Turning Comics into Change:

Turning Comics into Change: How Nate Blum’s $1.5 Million Spider-Man Auction Is Empowering Farmers Worldwide After 35 years of collecting, Nate Blum is doing something few collectors would dare to imagine — selling his entire, ultra-rare Amazing Spider-Man comic book collection to fund agricultural transformation around the world. The Founder and CEO of the Sorghum United Foundation (SUF), a nonprofit focused on sustainable farming and global food security, is auctioning off his complete Spider-Man archive — including Amazing Fantasy #15 (the superhero’s 1962 debut) and a Stan Lee–signed issue — to raise $1.5 million for smallholder farmers. It’s one of the rarest complete Spider-Man collections ever assembled, a record of nearly seven decades of storytelling and social change. But for Blum, it’s also an opportunity to live by the same creed that defined his childhood hero: “With great power comes great responsibility.” “This collection has been part of my life since I was a kid,” Blum says. “But real power isn’t about what you own — it’s about what you can do for others.” A Global Mission Rooted in the Soil Blum’s organization, the Sorghum United Foundation, is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and recognized United Nations NGO. Its mission: to build a fairer, more resilient global food system by helping farmers transition to sustainable crops like sorghum and millets. These ancient grains are naturally drought-resistant, non-GMO, and nutrient-rich — capable of thriving in conditions where other staples fail. As climate change reshapes global agriculture, they’re emerging as key crops for food security and climate adaptation. Through a growing network of partnerships with universities, NGOs, and policymakers, SUF works directly with over 100,000 farmers across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The foundation provides training, entrepreneurial tools, and access to technology that boost productivity and income. “Our vision is to empower the people who feed the world,” Blum explains. “Only about 2% of the population grows food for everyone else, and yet many farmers struggle to survive. That’s not just unfair — it’s unsustainable.” SUF’s efforts also focus on circular bioeconomies — agricultural systems that reuse byproducts, reduce waste, and create renewable energy and materials from crops. By linking farmers to markets and innovation, the foundation is redefining how food systems can function more equitably and sustainably. The Decision to Let Go For Blum, parting with his comic collection wasn’t a quick decision. It represents decades of memories — a personal archive that began in his youth and grew into a museum-quality collection. Every issue of The Amazing Spider-Man, every annual, every special edition — carefully curated, protected, and preserved. “Spider-Man taught me about resilience and moral responsibility,” Blum reflects. “He wasn’t perfect. He was human. And yet, he always tried to do the right thing — that’s what I’ve tried to live by.” The sale will take place through a dedicated auction, closing on Thanksgiving Day, 2025, in what Blum calls The First Annual Giving of Thanks. The timing is deliberate: a moment to reflect on gratitude and the power of giving back. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to SUF’s projects, making the purchase fully tax-deductible. Blum hopes the story will attract not only collectors and philanthropists, but also companies and individuals who want to make a measurable global impact. A Unique Collector’s Experience The winning bidder will receive more than just an investment-grade comic collection. Blum will personally deliver the archive anywhere in the continental United States — driving it there himself in a rented truck. The delivery will include a private dinner with Blum, giving the buyer an exclusive look into how their contribution will fund agricultural training, education programs, and sustainability initiatives worldwide. It’s a deeply personal gesture that turns the transaction into a shared story — connecting the world of pop culture to the realities of farming and food production. “I wanted this to be meaningful,” Blum says. “Someone will get the chance to own an extraordinary piece of comic history, and together we’ll change lives in the process.” A Timely Moment for Heroes The timing of the sale is fitting. The Amazing Spider-Man comic series is expected to reach its 1,000th issue in 2026, alongside a new Spider-Man film slated for release that summer. Blum hopes to tap into the renewed public enthusiasm for the character — and perhaps even attract the attention of Marvel or Disney. He has publicly challenged both companies to match the funds raised, using their global influence to amplify the cause. For Blum, the story of Spider-Man has always been about human potential — not the supernatural, but the ordinary made extraordinary through choice and compassion. His auction, then, feels like a continuation of that legacy. Beyond the Page As Blum prepares to say goodbye to his collection, he’s clear that this is not the end of something — but the beginning of something greater. The gesture bridges two worlds — one of imagination and one of survival — proving that even childhood passions can become instruments of change. In a time when global agriculture faces unprecedented challenges, Blum’s decision offers a simple but powerful reminder: the real superpower lies in empathy, innovation, and action. Auction Details Auction Ends: Thanksgiving Day, 2025 (The First Annual Giving of Thanks) Minimum Bid: $1.5 million (fully tax-deductible donation) Delivery: Personally delivered by Nate Blum anywhere in the continental U.S. Bonus: Private dinner with Nate Blum to discuss the mission and global impact Media & Auction Inquiries: 📧 nate@sorghumunited.org 🌍 www.sorghumunited.org About the Sorghum United Foundation The Sorghum United Foundation (SUF) is a nonprofit organization and registered United Nations NGO dedicated to empowering farmers and advancing sustainable agriculture. Through research, education, and innovation, SUF supports more than one million farmers globally, advocating for equitable food systems and climate resilience through the use of sorghum and millets.