May Auction

1st appearance of Bizarro Lois Lane (cover & story) in "The Bride of Bizarro!" Both Bizarros leave Earth to make Bizarro world. Congorilla stars in "The Abominable Snowman!" Supergirl stars in "Supergirl Visits the 21st Century!"

Superman stars in an imaginary story, "The Three Generations of Superman!" (pencils by Curt Swan). Supergirl stars in "Supergirl, Fugitive From Justice!" (art by Jim Mooney?). Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a Cheerios ad. The letters page contains a statement of ownership--average print run 716,000; average paid circulation 513,000. Swan cover pencils.

Cover art by John Byrne. Squatter starring Superman and the Teen Titans, script and pencils by John Byrne, inks by Dick Giordano; David Gunderson uses a machine to control Superman's mind, making him destructive. Action Comics: In the Beginning... article by John Byrne. Postcard insert for contest to win The Man of Steel trade paperback, art by Byrne. 36 pgs. $0.75.

Cover art by John Byrne. And the Graves Give up Their Dead..., script and pencils by John Byrne, inks by Dick Giordano; Superman and The Phantom Strangers team to destroy a creature created by the Serabite Stone. Meanwhile… Superman's Other Creators article by Dick Giordano about Marv Wolfman and Jerry Ordway. 36 pgs. $0.75.

Legends Chapter 19. Orion and Lightray are sent to Apokolips to help a fallen hero in "The Champion!" Part 3 of 3, continued from Superman (1987) #3 and Adventures of Superman (1939) #426. Darkseid, Amazing Grace, Granny Goodness appearances. Written & drawn by John Byrne, embellishes by Dick Giordano. Cover by Byrne.

Cover art by John Byrne. Comics Buyer's Guide 1986 Fan Awards. Cityscape! starring Superman and the Demon, art by John Byrne, inks by Dick Giordano; To stop Morgan Le Fay, Superman teams up with the Demon of 1987 and the Demon of 1162. 36 pgs. $0.75.

Cover art by John Byrne. All Wars Must End Part Two, script and pencils by John Byrne, inks by Dick Giordano; Hawkman and Hawkwoman go to Superman for help in stopping the Thangarian invasion fleet. A Shadow War tie-in, this issue continues from Hawkman #10 and continues in Hawkman #11. 36 pgs. $0.75.

Cover art by John Byrne. Green on Green, script and pencils by John Byrne, inks by Dick Giordano; Arisia finds Superman 400,000 light years from Earth, Superman then teams up with the Green Lantern Coprs. to stop a mighty foe. Gardner Fox memoriam by John Byrne. 36 pgs. $0.75.

Cover art by John Byrne. Better Dying Through Chemistry starring Superman and the Metal Men, script and pencils by John Byrne, inks by Dick Giordano; Clark Kent falls into a vat of chemicals, resulting in the birth of a new chemo. 36 pgs. $0.75.

Cover art by John Byrne. The Suicide Snare starring Superman, Big Barda, and Mr. Miracle, script and pencils by John Byrne, inks by John Byrne and Keith Williams; Sleez uses Big Barda's Mega-Rod to try and force Superman and Big Barda to make an adult film for Grossman Pictures. 36 pgs. $0.75.

Cover art by John Byrne. The Ghost of Superman starring Superman and the Martian Manhunter, script and pencils by John Byrne, inks by Keith Williams; to stop the Silver Banshee, Superman fakes his death. 36 pgs. $0.75.

Cover art by John Byrne. Checkmate starring Superman and Checkmate (1st appearance), script by Paul Kupperberg and John Byrne, inks by Ty Templeton; the Checkmate agency defeats a terrorist. 36 pgs. $0.75.

What do the Metal Men have to do with Luthor's newly created Kryptonoid Man? Superman finds out in "Element 126." Story & figure inks by John Byrne, pencils by Ross Andru, background inks by Keith Williams. Bonus 16-page tale: Superman & Jimmy Olsen in "The Karma Baggers" by Joe Calchi, Britt Wisenbaker & James Scott. Cover by Byrne.

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Stan Kaye. The Bird With Super Powers starring Superboy, script by Alvin Schwartz, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by George Klein; Professor Lang brings back a mynah bird that seems to have super-powers. The Undersea School, art by Ramona Fradon; Aquaman runs a school for fish. The Useless Arrows starring Green Arrow, art by George Papp. Little Pete humor page by Henry Boltinoff. 36 pgs. $0.10.

