Auctions: comic books 1973-1975

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 117 CBCS 7.5

Paper: Off white

Label #19-333D6E6-003

"The Deadly Designs of the Disruptor" continues reprinting pages from "Lo, This Monster" in Spectacular Spider-Man #1 (1968)--see comments on Amazing Spider-Man 116 for details. However, there is quite a bit of 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 # 117. Cover price $0.20.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 121 CBCS 8.0

Paper: White

Label #21-356E081-001

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.) 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.20.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 124 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #3967263003

First appearance of the Man-Wolf (aka John Jameson) in "The Mark of the Man-Wolf" Part 1 of 2. Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Gil Kane. Inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro. Cover by John Romita. While web-slinging through the city, Spider-Man stops to take a look at the local papers, and becomes mad that the Bugle is the only newspaper calling him a murderer in connection with the death of Norman Osborn! The angry wall-crawler rushes to JJJ's apartment, but the Man-Wolf gets there first! Spider-Man rescues J. Jonah Jameson and battles the Man-Wolf! First appearance of Kristine Saunders. Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Flash Thompson, and Joe Robertson. (Notes: In the letters page, the web-slinger's fans react to Gwen Stacy's death. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 101.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.20.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 128 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #0749500009

Cover by John Romita Sr. The Vulture Hangs High!, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt; Spider-Man uses his last reserve of webbing after being dropped from the sky by the (third) Vulture!; After narrowly avoiding death, Spidey returns to ESUs campus to uncover the motives behind an innocent womans death; In a twisted web of mistaken identities, will Spider-Man solve this murder mystery before theres a second victim? Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 105. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 128 CBCS 4.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #23-1BEA953-001

Cover by John Romita Sr. The Vulture Hangs High!, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt; Spider-Man uses his last reserve of webbing after being dropped from the sky by the (third) Vulture!; After narrowly avoiding death, Spidey returns to ESUs campus to uncover the motives behind an innocent womans death; In a twisted web of mistaken identities, will Spider-Man solve this murder mystery before theres a second victim? Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 105. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 129 CGC 8.5 SS John Romita

Paper: Off white to white

Signed by John Romita on 4/22/21.

Label #2640365002

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 (backgrounds). Cover by Gil Kane and John Romita. One of the landmark issues of the bronze age! The Punisher, the legendary gun-toting vigilante, makes his first appearance in the Marvel Universe! And his first target...is none other than your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! But before Frank Castle can locate the web-slinger, he needs directions from a mysterious new super-villain called the Jackal! Once the dastardly Jackal tells the sharpshooting anti-hero where to find the wall-crawler, the inaugural battle between the Punisher and the Amazing Spider-Man erupts! The first of many classic confrontations! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Harry Osborn, Betty Brant, Joe Robertson, and J. Jonah Jameson. (Notes: The Punisher appears next in Amazing Spider-Man 134 (cameo) and 135. The letters page includes a letter from comics writer Ralph Macchio. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 106 and again in Marvel Tales 209.) 32 pages. 20 cent cover price. Cover price $0.20.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 134 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4384438004

Cover by John Romita Sr. First appearance of Tarantula, plus cameos by the Punisher, Doctor Octopus, and the Molten Man in Danger Is a Man Named...Tarantula, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt; Peter takes a day of leisure to go on a cruise with MJ, Flash, and Liz Allan; While onboard, a masked mercenary attacks!; Harry Osborn discovers Peters greatest secret! Letter to the editor from Ralph Macchio. The leters page also has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 3 (Conan the Barbarian). Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 111 and 210. 36 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 146 FN/VF 7.0

"Scorpion...Where is thy Sting?" Part 2 of 2. Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by John Romita Sr., John Romita, Jr., Mike Esposito, Frank Giacoia, and John Tartaglione. Cover by John Romita Sr. While Aunt May's nephew comes to grips with the return of Gwen Stacy (clone), the devious Jackal once more plots the wall-crawler's violent demise! And this time he uses the unsuspecting Scorpion as his pawn! The Scorpion thought he killed Spidey last issue, but once Mac Gargan learns the truth; he wants another shot! So the Jackal tells him to look in May Parker's hospital room! What a cruel thing to do! And as depicted on the dynamic cover, the Scorpion indeed pays Aunt May a visit! But the super-villain with a sting wasn't counting on a fighting mad web-slinger in the waiting room! The beleaguered Scorpion doesn't stand a chance! Elements of the story continue in Giant-Size Spider-Man 5. (Note: The Scorpion returns in Ms. Marvel (1977 1st series #1. The letters page includes Marvel Value Stamp series A #67 Cyclops by George Tuska. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 123.) 32 pages. 25c cover price. Cover price $0.25.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 149 CBCS 8.0

