August Auction

1st Printing – Chapter 1: Honor - Story and art by Frank Miller. Color by Lynn Varley. A force of men is assembled, so massive it shakes the earth with its march -- an army, vast beyond imagining, poised to devour tiny Greece, to snuff out the world's one hope for reason and justice. Only three hundred brave souls block its dash. But they are more than men . . . they are Spartans. The first full-color project by Frank Miller for Dark Horse, painted by Lynn Varley (Ronin, The Dark Knight Returns). 32 pages, FC.

Cover art by George Evans. C'est La Guerre, art by George Evans; An American flight group roll dice to decide who will go on a suicide mission, and the French Captain cannot understand the Americans. Airman Unknown text story. Iron Man, art by Jack Davis; Fred Allison believes he can't be shot down. Spads Were Trump, script by Carl Wessler, art by Bernie Krigstein; Lt. Muller is the best ace in the group, but he seems to be afraid of the German ace named the Red Eagle. Ordeal, art by Wally Wood; Lieutenant Stoner, an experienced pilot, must do the one thing that scares him. 36 pgs. $0.10.

CGC Hologram Variant cover. Wizard World Texas 2004 exclusive. Keith Champagne & Scott Parker stories. Scott Fry, Nicola Scott, Mitch Byrd, sergio Cariello & Peter Smith art. Additional stories by Stephan Nilson & Drew Edwards. Back cover by Richie Blackmon.

Cover art by Wayne Boring and Stan Kaye. Mother Goose Crimes starring Superman, art by Ira Yarbrough. The King of the Gorillas starring Congo Bill, art by Ed Smalle. Danger is Where You Make It starring Zatara, script by Joe Samachson, art by W. F. White. Sleepyside's Meanest Thief starring Hayfoot Henry, script by Al Schwartz, art by Stan Kaye. The Girl Sheriff of Benton City starring Vigilante, art by George Roussos. 52 pgs. $0.10.

Cover art by Win Mortimer. Haunted Superman, script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Wayne Boring, inks by Stan Kaye. Suicide Safari starring Congo Bill, script by Jack Miller, art by Ed Smalle. The Hotrods of Space starring Tommy Tomorrow, art by Jim Mooney. The Race to Old Forge starring Vigilante, art by Howard Sherman. 44 pgs. $0.10.

Cover art by Al Plastino. The Outlaws from Krypton starring Superman, script by Bill Finger, pencils by Wayne Boring, inks by Stan Kaye. The Bare-Handed Hunter starring Congo Bill, art by Ed Smalle. The Impossible Space Ship starring Tommy Tomorrow, art by Jim Mooney. The Unlucky Horseshoe starring Vigilante, script by Dick Wood, art by Howard Sherman. 44 pgs. $0.10.

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Stan Kaye. The Dragnet For Superboy starring Chief James Wilton, "Flash" Ward, and Pa Kent, script by Otto Binder, art by Al Plastino. The Ordeal of Aquaman starring Topo, art by Ramona Fradon. Varsity Vic humor page by Henry Boltinoff. The Green Arrow's First Case, script by Ed Herron, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Jack Kirby and Roz Kirby (backgrounds); Oliver Queen is marooned on Starfish Island, where he hones his skills as an archer and develops trick arrows. When an expedition sets out to explore the island years later, he fools them with his fake-uranium arrow. 36 pgs. $0.10.

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by Neal Adams. Please Stop My Funeral! starring Supergirl; Superman, Jimmy Olsen, Batman, Robin, Perry White, Lucy Lane, Lois Lane, Comet, Streaky, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, and Isaac Newton, script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Win Mortimer, inks by Murphy Anderson; Thrown into a parrellel Earth, Supergirl witnesses her friends attending her funeral. Supergirl's Day of Danger!, script by E. Nelson Bridwell, art by Kurt Schaffenberger. 36 pgs. $0.15.

Does not contain 3-D glasses. Odell's Adventures in 3-D. Howard Nostrand cover and art. Bob Powell art.

Cover art by Edvard Moritz. She Dared the Unknown, art by Edvard Moritz; In the seventeenth century, Scarlett Dalton finds a weird figurine that is possessed by a spirit who gives her supernatural powers, but she is betrayed by her frightened fiance and burned as a witch. The Spirit of Frankenstein, Part 1, art by Charlie Sultan. The Blonde Witch of the Swamp, art by Edvard Moritz. The Ghostly Crew, art by Jon Blummer. Strange Spirits, pencils by South Sea. The Spectral Singer, art by John Celardo. 52 pgs. $0.10.

"The Damascus Diamond," "The Guns of Smoke Valley," and "The Boy-Treasure Hunter!" Also in this issue: "Highlights From Alan Ladd's Latest Paramount Hit 'Chicago Deadline'" and Untold Tales of Filmland, "A Hollywood Writer." Dan Barry art (and Ruben Moreira?). Photo cover.

