August Auction, Modern Age (1980s-Now)

Variant Cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS Written by GRANT MORRISON Art by RAGS MORALES and RICK BRYANT The one and only Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) returns to Superman, joined by sensational artist Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS), to bring you tales of The Man of Steel unlike any you've ever read! This extra-sized debut issue is the cornerstone of the entire DC Universe!

IMPORTANT: Issue 238A HAS the Lakeside Skin Tattooz insert. First appearance of the Hobgoblin in "Shadow of Evils Past!" Script by Roger Stern. Art by John Romita Jr. (breakdowns) and John Romita Sr. (finishes). Cover by John Romita Jr. and John Romita Sr. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man! And the beginning of the long secret identity mystery of the Hobgoblin! After escaping from the web-slinger, a bank robber stumbles upon an underground hideout of the (deceased) Green Goblin! Not knowing what to do with his discovery, the small-time hood shows the secret lair to an underworld associate! Unfortunately for the wondrous wall-crawler, the devious associate knows exactly what to do: resurrect the Green Goblin...with a twist! And a short time later a new super-villain is born! The Hobgoblin! Cameo appearance by Mary Jane Watson. Flashback cameo by Norman Osborn (aka the Green Goblin). (Notes: The secret identity of the original Hobgoblin takes many twists and turns over the next decade. Who actually operates as the Hobgoblin in this issue is revealed in the Spider-Man: Hobgoblin Lives (1997) Limited Series (written by Roger Stern). This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales 257 and also in the 1992 trade paperback: the Amazing Spider-Man -- Origin of the Hobgoblin.) 32 pages.

IMPORTANT: Issue 238B DOES NOT come with Lakeside Skin Tattooz insert. First appearance of the Hobgoblin in "Shadow of Evils Past!" Script by Roger Stern. Art by John Romita Jr. (breakdowns) and John Romita Sr. (finishes). Cover by John Romita Jr. and John Romita Sr. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man! And the beginning of the long secret identity mystery of the Hobgoblin! After escaping from the web-slinger, a bank robber stumbles upon an underground hideout of the (deceased) Green Goblin! Not knowing what to do with his discovery, the small-time hood shows the secret lair to an underworld associate! Unfortunately for the wondrous wall-crawler, the devious associate knows exactly what to do: resurrect the Green Goblin...with a twist! And a short time later a new super-villain is born! The Hobgoblin! Cameo appearance by Mary Jane Watson. Flashback cameo by Norman Osborn (aka the Green Goblin). (Notes: The secret identity of the original Hobgoblin takes many twists and turns over the next decade. Who actually operates as the Hobgoblin in this issue is revealed in the Spider-Man: Hobgoblin Lives (1997) Limited Series (written by Roger Stern). This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales 257 and also in the 1992 trade paperback: the Amazing Spider-Man -- Origin of the Hobgoblin.) 32 pages.

First appearance of Spider-Man's new black (alien symbiote) costume in "Homecoming!" Plot by Roger Stern. Script by Tom DeFalco. Pencils by Ron Frenz (breakdowns) and Brett Breeding (finishes). Cover by Ron Frenz and Klaus Janson. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man! With a brilliant flash of light in Central Park, the wondrous wall-crawler is back! And he looks a whole lot different! Wow, a new costume! What happened during the Secret Wars on the Beyonder's world? The ominous truth will be revealed to both the readers and the web-slinger in the days and weeks ahead! Cameo appearances by the Black Cat, Dr. Curt Connors, J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson , Aunt May, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Thor, and the Wasp. (Notes: Marvel Age 12 contained sketches of the new costume two months prior to the publication of this issue. Spidey's new costume was also unveiled in Marvel Team-Up 141 and Spectacular Spider-Man 90. The first issue of the (1984) Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Limited Series was published the same month as Amazing Spider-Man 252. The web-slinger discovers his new costume in issue 8 of the limited series. The Frenz-Janson cover is a tribute to the iconic cover of Amazing Fantasy 15. The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 470,527; average paid circulation: 241,762. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 266.) 32 pages.

