Auctions: comic books January 1973

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 116 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4664126018

"Suddenly...the Smasher!" Part 1 of 3. Script by Stan Lee (original) and Gerry Conway (updates). Pencils by John Romita. Inks by Jim Mooney and Tony Mortellaro (backgrounds). Cover by John Romita. The gang war is over, and the Spectacular Spider-Man wants to get back to his normal life. But while web-swinging to the Daily Bugle, he's ambushed in mid-air by the Smasher! Who? The web-spinner doesn't recognize his large opponent, but he battles him to a standstill and saves the lives of two high-rise painters. In the meantime, a new candidate -- named Richard Raleigh -- is running for mayor. And he's holding a big indoor rally that Peter, Gwen Stacy, and Mary Jane attend! However, when the ceiling plaster starts falling, the wall-crawler leaps into action to keep the rally-goers safe! Is someone trying to ruin Raleigh's campaign? Cameo appearances by J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson, Betty Brant, and Harry Osborn. (Notes: ASM issues 116-118 are a revised, re-edited, and colorized version of Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #1 -- published in black and white in 1968. The script and art contain many updates (including new pages) in order to fit into Spider-Man's current continuity. ASM 116 was reprinted in Marvel Tales #95.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 107 VF- 7.5

"The Master Plan of the Space Phantom!" Part 2 of 3. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Jim Starlin (pages 1-3, 13-20) and George Tuska (pages 4-13) Inks by Dave Cockrum. Cover by Rich Buckler. The Space Phantom is back! And the Grim Reaper is right by his side! Four avengers have already fallen to the deadly duo and now only Captain America and the Vision remain free! The star-spangled avenger visits an old Hydra hideout to solve the mystery of his sudden flashbacks, while the synthezoid avenger wanders through Central Park. When the Grim Reaper catches up to the Vision, he makes him a final, yet different offer: Forget the body of Simon Williams, take the body of Captain America instead! Wow, would the Vision agree to that? Stay tuned! Flashback cameos by the original Avengers, Loki, Jane Foster, Rick Jones, and Madame Hydra to recap the events of Avengers (1st series) 2, Thor 108, and Captain America 113, respectively. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Captain America, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, and the Vision. (Note: The letters page includes a letter from Elfquest creator Wendy Pini.) 36 pages Cover price $0.20.

Frankenstein (1973 Marvel) 1 FN 6.0

Marvel begins its own unique take on the Frankenstein mythos by, in essence, continuing the Mary Shelley story--beginning with the discovery of the monster frozen in ice and bringing it back to life! "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein!" Script by Gary Friedrich, early classic art and cover by Mike Ploog. Cover price $0.20.

Iron Man (1968 1st Series) 54 FN/VF 7.0

Sub-Mariner and Iron Man do battle. 1st appearance of Moondragon as Madame MacEvil. "Sub-Mariner: Target for Death!" Story by Mike Friedrich and Bill Everett. Art by George Tuska and Vince Colletta. Cover by Gil Kane. It's a cataclysmic confrontation between Iron Man and the Sub-Mariner off the coast of Seattle! One of the heroes is being forced to fight against his will, but which one? And once the battle moves underwater, does Shell-Head have a chance to defeat Namor? First appearance of Moondragon as Madame MacEvil. (Note: The letters page includes a letter from comics editor Joey Cavalieri.) 32 pages Cover price $0.20.

Marvel Premiere (1972) 6 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4650383009

Cover art by Mike Ploog and Frank Giacoia (alterations). The Shambler from the Sea, script by Gardner F. Fox, pencils by Frank Brunner, inks by Sal Buscema; Strange kills Sligguth, which wakens Shambler from the Sea, N'Gabthoth; Clea and Wong are overcome by Starksboro cult; Strange frees them from sacrifice to N'Gabthoth, and discovers map of Stonehenge. Featuring concepts created by Robert E. Howard. Comics ad for the NBC Saturday morning kid shows: Kids [Adam; Evy]; the Barkleys; the Houndcats; the Jetsons; the Pink Panther; the Roman Holidays; and Underdog. 36 pgs. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

War Is Hell (1973 Marvel) 1 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4564347004

Al Williamson, Bob Powell, George Woodbridge reprints Cover price $0.20.

Werewolf by Night (1972 1st Series) 3 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4373202003

Cover art by Mike Ploog. The Mystery Of The Mad Monk!, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Mike Ploog, inks by Frank Chiaramonte; sFather Ramon Joquez, who was studying the Darkhold for Jack, is possessed by Aelfric who was trapped in the Darkhold. 36 pgs. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.