July Auction, Bronze Age (1970s)

Cover art by Jim Aparo. The Swami and... the Spectre, script by Michael Fleisher and Russell Carley (art continuity), art by Jim Aparo; Lt. Corrigan begins to investigate the murder of a construction engineer, whose wife is being bilked by a phony swami; However, problems arise when Gwen steps in and discloses to the swami that the policeman is actually the Spectre. Revolt and Revenge! starring Captain Fear, script by Steve Skeates, art by Alex Niño. Letter to the editor from comic artist Paul Kupperberg. Statement of ownership--average print run 413,889; average paid circulation 167,511. 36 pgs. $0.20.

Giant-size issue. 1st appearance of Jonah Hex in "Welcome to Paradise." Script by John Albano, art by Tony De Zuniga. El Diablo stars in "The Devil's Secret." Script by Bob Kanigher, art by Gray Morrow. Bat Lash reprint: "My Name is Bat Lash!" (part 2) with script by Sergio Aragones and Denny O'Neil, pencils by Nick Cardy, inks by Mike Sekowsky. DeZuniga cover.

Giant-size issue. 1st appearance of Jonah Hex in "Welcome to Paradise." Script by John Albano, art by Tony De Zuniga. El Diablo stars in "The Devil's Secret." Script by Bob Kanigher, art by Gray Morrow. Bat Lash reprint: "My Name is Bat Lash!" (part 2) with script by Sergio Aragones and Denny O'Neil, pencils by Nick Cardy, inks by Mike Sekowsky. DeZuniga cover.

First appearance of the Beast in mutated form in "The Beast!" Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Tom Sutton, inks by Syd Shores. Brief appearance by the original X-Men. Gil Kane/Bill Everett cover.

The Chameleon comes to town in "On the Trail of the Chameleon!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr., John Buscema, and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 61.

The Kangaroo keeps things hopping in "The Coming of the Kangaroo!" Story by Stan Lee; art by John Buscema , John Romita Sr., and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 62.

Electro vs. Spider-Man in "And Then Came Electro." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Jim Mooney. Marie Severin cover. Cameo appearance by Merv Griffin. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 63.

Cover art by John Romita. First appearances of the Schemer (Kingpin's son) and Vanessa (Kingpin's wife) in The Schemer!, script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita, inks by Mike Esposito [as Mickey Demeo]; The Schemer tries to become the new King of Crime in New York, and starts a war with the Kingpin; Flash Thompson goes to war in Vietnam and Gwen Stacy is injured in a traffic accident. Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation; Total Paid Circulation 12 month average: 372,352. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 64. 36 pgs. $0.15.

Spider-Man is "Unmasked at Last!" (well, the first time since issue 12) in a story written by Stan Lee with art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Letters to the editor from comics writer Doug Moench (Master of Kung Fu, Batman) and comics artist Alan Kupperberg (Howard the Duck). Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 68.

Sleazy politician Sam Bullitt targets Spider-Man in "To Smash the Spider." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by John Romita Sr. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 72.

Spider-Man origin retold; Green Goblin, Kingpin, Doctor Octopus, Vulture, Rhino, Sandman, and Lizard cameos in "On Wings of Death." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Sal Buscema. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 75.

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.

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.

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.

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.

52-page giant. Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. Origin and second appearance of Morbius in Vampire at Large!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia; Spider-Man versus Morbius versus the Lizard and we learn the origin of Morbius; Plus, Doc Connors prepares a serum that cures Spidey of his six-arm problem. The Morbius story continues in Marvel Team-Up 3. 52 pgs. $0.25.

First appearance of the Spider Slayer robot in "The Spider Slayer." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 84.

"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.

"The Deadly Designs of the Disruptor" continues reprinting pages from "Lo, This Monster" in Spectacular Spider-Man #1 (1968)--see comments on Amazing Spider-Man 116 for details. However, there is quite a bit of new material here by scripter Gerry Conway, penciller John Romita Sr., and inkers Romita, Jim Mooney, and Tony Mortellaro. New cover by Romita. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 117.

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.

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.

Second full appearance of the Punisher in "Shoot-Out in Central Park." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia. John Romita Sr. cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 112 and 211. Letter to the editor from Steve Saffel. The letters page also has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 4: Thing (of the Fantastic Four).