First appearance of Spider-Man's new black (alien symbiote) costume in "Homecoming!" Plot by Roger Stern. Script by Tom DeFalco. Pencils by Ron Frenz (breakdowns) and Brett Breeding (finishes). Cover by Ron Frenz and Klaus Janson. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man! With a brilliant flash of light in Central Park, the wondrous wall-crawler is back! And he looks a whole lot different! Wow, a new costume! What happened during the Secret Wars on the Beyonder's world? The ominous truth will be revealed to both the readers and the web-slinger in the days and weeks ahead! Cameo appearances by the Black Cat, Dr. Curt Connors, J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson , Aunt May, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Thor, and the Wasp. (Notes: Marvel Age 12 contained sketches of the new costume two months prior to the publication of this issue. Spidey's new costume was also unveiled in Marvel Team-Up 141 and Spectacular Spider-Man 90. The first issue of the (1984) Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Limited Series was published the same month as Amazing Spider-Man 252. The web-slinger discovers his new costume in issue 8 of the limited series. The Frenz-Janson cover is a tribute to the iconic cover of Amazing Fantasy 15. The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 470,527; average paid circulation: 241,762. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 266.) 32 pages.

Spider-Man versus Chance in "Chance Encounter!" Script by David Michelinie, pencils by Todd McFarlane (begins as regular artist), inks by Bob McLeod. First appearance of Eddie Brock (Venom)--cameo on last page. McFarlane cover.

Giant-sized 25th anniversary issue. First full appearance of Venom in "Venom!" Script by David Michelinie, art by Todd McFarlane. This is the last issue in which Spider-Man appears in his black costume. Thing (of the Fantastic Four) cameo. McFarlane cover. In place of the letters page, there is a full-page column by Stan Lee.

Giant-sized 25th anniversary issue. First full appearance of Venom in "Venom!" Script by David Michelinie, art by Todd McFarlane. This is the last issue in which Spider-Man appears in his black costume. Thing (of the Fantastic Four) cameo. McFarlane cover. In place of the letters page, there is a full-page column by Stan Lee.

Spider-Man battles Venom in "Dead Meat." Script by David Michelinie, art and cover by Todd McFarlane. Also in this issue--Venom versus the Black Cat!

Black Cover Sept. 11th issue. Michael Straczynski/John Romita Jr./Scott Hanna. (MarvelPG)2.25

1ST PRINTING - Special Obama Variant Cover of Amazing Spider-Man! Spidey meets President Barack Obama - Written by MARK WAID Pencils by BARRY KITSON YOU ASKED FOR IT, YOU GOT IT! PETER PARKER ON A DATE! After the revelations of 'Mind on Fire', love is in the air for more than one member of the cast and Pete finally gets some time out with the ladies. (and who better to bring it to you than two men who both had dates as recently as 1987!) Amidst the romance though, forces are gathering that will spell trouble for Peter in the months to come. From Marvel Comics. Also to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama, Marvel proudly presents this new printing of Amazing Spider-Man #583 with an all-new bonus story teaming one of the world's most recognizable political figures with the world's greatest super-hero! Written by Zeb Wells with art by Todd Nauck & Frank D'Armata, the new story takes place in Washington, DC on Inauguration Day as one of Spider-Man's oldest foes attempts to thwart the swearing in ceremony of the 44th President of the United States! Rated A

Dynamic Forces Marvel Authentix Sketch Limited Edition of 6,500. Back cover by John Romita Sr. John Romita Jr. did the front cover. John Byrne art. Dynamic Forces Certificate of Authenticity.

FIRST PRINTING Written by GAIL SIMONE Art by ARDIAN SYAF and VICENTE CIFUENTES Cover by ADAM HUGHES Yes, it's really happening! Barbara Gordon is back as Batgirl - and she's going to have to face the city's most horrifying new villains as well as the dark secrets from her past. You won't want to miss this stunning debut issue from fan-favorite BIRDS OF PREY writer Gail Simone!

Limited Variant cover by ETHAN VAN SCIVER Written by SCOTT SNYDER Art by GREG CAPULLO and JONATHAN GLAPION Be here for the start of a new era for The Dark Knight from writer Scott Snyder (AMERICAN VAMPIRE, BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM) and artist Greg Capullo (Spawn)! A series of brutal killings hints at an ancient conspiracy, and Batman learns that Gotham City is deadlier than he knew.

