Avengers (1963 1st Series) comic books 1970-1985

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 77 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #2106878013

"Heroes for Hire!" Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by John Buscema. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by John Buscema and Tom Palmer. Earth's Mightiest Heroes go to work! And unfortunately for the highest bidder Cornelius Van Lunt! Due to Stark Industries' financial woes caused by a hostile takeover attempt (by the aforementioned Mr. Van Lunt), the Avengers must come up with the back rent long overdue on their Fifth Avenue Mansion! So now it's time to punch the clock! But after completing their first paid assignment; Pietro and T'Challa sense that something isn't quite right about their working arrangement with Mr. Van Lunt! Are Earth's Mightiest Heroes going to walk off the job? Not until they put the Split-Second Squad out of business! First appearance of the Split-Second Squad. Cameo appearance by Johnny Carson. Flashback cameo by Tony Stark. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Goliath, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and the Vision. 32 pages. Cover price $0.15.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 83 VG/FN 5.0

Staple rust.

"Come on in, the Revolution's Fine!" Guest-starring Medusa and the Black Widow. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by John Buscema. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by John Buscema and Tom Palmer. One of the landmark issues of the bronze age! While Earth's Mightiest Heroes participate in the Halloween parade in Rutland, Vermont; something very strange is taking place at Avengers Mansion! A new superhero called the Valkyrie assembles the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, Black Widow, and Medusa for a special ladies only meeting! The manipulative Valkyrie (with an Asgardian accent) convinces the four heroines to form their own group called the Lady Liberators! And take revenge on their male counterparts in the Avengers! Wow, women's lib to the max! But minutes before the liberators arrive in the green mountain state, the Masters of Evil ambush the Avengers' parade float! Earth's Mightiest Heroes reel under the Masters of Evil's surprise assault until the Lady Liberators strike back…against both teams! Pure chaos in the streets of Rutland! Who could orchestrate such a wild affair? Only an enchanting foe from years ago! Truly an Avengers classic! Cameo appearances by Roy Thomas, Jean Thomas, and Tom Fagan. Cameo Halloween costume appearances by Batman, Captain America, Daredevil, Deadman, Doctor Doom, Dr. Strange, Nighthawk, Sub-Mariner, Thor, and the Red Skull. Flashback cameos by Odin and the Executioner. Masters of Evil Lineup: Klaw, Melter, Whirlwind, and the Radioactive Man. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Goliath, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Vision, and the Wasp. (Notes: This is the first appearance or incarnation of the Valkyrie; but not the one of long-time Defenders fame. The next Valkyrie appears in Incredible Hulk 142. This issue was reprinted in Marvel Treasury Edition 7 (published in 1975) and again in Marvel Illustrated Books: The Avengers -- Origin of the Vision (published in 1982). The Avengers return to Rutland for another Halloween parade in Avengers 119.) Cover price $0.15.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 87 FN- 5.5

"Look Homeward, Avenger!" Origin of the Black Panther. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by Frank Giacoia. Inks by Sal Buscema. Cover by John Buscema and John Verpoorten. Feeling melancholy and homesick, T'Challa shares his personal story with Earth's Mightiest Heroes for the first time. The panther speaks about his childhood in Wakanda, the death of his father, his initial encounter with A.I.M., and the new leadership void in his homeland. The Black Panther has a big decision to make: stay with the Avengers or return to Wakanda. What will T'Challa do? Flashback cameos by Klaw, Advanced Idea Mechanics, and T'Chaka. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Goliath, Iron Man, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. (Note: The Black Panther appears next in Astonishing Tales 6 & 7 for a clash with Doctor Doom.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.15.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 98 CGC 9.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #1476826003