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Stan Kaye. The Confession of Superboy!, script by Otto Binder, art by John Sikela; Clark Kent reveals his id to the world, just to see what will happen! Lionel and His Lions humor page by Henry Boltinoff. The Show-Off of the Sea starring Aquaman, art by Ramona Fradon. The Doom of the Giant Arrows starring Green Arrow, art by George Papp. 36 pgs. $0.10.

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Stan Kaye. The Origin of the Superman-Batman Team!, script by Jerry Coleman, art by George Papp; The Wayne family moves to Smallville and young Bruce Wayne assumes the identity of the Flying Fox, helping Superboy fight crime. House ad for Superman Annual #1. Champion of the World starring Congorilla, script by Robert Bernstein, art by Howard Sherman; Congo Bill and his gorilla alter ego help a boxer regain his self-confidence in the ring. The Interplanetary Mission! starring Aquaman, script by Robert Bernstein, art by Ramona Fradon. 36 pgs. $0.10.

Last 10-cent cover-priced issue. Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Stan Kaye. 9th appearance of the Legion of Super-Heroes in The Secret of the Seventh Super-Hero!, script by Robert Bernstein, pencils by George Papp, inks by George Papp; A fake Sun Boy comes to Smallville asking Superboy's help in assembling a super-weapon; Meanwhile Tom Tanner, an escapee from reform school, takes over Clark Kent's identity. Ollie humor page by Henry Boltinoff. The Invasion of the Bizarro World--Tales of the Bizarro World, script by Jerry Siegel, art by John Forte; The Bizarros celebrate when their world is invaded by animated Blue Kryptonite statues, until the invaders try to make it round again; Then war breaks out. 36 pgs. $0.10.

1st full length Supergirl story and her 1st solo book. First 15-cent cover price issue. Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Neal Adams. The Supergirl Gang starring Supergirl, Superman, Batgirl, Judy Belson, Jonathan Maxom, and Albert Maxom, script by Cary Bates, pencils by Win Mortimer, inks by Jack Abel; Supergirl becomes the lead character in the series; here she leads an all-girl gang of hoodlums. Series continues from Action #375. 36 pgs. $0.15.

100-page giant. Wraparound cover art by Bob Oksner. The Untold Story of Argo City starring Supergirl, script by Leo Dorfman, art by Jim Mooney. Supergirl's Rival Parents, script by Leo Dorfman, art by Jim Mooney. The Black Canary starring Johnny Thunder, script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Frank Giacoia. Wonder Woman #28 cover reprint by H. G. Peter. Villainy, Incorporated starring Wonder Woman, script by William Moulton Marston, art by Harry G. Peter. Trap of Crimson Flame starring Wonder Woman, script by William Moulton Marston, art by Harry G. Peter. In the Hands of the Merciless! starring Wonder Woman and Cheetah, script by William Moulton Marston, art by Harry G. Peter. Mystery of the Black Cat starring Phantom Lady, art by Frank Borth. The Duel of the Gimmicks starring Merry, the Girl of a Thousand Gimmicks, script by Otto Binder, art by Winslow Mortimer. The Black Magic of Supergirl!, script by Leo Dorfman, art by Jim Mooney. Key To DC's Fighting Super-Females!; Listing of all super females on the cover. 100 pgs. $0.50.

