June Auction, Silver Age (1960-1969)

Origin and first appearance of Ghost Rider (Carter Slade) and his horse Banshee. Gary Friedrich and Roy Thomas script. Dick Ayers plot and pencils. Vince Colletta inks. John Verpoorten letters. "The Origin of The Ghost Rider". Also a 6 page Kid Colt reprint "The Menace of the Mask Maker" originally presented in Kid Colt Outlaw # 105 (07/1962). Ayers cover.

The Haunted Tank in "Battle of the Thirsty Tanks" (art by Joe Kubert). Back-up story, "Frogman on a String!" Grey tone cover by Russ Heath.

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson. Peril of the Yellow World!, script by John Broome, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Joe Giella; In an attempt to win the title of Most Evil Citizen of Qward, Sinestro traps Green Lantern on a world where everything is yellow. Zero Hour in Rocket City!, script by John Broome, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Joe Giella; When Hal Jordan learns about the "Rocket Robbers" who are planning their robberies around the launch of rockets from Rocket City he tries to stop the crooks, even though his power ring is almost out of its charge. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Joe Giella. World of Perilous Traps!, script by John Broome, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Joe Giella; In their last encounter, Sinestro implanted a telpathic command into Hal Jordan's mind, which causes him to release Sinestro from his imprisonment; Sinestro then transports Hal to Qward for a battle, where Hal tricks him into thinking he no longer has his Green Lantern Ring and then imprisons Sinestro again. Touchdown for Picasso! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff. Green Lantern Vs. Power Ring!, script by John Broome, pencils by Gil Kane (pencils pages 1-6; layouts pages 7-12) and Mike Sekowsky (pencils pages 7-12) inks by Joe Giella; During a series of distance control tests, Bill Baggett finds Hal Jordans ring and uses it for destruction before Hal overcomes him through willpower and regains the ring. 36 pgs. $0.12.

First appearance of the Golden Age Green Lantern in the Silver Age. Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson. The Secret Origin of the Guardians!, script by John Broome, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Sid Greene; Hal Jordan and Alan Scott team up to fight the Guardians oldest adversary... Krona. Are You a Litter-Bug? public service announcement starring Little Pete, art by Henry Boltinoff. Rocky and Bullwinkle Cheerios ad. 36 pgs. $0.12.

First appearance of Guy Gardner in "Earth's Other Green Lantern!" Script by John Broome, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Sid Greene. Statement of ownership--average print run 366,000; average paid circulation 199,000. Kane/Murphy Anderson cover.

First appearance of Guy Gardner in "Earth's Other Green Lantern!" Script by John Broome, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Sid Greene. Statement of ownership--average print run 366,000; average paid circulation 199,000. Kane/Murphy Anderson cover.

Gil Kane art

Origin and 1st appearance of Zatanna. Cover art by Murphy Anderson. Smoking is for Squares! public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff. The Girl Who Split in Two!, script by Gardner Fox, art by Murphy Anderson; Separately investigating the mysterious arrival of 2 artifacts to the Midway City Museum, both Hawkman and Hawkgirl find a paralyzed girl in a magician's costume speaking jibberish. When they bring the twins together they merge into one being – Zatanna; She thanks them for their help and tells of them of her quest to find her father, the Golden Age hero Zatara. The Machine that Magnetized Men!, script by Gardner Fox, art by Murphy Anderson; Jan Kyll and his band of raiders travel from the year 11964 with a vehicle that emits magnetic rays to help them steal historical treasures. 36 pgs. $0.12.

The first appearance and origin of the Incredible Hulk in "The Coming of the Hulk." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Paul Reinman. 1st app. Rick Jones, General Ross, and Betty Ross. It's the height of the Cold War and the government is about to test their new Gamma Bomb. Unfortunately, a carefree and oblivious teenager named Rick Jones wanders out onto the test area. Dr. Bruce Banner, the creator of the Gamma Bomb, rushes out to warn the young man away. However, the bomb explodes and as Banner pushes the teenager to safety he is caught in the heart of a Gamma maelstrom. The gamma-rays that bombard Banner's taunt frame transform his physiology. Now, whenever Banner becomes angry he transforms into the man-brute known as the Incredible Hulk. Feared by the public and hunted by the army, the Hulk becomes one of the most tragic figures in Marvel's history. General "Thunderbolt" Ross will not rest until the Hulk is destroyed. The creature's only allies are Rick Jones and Betty Ross, Thunderbolt's daughter and Banner's one true love. Thus begins the epic saga of the world's mightiest mortal. NOTE: Notice that the Hulk was colored grey for the first few issues of his series. In an interview, Stan Lee (creator) said very simply that the reason for this was that grey was the easiest color for the copiers of the time to print. When the technology got better the Hulk became green, and according to Stan, for no better reason than they didn't have a green hero in their stable yet.