"Let Slip the Dogs of War!" Part 1 of 3. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith. Inks by Sal Buscema. Cover by John Buscema and Barry Windsor-Smith. The remarkable Kree/Skrull war is over! But there isn't any time to rest for Earth's Mightiest Heroes! Ares, the Greek god of war, stokes a riot in downtown Manhattan by mind-controlling the nearby residents! When the Avengers and Rick Jones arrive to restore the peace, they fall under Ares' trance too! The only heroes left unaffected are Thor and the Vision! But before the Prince of Asgard and the synthezoid avenger can challenge Ares, they must first fend off their teammates! The Vision battles Shell-Head while Thor takes on Cap, Wanda, and Pietro! Everything is going Ares' way! How will the Avengers turn the tide? Cameo appearance by Hercules. Avengers Lineup: Captain America, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. (Notes: Ares previously appeared in Avengers 50. Clint Barton returns to his Hawkeye identity. The letters page includes a lengthy letter from fantasy novelist Stephen R. Donaldson (of Chronicles of Thomas Covenant fame) and a letter from comics writer Michael P. Higgins. This three-part story was reprinted in Avengers (3rd series) 48.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 99 CGC 6.0

Paper: White

Label #4428648001

"They First Make Mad!" Part 2 of 3. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith. Inks by Tom Sutton. Cover by John Buscema and Barry Windsor-Smith. Earth's Mightiest Heroes welcome back Hawkeye and Hercules to their ranks! However not all is well with the Prince of Power! Hercules has lost his memory! And while the Avengers feverishly work to restore it, Ares makes his next move! In a flash of light, Bia and Kratos appear inside Avengers Mansion and grab Hercules! Wow, this is the powerful duo that bound Prometheus in days of yore! But the Avengers don't care about the past, they will protect the Son of Zeus at all costs! The gods, demi-gods, and mortals throw down on Fifth Avenue for the Lion of Olympus! Cameo appearances by Jarvis, Ant-Man (aka Henry Pym), and the Black Panther. Flashback cameos by Goliath, the Guardsman (aka Kevin O'Brien), and the Skrulls to recap Clint Barton's narrow escape at the end of the Kree/Skrull war. Avengers Lineup: Captain America, Hawkeye, Hercules, Iron Man, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. (Notes: The letters page includes a letter from comics historian George Olshevsky. The letters page also contains a statement of ownership: average print run 342,236; average paid circulation 206,478.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 135 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4427612024

"The Torch is Passed!" Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by George Tuska. Inks by Frank Chiaramonte. Cover by Jim Starlin and John Romita Sr. (vignettes). In the Mad Thinker's deserted laboratory, the Vision witnesses how Ultron-5 transformed the original Human Torch's body into his own synthetic body. Sadly, the synthezoid avenger also observes the tragic death of his creator and his first valiant fight against Ultron. However, the past is in the past; and knowing the truth, the Vision is ready to move forward and reunite with Earth's Mightiest Heroes! Meanwhile in present day Vietnam, Moondragon joins Mantis, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Thor, Libra, and the Cotati to uncover the secrets of the Celestial Madonna. Origin of the Vision. Origin of Moondragon. Death of Dr. Phineas T. Horton. Story continues in Giant-Size Avengers 4. Cameo appearance by Immortus. Flashback cameos by the Wasp, Henry Pym, Dr. Phineas T. Horton, Quasimodo, Silver Surfer, Thanos, Mentor, and the Mad Thinker. (Notes: This issue fills in the details of what took place between Fantastic Four Annual 4 and the Vision's first appearance in Avengers 57. Elements of the story in Doctor Strange (2nd series) 7 continue in Giant-Size Avengers 4.) The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 342,917; average paid circulation 188,084. Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 144 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #1993848002

"Claws!" Part 4 of 7. First appearance of Hellcat. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by George Perez. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia. The Avengers are free inside the Brand Corporation's Long Island facility! However, it doesn't take long for Hugh Jones and Buzz Baxter to locate them and activate the plant's internal military-grade weapons! During the missile attack, the Avengers are forced to split up. The Beast, Vision, and Scarlet Witch go one way...and Captain America, Iron Man, and Patsy Walker go another! When Shell-head comes across the former uniform of the Cat, the shield-slinger gets an idea! And in a dazzling transformation...Patsy Walker becomes Hellcat! The Avengers could use another hero on their side, because the rematch with Doctor Spectrum, the Golden Archer, Hyperion, Lady Lark, and the Whizzer is coming up fast! An excellent issue! The story (part 5) continues in Avengers 147. Origin of Patsy Walker. Cameo appearances by the Two-Gun Kid, Hawkeye, Moondragon, and Thor. Flashback cameos by the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and Tigra. (Notes: The letters page includes letters from comics writer Peter Gillis and comics writer Mary Jo Duffy, respectively. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series B #39 Thor by Jack Kirby.) Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 167 FN+ 6.5