52 pages. Three untitled Bob Hope stories. Miss Beverly Hills of Hollywood back-up story. One-page Tootsie Roll ad, "Captain Tootsie at the Snow Carnival" by Bill Schreiber.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. First appearance of Dr. Octopus in Spider-Man Versus Doctor Octopus, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; When an experiment goes wrong, Otto Octavius gains control of his robotic arms and decides to take over an atomic facility, but Spider-Man stops him. Spider-Man pin-up page by Ditko. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 140. First issue with a letters column (including a letter by mycomicshop.com president Buddy Saunders!). 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. First appearance of Mr. Petty (inventor of the Living Brain) in The Terrible Threat of the Living Brain!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; When two technicians try to steal a computer that is on display at Peter's school, they accidentally turn it into "The Living Brain" that goes wild and must be stopped by Spider-Man. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 5 and #145. Spider-Man Tackles The Torch!, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Steve Ditko; Spider-Man crashes a party at Johnny Storm's girlfriend's place, causing a fight between the Human Torch and Spider-Man that soon escalates to include the rest of the Fantastic Four. Letter to the editor from Buddy Saunders, president of mycomicshop.com, written to Marvel in his callow youth. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby. Turning Point, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; Betty's brother has gotten himself into trouble with gambling debts and Betty is forced to help in Doc Ock's plot to break Blackie Gaxton out of prison to keep her sibling alive; Spider-Man interrupts the escape and Blackie shoots Bennett during the conflict; Gaxton is captured but Doc Ock gets away; Peter tries to comfort Betty over the loss of her brother. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 148. House ads for Avengers #4 and Daredevil #1. Letter to the editor from comics artist Ken Landgraf. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. First appearance of Mysterio in The Menace of... Mysterio!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; Mysterio first frames Spider-Man for a crime wave, then challenges him to a battle on top of the Brooklyn Bridge. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 8 and 151. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. First appearance of the Green Goblin (Norman Osborn) in The Grotesque Adventure of the Green Goblin!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; The Green Goblin hires the Enforcers to help him defeat Spider-Man; To further his plan he convinces B.J. Cosmos to film a movie of Spider-Man fighting Goblin and the Enforcers in the desert; While filming, Goblin and the Enforcers attack Spider-Man and accidentally awaken the Hulk. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 9 and 152. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. Duel with Daredevil, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; When the Circus of Crime comes to town, they advertise that Spider-Man will be appearing in an attempt to fill the big top before they rob it; Spider-Man sees the advertisements and decides he will show up; He is hypnotized along with the rest of the audience, but unfortunately for the Circus of Crime, the Daredevil is in attendance and immune to the Ringmaster's hat. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 11 and 154. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. Second appearance of the Green Goblin in The Return of the Green Goblin!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; Spider-Man attends a fan club meeting organized by Flash Thompson, but the Green Goblin crashes the meeting; Fortunately the Human Torch is in attendance to help Spider-Man; During the battle Spider-Man finds out that Aunt May is in the hospital and he leaves, causing everyone to believe that he is a coward. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 12 and 155. Letter to the editor by comics writer Doug Moench. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. Spidey Strikes Back!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; Sandman and the Enforcers capture the Human Torch; When Spider-Man questions a stool pigeon and learns of this he comes to the aid of the Human Torch. Second appearance of Ned Leeds (future Hobgolin) in this issue (first time his name is revealed). Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 14 and 157. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. Second appearance of the Beetle in Where Flies the Beetle...!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; after getting out of jail, Abner Jenkins dons his Beetle guise and prepares for revenge on the Human Torch; drama between Johnny Storm and Doris Evans and Peter Parker and Betty Brant; Human Torch teams with Spidey against Beetle. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 16 and 159. Spider-Man pin-up by Ditko. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Third appearance of Mary Jane (cameo; first time face is shown). Rhino, Foggy Nelson (from Daredevil), and Dr. Curtis Connors cameos in "The Birth of a Super-Hero." Script by Stan Lee, art and cover by John Romita Sr. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 31 and 182.

Cover pencils by John Romita. First appearance of the Kingpin in Spider-Man No More!, script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita, inks by Mike Esposito [as Mickey Dimeo]; Fearing for his aunt's health and tired of being hounded by Jameson, Peter gives up being Spider-Man and concentrates on being a simple college student; A kid finds the discarded Spidey suit in the trash can and brings it to the Daily Bugle where Jonah proudly puts it on display; Pete's personal life starts looking up but crime increases as the Kingpin gathers the mob under his leadership; Feeling guilty about the crime wave, Peter remembers the lessons taught to him by his uncle's death and decides to become Spider-Man once again. Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon cameos. Reprinted in Marvel Tales #190. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Ka-Zar appearance in "The Coming of Ka-Zar." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr. and Don Heck, inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover.

Cover art by John Romita. The Secret of the Schemer!, script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita (layouts) and John Buscema, inks by Jim Mooney; Peter pulls a double switch to keep Captain Stacy and Gwendy from identifying him as Spider-Man; Spidey tracks down the Schemer but they both fall into the Kingpin's trap; The ensuing battle comes to an abrupt end when the Schemer is revealed to be Richard Fisk, the Kingpin's long lost son. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 66. 36 pgs. $0.15.