"The Monster and the Machine." Script by Jack Kirby, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. "The Gladiator From Outer Space." Script by Lee, pencils by Kirby, inks by Ayers. Kirby/Ayers cover.

Introduction of the Teen Brigade in "The Metal Master." Script by Stan Lee, art and cover by Steve Ditko.

Formerly Tales to Astonish. Cover pencils by Marie Severin, inks by Frank Giacoia. This World Not His Own!, script by Gary Friedrich, pencils by Marie Severin, inks by George Tuska and Syd Shores; Bruce Banner is falling down a bottomless pit back to Midgard when the Enchantress plucks him back to Asgard out of curiosity; The Warriors Three consult Oldar the Oracle and find out the origins of the Hulk; Captured by Enchantress and Executioner, Banner transforms into the Hulk which enrages the Executioner who has fought the jade giant before (back in TTA #77); Leaving the Hulk behind, the evil duo lead an army of trolls against Asgard and the Hulk arrives on the scene just in time to lend a hand in the victory of Odin's forces. House ad for Not Brand Echh #7 and Daredevil #38. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Formerly Tales to Astonish. Cover pencils by Marie Severin, inks by Frank Giacoia. This World Not His Own!, script by Gary Friedrich, pencils by Marie Severin, inks by George Tuska and Syd Shores; Bruce Banner is falling down a bottomless pit back to Midgard when the Enchantress plucks him back to Asgard out of curiosity; The Warriors Three consult Oldar the Oracle and find out the origins of the Hulk; Captured by Enchantress and Executioner, Banner transforms into the Hulk which enrages the Executioner who has fought the jade giant before (back in TTA #77); Leaving the Hulk behind, the evil duo lead an army of trolls against Asgard and the Hulk arrives on the scene just in time to lend a hand in the victory of Odin's forces. House ad for Not Brand Echh #7 and Daredevil #38. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Formerly Tales to Astonish. Cover pencils by Marie Severin, inks by Frank Giacoia. This World Not His Own!, script by Gary Friedrich, pencils by Marie Severin, inks by George Tuska and Syd Shores; Bruce Banner is falling down a bottomless pit back to Midgard when the Enchantress plucks him back to Asgard out of curiosity; The Warriors Three consult Oldar the Oracle and find out the origins of the Hulk; Captured by Enchantress and Executioner, Banner transforms into the Hulk which enrages the Executioner who has fought the jade giant before (back in TTA #77); Leaving the Hulk behind, the evil duo lead an army of trolls against Asgard and the Hulk arrives on the scene just in time to lend a hand in the victory of Odin's forces. House ad for Not Brand Echh #7 and Daredevil #38. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover pencils by Marie Severin and John Romita (Mandarin figure), inks by Frank Giacoia and John Romita (Mandarin figure). Ten Rings Hath...the Mandarin!, script by Gary Friedrich, art by Herb Trimpe; Just as Yuri and his men are about to decimate the Hulk, Nick Fury shows up to take his Russian foe down; The Mandarin zaps the Hulk to his compound and puts him through his paces to see if the jade giant would make a worthy ally in his bid to take over the world. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by Dan Adkins. Where Fall the Shifting Sands?, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by Dan Adkins; Bruce Banner, dying on a decompressed rocket ship hurling back to earth, succeeds in turning back to the Hulk and surviving the experience; Once he makes it back to earth, he is accosted by Sandman who easily dupes the Hulk into believeing he is his only friend in the world; On his new buddy's instructions, Hulk attacks Ross's missile base as the Sandman uses the diversion to try and steal some military hardware; Finally figuring out that he has been hornswaggled once again, Hulk beats up Sandman but then leaps away before Ross and Betty can tell him they may think he is not that bad a guy after all. 36 pgs. $0.12.

"Alone Against A.I.M.!" Script by Archie Goodwin; pencils by Gene Colan; inks by Johnny Craig. Iron Man origin retold in three-page back-up by same creative team. Colan cover.

"The Day of the Demolisher!" Script by Archie Goodwin; art by Johnny Craig.

Cover art by Murphy Anderson. The Slave Ship of Space!, script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Bernard Sachs; Kanjar Ro forces the Justice League to help him defeat his enemies by freezing the people of Earth motionless. Only the combined voices of his enemies--Kromm, Hyathis, and Sayyar--saying "Kanjar Ro" can release them. 36 pgs. $0.10.

Cover pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Murphy Anderson. The Wheel of Misfortune!, script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Bernard Sachs; Professor Amos Fortune has found a way to control luck itself with his Stimoluck device, and the Justice League must find a way to overcome his unnaturally good luck while dealing with their own unnaturally bad luck. 36 pgs. $0.10.