The Korvac Saga: Part 1 of 10 - "Tomorrow Dies Today!" Guest-starring the Guardians of the Galaxy. Script by Jim Shooter. Pencils by George Perez. Inks by Pablo Marcos. Cover by George Perez and Terry Austin. The Korvac Saga begins! A sensational storyline that sends Earth's Mightiest Heroes on a ten-issue odyssey to save the universe! The epic adventure begins with a simple distress call from Nick Fury. An enormous spaceship is orbiting the Earth! Where did it come from and who does it belong to? The Avengers blast off in a quinjet to find out! After boarding the giant ship, the Beast bumps into the Guardians of the Galaxy! Why have Charlie-27, Martinex, Nikki, Starhawk, Vance Astro, and Yondu come to the 20th century? It's a long story, that's only just beginning! Meanwhile back in New York City, the Wasp's first fashion show is interrupted by the Porcupine! Fortunately, Nighthawk and Yellowjacket are in attendance to fight the prickly villain! But someone else is present too...a mysterious man named Michael. More will be heard from him later...much more. Avengers Lineup: Beast, Captain America, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Thor, Vision, Wasp, Wonder Man, and Yellowjacket. (Notes: Korvac previously appeared in Thor Annual 6. The 10-issue Korvac Saga takes place in Avengers 167-168 and 170-177. Roger Stern is also credited with scripting this issue.) Cover price $0.35.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 171 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4427246019

The Korvac Saga: Part 4 of 10 - "Where Angels Fear to Tread" Guest-starring Ms. Marvel. Script by Jim Shooter. Pencils by George Perez. Inks by Pablo Marcos. Cover by George Perez and Terry Austin. Earth's Mightiest Heroes are in hot pursuit of Jocasta through the streets of Manhattan! During the chase the Avengers pick up an ally, Ms. Marvel, and locate the female robot's final destination...a convent! Is Ultron hiding out among the nuns? The evil one is full of surprises! And the next one is for the Scarlet Witch, the most dangerous avenger to the adamantium monster! It's another classic battle between the Avengers and Ultron! An excellent issue! (Notes: Ultron returns in Avengers 202. This issue was reprinted in 1999 in Ultron Unleashed 1. The letters page includes a letter from comics editor Kevin Dooley.) Cover price $0.35.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 181 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #3931998009

"On the Matter of Heroes!" Part 1 of 2. Written by David Michelinie. Art by John Byrne (breakdowns) and Gene Day (finishes). Cover by George Perez and Terry Austin. A new era for 'Earth's Mightiest Heroes' begins, and the first order of business is selecting the seven members of the new roster. But this time the federal government is going to help the Avengers choose! Peter Gyrich announces the selections: the Beast, Captain America, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Wasp,...and the Falcon! Hold on, is the Falcon even an avenger? That's what Hawkeye would like to know! Meanwhile, the old man from Vladivostok, Django Maximoff, finally arrives in New York City. And the lives of Pietro and Wanda will never be the same again. Cameo appearances by the Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, Black Widow, Hercules, and Moondragon. Note: John Byrne begins his 1-year stint as the regular artist on the series. Note: First appearance of Scott Lang (the second Ant-Man). Cover price $0.35.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 181 VF 8.0

"On the Matter of Heroes!" Part 1 of 2. Written by David Michelinie. Art by John Byrne (breakdowns) and Gene Day (finishes). Cover by George Perez and Terry Austin. A new era for 'Earth's Mightiest Heroes' begins, and the first order of business is selecting the seven members of the new roster. But this time the federal government is going to help the Avengers choose! Peter Gyrich announces the selections: the Beast, Captain America, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Wasp,...and the Falcon! Hold on, is the Falcon even an avenger? That's what Hawkeye would like to know! Meanwhile, the old man from Vladivostok, Django Maximoff, finally arrives in New York City. And the lives of Pietro and Wanda will never be the same again. Cameo appearances by the Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, Black Widow, Hercules, and Moondragon. Note: John Byrne begins his 1-year stint as the regular artist on the series. Note: First appearance of Scott Lang (the second Ant-Man). Cover price $0.35.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 187N CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4419868006