Straight from the New York City Convention 2010 comes this Special Ashcan Preview of GRANT MORRISON and YANICK PAQUETTE'S Batman Incorporated #1, with a flip side featuring a special preview of DAVID FINCH and SCOTT WILLIAMS' Batman: The Dark Knight #1. 14 pages, black and white. Standard comic size.

Limited 1 for 200 Sketch Variant Cover by DAVID FINCH. Golden Dawn: Part 1 of 6 - Written by DAVID FINCH Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS Comics superstar David Finch takes full creative control (both writing and illustrating!) on this brand-new Batman monthly series! Joined by the best of the best - Scott Williams - on inks, this new series is sure to be on everyone's must-read pile! Delving into the more supernatural and esoteric areas of Gotham City, the 6-part storyline explores the horrific murder of one of Bruce Wayne's childhood friends...and the terrible ramifications the brutal crime has on Batman's life!

1st printing; Frank Miller script and art. NOTE: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th printings of #1 are labeled as such on the inside cover.

1st printing; Frank Miller script and art. NOTE: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th printings of #1 are labeled as such on the inside cover.

1st Printing. Batman matches wits with his arch nemesis The Joker in this critically acclaimed, prestige format one-shot. He also laughs at one of his jokes. The book is infamous for the scene in which The Joker shoots and cripples Barbara Gordon, effectively ending her crime fighting career as Batgirl. Written by Alan Moore, with art by Brian Bolland. NOTE: 1st Printing, title is printed in lime green embossed ink. All others are later printings.

1st printing - In Batman Sword of Azrael (1992) #1-4, a major new hero was introduced to the Batman mythos. Now, another character is added to the Batman family. Only this time, it's a villain. Bane is the sole survivor of the Venom experiments (first revealed in Batman Legends of the Dark Knight (1989-2007) #16-20), an attempt to create drug-enhanced killing machines. As a result of these tests, Bane has spent a lifetime as the toughest inmate in the worst prison on the South American island of Santa Prisca where he acquired his berserk strength, a savage, calculating intellect, and an unparalleled megalomania. He ultimately sets his sights on Gotham City, and goes gunning for the Dark Knight. Written by Chuck Dixon, with art by Graham Nolan and Eduardo Barreto. Painted cover by Glenn Fabry. 68 pages.

Written by Chuck Dixon, art by Greg Land & Drew Geraci. Cover by Land & Brian Stelfreeze. NOTE: The Birds of Prey 1st appearance was in Showcase '96 #3 and featured a Lois Lane, Black Canary, and Oracle team-up in an 18-page story titled "Birds of a Feather." By the time Birds of Prey #1 appeared, the team members had changed, but the Showcase '96 #3 story is clearly the beginning of the Birds of Prey series, with script by Jordan Gorfinkel, art by Jennifer Graves and inks by Dave Graff.

Al Williamson art

1st appearance of the Crow by Jim O'Barr. Tim Vigil cover.

Written by Robert Kirkman, art and cover by Mark Englert. #1 in a three issue mini-series. Join Bruce Bolt, the Meteor Twins, Big Brain, the American Champion, his cheating wife Freedom, and the rookie Kid Thor, as they try to make a business out of being super. This issue features a preview of Kirkman's hit "The Walking Dead" series, making this the series' first appearance.

Written by JOHN LAYMAN. Art and Cover ROB GUILLORY. Tony Chu is a cop with a secret. A weird secret. Tony Chu is Cibopathic, which means he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. It also means he's a hell of a detective, as long as he doesn't mind nibbling on the corpse of a murder victim to figure out whodunit, and why. It's a dirty job, and Tony has to eat terrible things in the name of justice. And if that wasn't bad enough, the government has figured out Tony Chu's secret. They have plans for him... whether he likes it or not. 32 pages, full color.

1st appearance of Dawn. This is the first printing. Mature readers. 2nd and 3rd printings stated on cover.