Cover art by Owen Fitzgerald. On the Road to Egypt starring Bob Hope story, script by Cal Howard, art by Owen Fitzgerald; Bob gets mistaken for a mummy and is shipped back to Egypt because there's a curse on him. Radio Beams humor page by Harry Lampert. On the Road to Egypt part 2 starring Bob Hope, script by Cal Howard, art by Owen Fitzgerald; Bob gets mistaken for a mummy and is shipped back to Egypt because there's a curse on him. Radio Beams humor page by Harry Lampert. It Happens in Hollywood text article. On the Road to Egypt part 3. Broadway Laffs humor page by Harry Lampert. 52 pgs. $0.10.

Adventures of Pinky Lee, Tiny Tears and Sweet Sue (1955 copyright), is a charming promotional comic published by the American Doll Company. Move over Barbie, these little ladies are all charmers! Six single page comics stories featuring Pinky Lee, Mr. Peepers (back cover), Tiny Tears, Sweet Sue, and Toodles. Five pages featuring full-color photographs of the dolls, including a two-page spread showing Sweet Sue in eleven adorable outfits, and another two-page spread showing Tiny Tears with all the many accessories that came with her Gift Box and Carrying Case. Full color, 12 pages, 7.25-in. x 10.25-in., printed on quality paper stock, 15c cover price. NOTE: Copies often have distributing store's stamp on front cover.

This issue features the 3rd appearance of Airboy. Japanese war cover. Also Iron Ace, Black Angel and Skywolf stories.

Airboy stars in "The Wind of Battle," the Heap stars in "Nature's Prank," Skinny McGinty, and the Iron Age.

Airboy, the Heap (art by Dan Barry), Link Thorne and Flying Fool in "Larceny in Old Lace" (art by Joe Simon/Jack Kirby; 8 pages), the Model Builders (with Airboy), and Johnny Halfbuck (art by Bernard Sachs).

The Justice Society of America are "Shanghaied Into Space" in this science fiction tale. Plot by Gardner Fox and Sheldon Mayer, script by Fox. Art by Jack Burnley plus individual chapters featuring Hawkman (art by Sheldon Moldoff), the Sandman (art by Cliff Young), Dr. Mid-nite (art by Stan Aschmeier), Starman (art by Burnley), the Atom (art by Joe Gallagher), the Spectre (art by Bernard Baily), Johnny Thunder (art by Aschmeier), and Wonder Woman (art by Harry G. Peter). Two-page Hop Harrigan text story, "Turtles and T.N.T." Half-page ad for Wonder Woman # 1. Burnley cover.

Winter 1945. The Justice Society stars in "The Plunder of the Psycho-Pirate." Plot by Gardner Fox and Shaldon Mayer, script by Fox. Art by Joe Gallagher plus individual chapters featuring Hawkman (art by Sheldon Moldoff), Starman (art by Stan Aschmeier), Dr. Mid-nite (art by Aschmeier), Johnny Thunder (art by Aschmeier), the Spectre (art by Gallagher), and the Atom (art by Gallagher). No Wonder Woman. Two-page text story, "Peruvian Problem." Gallagher cover.

Cover pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Dick Giordano. The World on Fire!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Jerry Ordway; As the 3 non-missing JSA members (Hawkman, Atom, Dr. Mid-Nite) join up with Plastic Man, Robotman, Liberty Belle, Johnny Quick, Shining Knight, and Danette Reilly in Washington, D.C., they meet with President FDR, who creates a new group, the All-Star Squadron; Their mission: find the missing JSA'ers and stop the scheduled bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 before it's too late; Meanwhile, the missing JSA'ers have been captured by Per Degaton and made aware of his plans, helpless to stop him. An Open Letter to the Readers of All-Star Squadron #1 by Roy Thomas. 36 pgs. $0.50.

Amazing But True, Facts About Milk & Milk Protection (1956) is a promotional comic produced by the Sealright company and distributed by local dairy companies. The history of milk usage is told in comic book format. Full color, 16 pages, standard comic dimensions, all newsprint.

Origin and 1st Appearance of Spider-Man by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko (11pgs). 1st appearance of Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Jack Kirby/Steve Ditko cover work. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 137. Back-up stories include a mummy story titled "The Bell-Ringer" and an alien story titled "There are Martians Among Us" by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. First appearance of Kraven the Hunter in Kraven the Hunter!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; The Chameleon hires his old friend Kraven the Hunter to hunt down Spider-Man. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 10 and 153. 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. Fourth appearance of the Green Goblin and first appearance of the Crime Master in The Man In The Crime-Master's Mask, script by Steve Ditko (plot) and Stan Lee (script), art by Steve Ditko; Spider-Man battles the Crime-Master and the Green Goblin. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 21 and 164. Letter to the editor from comics writer Steve Gerber. 36 pgs. $0.12.

First appearance of the Molten Man in "The Menace of the Molten Man." Script by Stan Lee, art and cover by Steve Ditko. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 166. This is a very difficult book to find in the higher grades because the black cover easily shows virtually every imprefection, no matter how minor.