First appearance of Harry Osborn as the Green Goblin in "The Green Goblin Lives Again." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. John Romita Sr. cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 113. The letters page has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 95: Mole Man.

Harry Osborn's second appearance as the Green Goblin in "Death-Trap Times Three." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. Gil Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 114. Letter to the editor from writer Charles Hoffman. The letters page also has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 99: Sandman.

First appearance of the Mindworm in "Madness Means the Mindworm." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. Gil Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 115. The letters page has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 41: The Gladiator.

First appearance of the Black Cat in "Never Let The Black Cat Cross Your Path!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Marv Wolfman. Art by Keith Pollard (breakdowns) and Frank Giacoia (finishes). Cover by Al Milgrom. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man series! The dazzling debut of the Black Cat! The wall-crawler has spent the first 193 issues of his title chasing super-villains! But tonight he's going to kiss one instead! Wow! Does the web-slinger stand a chance against the beauty and charm of Felicia Hardy? Not when the alluring cat has his tongue! And maybe later his heart! A terrific issue! Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, Mysterio (in civilian clothes), and the burglar. (Notes: The Black Cat is the creative highlight of the Wolfman-Pollard run on the Amazing Spider-Man title. Dave Cockrum designed the cat's costume. The letters page includes an alternate cover (for issue 194) by Keith Pollard. It also includes an alternate cover to Spider-Woman 9 by Carmine Infantino. This two-part story was reprinted in the trade paperback: Spider-Man vs. the Black Cat (2005).) 32 pages.

This Special Superman Issue includes the following: interviews with Mort Weisinger and Curt Swan; a letter from Kirk Alyn; a piece on Dick Milgrom, the office manager who went out in public in New York wearing the Superman costume; a piece on Superman spin-offs by Jack C. Harris; a Lois Lane center spread by Curt Swan; a Kirk Alyn/Superman serial retrospective; a reprint of "Duel in Space," a Superman story by Curt Swan and Stan Kay that originally appeared in a 1955 mini-comic giveaway from Kellog's Pep; and more. Cover by Curt Swan.

"The Demon of Gothos Mansion!" Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin back-up story, "Help Me--I Think I'm Dead!" Script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Novick, inks by Mike Esposito. Small pencil portraits of Carmine Infantino, Joe Kubert, Giordano, and Neal Adams by Adams, who also does the cover.

"The Demon of Gothos Mansion!" Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin back-up story, "Help Me--I Think I'm Dead!" Script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Novick, inks by Mike Esposito. Small pencil portraits of Carmine Infantino, Joe Kubert, Giordano, and Neal Adams by Adams, who also does the cover.

1st appearance of Ra's Al Ghul in "Daughter of the Demon." Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. Origin of Batman and Robin retold. Last 15-cent cover price. Letter to the editor by Mike W. Barr. Adams cover.

Cover art by Neal Adams. Night of the Reaper! starring Batman and Robin, script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano; story based on an idea by Bernie Wrightson and Harlan Ellison. Untitled Batman story, script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson, inks by Bob Kane. 48 pgs. $0.25.

Neal Adams cover. 100-page Super Spectacular. All reprints: Batman and Robin in "The Masterminds of Crime!" (art by Win Mortimer; from Batman # 70), Doom Patrol (script by Arnold Drake, art by Bruno Premiani; My Greatest Adventure # 80), Plastic Man (art by Jack Cole; Police Comics # 14), Sargon the Sorcerer (art by Joe Kubert), the Golden Age Atom in "Danger in the Totem's Eye," Aquaman (art by Ramona Fradon; Adventure # 276), Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (art by John Forte; Adventure # 324), and Batman in "Mr. Roulette's Greatest Gamble" (art by Dick Sprang; Batman # 75).