Paper: White

Label #21-279BDC8-005

First appearance of the Spider-Man Clone in "Even If I Live, I Die!" Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by Mike Esposito and Dave Hunt (backgrounds). Cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia. One of the classic web-slinger issues of the bronze age! At Shea Stadium in Queens, the master plan of the Jackal finally comes together! On the infield grass, the Amazing Spider-Man fights to the finish against a carbon copy of himself - the Spider-Clone! With Ned Leeds in mortal danger, can the wondrous wall-crawler triumph over his clone and the Jackal too? But even if he wins, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man may still lose Gwen once again. An emotional ending for all. Origins of the Jackal and the Gwen Stacy clone. Apparent deaths of the Jackal and the Spider-Clone. Cameo appearances by Joe Robertson, J. Jonah Jameson, Betty Brant, Mary Jane Watson, and the Tarantula. Flashback cameos by Anthony Serba and Gwen Stacy. (Note: The Gwen Stacy clone returns many years later in Spectacular Spider-Man Annual 8. The next story arc relating to the clone saga takes place in Spectacular Spider-Man (1st series) 25-31 - the introduction of Carrion, the clone of Professor Miles Warren. This issue completes Gerry Conway's unforgettable 3-year run as the writer of the Amazing Spider-Man title - highlighted by the death of Gwen Stacy; the creation of the Punisher; and the Spider-Clone saga. Many future stories proceeded from Gerry Conway's bronze age scripts. The full clone saga was reprinted in 2011 in the trade paperback: The Amazing Spider-Man - The Original Clone Saga. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 126.) 32 pages. 25c cover price. Cover price $0.25.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 149 GD/VG 3.0

Water damage. Oxidation.

First appearance of the Spider-Man Clone in "Even If I Live, I Die!" Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by Mike Esposito and Dave Hunt (backgrounds). Cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia. One of the classic web-slinger issues of the bronze age! At Shea Stadium in Queens, the master plan of the Jackal finally comes together! On the infield grass, the Amazing Spider-Man fights to the finish against a carbon copy of himself - the Spider-Clone! With Ned Leeds in mortal danger, can the wondrous wall-crawler triumph over his clone and the Jackal too? But even if he wins, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man may still lose Gwen once again. An emotional ending for all. Origins of the Jackal and the Gwen Stacy clone. Apparent deaths of the Jackal and the Spider-Clone. Cameo appearances by Joe Robertson, J. Jonah Jameson, Betty Brant, Mary Jane Watson, and the Tarantula. Flashback cameos by Anthony Serba and Gwen Stacy. (Note: The Gwen Stacy clone returns many years later in Spectacular Spider-Man Annual 8. The next story arc relating to the clone saga takes place in Spectacular Spider-Man (1st series) 25-31 - the introduction of Carrion, the clone of Professor Miles Warren. This issue completes Gerry Conway's unforgettable 3-year run as the writer of the Amazing Spider-Man title - highlighted by the death of Gwen Stacy; the creation of the Punisher; and the Spider-Clone saga. Many future stories proceeded from Gerry Conway's bronze age scripts. The full clone saga was reprinted in 2011 in the trade paperback: The Amazing Spider-Man - The Original Clone Saga. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 126.) 32 pages. 25c cover price. Cover price $0.25.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) Annual 9 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4416308024

This annual reprints Spectacular Spider-Man (1968 Magazine) #2 in condensed format. "The Goblin Lives!" Script by Stan Lee. Art by John Romita (layouts, pencils), Jim Mooney (pencils, inks) and Frank Giacoia (inks). Redrawn cover by John Romita (from his original painted magazine cover). Norman Osborn relapses and recalls that he is the Green Goblin! Oh no! That is very bad news for the Amazing Spider-Man! The sinister goblin wastes no time in threatening Peter's dear Aunt May! And that quickly draws the web-slinger into a terrific no-holds-barred battle with his long-time foe! But this time the wall-crawler turns one of the goblin's tricks against him! Could a psychedelic pumpkin bomb be the key to victory? Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Gwen Stacy, George Stacy, Mary Jane Watson, Harry Osborn, and J. Jonah Jameson. (Notes: 18 pages from the original story are omitted in order to reduce the story to 40 pages to fit the annual format. Missing pages includes numbers 4, 5, 8-11, 17, 21, 23, 24, 27-29, 33, and 36. Elements of the plot briefly cross over with Amazing Spider-Man 66. The Green Goblin previously appeared (chronologically) in Amazing Spider-Man 39-40; and appears next in Amazing Spider-Man 96-98 (the memorable anti-drug issues). 48 pages. 35 cents. Cover price $0.35.

Astonishing Tales (1970) 25 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4349132002

This issue not only marks George Perez's first pro comic art, but the first appearance of Deathlok! Cover pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Klaus Janson. A Cold Knight's Frenzy, script by Rich Buckler (Plot; Concept) and Doug Moench (Script), pencils by Rich Buckler, inks by Rich Buckler (Primary Inks), Klaus Janson (Ink Assist), Al Milgrom (Ink Assist), and Mike Esposito (Ink Assist); Deathlok is shown to be a robot with a human mind that has the ability to override its programming; Deathlok has a flashback showing that his old army buddy Major Simon Riker is responsible for his creation. Stan Lee's Soapbox, art by Rich Buckler. Creation of Deathlok article, art by Rich Buckler. Promo for Giant-Size Spider-Man #1. Deathlok creation satire, script by Doug Moench, pencils by George Perez, inks by Mike Esposito; George Perez' first published work. Marvel Value Stamp #68 featuring Daimon Hellstrom [Son of Satan]. 36 pgs. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 129 VF 8.0

