August Auction

Giant-size issue. Origin and 1st appearance of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Script by Arnold Drake, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Mike Esposito (as Mickey Demeo). The remainder of the issue contains Golden Age reprints: the Sub-Mariner ("Courage"); and the All Winners Squad featuring Miss America, the Human Torch, and Captain America (from All Winners 21). Letter to the editor from comics writer Steven Grant. Colan cover pencils.

"The War Begins!" Part 1 of 12. Story by Jim Shooter. Art by Mike Zeck and John Beatty. This is it, the granddaddy of all epic events. Before Identity Crisis, Infinite Crisis, House of M, Civil War, and Infinity Gauntlet there was Secret Wars. A nigh omnipotent being from beyond has, for lack of a better word, kidnapped the greatest heroes and deadliest villains in the Marvel Universe and whisked them to the far side of the universe to battle for the ultimate prize. One thing is for certain, the lives of these heroes and villains will never be the same again. - This is the first printing. Any 2nd printing will have the words "Second Printing" at the bottom of the first page.

"Invasion!" Part 8 of 12. Story by Jim Shooter. Art by Mike Zeck, John Beatty, Jack Abel, and Mike Esposito. Tired of being the villains' punching bags, the heroes take the fight to their deadly foes' own doorstep. What follows is one of the most titanic super hero/villain tussles of all time. Plus, Spidey gets a new costume. 1st in continuity appearance of Spider-Man's black costume. See Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #252, Marvel Team-Up #141, & Spectacular Spider-Man #90 for the first appearances from 7 months earlier. NOTE: This costume turns out to be an alien symbiote that will later bond with Eddie Brock and become the tenacious Spidey villain known as Venom. See Amazing Spider-Man #300

Reprints: Amazing Fantasy 15 (1st Spider-Man) by Steve Ditko; Hulk 1 by Jack Kirby, Tales to Astonish 35 (Ant-Man); Tales to Astonish 49 (Giant Man), Tales of Suspense 39 & 48 (1st Iron Man), Journey into Mystery 83 (1st Thor) by Kirby, and Sgt. Fury 1 by Kirby. Kirby photo.

"Blind Justice!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring Spider-Man, the Black Widow, and Daredevil. Plot by Tom DeFalco. Script by Jim Owsley. Art by Greg LaRocque (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by Art Adams and Mike Mignola. Spider-Man is missing! What has happened to the spectacular one? Regardless, Daredevil and the Black Widow must keep working on the pawnbroker murder case in order to prevent an innocent man from going up the river! The Man Without Fear and Natasha just about have the case solved, when the web-slinger suddenly reappears...in a brand new costume! They'll be glad to have Spidey's help to finish this caper...or will they? Daredevil's deal with the Kingpin may not go over too well with your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Cameo appearances by the Kingpin, the Arranger, and Dr. Curt Connors. (Notes: Spider-Man's new costume debuted this month in Amazing Spider-Man 252, Spectacular Spider-Man 90, and this issue. The letters page includes a letter from Marvel creator Stan Lee.) 32 pages

This is the 35 cent variant edition with limited distribution. Spider-Man and Ms. Marvel battle the Super-Skrull in "All This and the QE2!" Script by Chris Claremont, pencils by John Byrne, inks by Dave Hunt. Gil Kane/Dan Adkins cover.

30 cent cover variant. Distribution on price variants limited. Morbius, the Living Vampire guest stars in "The Return of the Living Eraser!" Script by Bill Mantlo, pencils by Arv Jones, inks by Dick Giordano. Seeking sustenance, Morbius attacks Alicia Masters. Big mistake, for Alicia just so happens to be the girlfriend of one Benjamin J. Grimm, a.k.a. the Thing. And when he catches the macabre creature hassling his squeeze, well... "It's Clobberin' Time!" Plus, witness the return of the alien villain called the Living Eraser (last seen in Tales to Astonish # 49). Letters to the editor from comics writer Ralph Macchio and writer Paul Dini (animated Batman; Lost). The letters page also includes Marvel Value Stamp series B # 79, upper right corner of the Silver Surfer by Jack Kirby. Spider-Man stars in a oneppage Hostess ad, "The Twinkie Takers." Ron Wilson cover pencils, Al Milgrom cover inks.

"Battle atop Big Ben!" Part 1 of 3. Guest-starring Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew). Nick Fury cameo. Story by Marv Wolfman. Art by John Buscema and Pablo Marcos. As seen in the closing of last issue, Hydra has big plans for Spider-Woman. They set her against the Idol of Millions in the UK. When two super-heroes battle, no matter who loses, Hydra wins. 35 cent variant edition, limited distribution.

