Auctions: comic books December 1968

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 67 VG- 3.5

First appearance of Randy Robertson in "To Squash a Spider!" Part 2 of 2. Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by John Romita. Inks by Jim Mooney. Cover by John Romita. In unbelievable fashion, Mysterio has shrunk the web-slinger to just six inches tall...and thrown him into a giant amusement park! Spider-Man attempts to get his bearings, but when he enters the house of mirrors -- everything goes haywire! However the web-spinner has fought Mysterio a few times before. And he knows if he can see through the illusions -- the path to triumph will be revealed! Will your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man find the pathway in time? Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Anna Watson, J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson, Betty Brant, and Ned Leeds. (Notes: The original Mysterio does not return until a decade later -- in the storyline leading up to Amazing Spider-Man 200. This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales #50.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.12.

Aquaman (1962 1st Series) 42 CGC 9.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4287066012

Cover art by Nick Cardy. Is This My Foe?, script by Steve Skeates, art by Jim Aparo; Aquaman, assuming Black Manta kidnapped Mera, goes after him; the Maarzons worship Black Manta as their god; Aquagirl worries that Narkan is becoming a tyrant. 36 pgs. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 59 CGC 9.2

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4266050025

First appearance of Yellowjacket (aka Henry Pym) in "The Name is Yellowjacket!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by John Buscema. Inks by George Klein. Cover by John Buscema and George Klein. A new crime-fighter bursts onto the scene in New York City! And the Daily Bugle loves him already! The brash Yellowjacket barges into Avengers Mansion and boasts about killing Goliath! Shocked by the news; Hawkeye, T'Challa, and the Vision charge forward! But the mysterious Yellowjacket fights them off and absconds with the Wasp! Fearing that Jan is in serious danger, the Avengers pursue Yellowjacket across town! But when Earth's Mightiest Heroes locate their new foe, the Wasp asks them to leave Yellowjacket alone! Wow, why would Jan do that? Because she wants to marry him that's why! Wedding bells ring next issue! Cameo appearances by J. Jonah Jameson, Spider-Man, Jarvis, Nick Fury, Dum Dum Dugan, and the Black Widow. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Hawkeye, Wasp, Yellowjacket, and the Vision. (Notes: The letters page includes a letter from Elfquest co-creator Wendy Fletcher (Pini). This two-part story was reprinted in Marvel Super Action 20 & 21.) 36 pages. 12 cent cover price. Cover price $0.12.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 59 VG+ 4.5

First appearance of Yellowjacket (aka Henry Pym) in "The Name is Yellowjacket!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by John Buscema. Inks by George Klein. Cover by John Buscema and George Klein. A new crime-fighter bursts onto the scene in New York City! And the Daily Bugle loves him already! The brash Yellowjacket barges into Avengers Mansion and boasts about killing Goliath! Shocked by the news; Hawkeye, T'Challa, and the Vision charge forward! But the mysterious Yellowjacket fights them off and absconds with the Wasp! Fearing that Jan is in serious danger, the Avengers pursue Yellowjacket across town! But when Earth's Mightiest Heroes locate their new foe, the Wasp asks them to leave Yellowjacket alone! Wow, why would Jan do that? Because she wants to marry him that's why! Wedding bells ring next issue! Cameo appearances by J. Jonah Jameson, Spider-Man, Jarvis, Nick Fury, Dum Dum Dugan, and the Black Widow. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Hawkeye, Wasp, Yellowjacket, and the Vision. (Notes: The letters page includes a letter from Elfquest co-creator Wendy Fletcher (Pini). This two-part story was reprinted in Marvel Super Action 20 & 21.) 36 pages. 12 cent cover price. Cover price $0.12.

Daredevil (1964 1st Series) 47 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4751699009

Cover pencils by Gene Colan, inks by George Klein. Brother, Take My Hand!, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by George Klein; Daredevil visits troops in Vietnam and meets soldier named Willie Lincoln, who was blinded while on a tour of duty; Matt and Daredevil protect Lincoln, who was forced to take a bribe, and whose name was cleared by Matt; guest-starring bad guy Biggie Benson. 36 pgs. Cover price $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 81 VG+ 4.5

Water spotting.

"Enter – the Exquisite Elemental!" Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by Jack Kirby. Inks by Joe Sinnott. Cover by Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott. After the wonderful events of Fantastic Four Annual 6, the FF are in need of a replacement for the Invisible Girl (as she adjusts to life as a new mother)! And auspiciously Crystal is eager to join! But Reed isn't so sure the young elemental is ready! However, when the Wingless Wizard boldly attacks, Crystal goes into battle alongside Reed, Ben, and Johnny! The Wizard's new wonder gloves knock Mr. Fantastic, the Thing, and the torch back on their heels! But not the young lady that controls water, wind, earth, and fire! Is Crystal's debut going to be a fantastic success? (Notes: The Wizard returns in Fantastic Four 94. Crystal wears the blue FF uniform for the first time.) 36 pages Cover price $0.12.

House of Mystery (1951-1983 1st Series) 177 FN- 5.5

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Son of the Montross Monster," pencils by Mort Meskin; The grandson of the creator of the Montross Monster creates another monster so that they will destroy each other and restore the family name. "Welcome Fellow Tenants" cutout picture by Joe Orlando. "Does Your Hand Have Any of These Lines?" illustration by Sergio Aragonés. "Last Meal" text story by Charles King, art by Joe Orlando. "The Curse of the Cat," script by Howie Post, art by Bill Draut; A beggar tells Mr. Fleming of a fortune buried in a cat's grave. 2-page Cain's Game Room cartoon by Sergio Aragonés. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Silver Surfer (1968 1st Series) 3 CBCS 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-3883C7B-016

1st appearance of Mephisto. "The Power and the Prize!" Written by Stan Lee. Art and cover by John Buscema and Joe Sinnott. The valiant Silver Surfer comes face-to-face with the sinister creature who would go on to become his greatest adversary and one of the greatest forces for evil in the Marvel Universe, Mephisto! When the Lord of the Underworld kidnaps Shalla Bal, Norrin Radd has no choice but to venture into the stygian depths and face the devil himself to save the woman he loves. Includes the Watcher back-up "Why Won't They Believe Me?" Story by Stan Lee. Art by Gene Colan and Paul Reinman. Letter to the editor from comic writer Tony Isabella. 68-page giant. Cover price $0.25.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 159 FN 6.0

View items consigned by Bud Plant: all items, auctions only

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Vince Colletta and John Romita (alterations to Thor's arm). Thor's origin is expanded upon in "The Answer At Last!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Vince Colletta; Odin reveals that he created the identity of Dr. Don Blake when he exiled Thor to Midgard years ago. Appearances by Balder, Hogun, Fandral, and Volstagg. Cameos by Heimdall and Loki. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.