"Bid Tomorrow Goodbye!" Script by Steve Englehart. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns) and Joe Staton (finishes). Cover by Ron Wilson and Mike Esposito. A bright shining star appears over Avengers Mansion! What does the radiant beacon foretell? Kang the Conqueror thinks he knows! And thus begins the Celestial Madonna saga! The 41st century Master of Time and his macrobots attack the Avengers outside their mansion! After overwhelming the six avengers, Kang absconds with five of them plus Agatha Harkness! The Conqueror deems the Swordsman as unworthy and leaves him behind. Will Kang end up regretting that decision? The former sword-wielding super-villain certainly has his work cut out for him! However, the Swordsman catches a big break when Agatha Harkness telepathically reveals Kang's hideaway! The centuries-old pyramids of Egypt! After arriving in the Egyptian desert, the Swordsman desperately needs an ally! Could one of the ancient pharaohs still be lurking around to help? Story continues in Giant-Size Avengers 2. Cameo appearance by Rama-Tut. Avengers Lineup: Iron Man, Mantis, Scarlet Witch, Swordsman, Thor, and the Vision. (Notes: The classic Celestial Madonna storyline runs through Avengers 129-135 and Giant-Size Avengers 2-4. Kang previously battled Earth's Mightiest Heroes in Avengers (1st series) 71. The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp series A #88 The Leader.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 137 FN+ 6.5

"We Do Seek Out New Avengers!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by George Tuska. Inks by Vince Colletta. Cover by John Romita. The epic celestial madonna saga has concluded in Giant-Size Avengers 4. And now Earth's Mightiest Heroes need to replenish their ranks! Moondragon, the Wasp, and Yellowjacket quickly sign up, but the Avengers still need one more member, so Iron Man and Thor hold tryouts at Shea Stadium. Who will answer the call to join? The bombastic Beast! However, someone else shows up at Shea Stadium too...the powerful Stranger! Will Hank McCoy survive his tryout? Meanwhile, the Vision and the Scarlet Witch enjoy their honeymoon in French Polynesia; and Hawkeye leaves the Avengers to go back in time to find the Black Knight. Cameo appearances by Agatha Harkness, the Black Panther, Black Widow, Captain America, Hercules, and Quicksilver. Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 139 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #3892981005

"Prescription: Violence!!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by George Tuska. Inks by Vince Colletta. Cover by Gil Kane and John Romita. Janet Pym still lies comatose in the hospital after being wounded in battle vs. the Toad two issues ago. While a stressed out Hank Pym and his fellow Avengers stand guard at her bedside, the Wasp receives a visitor! Is it an old friend? No, it's an old foe...the Whirlwind! The Pym's long-time adversary quickly flees, but during the brief battle Yellowjacket finally realizes the Whirlwind's secret identity! And when Yellowjacket confronts his former limo driver, the action begins! Can the Beast and a super-sized Hank Pym reign in the Whirlwind? Meanwhile, Iron Man and Moondragon fly to Latveria looking for Hawkeye. Cameo appearances by Patsy Walker, the Toad, the Vision, and the Scarlet Witch. (Notes: The Whirlwind previously appeared in Marvel Feature (1st series) 9. The letters page includes letters from comics publisher Dean Mullaney and comics historian Peter Sanderson, respectively.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1973-1976 Marvel UK) 30 VG+ 4.5

Batman (1940) 251 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4389004002

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!", script by Denny O'Neil, art by Neal Adams; The Joker has set himself free from the Mental Hospital for the Criminally Insane Batman had him incarcerated in, and he is out for blood; Before he was sent away, knowing that one member of his previous gang had ratted him out to the police, he had vowed to murder all five of them; And only the Batman is capable of stopping him; Despite Batman's best efforts, the Joker is able to finish off nearly all of his hit list; Batman is only alerted after the first murder, when a grinning corpse is found in the mud just outside of Gotham City, and he goes to each of the former members of the Joker's gang individually to try to protect them. Plop! comic book ad. Champion Sports comic book ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 251 FN- 5.5

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!", script by Denny O'Neil, art by Neal Adams; The Joker has set himself free from the Mental Hospital for the Criminally Insane Batman had him incarcerated in, and he is out for blood; Before he was sent away, knowing that one member of his previous gang had ratted him out to the police, he had vowed to murder all five of them; And only the Batman is capable of stopping him; Despite Batman's best efforts, the Joker is able to finish off nearly all of his hit list; Batman is only alerted after the first murder, when a grinning corpse is found in the mud just outside of Gotham City, and he goes to each of the former members of the Joker's gang individually to try to protect them. Plop! comic book ad. Champion Sports comic book ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 251 GD 2.0

3" spine split from bottom. Cover detached at one staple. Cover oxidation.