35 cent price cover variant, with square price style. "And Only the Invisible Girl can Save us Now!" Part 3 of 3. Guest-starring the Invisible Girl and Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew). Story by Marv Wolfman. Art by Ron Wilson and Pablo Marcos. The Thing and Spider-Woman are no match for the chemically altered Alicia Masters. If they are going to save Bengy's sweety they'll need a little help from the Invisible Girl. 32 pages.

"Death Watch!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring Spider-Man, the Thing, Captain Marvel, and the Avengers. Script by Jim Starlin. Art by Jim Starlin (breakdowns) and Joe Rubinstein (finishes). Cover by Jim Starlin. Story continues from Avengers Annual 7. After Captain Marvel, Iron Man, and Thor destroyed Thanos' synthetic power gem, victory appeared close at hand for Earth's Mightiest Heroes. But the evil genius' back up plan has worked to perfection and knocked out the Avengers! Before succumbing to unconsciousness though, Moondragon sends a desperate plea for help back to Earth, specifically to Peter Parker! The web-slinger knows that cosmic battles in outer space are not his specialty, so he swings by the Baxter Building to scoop up a friend. After a quick pow-wow, the blue-eyed idol of millions and your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man blast off to save the galaxy! It's an epic encounter onboard the mad Titan's space ark as the Thing, Thor, Spider-Man, and finally Adam Warlock test their mettle vs. Thanos! Simply a fantastic annual! First appearances of Master Order and Lord Chaos. Avengers Lineup: Beast, Captain America, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. (Note: Besides a surreal appearance in the Death of Captain Marvel Graphic Novel (1982), Thanos does not appear again until Silver Surfer (2nd series) 34 many years later.) 48 pages

70th Anniversary Blank Cover Variant. Cover by STEVE EPTING. Written by ED BRUBAKER Pencils by STEVE EPTING. The centerpiece of Marvel's 70th Anniversary celebration! Who is the mysterious old man who lies on his deathbed in a hospital in 1939, and how does his passing mark the beginning of the first heroic age of the Marvel Universe - and signal the rise of the superhumans? Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting unveil the defining story of the origin of the Marvel Universe, revealing the hidden connections that unite the earliest costumed champions, and whose reverberations are felt dramatically into the present day! It's a world on the brink of war, and the race is on to create the world's first super-soldier! Witness the first days of the Human Torch, the Sub-Mariner, and many more-- how they shaped the world to come, and how the future they would create in turn shaped them! The must-read event of the season for any Marvel fan from the Award-Winning creators who redefined Captain America for the modern audience! 32 pages, full color, Rated T+.

No issue number on cover. Cover pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito. Rain of the Missile Men!, script by Bob Kanigher, art by Ross Andru; The Metal Men battle the Missile Men. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Mickey Mouse and the 'Lectro Box (1933 Whitman BLB) #1413, Gottfredson

# on cover: 10072-307.

Painted cover. Mighty Samson in "The River Raiders" and "The Battle of N'Yark Bay" in which Mighty Samson faces Queen Terra of Jerz who uses sea power for battling. Backup feature Tom Morrow in "Victims of the Storm Dome." Issue also has one-page "Mighty Samson" features throughout book, Gold Key Comics Club News features, and one-page text feature "Lost Civilizations: The Man Who Bought A City." No art/story credits given.

"Two Shes on Skis," "A Lark at the Park," "The Lady and the Tiger," and "When Sweethearts Part!" Scripts by Stan Lee, art by Sol Brodsky.

Gold San Diego Miracleman Edition with (GOLD) #'d certificate of authenticity. Signed and numbered by Alan Moore on first page. NOTE: The numbered golds are the first 400 copies of Miracleman #1 printed. The first 400 with gold certificates are signed & numbered by Alan Moore. The remaining 600 were given blue certificates and signed by Cat Yronwode and Dean Mullaney but not numbered. These first 1000 copies all have a printing crease on the front cover. CONTENT INFO: Written by Alan Moore, with art by Gary Leach. Mickey Moran was just a regular bloke with a wife and a job, until one day he *remembered*...that he was Miracleman, a glistening new god with powers far beyond those of mortal ken. He also remembered that, years ago, he and his sidekicks -- Young Miracleman and Kid Miracleman -- were in a horrible accident that left Young Miracleman dead. When Moran goes to see Kid Miracleman to help him piece together his past, our hero finds that his youthful protege has changed...for the worse. Much worse. If you've never read this series, be assured it ranks right up there with Alan Moore's other classic, Watchmen.

Alan Moore script, John Totleben art. "Book Three, Chapter Five: Nemesis." This sought-after issue features the end of Kid Miracleman and quite possibly the most horrific super-battle in the history of comics. Also features a five page back-up, "Miracleman and the Rock of Eternity," a reprint from Mic Anglo Studios' Amazing New Adventures of Marvelman #305 (circa 1955).

