January Prime Auction

Al Hartley cover. Pencils and script by Hartley. Based loosely on the book of the same name, about the true story of Maria Hirschmann, a Czechoslovakian girl who became a Nazi during WWII, got forced into a Russian labor camp, and eventually found her way to America and the Christian faith. There are three editions of this comic -- a 1973 39 cent edition, a 1976 39 cent edition, and a 1976 49 cent edition. 36 pages.

Photo cover featuring Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli )Henry Winkler); Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard); Marion Cunningham (Marion Ross); Joanie Cunningham (Erin Moran); and Howard Cunningham (Tom Bosley). The Winner, art by Bill Williams; When Fonzie wins the $100,000 grand prize in a contest, his life suddenly becomes very complicated; He solves his problem by donating $50,000 to Panama State Park and $49,980 to establish the Arthur Fonzarelli College of Mechanical Knowledge. Over the Hill, art by Bill Williams; Marion asks Fonzie for his help; Howard will turn 50 in one more day, and he is feeling very old; The next day, Fonzie throws a surprise party for Howard at Arnold's. Star Light, Star Bright, art by Bill Williams; Actress Dora Lake is coming to speak to the school's drama department, and Richie is in charge of the Speaker's Bureau. Dream Girl, art by Bill Williams; After Joanie is crowned prom queen, she becomes very popular. Hostess Fruit Pies ad with Spider-Man. Based on the classic TV series. 36 pgs., full color. $0.35.

First issue of comics based on the Saturday morning cartoon series which featured "The Hardy Boys," the famous teenage detectives, as a rock'n'roll band. The cartoon, made by Filmation, aired on ABC-TV from 1969 to 1971. This issue features the Hardy Boys in "Secret of the Orinda Star" and "The Dart-Riddle Rumble." Art by Dan Spiegle. Photo inset of the live Hardy Boys band on the front cover. # on cover 10254-004 April. #1 4/70 15c

Cover by Steve Ditko. The Dove Is a Very Gentle Bird, script by Steve Skeates, art by Steve Ditko; The Drop-Outs, a gang of thieves, run rampant in the college town of Elmond and Hawk and Dove are unable to capture them due to their constant bickering. Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen ad. House of Mystery ad. The Wonderful World of Comics article by Mark Hanerfeld; How to determine if you are a true comics fan or just an occasional reader. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12.

Cover art by Murphy Anderson. The Golden Rule! public service announcement starring Bob Hope, script by Jack Schiff, art by Bob Oksner. Rivalry of the Winged Wonders!, script by Gardner Fox, art by Murphy Anderson; The Hawks return to Thanagar where they make an official report to their chief about their work on Earth; They recount how they recently competed to catch a jewel thief: Hawkman using Earth police methods and Hawkgirl using Thanagarian methods. House ad for Sgt. Rock's Prize Battle Tales (DC, 1964 series) #1. House ad for The Brave and the Bold (DC, 1955 series) #53. Master of the Sky-Weapons!, script by Gardner Fox, art by Murphy Anderson; An ancient Mayan chief was taken by aliens and returned to Earth as an immortal with fantastic alien weapons, and now Hawkman and Hawkgirl must stop him. Strange Bird Lore fact page by Julius Schwartz. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by Murphy Anderson. The Golden Rule! public service announcement starring Bob Hope, script by Jack Schiff, art by Bob Oksner. Rivalry of the Winged Wonders!, script by Gardner Fox, art by Murphy Anderson; The Hawks return to Thanagar where they make an official report to their chief about their work on Earth; They recount how they recently competed to catch a jewel thief: Hawkman using Earth police methods and Hawkgirl using Thanagarian methods. House ad for Sgt. Rock's Prize Battle Tales (DC, 1964 series) #1. House ad for The Brave and the Bold (DC, 1955 series) #53. Master of the Sky-Weapons!, script by Gardner Fox, art by Murphy Anderson; An ancient Mayan chief was taken by aliens and returned to Earth as an immortal with fantastic alien weapons, and now Hawkman and Hawkgirl must stop him. Strange Bird Lore fact page by Julius Schwartz. 36 pgs. $0.12.