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!", script by Denny O'Neil, art by Neal Adams; The Joker has set himself free from the Mental Hospital for the Criminally Insane Batman had him incarcerated in, and he is out for blood; Before he was sent away, knowing that one member of his previous gang had ratted him out to the police, he had vowed to murder all five of them; And only the Batman is capable of stopping him; Despite Batman's best efforts, the Joker is able to finish off nearly all of his hit list; Batman is only alerted after the first murder, when a grinning corpse is found in the mud just outside of Gotham City, and he goes to each of the former members of the Joker's gang individually to try to protect them. Plop! comic book ad. Champion Sports comic book ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 257 CBCS 9.0

Paper: White

Label #22-0FD4FF7-005

100-page giant. Cover by Nick Cardy. "Hail Emperor Penguin!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; When a young King is kidnapped by the Penguin, it takes the efforts of Batman, Robin and Talia to free him from the madman's clutches. The Penguin's Unique Umbrellas! panels from previous comics. "Hunt for a Robin-Killer!", script by Gardner F. Fox, art by Gil Kane; After finding the Boy Wonder nearly dead from a brutal beating, a vengeful Batman hits the streets to find the man responsible. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Ally Babble and the Fourteen Peeves!", script by Bill Finger, art by Dick Sprang; Ally Babble accepts the offer of $5000 from a rich man to eliminate 14 peeves he has against others, but is soon charged with ripping off the man who paid him. "Conversational Clue!", script by Mort Weisinger, art by Jerry Robinson; When Alfred accidently hears some unsettling conversation in a local library, he follows the clue up...which nearly costs him his life! "Die Small--Die Big!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; The appearance of a man dressed as the Batman at a party at Wayne Mansion and carrying a death threat for the Caped Crusader spurs Batman to attack the problem alone without the aid of Robin. "Rackety-Rax Racket!", script by Don Cameron, art by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane); A series of crazy college initiations are actually a blind for daring thefts masterminded by the Joker! 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 260 FN- 5.5

Water spotting.

Cover by Nick Cardy. "This Onell Kill You, Batman." 20 pages. Story by Denny ONeil. Pencils by Irv Novick. Inks by Dick Giordano. The Joker douses Batman with a chemical that causes him to laugh uncontrollably. Now Batman must come up with a way to counteract it before the Harlequin of Hate causes him to die laughing. "The Grade A Crimes." 13 pages. Reprinted from Batman 16. Story by Ruth Lyons Kaufman. Pencils by Dick Sprang. Inks by Jack Burnley. Batman and Robin match wits with a gang of jewel thieves who specialize in before dawn robberies. "The Perfect Crime, Slightly Imperfect." 12 pages. Reprinted from Batman 181. Story by Gardner Fox. Pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (Ghosting for Bob Kane). Inks by Sid Greene. A mystery writer acquaintance of Batmans is kidnapped, only no one knows it because a double has replaced her. Only Batman picks up on the clue that gives the double away. Now he just has to save his friend. "The Case Without a Crime." 12 pages. Reprinted from Detective Comics 112. Story by Alvin Schwartz. Art by Win Mortimer. An innocent mistake leads Batman and Robin into a case where the only clue is a one dollar bill. "The Pearl of Peril." 4 pages. Reprinted from Batman 27. Art by Jerry Robinson. Alfred stars in a tale about a man who finds pearls in restaurant oysters. "The Riddlers Prison-Puzzle problem." 15 pages. Reprinted from Detective 377. Story by Gardner Fox. Pencils by Frank Springer. Inks by Sid Greene. To foil the Riddlers latest plan, Batman must get himself locked in the cell meant for the Prince of Puzzlers. 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman El Hombre Murcielago (Mexican 1954-1985 Editorial Novaro) 746 FN- 5.5

Spanish language reprint series. Reprints Demon (1972 1st Series) 9 and a Batman story, "Los Robos Misteriosos". 6 1/2" x 10", 36 pages, full color. Spanish Language.

Capitan America (Italian 1973-1978 Editoriale Corno) Captain America 8 GD/VG 3.0

Water damage.

Italian series. Reprints material from Tales of Suspense (1959) #81-83, and Uncanny X-Men (1963 1st Series) #5-6. 52 pages, full color, Italian language.

Captain America (1968 1st Series) 179 CGC 5.0 SS Englehart

Paper: White

Signed by Steve Englehart on 3/25/22

Label #2719122001

"Slings and Arrows!" Guest-starring Hawkeye. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Sal Buscema. Inks by Vince Colletta. Cover by Ron Wilson and Frank Giacoia. Steve Rogers and Sharon Carter's afternoon of shopping is interrupted by an attack -- from someone named the Golden Archer! Who? The former Captain America doesn't recognize his newest assailant, but this guy is really good with a bow and arrows! And he knows Steve Rogers was previously the star-spangled avenger! The Golden Archer harasses the ex-Sentinel of Liberty throughout the day, but once night falls Steve gets the drop on the elusive archer! And then the Living Legend gets a pleasant surprise...and an interesting idea! Cameo appearances by the Falcon, Peggy Carter, Roscoe Simons, and Scar Turpin (as a stand-in Captain America). (Notes: The letters page includes a letter from comics editor Ralph Macchio. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series A #52 Quicksilver by John Buscema.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.25.

Captain America (1968 1st Series) 192 CBCS 1.8

Paper: Off white

Marvel Value Stamp Missing From 10th Page, Does Not Affect Story. Incomplete.

