Auctions: comic books August 1973

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 123 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4641328003

"...Just A Man Called Cage!" Guest-starring Luke Cage. Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Gil Kane and John Romita. Inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro (backgrounds). Cover by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro. While Peter Parker and his friends attend Gwen Stacy's funeral, J. Jonah Jameson plots revenge against the web-slinger for the death of Norman Osborn. The Daily Bugle publisher wants the wall-crawler captured dead or alive -- and he hires the powerful Luke Cage to do it! On a Manhattan rooftop, the Hero for Hire ambushes Spider-Man! And the super slugfest begins! The two heroes trade punches, body blows, and haymakers one after another! How will they break the stalemate -- before they break each other in half? Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Harry Osborn, Betty Brant, Joe Robertson, Flash Thompson, Anna Watson, Aunt May, and Norman Osborn (deceased). (Notes: This issue features the first meeting between Spider-Man and Luke Cage. The plot crosses over briefly with Power Man and Iron Fist (1972 Hero for Hire) #12. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 100.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 114 CGC 9.4

Paper: Off white to white

Label #0973242007

"Night of the Swordsman" Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Bob Brown. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by John Romita, Sr. and John Costanza. Still upset over the events of last issue, the Scarlet Witch takes a walk through Manhattan to unwind. But along the way Wanda runs into trouble with some construction workers! However, a brand new heroine arrives on the scene to help her! Who is Mantis and where did she come from? When Wanda and her new friend return to the mansion, another surprise guest shows up! The Swordsman! Wow, the Avengers' long-time foe and former member of the Lethal Legion wants to join the Avengers! Captain America immediately squashes that notion, but surprisingly the remaining members of the team agree to give the Swordsman a chance! And several days later when the Lion God returns, Earth's Mightiest Heroes are glad they did! Cameo appearances by the Hulk, Hawkeye, and Zzzax. Flashback cameos by Crystal, Quicksilver, and Goliath (aka Hank Pym). Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Captain America, Mantis, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Swordsman, Thor, and the Vision. 36 pages Cover price $0.20.

Ghost Rider (1973 1st Series) 1 CGC 4.5

Paper: White

Label #4423588003

"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.