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 pages, full color

Rich Corben, Moebius, & Bode art April, 1977, issue 1. Dubbed "The adult illustrated fantasy magazine," Heavy Metal also publishes tales of horror, science fiction, and adventure. This first issue includes the following stories: Den by Richard Corben; Rut by Druillet; Conquering Armies by Dionnet and Gal; The Adventures of Yriss by Druillet and Alexis; Azrach by Moebius; Selenia by Marre and Macedo; The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks; Traumwach by Mouchel, Pierson, and Voss; Space Punks by Mezieres; Age of Ages by Rubington; 1996 by Montellier; Sunspot by Vaughn Bodé; and Manipulation by Roy. Cover art by Nicollet.

Harvey Kurtzmans legendary follow-up to the original MAD launched the careers of many future stars of comics, comedy and publishing, including associate editor Terry Gilliam. This issue features the first published Fritz the Cat strip by R. Crumb, as well as a Jay Lynch story, a Skip Williamson story, and an early Wonder Warthog story by Gilbert Shelton. Sometimes listed as Vol. 2, #10. 48 pages. Cover price $0.35.

Cover art by Ogden Whitney. Lookit All the Herbies!, script by Richard Hughes (as Shane O'Shea), art by Ogden Whitney; Herbie's neighbor, Professor Flipdome, creates the Automatic Imitator, which creates many duplicates of Herbie. Swami O'Toole breaks out of prison and tries to use Herbie's love of lollipops against him, but Herbie's doubles come to the rescue. Only Robin Hood Can Help You, Herbie!, script by Richard Hughes (as Shane O'Shea), art by Ogden Whitney; Herbie's dad thinks Herbie is a great archer and enters him in the Robin Hood Tournament. Herbie goes back in time to get Robin Hood's bow. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Several stories by Edward D. Wood Jr. under various Pseudonyms.

Cover art by Bernie Wrightson. "Deliver Us from Evil," script by Jack Oleck, art by Nestor Redondo; The peasants ask Dravos to kill the werewolf that is terrorizing their valley; Little do they know that they are exchanging a werewolf for something more sinister. Cain's Game Room cartoon page, art by Sergio Aragonés. "Money To Burn," script by Jack Oleck, art by Dan Green; John Avery thinks he can buy his way into heaven. "Unholy Change!", script by Sheldon Mayer, art by Gerry Talaoc; George Farson discovers that a magic mirror will let him slip into alternate versions of history. 36 Pages, Full Color.

Cover art by Lee Elias. "Doctor-7, King of the Supernatural," art by Mort Meskin; Doctor-7 finds a way to hypnotize Mark Merlin into stealing the ingredients he needs for his magic potions, but he is eventually outwitted by Merlin. The Strange Lives of Batman and Robin ad. "A Tree Grows on Second Street!" public service announcement, script by Jack Schiff, art by Sheldon Moldoff; The Badger Club learns about the rules for planting trees along the streets in their town. "Eclipso, the Genius Who Fought Himself," script by Bob Haney, art by Lee Elias; Bruce Gordon becomes Eclipso for the first time, destroying Solar City, and with the help of Professor Bennett, discovers explains how he was transformed into Eclipso during a solar eclipse. Brief biography of artist Lee Elias. 2/3-page Moolah the Mystic story by Henry Boltinoff. 36 Pages, Full Color.

First 15-cent cover. First appearance of Abel. Abel acts as a storyteller and host of the series, as well as the caretaker of the House of Secrets. Cover art by Neal Adams. "Don't Move It!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Jerry Grandenetti, inks by George Roussos; This story provides the background of the House of Secrets, who built it and its history, and leads into the next story which talks about Abel's taking possession of it. "House of Secrets," art by Bill Draut; A realty agent helps Abel move into the House of Secrets where Abel bumps into Cain; When Cain asks Abel who he is talking to, Abel indicates the realty agent who dissipates into a spirit which merges into the House of Secrets. "Burn This House!" text story. "Aaron Philips' Photo Finish!", script by Gerry Conway, art by Jack Sparling; Abel tells Cain a story about a photographer who takes blackmail photos being sent out to photograph the House of Secrets, but the house swallows him up, leaving only a photograph of the man's shocked expression as the only evidence he was ever inside. 36 Pages, Full Color.