Label #23-14ED31C-005

First appearance of Dr. Karla Sofen in "Mad-Flight!" Script by Marv Wolfman. Pencils by Frank Robbins. Inks by D. Bruce Berry. Cover by John Romita Sr. and Frank Giacoia. Steve Rogers is in a big hurry to get back to New York after the Falcon's trial. So he jumps on the first available flight departing from LAX. Unfortunately, the Living Legend doesn't bother to check the flight manifest before boarding the special charter jet! And as shown on the death-defying cover, that might be a fatal mistake! Cap is shocked when he sees Doctor Faustus and his cohorts on board! Hence he formulates a plan to commandeer the plane! Is a midflight takeover on the inflight menu? (Notes: Dr. Karla Sofen appears next in Incredible Hulk 228 where she makes her first appearance as the second Moonstone. Cap will encounter Moonstone in Captain America 230. Doctor Faustus appears next in Amazing Spider-Man 169 & 170. The final page announces and previews Jack Kirby's return to Marvel and the Captain America title. The letters page includes Marvel Value Stamp series A #56 The Rawhide Kid by Larry Lieber.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.25.

Captain Marvel (1968 1st Series Marvel) 31 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4400973022

"The Beginning of the End!" Guest-starring the Avengers. Script by Jim Starlin. Pencils by Jim Starlin. Inks by Dan Green and Al Milgrom. Cover by Jim Starlin and Al Milgrom (with John Romita touch-ups). Drax the Destroyer arrives at Avengers Mansion with a dire warning: Thanos possesses the cosmic cube! And now the entire universe faces annihilation! Once Captain Marvel and Moondragon appear at the mansion as well, the eleven assembled super-heroes plot their course of action! However back on Titan, the near omnipotent Thanos eavesdrops on the Kree warrior's conversation with the Avengers! With the aid of the cosmic cube, the mad lover of Death teleports his adversaries to Titan for a blockbuster battle! Captain Marvel, Drax, Eros (aka Starfox), Iron Man, Mentor, and Moondragon vs. Thanos! Truly a cosmic clash! A fantastic issue! Cameo appearances by Death, Kronos, Lou-Ann Savannah, and Rick Jones. Flashback cameos by the Controller, Super-Skrull, and Thing to recap the events of the past five issues. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Captain America, Iron Man, Mantis, Scarlet Witch, Swordsman, Thor, and the Vision. Last 20¢ issue. (Notes: The bullpen bonus page contains promotional stamp #5 the Hulk. The promotional stamp is not to be confused with the actual series A stamp #5.) 32 pages Cover price $0.20.

Captain Marvel (1968 1st Series Marvel) 32 CGC 6.5

Paper: White

Label #4400973023

"Thanos the Insane God!" Guest-starring Iron Man. Origin of Drax the Destroyer. Script by Jim Starlin and Mike Friedrich (writing assist). Pencils by Jim Starlin. Inks by Dan Green. Cover by Jim Starlin and Klaus Janson. Incredibly the powerful Thanos has ascended to godhood! But the awesome battle rages on! While Captain Marvel and Iron Man fight Thanos' minions on Titan, the enraged Drax the Destroyer attacks Thanos in outer space! Thanos the man was already difficult to beat. What chance is there against Thanos the god? Meanwhile, the mad Titan's alien armada zooms towards Earth! But the Mighty Avengers are ready and waiting for their close encounter with Thanos' kind! Story continues in Avengers 125. Cameo appearances by the Avengers, Death, ISAAC, Lou-Ann Savannah, Rick Jones, Mentor, Moondragon, and Eros. First 25¢ issue. (Notes: The letters page includes a half-page map of Titan. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series A #19 Hogun, Balder, and Fandral.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Captain Marvel (1968 1st Series Marvel) 33 CGC 6.0

Paper: White

Label #4416308001

Captain Marvel battles Thanos in "The God Himself!" Script by Steve Englehart, plot and pencils by Jim Starlin, inks by Klaus Janson. Guest starring Drax the Destroyer. Brief appearance by the Avengers (Thor, Iron Man, the Vision, the Swordsman, Captain America, the Black Panther, and the Scarlet Witch). The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp series A # 6 (Thor by John Buscema). Starlin cover. Cover price $0.25.

Champions (1975-1978 Marvel 1st Series) 1 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4379249003

"The World Still needs the Champions!" Part 1 of 3. Story by Tony Isabella. Art by Don Heck and Mike Esposito. Cover by Gil Kane and Dan Adkins. Courage made them heroes - Fate made them Champions! Can a former super-spy, two mutants, a demi-god, and a demon carry on in the tradition of the mighty Avengers and Fantastic Four? Black Widow, Ice Man, Angel, Hercules, and Ghost Rider must unite to defend the Olympic goddess, Venus, from the evil machinations of Pluto, Lord of the Underworld, Ares, God of War, and Hyppolyta, Queen of the Amazons. Cover price $0.25.

Comics Reading Libraries (1973 King Features) 8 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4384477001

Issue R-08: Prince Valiant, Flash Gordon. 1977 reprint edition also exists.