52-page giant. The Dark Knight matches wits with Ra's Al Ghul in "Vengeance for a Dead Man!" Talia guest-stars. Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in the solo adventure "Theater of the Mind!" Script by Mike Friedrich, art by Rich Buckler. Reprint from Batman # 164, "Batman's Great Face-Saving Feat" by France E. Herron, Bob Kane, and Joe Giella. Neal Adams cover

52-page giant. The world's greatest detective must solve the case of the disappearance of Bruce Wayne. What?! Don't worry, it'll all make sense by the end. "Bruce Wayne, Rest in Peace!" Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in the solo adventure "Death-Point!" Guest-starring Lilith (of the Teen Titans). Script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Giordano. Reprint from Batman # 7 by Bob Kane. Michael Kaluta cover.

Batman follows a lead that takes half-way around the world on the trail of "The Lazarus Pit!" Talia appearance. Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano.

Ra's Al Ghul is back, and with a vengeance. Can Batman defeat the Demon in a one-on-one duel to the death? "The Demon Lives Again!" Talia appearance. Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in the solo adventure "Teen-Age Trap!" Script by Elliot Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Giordano.

Batman stars in "The Bruce Wayne Murder Case!" Script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin back-up story, "Who Stole the Gift From Nowhere!" Script by Elliot Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Giordano. Letter to the editor from comic writer David Michelinie. Neal Adams cover pencils.

Cover art by Dave Cockrum and Neal Adams. How Many Ways Can a Robin Die? starring Batman, script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick (pp 1-17) and Dick Dillin (pp 18-23), inks by Dick Giordano; Batman must rescue the real Robin from some crazies who are using dummies to demonstrate various ways to kill Robin. 32 pgs. $0.20.

The Clown Prince of Crime is back in Gotham, and he's going to make everyone pay in this classic story. "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!" Script by Denny O'Neil, art and cover by Neal Adams.

100-page giant. Cover by Nick Cardy. Batman and the Shadow team-up in this issue in a new story titled "Night of the Shadow!" (script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano). Reprints: "The Failure of Bruce Wayne!" (art by Bob Kane; from 1958), "The Great Batman Swindle!" (art by Dick Sprang; from 1955), "The Strange Costumes of Batman!" (art by Sprang; from 1950), "Heroes by Proxy!" (art by Sprang; from 1945), "Two Batmen Too Many!" (script by Bill Finger, pencils by Bob Kane, inks by Joe Giella; from 1965). Plus a 2-page "New Look for Robin" feature in which 8 fans present their visions of what Robin's new costume should look like.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby. Quest for the Sacred Water-Skin!!, script and pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Mike Royer; Begins quest for the Sacred-Water-Skin; Black Panther battles The Yeti. 36 pgs. $.35 cent cover variant. Distribution on price variants limited.

68-page giant. "The Swinging Happening" (with Esmy). Honey in "The Exotic Caribbean Cruise." Esmeralda in "Man Catching." Archimedes Gold in "Strange Vibrations!" Fruitman in "Saving the Date."

Sharon Carter and SHIELD appear in "The Unburied One!" Script and pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Frank Giacoia. Kirby/Giacoia cover.

Cover pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith, inks by John Verpoorten. First comic book appearance and origin of Conan. The Coming of Conan!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith, inks by Dan Adkins; Conan battles at Vanaheim and sees his future; Tara returns to her dimension 1st comic book appearance of Kull (cameo). The letters page contains a map of Conan's world of the Hyborian Age drawn by Windsor-Smith (based on Robert E. Howard's own version) and a short essay on The World of Conan. 36 pgs. Cover price: $0.15.

Cover pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith, inks by John Verpoorten. First comic book appearance and origin of Conan. The Coming of Conan!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith, inks by Dan Adkins; Conan battles at Vanaheim and sees his future; Tara returns to her dimension 1st comic book appearance of Kull (cameo). The letters page contains a map of Conan's world of the Hyborian Age drawn by Windsor-Smith (based on Robert E. Howard's own version) and a short essay on The World of Conan. 36 pgs. Cover price: $0.15.

Cover art by Barry Windsor-Smith. Lair of the Beast-Men!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith, inks by Sal Buscema; Conan leads humans in a revolution against their ape-masters; Conan kills a snow-lion; Conan's 1st time in chains. Letters to the editor from writers Harlan Ellison, Dick Lupoff, August Derleth, and Ted White; comics historians Don and Maggie Thompson; and Glenn Lord. The letters page reprints the Hyborian Age map from Conan 1. 36 pgs. Cover price: $0.15.