September Auction

Doctor Octopus (the Master Planner) in "Man on a Rampage." Script by Stan Lee, art and cover by Steve Ditko. In a battle with Doctor Octopus, Spider-Man gets trapped under tons of steel. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 25 and 171.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. The Final Chapter!, script by Steve Ditko (plot) and Stan Lee (script), art by Steve Ditko; Trapped under a pile of rubble in an underwater base that is filling with water, Spidey has to use all of his strength and determination to break himself free as Aunt May's life hangs in the balance; Spidey escapes and takes down Doc Ock's goons so he can deliver a serum that will remove the radiation from his Aunt's system. One of Spidey's classic moments is captured in the first 5 pages as he struggles to escape from underneath tons of steel! Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 26 and 172. 36 pgs. $0.12.

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.

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.

First appearance of Norman Osborn (the original Green Goblin) in "Once Upon a Time, There Was a Robot." Script by Stan Lee; art and cover by Steve Ditko. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 176.

Cover art by Steve Ditko. Second appearance of Mary Jane (cameo; face not shown) in Just a Guy Named Joe!, script by Steve Ditko (Plot) and Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; Average joe, Joe Smith, fails at being a fighter and tries his hand at acting; Dressed up as a robotic monster, he is zapped with electricity and chemicals which causes him to go on a violent spree against those who doubted his abilities; Meanwhile, Norman Osborn puts a price on Spidey's head and our hero is plagued with goons trying to bump him off; Pete narrowly misses meeting Mary Jane. This is Ditko's final issue of Spider-Man. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 177. 36 pgs. $0.12.

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.

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.

Green Goblin origin in "Spidey Saves the Day." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 179.

Green Goblin origin in "Spidey Saves the Day." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 179.

First appearance of the Rhino in "The Horns of the Rhino." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 30 and 190.

Peter Parker and Mary Jane's first date; fifth appearance of Kraven the Hunter; and a Green Goblin cameo. "In the Hands of the Hunter." Script by Stan Lee, art and cover by John Romita Sr. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 33 and 187.

Sixth appearance of Kraven the Hunter, and second appearance of the new Vulture (Blackie Drago) in "From the Depths of Defeat." Script by Stan Lee, art and cover by John Romita Sr. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 35 and 189.

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.

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.

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.

Doctor Octopus guest stars in "The Tentacles and the Trap." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Mike Esposito as "Mickey Demeo." Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 39.

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.

The Vulture returns in "The Vulture's Prey!" 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 # 47.

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.

The Kingpin appears in "Crisis on the Campus." Script by Stan Lee, art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 51.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

"Countdown to Chaos" concludes the storyline that reprints pages from "Lo, This Monster" in Spectacular Spider-Man #1 (1968)--see comments on Amazing Spider-Man 116 for details. However, there is also 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 # 97. Letter to the editor by comics writer Mike Baron (Nexus).

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.)

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 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.

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.

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.

The clone story continues in "Spider-Man or Spider-Clone?" Script by Archie Goodwin, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Mike Esposito, Frank Giacoia, and Dave Hunt. Guest appearance by Curtis Connors; cameos by the Kingpin, the Sandman, and the Vulture. Gil Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 127. Letter to the editor from comics writer John Ostrander.

Nightcrawler and Spider-Man battle it out in "And the Nightcrawler Came Prowling, Prowling." Script by Len Wein, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito. X-Men and Punisher cameos. Gil Kane/John Romita Sr. cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 214.

"Madness is all in the Mind!" Part 2 of 2. Script by Len Wein. Art by Ross Andru (breakdowns), Frank Giacoia (finishes), and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by Ross Andru and Frank Giacoia. Dr. Faustus has a new patient! The unwilling Amazing Spider-Man! After the web-slinger is exposed to Faustus' hallucinogenic smoke, he sees frightening apparitions of his enemies attacking! The good doctor quickly helps the wall-crawler recover and then orders Spidey to lead a clandestine mission into a federal research laboratory! Why? Because Dr. Faustus wants to contaminate the nation's supply of flu virus! Once the web-slinger breaks into the biolab, Faustus' triumph appears complete! Will the spectacular one come to his senses in time? Cameo appearances by Liz Allan, Mary Jane Watson, and the burglar. (Notes: Doctor Faustus previously appeared in Captain America 192. Dr. Faustus returns in the classic National Force storyline in Captain America 232-236. The initial subplot of Amazing Spider-Man 200 takes place in this issue. A limited distribution 35-cent cover price variant exists for this issue.) 32 pages

"The Goblin's Always Greener!" Part 4 of 5. Script by Len Wein. Art by Ross Andru (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito. In desperate fashion the web-slinger escapes from the Green Goblin's trap and makes a beeline for New Hope Hospital! Once inside Peter finally signs the consent forms to begin his aunt's surgery! While May's heart operation takes place, Joe Robertson tells Peter about a major disturbance going on at Radio City Music Hall. When the wall-crawler arrives at the Showplace of the Nation, the three-way battle erupts: the Green Goblin vs. Silvermane vs. the Amazing Spider-Man! And the winner will be determined next issue! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Anna Watson, and Harry Osborn. 32 pages.