Conan the Barbarian (1970 Marvel) 24 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4416908002

Cover art by Barry Windsor-Smith. First full Red Sonja story, The Song of Red Sonja, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith; setting:Makkalet; Conan and Red Sonja start a bar-fight, bathe in a fountain, scale temple walls, break in and steal a snake-tiara, and fight a magical snake; at the end Sonja tricks Conan, and leaves for Pah-Disha; the Red Sonja story continues in Savage Sword of Conan 1. Final Windsor-Smith art on this title. The art in this issue (at least on page 8, and perhaps elsewhere) was altered without Windsor-Smith's approval. See Marvel Treasury Edition 15 or Savage Sword of Conan 82 for the original version. (The reprint in Conan Saga 8 contains the altered version). In the letters column, Roy Thomas responds and announces Barry Smith's final departure as Conan the Barbarian artist; Incidentally, Roy's responses to R. Benitz and Keith Taylor are mistakenly transposed.32 pgs. Cover price $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Conan the Barbarian (1970 Marvel) 24 VG- 3.5

Water damage.

Cover art by Barry Windsor-Smith. First full Red Sonja story, The Song of Red Sonja, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith; setting:Makkalet; Conan and Red Sonja start a bar-fight, bathe in a fountain, scale temple walls, break in and steal a snake-tiara, and fight a magical snake; at the end Sonja tricks Conan, and leaves for Pah-Disha; the Red Sonja story continues in Savage Sword of Conan 1. Final Windsor-Smith art on this title. The art in this issue (at least on page 8, and perhaps elsewhere) was altered without Windsor-Smith's approval. See Marvel Treasury Edition 15 or Savage Sword of Conan 82 for the original version. (The reprint in Conan Saga 8 contains the altered version). In the letters column, Roy Thomas responds and announces Barry Smith's final departure as Conan the Barbarian artist; Incidentally, Roy's responses to R. Benitz and Keith Taylor are mistakenly transposed.32 pgs. Cover price $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Daredevil (1964 1st Series) 113 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #3971493003

First appearance of Death-Stalker (cameo). Cover pencils by John Romita, inks by John Romita and Frank Giacoia. When Strikes the Gladiator!, script by Steve Gerber, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Vince Colletta; The Gladiator kidnaps Candice Nelson for doing a story on work by Ted Sallis; DD heads to the Florida Everglades looking for Ted and runs across the Gladiator who got there first. Appearances by the Black Widow and Shanna the She-Devil. The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp series A #85 (Lilith, Dracula's Daughter by John Romita Sr.). 36 pgs. Cover price $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Daredevil (1964 1st Series) 117 CGC 9.0

Paper: White

Label #4418461011

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro. Mind Tap!, script by Steve Gerber (plot) and Chris Claremont, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Vince Colletta; Owl has captured DD and threatens to sap his mind completely unless the Widow captures a very specific woman, Shanna the She-Devil; Black Widow and Shanna the She-Devil help DD take the Owl down; DD returns to New York without the Widow. The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp series A #88 (The Leader by Herb Trimpe). 36 pgs. Cover price $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Defenders (1972 1st Series) 17 CBCS 8.5

Paper: White

Label #22-2D520EC-034

"Power Play!" Part 1 of 3. Guest-starring Power Man. Script by Len Wein. Pencils by Sal Buscema. Inks by Dan Green. The Wrecking Crew has destroyed two of Kyle Richmond's skyscrapers in New York City! And are now threatening to demolish an unfinished third one! However, Doctor Strange and Nighthawk converge on the construction site to protect it! But unknown to the two defenders, someone else has already been hired to guard the skyscraper...Luke Cage! A genuine misunderstanding leads to a fierce struggle between Power Man and the Defenders! And that's just fine for the four super-villains lurking in the background! Cameo appearances by Walter Cronkite, Valkyrie, the Hulk, Wrecker, Thunderball, Bulldozer, and Piledriver. (Notes: The Wrecker previously appeared in Thor 171. The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp series A #20 Brother Voodoo.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Defenders (1972 1st Series) 18 CBCS 7.5

Paper: White

Label #22-2D520EC-035

The Defenders face the Wrecking Crew--the Wrecker, Thunderball, Pile-Driver, and Bulldozer! "Rampage!" Script by Len Wein, pencils by Sal Buscema, inks by Dan Green." Power-Man guest-stars. Gil Kane cover pencils. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 445 FN 6.0

Last 60-cent 96 Page Super Spectacular. In a new Batman story, the Caped Crusader is wanted for murder after being accused of murdering Talia, the daughter of his old enemy, Ra's al Ghul, in "Break-In at the Bighouse!" (script by Len Wein, art by Jim Aparo). New Robin story, "The Touchdown Trap!" (script by Bob Rozakis, art by Mike Grell). Star Hawkins reprint, "The Case of the Robot-Spy!" (from Strange Adventures 116; script by John Broome, pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Bernard Sachs). Marty Moran, Headline Hunter reprint, "The Human Bomb!" (from Big Town 2; art by Dan Barry). Manhunters Around the World reprint, "The Swiss Border Patrol!" (from Star-Spangled 105). Perfect Crime Mystery reprint, "The Case of the Crooked Gambler!" (from Gang Busters 5). Roy Raymond, TV Detective reprint, "The Man Who Slept 200 Years!" (from Detective 222; art by Ruben Moreira). Elongated Man reprint, "Ten Miles to Nowhere!" (from Detective 327; script by Gardner Fox, art by Carmine Infantino). "24 Hours From Death" reprint (from Gang Busters 25). Dr. Midnite Golden Age reprint, "Case of the Talking Shadows!" (from All-American 101). Aparo cover. Cover price $0.60.