Cover pencils by Frank Miller, inks by Klaus Janson. First appearance of Elektra in Elektra, script by Frank Miller, pencils by Frank Miller (breakdowns) and Klaus Janson (finished art), inks by Klaus Janson; Matt is after an international criminal being protected by Eric Slaughter when he runs across his college sweetheart turned bounty hunter; this story, by the way, is a reworking of a couple of classic Spirit stories by Will Eisner, Sand Serif and Bring in Sand Serif (1950). 36 pgs. Cover price $0.50.

Cover pencils by Frank Miller, inks by Klaus Janson. First appearance of Elektra in Elektra, script by Frank Miller, pencils by Frank Miller (breakdowns) and Klaus Janson (finished art), inks by Klaus Janson; Matt is after an international criminal being protected by Eric Slaughter when he runs across his college sweetheart turned bounty hunter; this story, by the way, is a reworking of a couple of classic Spirit stories by Will Eisner, Sand Serif and Bring in Sand Serif (1950). 36 pgs. Cover price $0.50.

Cover pencils by Frank Miller, inks by Klaus Janson. First appearance of Elektra in Elektra, script by Frank Miller, pencils by Frank Miller (breakdowns) and Klaus Janson (finished art), inks by Klaus Janson; Matt is after an international criminal being protected by Eric Slaughter when he runs across his college sweetheart turned bounty hunter; this story, by the way, is a reworking of a couple of classic Spirit stories by Will Eisner, Sand Serif and Bring in Sand Serif (1950). 36 pgs. Cover price $0.50.

American Entertainment Edition.

Superman vs. He-Man and The Masters of the Universe in "From Eternia with Death!" written by Paul Kupperberg with art by Curt Swan and inks by Mike DeCarlo.

KnightQuest: The Crusade, following the adventures of Azrael as the new Batman, continues: The Trigger Twins are stealing millions on a speeding subway car far beneath Gotham City, where no one can stop them...until the new Batman offers them a demonstration they won't soon forget! Written by Chuck Dixon, with art by Graham Nolan and Eduardo Barreto. Cover by Kelley Jones. Joker cameo.

FIRST PRINTING Written by TONY S. DANIEL Art by TONY S. DANIEL and RYAN WINN Cover by TONY S. DANIEL DC's flagship title is relaunched for the first time ever, with new Batman adventures from acclaimed writer/ artist Tony S. Daniel! A killer called The Gotham Ripper is on the loose on Batman's home turf - leading The Dark Knight on a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Featuring "Letitia Lerner, Superman's Baby-Sitter," by Kyle Baker; plus several other stories. Due to questionable content in the Kyle Baker story, most copies were destroyed by DC. Wikipedia states that "estimates of available copies range between 700 and 2000." The story went on to earn two Eisner Awards and was republished in Bizarro Comics.

Deadpool A to Z index. This issue contains a story by story compendium of everything you need to know about Deadpools solo series up until September of 1998!! It also includes a pop-culture reference glossary!!

WRITTEN BY BILL WILLINGHAM; ART BY LAN MEDINA AND STEVE LEIALOHA. A new VERTIGO series takes a decidedly dark spin on familiar fairy tale characters. Led by Snow White, a reformed Bigby Wolf, and a slew of others, the secret community of Fabletown is adjusting to life among the "mundanes." But this is no fairy tale, and when Snow White's estranged sister, Rose Red, goes missing ? her apartment a grizzly, bloody scene ? it's up to her sister and Mr. Wolf to find the culprit. But the question remains, will they find Rose intact, or will the cryptic message on her wall come true: "No More Happily Ever After?" MATURE READERS FC, 32 PG.

Limited Gatefold Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN Pencils by STEVE EPTING It's the FANTASTIC first issue of FF! A bold new direction for Marvel's First Family featuring new members, old friends, older enemies and uneasy alliances that will send shockwaves through the Marvel Universe. With stunning art work by Steve Epting and Paul Mounts, please join writer, Jonathan Hickman, on the second massive arc in the bold new direction for the 'World's Greatest Comic Magazine.' 40 PGS./Rated A

FIRST PRINTING Cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO Art by FRANCIS MANAPUL The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series from the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato! The Flash knows he can't be everywhere at once, but what happens when he faces an all-new villain who really can! As if that's not bad enough, this villain is a close friend!

