Auctions: comic books May 1987

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 288 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4609477008

Direct Edition. Gang War: Part 5 of 5 -- "Gang War Rages On!" Guest-starring Daredevil and the Falcon. Script by Jim Owsley. Pencils by Alan Kupperberg. Inks by Jim Fern. Cover by Steve Geiger and Bob McLeod. The final act of the gang war draws near as the Kingpin plans to liquidate his organization! And he's not talking about selling off the furniture! At Midnight the Kingpin gathers his most distrusted lieutenants and leads them to the slaughter! But a quartet of heroes interrupts the premeditated massacre! Will the web-slinger, Black Cat, Falcon, and Daredevil finally corral the corrupt crime boss? Or will the Kingpin of Crime remain his usual one step ahead? Appearances by the Rose, Hobgoblin, and Sergeant Tork. Cameo appearances by the Punisher, Hammerhead, Jack O'Lantern, Arranger, Mary Jane Watson, Lance Bannon, Flash Thompson, Betty Leeds, Vanessa Fisk, and Aunt May. (Note: Elements of the story continue in the Spider-Man vs. Wolverine (1987) one-shot.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.75.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 279 CGC 9.8

Paper: Off white to white

Label #3830989024

Command Decision" Script by Roger Stern. Art by John Buscema (breakdowns) and Tom Palmer (finishes). Cover by John Buscema and Tom Palmer. After the departure of the Wasp last issue, Earth's Mightiest Heroes are in need of a new leader! In a surprising development, the popular choice among the team is Captain Marvel! Is the Crescent City avenger ready to lead? Monica Rambeau is not so sure! But after she helps Captain America pull off a daring underground rescue of trapped children, Captain Marvel says bring it on! Retelling of Captain Marvel's origin from Amazing Spider-Man Annual 16. Cameo appearances by Hercules, Hermes, and Moonstone. Avengers Lineup: Black Knight, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Doctor Druid, She-Hulk, and Thor. (Note: The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 412,900; average paid circulation 237,241.) 36 pages Cover price $0.75.

Batman (1940) 407 FN+ 6.5

Batman Year One, Chapter Four: "Friend In Need". Part 4 of 4, continued from the previous issue. James Gordon is blackmailed, Catwoman gets in Batman's way and Bruce Wayne must come to the rescue sans cape and cowl. Script by Frank Miller, art by David Mazzucchelli. Mazzucchelli cover. 1st printing. NOTE: Most issues from 397-432 were reprinted in 1989 and sold in multipacks. These 2nd and 3rd prints have back cover ads dated 1989. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.75.