Cover art by Bernie Wrightson. "Swamp Thing," script by Len Wein, art by Berni Wrightson; Sometime in the last century, Alex Olsen and Damien Ridge had been best friends; However, they both vied for the affections of a woman named Linda. Linda eventually married Alex and Damien had to endure his heartache in the form of the supportive friend; But his desire for Linda overrode the bonds of friendship and he conspired to eliminate Alex; He sabotaged the equipment in Alex's lab causing an explosion that killed him; Keeping the knowledge hidden from Linda, Damien buried Alex's body in the swamp; Damien eventually married the widow Olsen and they lived together in an old Victorian plantation house; But Linda never recovered from Alex's death; As months passed, Damien began to suspect that Linda might soon learn the truth, so he prepared to kill her; But Alex had been resurrected as a swamp thing and broke into the house and killed Damien. "After I Die!", script by Jack Kirby and Mark Evanier, art by Bill Draut; A wealthy man named Maxwell James is obsessed with what happens after death; his obsession only grows stronger when he arrives at his wife's deathbed, and realizes that she sees something utterly horrifying in her final moments. "It's Better to Give," script by Mary Skrenes (as "Virgil North"), pencils by Alan Weiss, inks by Tony DeZuniga; A homeless man encounters a crying baby warlock in the town dump who is upset that he has broken his balloon. "Trick or Treat" two-page story, art by Dick Dillin. 36 Pages, Full Color.

Written by Steve Gerber. Art by Frank Brunner and Steve Leialoha. Cover by Frank Brunner. Howard the Barbarian; Legendary creators Steve Gerber and Frank Bruner present the audacious, quirky, downright filthy Howard the Duck in his own ongoing series!; Howards debut adventure guest stars a plethora of Marvel Heroes--Spider-Man, Conjurer, and many more; Howard is thinking of committing suicide and then finds himself involved in a bizarre adventure where he meets Beverly Switzler and Spider-Man for the first time, and faces off against Pro-Rata, the Financial Wizard. Continued from Giant-Size Man-Thing #5. 36 pgs., full color. $0.25.

Written by Steve Gerber. Art by Frank Brunner and Steve Leialoha. Cover by Frank Brunner. Howard the Barbarian; Legendary creators Steve Gerber and Frank Bruner present the audacious, quirky, downright filthy Howard the Duck in his own ongoing series!; Howards debut adventure guest stars a plethora of Marvel Heroes--Spider-Man, Conjurer, and many more; Howard is thinking of committing suicide and then finds himself involved in a bizarre adventure where he meets Beverly Switzler and Spider-Man for the first time, and faces off against Pro-Rata, the Financial Wizard. Continued from Giant-Size Man-Thing #5. 36 pgs., full color. $0.25.

Howard becomes a Master of Quack Fu in the Kung Fu satire, "Four Feathers of Death!" Script by Steve Gerber, pencils by John Buscema, inks by Steve Leialoha. Spicer-Man stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "The Twinkie Takers." Rich Buckler cover pencils, Leialoha cover inks.

Cover by Gene Colan and Tom Palmer. Written by Steve Gerber and Mary Skrenes. Art by Gene Colan and Steve Leialoha. The Secret House of Forbidden Cookies!; After a stormy argument, Beverly finally has had enough of Howards stubbornness and splits!; And when Howard goes for a stroll and is discovered by religious extremists who believe him to be a demon, things go from bad to worse. 36 pgs., full color. $0.30.

