Tintin auction is expected to set records

The finishing touches are being made to a collection of Tintin memorabilia ahead of a sale that is expected to set records.

The auction, entitled 'The World of Tintin's Creator' will feature rare first editions of the Belgian comic book hero's adventures, as well as pictures, toys and postcards.

Also going under the hammer will be an original 1932 cover of 'Tintin in America' by Georges Remi -- better known by his pen-name Herge.

Comic expert Eric Le Roy at Paris auction house, Artcurial, believe it could fetch up to a million euros, making it the highest ever sum paid for a comic.

SOUNDBITE: Eric Le Roy, comics expert, saying (French):

"We had already sold this front page in 2008 in Artcurial for 764,000 euros. Since the last four years, the market has gone up a bit. And high quality things are more and more rare on the market."

Such a large sale of Tintin pieces is a rarity, partly because collectors are not typical art enthusiasts who sell the works, but fans who want to hold on to their purchases.

Le Roy explains why this sale is so special.

SOUNDBITE: Eric Le Roy, comics expert, saying (French):

"It's part of our life and that's where the importance of the work of Herge lies. These are images that have been etched in our memories and the collectors buy back at a golden price what they had previously thrown away or the things that got worn away when they were children. That is the magic of the Tintin collection."

The auction will take place in Paris on June 2nd.

Tara Cleary, Reuters.