Cover pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Murphy Anderson. The Cosmic Fun-House!, script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Bernard Sachs; Snapper Carr and his girl Midge must be rescued by members of the Justice League after a strange trip through the new Happy Harbor fun-house; Those members, however, end up replaced by aliens from Angellax. House ad for Showcase #34, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Murphy Anderson. 36 pgs. $0.10.

Cover pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Murphy Anderson. The Mystery of Spaceman X!, script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Bernard Sachs; An alien uses a giant spaceman to absorb disaster-energy to make himself invulnerable, but Superman separates the alien from his power source. 36 pgs. $0.12.

1st Silver Age appearances of Hourman and Dr. Fate. Cover pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Murphy Anderson. Crisis on Earth-One!, script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Bernard Sachs; 3 villains each from Earth-1 and Earth-2 hatch a plot to commit crimes, then hide out on the other Earth; To ensure their success, the villains of Earth-1 mystically trap the JLA in their headquarters; But the JLA summons the JSA and switches places with them. Letter to the editor from Comics Buyer's Guide editor Don Thompson. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by Murphy Anderson. Crisis on Earth-Two!, script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Bernard Sachs; The JLA and JSA fight their own villains on the opposite Earths until they are mystically transported to cages in space; They escape and take down the gathered villains. 36 pgs. $0.12.

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.

1st Marvel Parody book. 1st appearance of Forbush Man. Jack Kirby cover. John & Marie Severin, Kirby, & Giacoia art. Lee, Thomas, & Friedrich stories.

Cover art by Joe Kubert. Brass Sergeant! starring Sgt. Rock, script by Bob Kanigher, art by Joe Kubert. Sgt. Rock gets a field promotion to Lieutenant. Give And Take public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff. 36 pgs. $0.12.

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.

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.

"The Deadly Doc Holliday" (script and art by Larry Lieber), plus a back-up story, "The Warning" (script and art by Alex Toth, inks by Vince Colletta). Jack Kirby cover pencils.

"The Earthlings of 5,000,000 B.C." (art by Bill Ely).

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Sol Brodsky. Lord Ha-Ha's Last Laugh, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by George Roussos; Fury and his Commandos are ordered to rescue the son of an English lord who has been captured by the Nazis and is forced to broadcast Nazis propaganda. Except, he is not forced at all. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by George Roussos. 1st apperance of Baron Strucker in At the Mercy of Baron Strucker, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by George Roussos; Baron Strucker is ordered to defeat Sgt. Fury. So, he challenges him to a duel. Weapons of War: Light Machine Guns of World War II X-537, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by George Roussos. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Joe Kubert and Russ Heath reprints; 80-page giant with 25c cover price. NOTE: In 2000 a replica edition was issued which has a $5.95 cover price.

1st solo Golden Age Green Lantern in Silver Age (pre-dates Green Lantern 40), Doctor Fate, and Hourman star in "Solomon Grundy Goes on a Rampage!" Script by Gardner Fox, art and cover by Murphy Anderson. One-page text feature tells the origins of Dr. Fate and Hourman.

The Spectre makes his first 1st Silver Age appearance in the book-length tale "The War That Shook the Universe!" Script by Gardner Fox, art and cover by Murphy Anderson. One-page text feature tells the origin of the Spectre.

"When Lands the Saucer!" Written by Stan Lee. Art and cover by John Buscema and Joe Sinnott. Exiled to planet Earth by his former master, Galactus, the Silver Surfer, a being empowered with the Power Cosmic itself, finds he cannot penetrate the invisible barrier which the Devourer of Worlds has encompassed the planet with. However, this barrier does not prevent others from beyond the stars from coming to Earth and wrecking havoc. Thus, when a malevolent race of aliens descend upon the unsuspecting citizens of Earth, only the Silver Surfer possesses the power to stop them. Includes the Watcher back-up "The Coming of the Krills!" Story by Stan Lee. Art by Gene Colan and Paul Reinman. 68 pages

"The Good, the Bad, and the Uncanny!" Guest-starring Thor. Written by Stan Lee. Art by John Buscema and Sal Buscema. Cover by John Buscema. When the Silver Surfer ventures to fabled Asgard, home of the Norse Gods, a misunderstanding sets the Sentinel of the Spaceways against the mighty God of Thunder. It's the Power Cosmic vs. godly might. It's Thor vs. the Silver Surfer in a battle that will truly shake the heavens! Includes the Watcher back-up "The Terror of Tim Boo Ba." tory by Stan Lee. Art by Howard Purcell and Paul Reinman. Low distribution. 68-page giant. NOTE: This issue sports one of my favorite covers of all time. John Buscema has really captured the awe inspiring majesty of the two most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe. Thor stands defiantly on the Rainbow Bridge swinging mighty Mjolnir around to meet his streaking opponent in a collision that I know I'll feel through the pages themselves. This pic is alive with energy! - Odinson, Lone Star Comics Archivist

