August Auction

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.

The Kingpin appears in "What a Tangled Web We Weave." 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 # 44.

Medusa (of the Inhumans) takes on Spider-Man in "Make Way for Medusa!" 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 Lone Star's old pal Mark Lamberti. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 45.

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.

Spider-Man takes on the boys in the big house in "The Impossible Escape!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Green Goblin cameo. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 48.

Spider-Man takes on the boys in the big house in "The Impossible Escape!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Green Goblin cameo. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 48.

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.

Kingpin puts the squeeze on Spider-Man in "Mission: Crush the Kingpin!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Letter to the editor from comics artist Kerry Gammill. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 52.

Dr. Curt Conners, AKA the Lizard, gets up on the wrong side of the bed as usual in "If this be Bedlam!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Last 12-cent cover price. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 55.

The Lizard and Silvermane mix up in Spider-Man's life in "Death Without Warning!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita and Jim Mooney. First 15-cent cover price. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 56.

First appearance of The Prowler in "Night of the Prowler!" Story by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr.; art by John Buscema and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 59.

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.

Spider-Man takes on the Kingpin and the Schemer in "The Kingpin Strikes Back!": script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr., John Buscema, and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 65.

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.

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 John Romita, inks by Frank Giacoia. The Spider or the Man?, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia; Peter Parker concocts a potion to take away his powers forever; He passes out and wakes up with 6 arms. Cameos by the Green Goblin, the Kingpin, Doctor Octopus, the Vulture, the Lizard, and Captain Stacy. 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.

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. The Beauty and the Brute!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia; Spider-Man and Ka-Zar against Kraven the Hunter in the Savage Land. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 82/83. 36 pgs. $0.20.

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

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.

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.

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 John Romita, inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro. ...Just A Man Called Cage!, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Gil Kane and John Romita, inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro; Peter and friends attend Gwendy's funeral; Jameson hires Luke Cage to bring in Spider-Man--dead or alive. The Luke Cage story continues in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #12. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 100. 36 pgs. $0.20.

Cover pencils by John Romita, inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro. ...Just A Man Called Cage!, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Gil Kane and John Romita, inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro; Peter and friends attend Gwendy's funeral; Jameson hires Luke Cage to bring in Spider-Man--dead or alive. The Luke Cage story continues in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #12. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 100. 36 pgs. $0.20.

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.

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.

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.

First appearance of the third Vulture (Dr. Clifton Shallot) in "The Dark Wings of Death." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. John Romita Sr. cover. Human Torch (of the Fantastic Four) guest appearance. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 104.

The (third) Vulture battles Spidey in "The Vulture Hangs High." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. John Romita Sr. cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 105.

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.

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.

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.

Spidey, the Jackal, and the Grizzly in a battle to the death in "And One Will Fall." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. Gil Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 117. The letters page has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 75: Morbius.

Spider-Man learns that Gwen Stacy is a clone in "The Tarantula is a Very Deadly Beast." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito and Dave Hunt. Appearances by Tarantula and the Jackal. Gil Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 124. The story is partly continued from Giant-Size Spider-Man 5. The letters page has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 42: Man-Wolf.

First appearance of the Spider-Man clone in "Even if I Live, I Die." Origin of the Jackal (who dies) and the Gwen Stacy clone. Gerry Conway scripts end; pencils by Ross Andru; inks by Mike Esposito. Gil Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 126.

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by John Romita. The Sandman Always Strikes Twice, script by Len Wein, pencils by Sal Buscema, inks by Mike Esposito and Dave Hunt (backgrounds); Angry over the death of a friend, Spider-Man makes fast work of the Sandman when the villain seeks him out for revenge. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 131. Letter to the editor from Dean Mullaney (Eclipse Comics). The letters page also has Marvel Value Stamp series B # 49: Fantastic Four. 36 pgs. $0.25.

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).

This is the 25 cent regular edition cover. There is also a scarcer 30 cent variant that had limited distribution. Spider-Man and Doctor octopus team up to go after Hammerhead in "Arm-in-Arm-in-Arm-in-Arm-in-Arm-in-Arm with Doctor Octopus." Script by Len Wein, pencils by Ross Anrdu, inks by Mike Esposito. Spider-Mobile cameo! Last 25 cent issue. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 159.

"And the Nightcrawler Came Prowling, Prowling" Part 1 of 2. Guest-starring Nightcrawler. Script by Len Wein. Art by Ross Andru (breakdowns), Mike Esposito (finishes), and Dave Hunt (backgrounds). Cover by Gil Kane and John Romita. Someone is going around New York City impersonating the Punisher! The Amazing Spider-Man thinks the sniper might be Nightcrawler! While the new X-Man believes the shooter could be the web-slinger! First at Coney Island and later at the Roosevelt Island Tramway, Nightcrawler and the wall-crawler clash amid their mutual confusion! But the situation becomes crystal clear once the heroes find themselves in the crosshairs...of the real Punisher! The bullets fly next issue! Cameo appearances by the Punisher, Wolverine, Colossus, Mary Jane Watson, Harry Osborn, Liz Allan, Joe Robertson, and J. Jonah Jameson. (Notes: This issue features the first meeting between Spider-Man and Nightcrawler. The web-slinger meets all of the new X-Men for the first time in Marvel Team-Up Annual 1. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 214.) 32 pages.

"Stalked by the Spider-Slayer!" Part 1 of 2. First appearance of Will-O'-the-Wisp. Script by Len Wein. Art by Ross Andru (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by John Romita. With Dr. Marla Madison's new and improved spider-slayer, J. Jonah Jameson takes another run at capturing the wondrous wall-crawler! But in typical fashion, JJJ stumbles and bumbles in his attempt to subdue Spidey! In the meantime though, a new villain has come to New York City: Will-O'-the-Wisp! And the Wisp has unearthly electromagnetic powers! The spider-slayer is just the undercard for the amazing one! Will-O'-the-Wisp is the main event! First appearance of Dr. Bart Hamilton (aka the third Green Goblin). Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Anna Watson, Harry Osborn, Liz Allan, Flash Thompson, and Mary Jane Watson. (Note: The letters page includes a statement of ownership: average print run 555,709; average paid circulation 282,159.) 32 pages.

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.

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.

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.