Auctions: comic books September 1977

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 172 CGC 6.5

Paper: White

Label #4729104001

"The Fiend from the Fire!" Part 1 of 2. First appearance of the Rocket Racer. Script by Len Wein. Art by Ross Andru (breakdowns) and Frank Giacoia (finishes). Cover by Ross Andru and Frank Giacoia. The action begins with a bang as the web-slinger chases a new skateboarding super-villain! The Rocket Racer! This red and yellow robber is moving and grooving through the streets on his souped-up skateboard! But the Spectacular Spider-Man is waiting right around the corner to teach him a lesson in driver etiquette! Meanwhile the police arrest Liz Allan for stealing drugs and chemicals from a local hospital! Why would Liz do that? Maybe she did it for a man! Or perhaps more specifically the Molten Man! Cameo appearances by Harry Osborn, J. Jonah Jameson, and Dr. Marla Madison. (Notes: The Rocket Racer appears next in Amazing Spider-Man 182. The Molten Man previously battled the web-slinger in Amazing Spider-Man 133. A limited distribution 35-cent cover price variant exists for this issue. 36 pages Cover price $0.30.

Captain America (1968 1st Series) 213 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4618712007

"The Night Flyer!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Jack Kirby. Pencils by Jack Kirby. Inks by Dan Green. Cover by Jack Kirby and John Verpoorten. Steve Rogers lies in a hospital bed as he recovers from the injuries, he sustained last issue. Since Cap is temporarily blind, SHIELD posts guards at his door to keep him safe. And then SHIELD adds a heavily bandaged patient to his room. In the middle of the night, Steve hears a commotion and realizes someone is trying to kill his roommate! The Living Legend stops the assassination attempt and hopes the episode is over. However, hours later a new assassin -- the mysterious Night Flyer -- makes an attempt on the life of Steve's roommate! But this time, the high-flying Falcon intervenes! Who wants this poor guy dead...and why? First appearances of Senator Kligger Stivak and Veda. (Note: There exists a 35-cent cover price variant for this issue.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.30.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 472 FN- 5.5

Cover pencils by Marshall Rogers, inks by Terry Austin. "I Am the Batman!", script by Steve Englehart, pencils by Marshall Rogers, inks by Terry Austin; Hugo Strange, who has taken over Bruce Wayne's life, offers to sell the Batman's secret identity to the highest bidder; But Boss Thorne doesn't want to play that game, and tries to beat the information out of Strange; Meanwhile, Silver, who suspects something is wrong with "Bruce," summons Dick Grayson, who as Robin, rescues Batman from Strange's captivity. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.35.

Marvel Comics Super Special (1977) 1 VG+ 4.5

Centerfold detached at one staple.

This is it – the notorious Marvel comic that actually had blood from the members of KISS mixed into the printers ink. If you want to own a piece of Gene Simmons, this is as close as youre going to get. The fact that the rock band is battling Dr. Doom and Mephisto almost pales in comparison. Written by Howard the Ducks Steve Gerber, of all people, with art by Alan Weiss, John Buscema, Rich Buckler, and Sal Buscema. Full color. Cover by Weiss and Gray Morrow. 68 pages. Cover price $1.50.

Marvel Team-Up (1972 1st Series) 35 Cent Variant 61 CGC 7.5

Paper: Off white

35 Cent Price Variant.

Label #0165408003

This is the 35 cent variant edition with limited distribution. Spider-Man and the Human Torch (of the Fantastic Four) battle the Super-Skrull in "Not All Thy Powers Can Save Thee!" Script by Chris Claremont, pencils by John Byrne, inks by Dave Hunt. Guest appearances by Carol Danvers (Ms. Marvel), Tigra, the Thing, and Mr. Fantastic. Ross Andru/Joe Sinnott cover. Cover price $0.35.