Newsstand Edition. "The Call of the Mountain Thing!" Part 3 of 3. Plot by Mark Gruenwald and Steven Grant. Script by David Michelinie. Pencils by John Byrne. Inks by Dan Green. Cover by John Byrne and Terry Austin. One of the classic Avengers issues of the bronze age! Chthon has possessed the Scarlet Witch! And now Wanda is wreaking havoc across Central Europe! Six avengers are on the way to help Quicksilver, but the likes of Thor, Iron Man, and the Vision are not among them! Does this group of avengers have the raw power to defeat Modred the Mystic and Chthon? After the Falcon, Wasp, Ms. Marvel, Wonder Man, and Cap fall to the elder demon; the end of the world appears close at hand! But the resourceful Hank McCoy finds a piece of Wundagore Mountain's history. And in stunning fashion, one of the knights of Wundagore rides again! Will the Beast lead the charge to an inspiring victory? Or will Chthon's master plan succeed? Avengers Assemble! Cameo appearance by Bova. Final appearance of Django Maximoff. Flashback cameos by Morgan Le Fey, Magnus, Magda, Agatha Harkness, and the High Evolutionary. Avengers Lineup: Beast, Captain America, Falcon, Ms. Marvel, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, the Wasp, and Wonder Man. (Notes: Uncanny X-Men 125 provides the final clue concerning the true identity of Pietro and Wanda's father. In the Vision and the Scarlet Witch Limited Series (1st series) issue 4, the long-awaited reunion between father (super-villain) and children (avengers) takes place. This three-part story was reprinted in 1994 in the trade paperback: The Yesterday Quest. The letters page includes a letter from comics editor Cat Yronwode.) 32 pages Cover price $0.40.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 196D CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4427612017

Direct Edition. "The Terrible Toll of the Taskmaster" Guest-starring Ant-Man. Script by David Michelinie. Pencils by George Perez. Inks by Jack Abel. Cover by George Perez and Joe Rubinstein. A brand new villain, the Taskmaster, has turned the tables on the Wasp, Yellowjacket, and Ant-Man! The three insect-like super-heroes are prisoners inside the Taskmaster's training academy! The good news is that seven avengers are waiting outside the training compound, but the bad news...none of them know that their teammates are in grave danger! However, Earth Mightiest Heroes follow the ants, and the trail leads to the Taskmaster! Is the villain with the photographic reflexes ready to battle the Avengers? Choose wisely dear Taskmaster! First (full) appearance and origin of the Taskmaster. (Notes: The Taskmaster appears next in Marvel Team-Up 103. The letters page includes a letter from comics writer Kurt Busiek.) 32 pages Cover price $0.40.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 257 CGC 9.0

Paper: White

Label #4399339017

"Holocaust in a Hidden Land!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring Ka-Zar and Shanna. Script by Roger Stern. Art by John Buscema (breakdowns) and Tom Palmer (finishes). Cover by John Buscema and Tom Palmer. Terminus is on a rampage through the Savage Land! And only Earth's Mightiest Heroes stand between the powerful alien and the utter destruction of the bottom of the world! Will the combined might of the Black Knight, shield-slinger, Starfox, Wasp, and Prince of Power be enough to prevent the annihilation of the hidden paradise? Or will Antarctica, centuries later, finally reclaim the Savage Land? A cold and bitter ending for Ka-Zar and the Avengers! Meanwhile light years away in outer space, Captain Marvel meets a new super-villain that will battle the Avengers for years to come! First appearance of Nebula. (Notes: The Savage Land first appeared in Uncanny X-Men (1st series) 10. The High Evolutionary attempts to restore the Savage Land in Uncanny X-Men Annual 12. This issue includes a full-page ad for the Secret Wars II Limited Series.) 32 pages Cover price $0.65.