Limited Variant Cover by IVAN REIS and TIM TOWNSEND Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO Art by FRANCIS MANAPUL The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series from the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato! The Flash knows he can't be everywhere at once, but what happens when he faces an all-new villain who really can! As if that's not bad enough, this villain is a close friend!

13th and later printings. Cover price and publication date may vary from generic copy show, depending on when published. Issues available will be newer printings with a $2.50 cover price and higher.

Limited 1 for 50 Negative Variant Cover by Alex Ross (W) George R.R. Martin, Daniel Abraham (A) Tommy Patterson George R.R. Martin has been called 'the American Tolkien' by Time Magazine, and now his landmark fantasy series is being adapted to a graphic format, starting with the first book of the series: A Game of Thrones. The premiere issue introduces readers to George's world, adapting the prologue and first three chapters of the novel, and bringing onto the graphic stage such iconic characters as Eddard and Catelyn Stark, Jon Snow, young Bran Stark, and Daenerys Targaryen. This novel has also been adapted as a major miniseries by HBO - with HBO's highest ratings to date, since having premiered on April 17, 2011!

"To Slay a Demon!" Story by Michael Fleisher. Art by Herb Trempe and Don Perlin. Can Ghost Rider survive an encounter with the Destroyer of Demons?! 32 pages, FC. NOTE: Human Torch stars in Hostess ad "Hot-Tempered Triumph!"

FIRST PRINTING - This is the classic "Silent Issue" with the 1st appearance of Storm Shadow in "Silent Interlude!" written by Larry Hama with art by Steve Leialoha. All 2nd or 3rd printings have a 2nd 3rd printing notice on inside at bottom of indicia on first/splash page. NOTE: 2nd printings were done for most issues from #2 to #63.

Larry Hama story, Paul Gosier cover. Todd McFarlane & Mark A. Nelson art. Spider-Man #1 cover swipe. Released two months after the last issue of Marvel's G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero. Reprints issue #61 with new McFarlane artwork. (Overstreet says it reprints issue #60 but this is incorrect.)

Limited Edition Inked Only Variant Wraparound Cover by JOHN CASSADAY. Written by JOSS WHEDON Pencils by JOHN CASSADAY Too big to be contained in a normal issue, the grand finale of Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly) and John Cassaday's (CAPTAIN AMERICA, Planetary) landmark run is right here! The powerlords of Breakworld bring the fight to Earth. Can the X-Men stop them from destroying the whole planet? Will the Avengers join their fight? What we do know is this: one of the X-Men won't walk away from this fight. Plus spotlight interviews with Whedon and Cassaday!

Limited to 500 Copies Sketch Variant Cover by Eric Basaldua Long before Sela became the guardian of her fairy tale book there was another who possessed it. Just as Sela has had to battle the forces of evil so did her predecessor. Her greatest enemy was the witch Baba Yaga and the story of their final battle is told here for the first time. Don't miss this issue as more history of the Grimm Fairy Tales Universe is revealed in a tale that tells how Sela was chosen to fulfill her destiny.

Variant Cover by Greg Capullo. Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN. Art by ERIK LARSEN, ROB LIEFELD, TODD McFARLANE, WHILCE PORTACIO, MARC SILVESTRI and JIM VALENTINO. THE CROSSOVER EVENT OF THE CENTURY IS HERE! The heroes of the Image Universe are united in order to fight the greatest threat the world as ever faced! You can't miss this historic event as the original Image Founders draw all the characters they made history with. Each page is an amazing jam piece - it's a story told in a way never before attempted in comics! 32 pages, full color. 32 pages, full color.

"People in Glass Houses Shouldn't Hurt Hulks!" Story by Bill Mantlo. Art by Sal Buscema. Bruce Banner washes ashore a secluded beach and is happened upon by a beautiful and mysterious woman with alabaster skin. But, when her true intentions are revealed nothing will save her from the wrath of the Incredible Hulk. Plus, the back-up story "Foundlings!" Featuring the alien menace of the Wraiths, arch foes of Rom the Spaceknight. By Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema. 32 pages.