"Who Was That Goblin I Saw You With?" Part 5 of 5. Script by Len Wein. Art by Ross Andru (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito. This is it! The awesome conclusion to the five-part goblin saga! At Radio City Music Hall, the Green Goblin emerges triumphant! And the devious purple and green villain flies to an incinerating plant in Brooklyn to throw the unconscious web-slinger into a smokestack! But the spectacular one wakes up just in time! And the final donnybrook between the Green Goblin and the Amazing Spider-Man begins! The wall-crawler is in control of the battle...until a second goblin arrives on the scene! What?! Who? The web-slinger watches in shock as the battle of the goblins unfolds! Can Harry Osborn exorcise the demons of his past? And somehow return to a normal life? An uplifting story! Final appearance of Dr. Bart Hamilton. Cameo appearances by Silvermane, J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson, and Liz Allan. Flashback cameos by Harry Osborn and the Spider-clone. (Notes: More than a decade passes before Harry Osborn becomes the Green Goblin again in Amazing Spider-Man 312. The incinerating plant in this story is the same one where the web-slinger disposed of his clone in Amazing Spider-Man 151. Silvermane returns in Spectacular Spider-Man Annual 2. This issue concludes Len Wein's terrific two-and-a-half year run as the writer of the Amazing Spider-Man title.) 32 pages.

"The Rocket Racer's Back in Town!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Marv Wolfman. Art by Ross Andru (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito. The skateboarding phenomenon of the 1970's rolls on in the pages of the Amazing Spider-Man! The Rocket Racer is back! And dashing and darting past the web-slinger all over again! But at this moment Aunt May's nephew has something else on his mind besides catching super-villains! Namely, a surprise marriage proposal for Mary Jane! In stunning fashion Peter pops the question to the enchanting Ms. Watson! And all of Marveldom will wait for her answer next issue! Second appearance of the Rocket Racer. Cameo appearances by J. Jonah Jameson and Betty Brant Leeds. (Notes: The Rocket Racer formerly appeared in Amazing Spider-Man 172. This issue begins Marv Wolfman's 2-year run as the writer of the Amazing Spider-Man title.) 32 pages.

"White Dragon! Red Death!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Marv Wolfman. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by Frank Giacoia. Cover by Ross Andru and Bob McLeod. A disappointed Peter Parker walks back to his apartment and discovers Betty Brant (Leeds) inside! Hold on, didn't Betty marry Ned Leeds several months ago (in Amazing Spider-Man 156)? Yes, but now she's interested in Mr. Parker again! Oh my, Spidey is about to jump from the frying pan (Mary Jane) into the fire (Betty)! However before the web-slinger can tend to his affairs of the heart, he must tend to business in Chinatown! And as depicted on the dramatic cover, that business may be dangerous, fiery, lethal, or all of the above! First appearances of Phillip Chang and the White Dragon. Cameo appearances by J. Jonah Jameson, Dr. Marla Madison, and John Jameson. 32 pages

"Spider, Spider, Burning Bright!" Part 2 of 2. Script by Marv Wolfman. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito. The Spectacular Spider-Man is on fire in Chinatown! And hurtling towards the East River to save his life! Thankfully, the murky waters extinguish the flames and give the wall-crawler a chance to regroup! The following night the web-slinger returns to the Lower East Side to battle the White Dragon again! Will the way of the spider or the way of the (white) dragon prevail? Second story: At long last Peter Parker's graduation day from Empire State University is here! But Peter may want to check one more time with the registrars office...before walking across the stage! Cameo appearances by J. Jonah Jameson, Flash Thompson, Harry Osborn, Betty Brant, Joe Robertson, and Aunt May. (Notes: The White Dragon appears next in Marvel Team-Up 144. This issue concludes Ross Andru's remarkable 5-year run as the penciler of the Amazing Spider-Man series -- highlighted by the original clone saga and the creations of the Punisher, Jackal, and Tarantula.) 32 pages.