First appearance of the Looter in "When Falls the Meteor." Script by Stan Lee, art and cover by Steve Ditko. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 28 and 175.

Cover art by John Romita. How Green Was My Goblin!, script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita (who begins as regular penciler), inks by Mike Esposito [as Mickey Demeo] and John Romita (touch-ups); Peter heads to the doctor with the sniffles and learns that Aunt May's health is very fragile; Spidey is roped into tangling with a bunch of goons who zap him with a mysterious gas; Not realizing that the gas has weakened his spider sense, he changes into Peter Parker under the watchful gaze of the Green Goblin; The Goblin confronts Spidey outside of his home and captures him as Peter is worried that Aunt May might be overcome by the commotion; Trussed up in the Goblin's lair, Peter is shocked when the Goblin takes off his mask and reveals himself to be Norman Osborn. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 178. According to Les Daniels in "Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics" (Abrams, 1991), artist Steve Ditko resigned because of a disagreement over the Goblin's identity. Ditko wanted it to be someone anonymous--a new, unknown guy; Lee wanted it to be a familiar character that would startle readers. 36 pgs. $0.12.

First appearance of the Shocker in "The Sinister Shocker." Script by Stan Lee, art and cover by John Romita Sr. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 186.

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.

Second appearance of the Kingpin. "In the Clutches of the Kingpin." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover. NOTE: This issue is reprinted in Marvel Tales # 36.

Second appearance of the Kingpin. "In the Clutches of the Kingpin." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover. NOTE: This issue is reprinted in Marvel Tales # 36.

Kingpin; first appearance of Joe (Robbie) Robertson. "To Die a Hero." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 37.

First cover appearance of Mary Jane Watson, and the first appearance (cameo) of Brainwasher (alias the Kingpin). "The Brand of the Brainwasher." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr. and Don Heck, inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 42.

The Kingpin appears in "O, Bitter Victory!" Script by Stan Lee; pencils by John Romita Sr. and Don Heck; inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 43.

It's the Vulture vs. Spider-Man in "Wings in the Night!" Script by Stan Lee; pencils by John Romita Sr. and Don Heck; inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover. Letter to the editor from comics writer Don McGregor. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 46.

First appearance of Randy Robertson in "To Squash a Spider!" Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 50.

This classic issue is the second of three that were not approved by the Comics Code Authority because of the (anti-)drug themed story. (See notes on issue 96 for more information.) The Green Goblin tries to get his mitts on Spidey in "In the Grip of the Goblin." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. John Romita Sr. cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 78 and 191.

This classic issue is the third of three that were not approved by the Comics Code Authority because of the (anti-)drug themed story. (See notes on issue 96 for more information.) The Green Goblin guest stars in "The Goblin's Last Gasp." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 79 and 191.

Last 15-cent cover price issue. Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by John Romita. First appearance of Morbius the vampire in A Monster Called... Morbius!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia; The six-armed Spider-Man versus Morbius. Guest appearance by Dr. Curtis Connors (the Lizard). 36 pgs. $0.15.

"Spidey Smashes Thru." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Frank Giacoia. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 86.

"Vengeance from Vietnam." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr, inks by Romita and Tony Mortellaro. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 87. Letter to the editor from David Michelinie, who would later write Spider-Man himself.

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. Gang War, Shmang War! What I Want to Know Is...Who the Heck Is Hammerhead?, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by John Romita and Jim Starlin, inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro; Dr. Octopus and Hammerhead are at war, with Spider-Man against them both; origin of Hammerhead. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 93. 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.

The Hulk guest stars in "The Gentleman's Name is Hulk." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Romita and Tony Mortellaro. Green Goblin cameo. Romita cover.

The Green Goblin kills Gwen Stacy in "The Night Gwen Stacy Died," a story that fans still talk about. It was the first big shocking death in comics (perhaps even ushering in the bronze age!). Script writer Gerry Conway is remembered by many as "the writer who killed Gwen" (even though obviously Stan Lee himself okayed a story of this significance). Gil Kane provides the unforgettable pencils, with inks by John Romita Sr. and Tony Mortellaro. Romita cover. The story continues in issue #122. (Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 98 and 192.)

The Green Goblin kills Gwen Stacy in "The Night Gwen Stacy Died," a story that fans still talk about. It was the first big shocking death in comics (perhaps even ushering in the bronze age!). Script writer Gerry Conway is remembered by many as "the writer who killed Gwen" (even though obviously Stan Lee himself okayed a story of this significance). Gil Kane provides the unforgettable pencils, with inks by John Romita Sr. and Tony Mortellaro. Romita cover. The story continues in issue #122. (Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 98 and 192.)

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.

First appearance of Man-Wolf (John Jameson) in "The Mark of the Man-Wolf." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by John Romita Sr. and Tony Mortellaro. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 101.

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.