Alan Moore script, John Totleben art. "Book Three, Chapter Five: Nemesis." This sought-after issue features the end of Kid Miracleman and quite possibly the most horrific super-battle in the history of comics. Also features a five page back-up, "Miracleman and the Rock of Eternity," a reprint from Mic Anglo Studios' Amazing New Adventures of Marvelman #305 (circa 1955).

Neil Gaiman script; Mark Buckingham art; Barry Windsor-Smith cover.

Neil Gaiman script; Mark Buckingham art; Barry Windsor-Smith cover.

Neil Gaiman script; Mark Buckingham art; Barry Windsor-Smith cover. Hard to find last issue.

"Murder Missile Trap." Elite soldier Scott Free escapes Apokolips and comes to Earth, where he assumes the role of Mister Miracle. Inspired by the real world exploits of Jim Steranko, who was a magician and escape artist prior to his career in comics, Mister Miracle was created by the great Jack Kirby for his epic Fourth World saga. Script, pencils, and cover by Jack Kirby. Inks by Vince Colletta.

The most anticipated new series of the year starts here! Morning Glory Academy is one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country... But behind it's hallowed doors something sinister and deadly lurks. When six brilliant but troubled new students arrive, they find themselves trapped and desperately seeking answers in a place where nothing is what it seems to be! TAG: DOUBLE SIZED FIRST ISSUE, 44 FULL PAGES OF STORY FOR JUST $3.99! IT'S RUNAWAYS MEETS LOST! FROM THE WRITER OF EXISTENCE 2.0, FORGETLESS, AND SHUDDERTOWN!

Mr. District Attorney in "I Was a Killer's Bodyguard," "The D.A. Pounds a Beat," and "The Impossible Crime!" Back-up stories "The Man Whose Eyes Started Fires" and "The Case of the Permanently Kayoed Champ."

"I Was Trapped in the Magic Mountains," "I Was a Stand-in for a Feudal Baron," "The Midnight Marauders," "I Was an Outer Space Frontiersman," and a one-page text story, "The Curse of the Cult."

"I Stalked the Camouflage Creatures," "We Battled the Microscopic Menace" (pencils by Jack Kirby), "We Wore the Forbidden Masks," and a one-page text story, "The Dust Demon."

"Bug-a-Boo" (art by Doug Wildey), "One Man's Poison," "Paralyzed," and "My Brother's Keeper."

Adam Strange stars in "The Planet That Came to a Standstill!" (pencils by Carmine Infantino). Justice League of America guest appearance. Letter to the editor from writer--and mycomicshop.com owner--Buddy Saunders! Infantino cover pencils.

"Orion of the New Gods!" Script and pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Vince Colletta. One-page text feature, "A Visit With Jack Kirby" by Marv Wolfman. Kirby/Colletta cover.

Regular series begins (first appearance is in Marvel Graphic Novel 4). Cover art by Bob McLeod. Initiation!, script by Chris Claremont, pencils by Bob McLeod, inks by Mike Gustovich; The New Mutants get acclimated to their new home, new talents, new friends, and new teachers, unaware that they are being watched; Moira learns that Professor X has a son; and Psyche is attacked in the Danger Room by an unknown assailant; Origin of Karma. Second appearance of the New Mutants (after Marvel Graphic Novel #4). 36 pgs. $0.60.

First printing (does not have gold logo as does second printing). Cover pencils by Rob Liefeld, inks by Todd McFarlane. A Show of Power!, script by Louise Simonson, pencils by Rob Liefeld, inks by Bob Wiacek; The Mutant Liberation Front attacks more research stations; Mystique threatens Skids; a federal agent shoots Rusty; he and Skids allow the MLF to rescue them; the New Mutants return to New York; after trying to stop the MLF, Cable weighs his options. Part 2 of 4. 36 pgs. $1.00.

1st appearance of Deadpool, Gideon, and Domino. Cover pencils by Rob Liefeld. The Beginning of the End, Part One, script by Rob Liefeld (plot) and Fabian Nicieza (script), art by Rob Liefeld; Gideon arranges for the murder of Sunspot's father; Deapool, working for Mr. Tolliver, attacks Cable; Domino defeats him; Cable and Domino plot strategy; Rictor decides to go after Wolfsbane, who stayed in Genosha; Gideon tells Sunspot his father is dead. Part 1 of 3. 36 pgs. $1.00.