"...And Who Shall Mourn for Him?!" Cameos by the Fantastic Four and the X-Men. Written by Stan Lee. Art by John Buscema and Sal Buscema. The Silver Surfer encounters a being of unimaginable cosmic power. Can even the Sentinel of the Spaceways hope to defeat the enigmatic Stranger? Meanwhile, for the fate of many innocent lives, one man will make the ultimate sacrifice. Includes the Watcher back-up "Run, Roco, Run!" Story by Stan Lee. Art by Howard Purcell and John Tartaglione. 68-page giant. Letter to the editor from Wendy Pini (Fletcher) of Elfquest fame.

"The Heir of Frankenstein!" Written by Stan Lee. Art by John Buscema and Sal Buscema. Cover by John John Buscema. When a madman clones the power of the Silver Surfer, the Sentinel of the Spaceways finds himself in mortal combat with a creatures who power rivals his own. Includes the Watcher back-up "I, the Gargoyle." Story by Stan Lee. Art by Howard Purcell and Dan Adkins. Final 68-page giant.

"Now Strikes the Ghost!" Part 1 of 2. Written by Stan Lee. Art by John Buscema and Dan Adkins. Mephisto, the very embodiment of evil, sends a powerful emissary, The Flying Dutchman, to destroy his hated enemy, the Silver Surfer.

"...To Steal the Soul of the Silver Surfer!" Part 2 of 2. Written by Stan Lee. Art by John Buscema and Dan Adkins. The embodiment of evil in the Marvel Universe, Mephisto, has sent a powerful force for evil to bring him the soul of the Silver Surfer.

Based on the "Space Ghost" cartoon series. Space Ghost in "Zorak's Revenge" and "The Space Outcast." Dino Boy in "The Raiders of Ra." Dan Spiegle art. Pin-up on back cover and character profiles on inside front cover. Number on cover is 10199-703 (no month listed).

Color. Spider-Man battles the Green Goblin in "The Goblin Lives!" Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Jim Mooney. Peter Parker has learned the identity of the Goblin--none other than Norman Osborn--and is pushed to his limit when green one threatens Aunt May! 58 pages of non-stop action! 8-in. x 10.25-in.; color; 64 pages. Romita cover painting.

Cover art by Joe Kubert. Death Takes No Holiday! Starring Enemy Ace, script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Joe Kubert; Enemy Ace faces pilots attired like skeletons. Ad for DC Special #3 and The Flash #187, pencils by Neal Adams and Ross Andru, inks by Nick Cardy and Mike Esposito. Air Force Heroes and The Mechanic humor half-page pages by John Costanza. Ad for The Brave and the Bold #83, art by Irv Novick. 36 pgs. $0.12.

1st appearance of Deadman in "Who Has Been Lying in My Grave?" Script by Arnold Drake, pencils by Carmine Infantino. Back-up story: "War of the Mind Readers!" Infantino/George Roussos cover.

In this issue, the epic battle long demanded by comic fans! The Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner square off in "The Master of Flame vs. the Monarch of the Sea!" Plot by Stan Lee, script by Larry Lieber, art by Dick Ayers. Fantastic Four guest appearance. Also in this issue: "The Treasure of Planetoid 12!" (script by Lee, art by Steve Ditko) and "Secret Weapon" (plot by Lee, script and pencils by Lieber, inks by Sol Brodsky), plus a 2-page text story, "The Universal Gadget!" Jack Kirby/George Roussos cover.

The Human Torch stars in "The Living Bomb!" Plot by Stan Lee, script by Joe Carter, art by Dick Ayers. First appearance of the Eel. Fantastic Four guest appearance. Also in this issue: "The Man Who Dared!" (script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko) and "I Saw the Impossible World" (plot by Lee, script and pencils by Larry Lieber, inks by Paul Reinman). (No text story in this issue.) Jack Kirby/George Roussos cover.

"The Human Torch meets...Captain America!" with script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers inks. This is the first appearance of Captain America since the Golden Age (though it's actually the Acrobat from issue 106 disguised as the hero). Third appearance of Dr. Strange in "The Return of the Ominpotent Baron Mordo!" Script by Lee, art by Steve Ditko. First appearance of Victoria Bentley. This issue also contains a 2-page text story, "The Bridge." Kirby/Ayers cover.