Famous First Edition Detective Comics (1974 DC Treasury) C-28HARDCOVER VG- 3.5 Hardcover Variant

Famous First Edition #C-28 Hardback Edition with dust jacketpublished by Lyle Stuart, Inc.: Detective #27 (first Batman) NOTE: This almost exact replica edition is 10 x 13-1/2" (about the size of a Life magazine). The original, first edition is standard comic book size. Cover price $1.00.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 132 CBCS 9.2

Paper: White

Slab: Significant scuff(s) front or back

Label #22-0F7594C-016

"Omega! The Ultimate Enemy!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring Quicksilver and the Inhumans. Script by Roy Thomas. Art by John Buscema (breakdowns) and Joe Sinnott (finishes). Cover by Jim Steranko and Frank Giacoia. In the underground lair of the Alpha Primitives, the awesome Omega has seized Crystal! And now the Human Torch and Quicksilver must join forces to set her free! However, the massive android is powerful indeed! It's going to take all of the Inhumans plus Mr. Fantastic and the Thing to stop the invasion of the Alpha Primitives! Can the FF and the royal family defeat the Alphas and Omega? But even if the heroes win, Johnny Storm is still going to lose. (Notes: The Human Torch changes his costume from blue to red in this issue, and Medusa joins the Fantastic Four (through issue 159). The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 457,990; average paid circulation 245,695.) 32 pages Cover price $0.20.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 143 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4327331010

"The Terrible Triumph of Doctor Doom!" Part 2 of 3. Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Rich Buckler. Inks by Frank Giacoia. Cover by Gil Kane and Joe Sinnott. Victor Von Doom crashes his college reunion and captures Mr. Fantastic and Medusa! And now the Latverian monarch is set to unleash Operation Babel (and the vibration bomb) on Earth's population! The rocket-launched bomb will destroy the personality of every person on the globe and transform them into a mindless subject of Doctor Doom! However, the FF's long-time foe may have made a critical mistake by bringing Darkoth and Ben Grimm back from the Balkans in order to witness his stateside triumph! Could there be a traitor in the midst? Meanwhile in upstate New York, Wyatt Wingfoot and Johnny Storm run into trouble with the local police and end up in jail. Cameo appearances by the Invisible Girl and Franklin. (Note: The cover of Fantastic Four 143 was used as the cover for the 1977 Fantastic Four pocket book with one modification: the Invisible Girl replaced Medusa in the background.) 32 pages Cover price $0.20.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 148 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #2117763002

"War on the Thirty-Sixth Floor!" Guest-starring Thundra. Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Rich Buckler. Inks by Joe Sinnott. Cover by Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott. Reed, Ben, Johnny, and Medusa are in a state of disbelief after the Invisible Girl decided to stay with Prince Namor last issue. Now the downtrodden foursome returns to the Baxter Building in search of peace and quiet. However, there are three very unwelcome visitors (of the super-villain variety) waiting inside! The Fantastic Four better snap out of the doldrums quick, because the Wizard, Sandman, and Trapster are ready to rumble! Cameo appearances by the Sub-Mariner and Triton (in disguise). 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 158 CBCS 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-27946BA-004

"Invasion from the 5th (Count It, 5th!) Dimension" Part 1 of 2. Guest-starring the Inhumans. Script by Roy Thomas. Art by Rich Buckler (breakdowns) and Joe Sinnott (finishes). Cover by Rich Buckler and Al Milgrom. A quiet Friday night at the Baxter Building is disrupted by Quicksilver! And after a brief skirmish with the Human Torch, the mutant speedster tells the FF that Attilan has been overrun by Xemu, the Master of the Fifth Dimension! Xemu plans to destroy the Earth with the Thunder Horn! Will Reed, Ben, Johnny, Medusa, and Pietro get back to the Hidden Land in time? Cameo appearance by the Invisible Girl. Flashback cameos by Iron Man and Thor to recap the events of Fantastic Four 150. (Notes: Xemu previously appeared in Strange Tales 103. The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 428,583; average paid circulation 218,330.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 159 CGC 9.0

Paper: White

Label #4408162002

"Havoc in the Hidden Land!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring the Inhumans. Script by Roy Thomas. Art by Rich Buckler (breakdowns) and Joe Sinnott (finishes). Cover by Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott. One of the best Fantastic Four covers of the bronze age as the FF storm into the Great Refuge to free the royal family! Can the fabulous foursome accomplish their mission before Xemu forces Black Bolt to speak into the Thunder Horn? An invisible stowaway on the flight to the Hidden Land holds the key to victory! (Notes: In this issue Medusa returns to the Inhumans and the Invisible Girl rejoins the FF. Also, the Human Torch switches back to his traditional blue FF uniform. The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp series A #84 Doctor Doom.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 163 CBCS 8.5