"Fowl of Fear!" Insane farmer Mister Chicken has his eyes on Howard and Bev. He thinks they would make good livestock. "From Hell It Cometh...Chair-Thing!" The Kidney Lady hassle Howard and Bev, who end up naked in bed on the final page. Also includes "The $64,000 Desperado!" Script by Bill Mantlo, pencils by Michael Golden, inks by Klaus Janson. Cover by Gary Hallgren.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. First Silver Age appearance of the Ringmaster and the Circus of Crime in "Banished to Outer Space!;" The military captures Rick and Ross convinces him that they need the Hulk to test a new experimental rocket for national security; Rick tricks the jade giant into the capsule but once it is shot into space, he realizes that Ross deceived him to get rid of his foe. "The Origin of the Hulk!," script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. The Ringmaster, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers; Rick takes a break from his Hulk-sitting duties and goes to the circus. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. First Silver Age appearance of the Ringmaster and the Circus of Crime in "Banished to Outer Space!;" The military captures Rick and Ross convinces him that they need the Hulk to test a new experimental rocket for national security; Rick tricks the jade giant into the capsule but once it is shot into space, he realizes that Ross deceived him to get rid of his foe. "The Origin of the Hulk!," script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. The Ringmaster, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers; Rick takes a break from his Hulk-sitting duties and goes to the circus. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. "The Monster and the Machine!," script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers; Rick uses some of Banner's machinery to transform the Hulk, who was stuck in his monster persona, back into Bruce. "The Gladiator from Outer Space!," script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers; An alien invades Earth and claims his people will conquer the planet unless he is met in battle by the strongest opponent the world has to offer; Hulk meets the challenge but finds out it is all a ploy by the Russians to capture him and create an army of hulks of their own. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12.

Cover by Steve Ditko. Introduction of the Teen Brigade in "The Incredible Hulk vs The Metal Master!," script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; Finding his transformations more and more difficult using his gamma ray machine, the Hulk with Banner's brain also finds that he has Banner's features when he zaps himself to face the alien invading Metal Master and his head does not transform; The power of the Metal Master is too much for the Hulk and he is captured by Ross. Rick forms the Teen Brigade; Hulk breaks free of Ross's bunker and then pulls off one of the boldest victories against one of the most powerful aliens ever seen. 36 pgs., full color. The Hulk's solo adventures continue in the pages of Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) #59.

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. This issue picks up after the events of Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) #101.

Cover pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by Bill Everett. Day of Thunder--Night of Death!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by John Severin; Hulk tries to help a dying Jim but turns the boy over to Ross in the hopes that his friend can be saved; Hulk mails himself to the country of Morvania where he comes into conflict with the brutal dictator Draxon. 36 pgs. $0.15.

First appearance of Wolverine (cameo last panel). Cover art by Herb Trimpe. And the Wind Howls...Wendigo!, script by Len Wein, pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by Jack Abel; Hulk is in Canada looking for some peace and quiet when he is mysteriously drawn to a cave inhabited by the sister of the man who became the Wendigo; Marie and Georges plan on transferring the power of the Wendigo to the Hulk, thus restorin Paul Cartier to his normal life; Marie's magic isn't strong enough, however, and just as Wendigo shows up, the Hulk wakes up from his magical slumber and the two battle; The Canadian government gets involved and sends in their own agent to take care of a recent Hulk sighting, the mutant known as Wolverine. Marvel Value Stamp Series A (Cyclops). 36 pgs. $0.25.

First full Wolverine story (cameo appearance in previous issue). Cover art by Herb Trimpe. And Now...The Wolverine!, script by Len Wein, pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by Jack Abel; Canadian super-agent Wolverine teams up with the Hulk to battle Wendigo; Once the monster is felled, however, Wolvie turns on the Hulk and the two battle; Marie goes ahead with her plans of trying to transfer the power of the Wendigo into the Hulk but when the guilt becomes too much for best friend Georges who feels responsible for Paul's monstrous condition, he works the change on himself; Paul Cartier is returned to human form and Georges becomes the Wendigo. Wendigos story continues in Monsters Unleashed 9.Marvel Value Stamp #54 (Shanna). Letter from Mary Jo Duffy. 36 pgs. $0.25.

First full Wolverine story (cameo appearance in previous issue). Cover art by Herb Trimpe. And Now...The Wolverine!, script by Len Wein, pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by Jack Abel; Canadian super-agent Wolverine teams up with the Hulk to battle Wendigo; Once the monster is felled, however, Wolvie turns on the Hulk and the two battle; Marie goes ahead with her plans of trying to transfer the power of the Wendigo into the Hulk but when the guilt becomes too much for best friend Georges who feels responsible for Paul's monstrous condition, he works the change on himself; Paul Cartier is returned to human form and Georges becomes the Wendigo. Wendigos story continues in Monsters Unleashed 9.Marvel Value Stamp #54 (Shanna). Letter from Mary Jo Duffy. 36 pgs. $0.25.