1st appearance of Deadpool, Gideon, and Domino. Cover pencils by Rob Liefeld. The Beginning of the End, Part One, script by Rob Liefeld (plot) and Fabian Nicieza (script), art by Rob Liefeld; Gideon arranges for the murder of Sunspot's father; Deapool, working for Mr. Tolliver, attacks Cable; Domino defeats him; Cable and Domino plot strategy; Rictor decides to go after Wolfsbane, who stayed in Genosha; Gideon tells Sunspot his father is dead. Part 1 of 3. 36 pgs. $1.00.

1st appearance of Deadpool, Gideon, and Domino. Cover pencils by Rob Liefeld. The Beginning of the End, Part One, script by Rob Liefeld (plot) and Fabian Nicieza (script), art by Rob Liefeld; Gideon arranges for the murder of Sunspot's father; Deapool, working for Mr. Tolliver, attacks Cable; Domino defeats him; Cable and Domino plot strategy; Rictor decides to go after Wolfsbane, who stayed in Genosha; Gideon tells Sunspot his father is dead. Part 1 of 3. 36 pgs. $1.00.

NOTE: 1st appearance of Mike Mignola's Hellboy (1st full app. in comic books) - Faith: Part 3 of 4 - Story and art by John Byrne. Cover by Mike Mignola. Guest-starring Hellboy. When Legends clash! (Or crossover!) Presenting the first "official crossover" within the Legend line -- the Next Men meet Mike Mignola's HELLBOY! Danny is actually the lucky one to have his path cross that of the World's Greatest Paranormal Investigator, in a segment drawn by guest Legend star Mike Mignola. Meanwhile, we present the life of Christ as seen through the eyes of Jack, whose imagination infuses the well-known story with some familiar faces. In the ongoing saga of Mark, a.k.a. MIV, we find out just what he's been doing during the missing seven years of his life. 32 pages, FC.

First appearance of Scorpio in "Who is Scorpio?" Script and pencils by Jim Steranko, inks by Joe Sinnott. Letter to the editor from comics writer Don McGregor. Steranko cover.

"Watch out World, the Sandman is Back!" Part 1 of 2. Thing cameo. Spider-Man, Hulk, and the Fantastic Four flashback cameos. Story by Marv Wolfman. Art by Sal Buscema and Joe Sinnott. This action packed issue has it all! Nova must confront the arch foe of the Amazing Spider-Man, the shifty Sandman. And, can Richard Rider possibly escape a death trap designed to test the limits of his invulnerability. Plus, introducing the newest hero, Crime-Buster. 35 cent variant edition, limited distribution.

Contains story "Demonhorn" by Dave Sim; early appearance of Cerebus the Aardvark.

Cover art by Joe Kubert. War Party starring Sgt. Rock, script by Bob Kanigher, art by Joe Kubert. Enemy Ace, script by Bob Kanigher, art by Joe Kubert. Infantry Shields fact page, script by Julius Schwartz, pencils by Morris Waldinger, inks by Tom Nicolosi. 36 pgs. $0.12.

"Human Booby Trap" (art by Jerry Grandenetti), "The Pied Piper Private," "Tag For a Tail Gunner," and "Front-Line House!". "Battle Stamps" on page 8.

Cover art by Ken Bald. King of the Vampires, art by Charles Sultan. The Return of the Werewolf, pencils by Al Williamson (as Harold D. Williams), inks by Harold LeDoux. Time of Terror, art by Paul Gattuso. The Noose of Pearls, art by King Ward. 36 pgs. $0.10.

Final issue of the series. "Werewolf" (art by Mort Meskin?), "Junk-Man's Treasure," "The Brannock Curse," "When Death Takes a Hand," "Day of Reckoning," and "The Girl Ghost." Art by Alex Toth.

"My Gun is the Jury" (Mickey Spillane parody with art by Jack Davis), "This Is Your Strife" (This Is Your Life parody with art by Joe Orlando), "Little Red Riding Hood" (art by Jack Kamen), and "The Night Before Christmas" (art by Bill Elder). Al Feldstein cover.

"Panic in the Night!" Script by Len Wein, art by Jim Aparo. Frankenstein back-ups begin with "The Spawn of Frankenstein!" Script by Marv Wolfman, art by Mike Kaluta. Aparo cover.

"Apocalypse." Script by Len Wein, art by Jim Aparo. Tala guest appearance. Frankenstein back-up story, "The Spawn of Frankenstein." Script by Marv Wolfman, art by Michael Kaluta. Letter to the editor from comics writer Mike Barr. Aparo cover.

"Dance of the Serpent." Script by Len Wein (from an idea by Michael J. Pellowski), art by Jim Aparo. Frankenstein back-up story, "The Spawn of Frankenstein." Script by Marv Wolfman, art by Michael Kaluta. Statement of ownership--average print run 306,288; average paid circulation 155,641. Luis Dominguez cover.