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. A Day in the Life of, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane and Tony Mortellaro (backgrounds, signed), inks by Frank Giacoia; Peter gets an assignment to snap some pics of a prison riot and swings in as Spidey to get the inside scoop; Once the situation is resolved, Spider-Man appears on the Tonight Show and gives a speech on the rights of prisoners. Guest appearances by Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 80. 36 pgs. $0.15.

Doctor Strange appears in "Enter: Dr. Strange." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Romita and Tony Mortellaro. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 88.

Doctor Octopus, the Beetle, and the Gibbon have cameos in "Spidey Cops Out." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Romita and Tony Mortellaro. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 91.

Cover art by John Romita. First appearance of Hammerhead in They Call The Doctor...Octopus!, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by John Romita and Jim Starlin, inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro; While Dr. Octopus is on a crime spree, Spider-Man is weakened by an ulcer due to stress and his concern for his missing aunt. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 92. 36 pgs. $0.20.

Cover art by John Romita. The Last Battle!, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by John Romita, inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro; In the midst of the war between Dr. Octopus and Hammerhead, Spider-Man finds himself held at gunpoint by Aunt May. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 94. 36 pgs. $0.20.

In the previous issue, the Green Goblin kills Gwen Stacy, so in this issue, Spider-Man is out for blood! "The Goblin's Last Stand" has a script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Gil Kane, and inks by John Romita Sr. and Tony Mortellaro. The death scene of the Green Goblin (Norman Osborn) is stunning and inspired a similar moment in the 2002 Spider-Man movie. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 99 and 192.

Man-Wolf appears in "Wolf Hunt." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru (his first on the series), inks by John Romita Sr. and Tony Mortellaro. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 102.

Harry Osborn becomes the new Green Goblin in "The Kangaroo Bounces Back." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Jim Mooney. John Romita Sr. cover. Human Torch (of the Fantastic Four) cameo. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 103.

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by John Romita. First appearances of the Punisher and the Jackal in The Punisher Strikes Twice, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt; The Jackal convinces the Punisher that Spider-Man is evil and sends the deadly assassin to kill the web-slinger. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 106 and 209. Ralph Macchio letter to the editor. Next Punisher in ASM #134 (Cameo) and #135. 36 pgs. $0.20.

This is the 25 cent regular edition cover. There is also a scarcer 30 cent variant that had limited distribution. Ned Leeds and Betty Brant get married in "On a Clear Day You Can See...the Mirage!" Doctor Octopus cameo. Script by Len Wein, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 133. The letters page has Marvel Value Stamp series B # 83: Hulk.

This is the 25 cent regular edition cover. There is also a scarcer 30 cent variant that had limited distribution. Doctor Octopus is back in "The Ghost That Haunted Octopus!" Script by Len Wein, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito. Hammerhead cameo. John Romita Sr. cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 134. The letters page has Marvel Value Stamp series B # 94: Conan (by Barry Windsor-Smith).

"Big Apple Battleground!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring the Punisher. Script by Len Wein. Art by Ross Andru (breakdowns) and Jim Mooney (finishes). Cover by Ross Andru and Frank Giacoia. It's a spectacular shootout atop the Statue of Liberty! The inscription at the statue's base calls for the tired, poor, and huddled masses; but tonight lady liberty is instead receiving the homicidal, vengeful, scared, and amazing! In the persons of the Hitman, Punisher, J. Jonah Jameson, and Spider-Man! Three of the men will survive their harrowing encounter. One will not. An outstanding issue! Final appearance of the Hitman. Cameo appearances by Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, Joe Robertson, Dr. Marla Madison, and Dr. Bart Hamilton. (Notes: The Punisher appears next in Captain America 241. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 217.) 32 pages. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 217.

"The Goblin's Always Greener!" Part 4 of 5. Script by Len Wein. Art by Ross Andru (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito. In desperate fashion the web-slinger escapes from the Green Goblin's trap and makes a beeline for New Hope Hospital! Once inside Peter finally signs the consent forms to begin his aunt's surgery! While May's heart operation takes place, Joe Robertson tells Peter about a major disturbance going on at Radio City Music Hall. When the wall-crawler arrives at the Showplace of the Nation, the three-way battle erupts: the Green Goblin vs. Silvermane vs. the Amazing Spider-Man! And the winner will be determined next issue! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Anna Watson, and Harry Osborn. 32 pages.

