic television series. He also signed it. That did not stop Allen from wearing the costume at a party — and ripping a seam in the crotch as he jumped over a bonfire. It is the only costume in the collection that Allen has worn himself. It's worth upwards of $20,000.
6. Screen-used Deadpool Mask
This is an actual mask worn by Ryan Reynolds in the blockbuster 2016 flick Deadpool. The simple red stocking immediately strikes you as far more simplistic than what you saw onscreen. The finished look was a CGI creation.
7. Deadpool Mask Details
The white, velcro-like dots are CGI markers to help digitally overlay the finished "leather" look of Deadpool's mask. This mask is worth about $15,000.
8. Captain America Shield
This awesome prop was carried by Chris Evans in the first Captain America MCU film, Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). It was one of six used in production.
9. Captain America Shield Autographs
The entire cast of Captain America: The First Avenger signed the back of the shield. That drives the value of this up to about $60,000.
10. 1942 Wonder Woman Comic
Sensation Comics No. 1 marked the first time Wonder Woman appeared on the cover of a comic. The interior pages hold some significant history, too. The Invisible Plane made its first appearance here, as did the character Mister Terrific. This particular copy has been restored, a point of debate in the collector community. It's worth approximately $30,000.
11. Wonder Woman Statue
Let's give the latest Wonder Woman her due, too. On top of his 65,000 comics and 10,000 toys and figures, Allen's museum holds about 100 pieces of art and sculpture.
12. 'Iron Man' Shelby Cobra
This totaled treasure was used in a scene in the 2008 film Iron Man, when Tony Stark crashes into the car in his garage while testing his armor. Marvel paid about $50,000 to have the prop made. (There is no engine.) It's worth about $75,000.
13. Marvel Train
We love this vintage toy choo choo with Avengers and enemies.
14. Captain America Comic
Captain America Comics No. 1 from 1941 featured the iconic image of Cap socking Hitler in the jaw.
15. Detective Comics No. 140
Our appraiser brought along this October 1948 issue of Detective Comics, which featured the first appearance of the Riddler! At this grade, it's worth about $5,000. Allen does not own a copy… will he trade for it?
16. Detective Comics No. 69
Our appraiser has his eye on this November 1942 issue of Detective Comics for a trade. The Joker had already been introduced as a character in an earlier issue, but this beautiful cover is a coveted image of the ultimate Batman villain. Depending on its grade, a copy can range from about $4,000 to $30,000.
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