First full Wolverine story (cameo appearance in previous issue). Cover art by Herb Trimpe. And Now...The Wolverine!, script by Len Wein, pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by Jack Abel; Canadian super-agent Wolverine teams up with the Hulk to battle Wendigo; Once the monster is felled, however, Wolvie turns on the Hulk and the two battle; Marie goes ahead with her plans of trying to transfer the power of the Wendigo into the Hulk but when the guilt becomes too much for best friend Georges who feels responsible for Paul's monstrous condition, he works the change on himself; Paul Cartier is returned to human form and Georges becomes the Wendigo. Wendigos story continues in Monsters Unleashed 9.Marvel Value Stamp #54 (Shanna). Letter from Mary Jo Duffy. 36 pgs. $0.25.

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by John Romita. The Day of the Locust! starring The Hulk, Doc Samson, Thunderbolt Ross, Clay Quartermain, Betty Ross, Locust, and Abomination, script by Len Wein, pencils by Sal Buscema (breakdowns) and Joe Staton (finished art), inks by Joe Staton; Hulk helps a girl and her boyfriend flee from her super villain father. Story continues from Iron Man Annual 3. 36 pgs.

"At the Bottom of the Bay!" Guest-starring Marvel Man (aka Quasar). Script by Roger Stern. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns) and Chic Stone (finishes). Cover by Al Milgrom. The Incredible Hulk is in hot pursuit of Curtiss Jackson -- the leader of the west coast branch of the Corporation! The chase leads from San Francisco Bay to the mainland...where Jackson slips away from the Jade Giant and Marvel Man. Thankfully, the Hulk finds and frees Fred Sloan. And Fred drives the Hulk to Berkeley for rest and relaxation. Cameo appearances by Jasper Sitwell, Clay Quartermain, Doc Samson, Senator Hawk, Glenn Talbot, Betty Ross, and Trish Starr. (Notes: This issue includes a full-page ad for Hostess Twinkies featuring Spider-Man. The letters page includes a letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson. The letters page also contains a statement of ownership: average print run 379,314; average paid circulation 171,931.) 36 pages.

"Battlefield Berkeley!" Part 1 of 4. Quasar and Doc Samson cameo. Story by Roger Stern. Art by Sal Buscema and Jack Abel. Learn the intricate past of Trish Starr, the Hulk's erstwhile friend, and find out how the Hulk, Hank Pym, Doctor Strange and the Defenders' Nighthawk all fit into it. Plus, what happens when Machine Man shows up and kidnaps Trish? Quasar's story continues in Marvel Two in One (1974) #73. 36 pages.

New story: the Hulk battles the Inhumans in "A Refuge Divided!" Script by Gary Friedrich, pencils by Marie Severin, inks by Syd Shores (and others). Jim Steranko cover (with the head redrawn by Severin). 68 pages, full color.

"A Monster Rally!" The I5 and the Kookie Quartet (a parody of Marvel's Fantastic Four) try unsuccessfully to thwart an alien invasion. Fortunately, Superman makes an appearance. Features a parody of Marvel's Spider-Man. Includes half-page text feature on Carmine Infantino. Script uncredited, pencils by Winslow Mortimer, inks by Tex Blaisdell. Cover by Mortimer and Blaisdell.

They're back -- because you demanded it! Black Bolt and his comrades in-combat battle Blastaar the Living Bomb! Featuring: 19 page Inhumans story "Spawn of Alien Heat." Characters: Inhumans [Black Bolt; Medusa; Karnak; Gorgon; Triton]; Villain: Blastaar; Maximus; Intro: Iridia; Guest: Stallior; Centarius; Leonus; Avius; Hulk (flashback); Human Torch [Johnny Storm] (flashback). Written by Doug Moench, with art by George Perez and Frank Chiaramonte. Cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia.