Paper: White

Label #21-04C89CD-006

"Finale!" Part 4 of 4. Script by Roy Thomas. Art by Rich Buckler (breakdowns) and Joe Sinnott (finishes). Cover by Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott. It's the dramatic conclusion to the Fantastic Four's cross-dimensional saga! Ben Grimm battles Gaard one-on-one to destroy the universal nexus in hyperspace that could funnel energy to Arkon's world! While at the same time, the Human Torch and Alternate Earth Reed Richards slug it out on Polemachus with Arkon himself! Can the FF pull off two victories in two dimensions? Cameo appearance by Franklin. (Note: The Earth-721 Johnny Storm returns many years later as Vangaard in Fantastic Force 11 and 12.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) Mark Jewelers 155MJ FR 1.0

INCOMPLETE. Marvel Value Stamp has been removed. Does not interrupt art or story.

Mark Jewelers Advertisement Insert Variant. "Battle Royal!" Part 1 of 3. Guest-starring the Silver Surfer. Script by Len Wein. Art by Rich Buckler (layouts) and Joe Sinnott (finishes). Cover by Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott. The Fantastic Four's afternoon walk through Central Park is interrupted...first, by a gang of thugs, and then by the Silver Surfer! Why is the former herald of Galactus attacking the FF? The surfer reveals in a surprising development that he's located his beloved Shalla Bal in a castle in the Balkans! Two major problems though: the castle is located in Latveria...and the castle is occupied by Doctor Doom! Will the Silver Surfer betray the FF in order to free Shalla Bal? (Notes: The letters page includes a letter from comics writer Peter Gillis. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series A #16 Shang-Chi by Jim Starlin.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

First Issue Special (1975) 1 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4320249016

"Atlas the Great!" While traveling far and wide, performing feats of strength for a living, Atlas finds the man who demolished his hometown. This series, similar to (but far less successful than) Showcase, was a spotlight for new and assorted characters. Script and pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by D. Bruce Berry. Cover by Kirby. Cover price $0.25.

Flashback 03: U.S.A. Comics #1 (1941/1970) 3 VF+ 8.5

The third issue of the Flashback reprint series presents U.S.A. Comics # 1 originally published in August 1941 by Timely (now Marvel). The Defender illustration, script by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, art by Joe Simon. "The Hideous Dame Kackle," inks by Charles Nicholas; When U.S. Marine Don Stevens investigates the death of a man who was pushed from an old schooner, it is the Defender who is called to the fore to battle the evil Dame Kackle. "The Origin of The Whizzer," pencils by Al Avison, inks by Al Gabriele; Crook Granno "makes" Dr. Frank kill a patient he is operating on and tells the good doctor to get out of the country---or else!; But Frank's son, now known as the Whizzer, sees things differently and vows revenge on the man who led Dr. Frank to die in the jungles of Africa. "The Spirits of Freedom," script by Phil Sturm, pencils by Syd Shores, inks by George Klein; Hitler threatens America through the use of fifth columnists to destroy America's arsenals and powerhouses. But the U.S. has an ace in the hole: Mr. Liberty. "The Tunnel that Led to Death," script and art by Basil Wolverton; Gollings, construction engineer, agrees to build a tunnel from Roffler's basement for the sum of $5000, not realizing over the top of it will be built a giant airfield, whose airplanes will be used to destroy a factory. Captain America Wants You ad. "The Coming of the Young Avenger," art by Howard Purcell (as Michael Robard); Young Avenger (Bill Byron) vs. Eric von Himmel. "The Origin of Jack Frost," script by Stan Lee, art by Charles Nicholas; With his dying breathe, a man tells Jack Frost to save his daughter from a man out to steal the gold mine in Alaska that he had discovered. 64-pages, full color cardstock covers, 7-3/4-in. x 10-3/8-in., black-and-white interior on white paper stock, saddle-stitched binding. Cover price $3.00.

Four Ages of Conan (2nd Ed. Gorblimey Press) Print Set 1974 VF+ 8.5

Limited Edition Portfolio of 1,000 sets. The Four Ages (2nd Edition, Gorblimey Press 1974) is a portfolio of four beautifully illustrated plates by Barry Windsor-Smith, produced by Windsor-Smith's own Gorblimey Press. It includes The Barbarian, The Warrior, The Buccaneer and The King. Perfect for fans of Robert E. Howard's Conan character or Barry Windsor-Smith -- fans of both will be particularly thrilled. B&W, 8" x 13"

From Beyond the Unknown (1969) 22 CBCS 9.2

Paper: Off white

1st cover 8.5, interior cover 9.2. Double Cover.

Label #21-31C4038-011

Ghost Rider (1973 1st Series) 1 FN+ 6.5

"A Woman Possessed!" Guest-starring Daimon Hellstrom (Son of Satan). Story by Gary Friedrich. Art by Tom Sutton and Syd Shores. Cover by Gil Kane. This issue picks up after the events in Marvel Spotlight (1971-1977 1st Series) #11. Johnny Blaze races against the clock to save a woman from a fate worse than death. Featuring the evil of Mephisto (as Satan). 32 pages, FC. NOTE: 1st appearance of Daimon Hellstrom (Son of Satan). Cover price $0.20.