"Chaos is the Chameleon!" Script by Marv Wolfman. Art by Keith Pollard (layouts) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by Keith Pollard. What a happy day for the Amazing Spider-Man! The district attorney clears the web-slinger of all charges in the deaths of Norman Osborn and Captain George Stacy! And now the wall-crawler holds a press conference in Central Park to bask in the glow of his freedom! But an old adversary disrupts Spidey's joyous occasion! Can the spectacular one see through the Chameleon's brilliant disguise? Cameo appearances by Professor Spencer Smythe, Aunt May, Flash Thompson, and Betty Brant. (Notes: The Chameleon formerly appeared in Daredevil 134 and returns a decade later in Amazing Spider-Man 306 & 307. Keith Pollard begins his run (thru issue 205) as the primary artist on the Amazing Spider-Man title.) 32 pages

"The Wings of the Fearsome Fly!" Script by Marv Wolfman. Art by Keith Pollard (layouts) and Jim Mooney (finishes). Cover by Al Milgrom and Bob McLeod. Peter Parker's life is a train wreck after surviving his recent 24-hour ordeal. In very short order Jonah fires him, Mary Jane dumps him, and Ned Leeds punches him! Oh my, where is a super-villain when Spidey really needs one? Fortunately, there is one flying around town for the web-slinger to vent his frustration upon: the Fearsome Fly! But when the wall-crawler and the Fly collide at Cleopatra's Needle, Spider-Man's day just gets worse. Meanwhile, the original burglar from Amazing Fantasy 15 is back...and still haunting (Aunt) May Parker. Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Betty Brant, and Mysterio (in civilian clothes). (Notes: The Fly appears next in Spider-Woman 30. The plot briefly crosses over with Fantastic Four 207. Other than a cameo appearance in issue 201, Mary Jane Watson exits the Amazing Spider-Man series for the next 4 years.) 32 pages.

"To Salvage My Honor!" First appearance of Calypso. Script by Denny O'Neil. Pencils by Alan Weiss. Inks by Klaus Janson, Bob McLeod, Joe Rubinstein, Bob Wiacek, and Al Milgrom. Cover by Alan Weiss. The specter of Spider-Man still haunts Kraven the Hunter! But Kraven's new accomplice, Calypso, has a plan to change that! While delivering a herd of exotic animals to the city, Calypso releases them to run wild in the streets! And then blames the web-slinger for setting them free! After Kraven subdues the loose animals, he vows to make the wall-crawler pay for this (alleged) indignity! And the next evening at the Museum of Natural History, the Amazing Spider-Man and Kraven the Hunter clash again! The survival of the fittest! Cameo appearance by Spider-Woman. (Note: Kraven and Calypso appear next in Spectacular Spider-Man 65.) 32 pages

"By My Powers Shall I Be Vanquished!" Part 3 of 3. Guest-starring the Sub-Mariner. Script by Denny O'Neil. Art by John Romita Jr. (breakdowns) and Jim Mooney (finishes). Cover by John Romita Jr. and Al Milgrom. In a diabolical twist of fate, the Wizard transfers Spider-Man's spider-sense into the mind of the Sub-Mariner! The web-slinger's sudden loss and Prince Namor's sudden gain make them easy prey for the Frightful Four! After taking a beating, the two heroes go their separate ways to lick their wounds! Hours later they rendezvous at the Baxter Building to reverse the Wizard's experiment! And then it's time for payback! The Spectacular Spider-Man and the Avenging Son vs. the Frightful Four! Imperious Rex! A terrific three-part story! Cameo appearances by the Invisible Girl, Mr. Fantastic, and the Thing. (Notes: This O'Neil-Romita Jr.-Mooney collaboration is the signature Spider-Man & Sub-Mariner team-up of the bronze age. This issue includes a 3/4 page ad (by Frank Miller) for the Doctor Strange 2nd series; however, another artist ended up penciling the title. The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 609,059; average paid circulation: 296,712.) 32 pages.