Here come the Kaptroids...and not even Black Bolt can stop them! Featuring: 19 page Inhumans story "Star-Slaves!" Characters: Inhumans [Black Bolt; Medusa; Karnak; Gorgon; Triton]; Villain: Blastaar; Kaptroids (Intro); Guest: Iridia; Ghaidor (Intro, cameo); Leonus (cameo); Avius (cameo). Written by Doug Moench, with art by George Perez and Fred Kida. Cover by Rich Buckler and Frank Giacoia.

Part 2 of 3 - "Union Jack is Back!" Written by Roy Thomas. Art by Frank Robbins and Frank Springer. Even the Invaders, the greatest heroes of World War II, are powerless before the vampiric powers of Baron Blood. Only Union Jack, a masked avenger from the days of World War I, can save them now. But what is the mysterious connection between Union Jack and the vampire Nazi sympathizer. 32 pages FC  

"A Duel of Iron!" Guest-starring Iron Man and Misty Knight. Story by Chris Claremont. Art by John Byrne and Al Williams. Story continued from Marvel Premiere #25. Daniel Rand was reborn in the fires of a dragon's heart in the mystical land of K'un Lun. Now, he is the living weapon known as Iron Fist, finally in his own series. Hot on the trail of Colleen Wing's kidnappers, Iron Fist has come to Stark International seeking answers. Wanted by the police for a murder he did not commit, Danny comes face-to-face with the Invincible Iron Man, and Shell Head is in no mood to give a wanted man the benefit of the doubt. It's the Golden Avenger vs. the Living Weapon. Marvel Value Stamp.

"A Duel of Iron!" Guest-starring Iron Man and Misty Knight. Story by Chris Claremont. Art by John Byrne and Al Williams. Story continued from Marvel Premiere #25. Daniel Rand was reborn in the fires of a dragon's heart in the mystical land of K'un Lun. Now, he is the living weapon known as Iron Fist, finally in his own series. Hot on the trail of Colleen Wing's kidnappers, Iron Fist has come to Stark International seeking answers. Wanted by the police for a murder he did not commit, Danny comes face-to-face with the Invincible Iron Man, and Shell Head is in no mood to give a wanted man the benefit of the doubt. It's the Golden Avenger vs. the Living Weapon. Marvel Value Stamp.

1st appearance of Sabretooth - next appearance is in Power Man and Iron Fist # 66. "Snowfire!" Guest-starring Colleen Wing. Story by Chris Claremont. Art by John Byrne and Dan Green. Cover by Dave Cockrum, and Al Milgrom. Lost and wounded somewhere in the Canadian wilderness, Iron Fist must summon all his energy and skills to survive an encounter with the deadly man called Sabretooth. 36 pages, full color.

"The Coming of the Controller" Part 1 of 2. Script by Archie Goodwin. Pencils by George Tuska. Inks by Johnny Craig. Cover by George Tuska. A new twisted mastermind, Basil Sandhurst, has found a way to harness the power of the human brain! By using control discs, the evil villain has subjugated every person in a New England town. Tony Stark and Janice Cord are driving through that same town, and after they stop at a local restaurant...the Controller strikes! Meanwhile in the Everglades, Jasper Sitwell finds the wreck of Whitney Frost's escape ship from four issues ago. First appearance of the Controller. (Note: The letters page includes a letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson.) 32 pages

"Captives of the Controller!" Part 2 of 2. Script by Archie Goodwin. Pencils by George Tuska. Inks by Johnny Craig. Cover by George Tuska. It's an awesome cover to cover slugfest between the Controller and the Invincible Iron Man! The Controller has hijacked a train and is headed for New York City to enslave the population! Can Shell-head stop the runaway locomotive and also rescue Janice Cord? Cameo appearance by Nick Fury. 32 pages

"The Night Phantom Walks!" Script by Archie Goodwin. Pencils and Inks by Johnny Craig. Cover by Johnny Craig. Tony Stark travels to a Caribbean Island where a mysterious creature has been sabotaging the Stark Industries facilities. The local islanders think that a supernatural being is performing the acts of terror, but Tony suspects something else. In an underground cavern, Iron Man battles the treacherous Night Phantom to save Janice Cord one more time. Can the golden avenger prevent Janice from falling into the radioactive pool? First appearance of the Night Phantom. 32 pages

"The Replacement!" Story by Archie Goodwin. Art by George Tuska and Joe Gaudioso. After attending a boxing match featuring Eddie March, Tony Stark drops by Cord Industries and finds Janice Cord under duress from the Crimson Dynamo! Tony quickly changes into his armor, and the golden avenger goes into battle against the new Crimson Dynamo (Alex Niven). After an inconclusive fight, Tony decides to give up being Iron Man and offers the job to Eddie March instead. In the meantime, Tony renews his relationship with Janice Cord. Everything is going great until the Crimson Dynamo decides its time for a rematch against Iron Man (aka Eddie March). Is the new Iron Man in over his head? First appearance of Eddie March. 32 pages

"This Doomed Land ? This Dying Sea!" Guest-starring the Sub-Mariner. Story by Archie Goodwin. Art by Johnny Craig and Sam Grainger. Cover by Marie Severin. Blane Ordway, the project lead at the Stark Industries Meridian Island Project, has done a fantastic job of improving efficiency and cutting costs at the previously struggling facility. What has been the secret to Blane's success? Dump tons of chemical waste into the Atlantic Ocean instead of paying for its safe removal. Now the Sub-Mariner is furious with the pollution near Atlantis and begins to wreck the Meridian Island project! But Iron Man quickly arrives on the scene for another great battle with Namor! 32 pages

"When Demons Wail!" Story by Gerry Conway. Art by George Tuska and Frank Giacoia. Tony Stark is still in Washington D.C. trying to defend the quality of Stark Industries' products, when a new villain called Mikas takes control of Marianne Rodgers and her psychic powers! Now Iron Man must battle Mikas to free her! Last 15¢ issue. (Note: According to the story, the woman on the cover should be Marianne Rodgers; however her hair is colored red.) 32 pages

"Beware the Blood Brothers!" First appearance of Thanos. Story by Jim Starlin. Art by Jim Starlin and Mike Esposito. Cover by Jim Starlin and Joe Sinnott. One of the landmark Marvel issues of the Bronze Age. Drax the Destroyer is a prisoner of Thanos at the evil Titan's Earth-fortress. In an effort to escape, Drax telepathically reaches out to Tony Stark for assistance; but before Iron Man can come to the rescue, Shell-Head is ambushed by the Blood Brothers! Can Drax and the golden avenger defeat the Blood Brothers and Thanos? Also first appearances of Drax the Destroyer, Starfox (in a flashback), and Mentor. (Note: Iron Man 55 was reprinted as a Marvel Milestone Edition in 1992.) 36 pages

"Beware the Blood Brothers!" First appearance of Thanos. Story by Jim Starlin. Art by Jim Starlin and Mike Esposito. Cover by Jim Starlin and Joe Sinnott. One of the landmark Marvel issues of the Bronze Age. Drax the Destroyer is a prisoner of Thanos at the evil Titan's Earth-fortress. In an effort to escape, Drax telepathically reaches out to Tony Stark for assistance; but before Iron Man can come to the rescue, Shell-Head is ambushed by the Blood Brothers! Can Drax and the golden avenger defeat the Blood Brothers and Thanos? Also first appearances of Drax the Destroyer, Starfox (in a flashback), and Mentor. (Note: Iron Man 55 was reprinted as a Marvel Milestone Edition in 1992.) 36 pages

"Then Came the Monster!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Bill Mantlo. Pencils by George Tuska. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Val Mayerik and Dave Cockrum. After his exhausting battle vs. the Mandarin, the golden avenger commandeers a Chinese fighter jet and begins flying back home! But Shell-Head's jet is mistakenly shot down over the Balkans by NATO forces! By the time Iron Man wakes up after hitting the ground, he's surrounded by a pack of gnomes and the monster of Frankenstein! Oh my, has Tony Stark landed in the middle of Mary Shelley's classic novel? Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction! First appearance of Dreadknight. Cameo appearances by Jasper Sitwell and Madame Masque (as Krissy Longfellow). (Notes: Frankenstein's Monster previously appeared in Marvel Team-Up 36 & 37. A limited distribution 35-cent cover price variant exists for this issue.) 32 pages.