Auctions: comic books in 'Handgun', graded by CBCS

Cover by Gene Day. Edited by Matt Rust and James Waley. Stories by James Waley, T. Casey Brennan, Jim Craig, Matt Rust, Peter Hsu, Kerri Ellison, George Henderson, Vince Marchesano, Art Cooper, Nick Donaldson, Don Marshall, Bill Payne, Russell Wallace and Gene Day. This Canadian comics anthology was an early example of ground-level (rather than underground) comics. Dark Ninja; Electric Warrior; The Origin of the Northern Light. 8-in. x 11-in. 60 pages, PC/PB&W. Mature readers.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. "Ruptures!"

Written by Sylvain Runberg. Art and cover by Serge Pelle.

Caleb, a human, and Mezoke, a Sandjarr, are paired up as special agents to keep the intergalactic peace. This is a controversial and historic alliance given the races' long-standing enmity. Their first mission is to keep war from breaking out between the humans and the Javlodes on the planet Senestam. Caleb acts as a mediator between the warring factions while Mezoke, on the planet Upssal, must appease the Javlodes.

Softcover, 9-in. x 12-in., 48 pages, full color.

Cover price $11.95.

Written by MATT FRACTION Pencils and Cover by BARRY KITSON A team of long-dormant Soviet super-weapons is awake, angry and heading straight at the heart of Los Angeles ready to finish World War III! The front line of defense is a team that's been together since just before nine this morning! The queen of PR starts her spin! A dead body hides more than just a murder mystery! AND AND AND -- a super-sex tape! What on earth could justify the use of that many exclamation points? Surely, it could only be the second sensational issue of the yet to be named new ongoing series written by Matt Fraction (IMMORTAL IRON FIST and PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL) and with art by the amazing Barry Kitson (Legion of Super-Heroes, JLA: Year One). Cover price $2.99.

Written by MATT FRACTION Pencils and Cover by BARRY KITSON .The Marvel Universe's newest superhero team continues to protect the Golden State from all KINDS of comic-book insanity: the team investigates gamma-irradiated monsters living in the hidden cities beneath Los Angeles that only the Hopi Indians prophesied; the super-murder investigation hits a snag as the more-human-than-human girl gang called the BLACK DAHLIAS goes around killing off the suspects; we learn a scoonch more about the mysterious M.A.N. from S.H.A.D.O.W.; and, the awesome-cherry plopped atop our sundae of fabulousness, the Order are told they can't buy their Los Angeles dream house. Where oh where will the Order hang their hat? Here's a hint: It's San Franawesome. By Matt Fraction (PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL, IMMORTAL IRON FIST and Casanova) and Barry Kitson (Legion of Super-Heroes, Empire, JLA Year One). Cover price $2.99.

Written by MATT FRACTION Pencils & Cover by BARRY KITSON With last issue's near-disastrous attempted assault on California averted and citizens once again safe, it's back to business as usual for the Order and not a minute too soon. Two team members stranded in the desert are hunted by gamma beasts under the thrall of a mysterious government agency, and another has been de-powered and kidnapped by the vicious girl gang the Black Dahlias -- everybody's favorite California super-group that isn't the Eagles seems to be getting torn apart piece by piece. Because they are. But by who? Why? And to what end? The answers start coming hard and fast for the newest heroes in the Marvel Universe! By Matt Fraction (THE IMMORTAL IRON FIST, PUNISHER WAR JOUNAL, Casanova) and Barry Kitson (Legion of Super-Heroes, Empire). Cover price $2.99.

(W) Kieron Gillen (A/CA) Adam Kubert The penultimate issue! • Logan, Clara and Creed are on the run from Sinister…but could Sinister offer Logan something he can't refuse? • Creed's secret revealed! Cover price $3.99.

Cover by Lee Elias. Stories and art by Bob Haney, Bill Draut and Lee Elias. Reprints of Harvey's early female superhero Black Cat, a martial artist with a lasso and a double life as a Hollywood starlet. While shooting a Western on location, a performer makes off with a fortune, setting the Black Cat in pursuit. Linda switches to Black Cat to foil a greedy countess. Plus crime stories from The Furnished Room and Speed Comics. Bondage cover by Lee Elias. Bankers Holiday; The Furnished Room; The Phony Crusade; Man of 1000 Faces. 32 pages, Full Color. Cover price $2.00.

The Original Dick Tracy reprints original Chester Gould strips from the mid 1940s, cut and pasted to fit the comic book format. In "Dick Tracy and the Evil Influence," Vitamin Flintheart is hypnotized by the evil Influence into burning his own restaurant. Flintheart also tries to hurt Tracy. 64 pgs. Cover price $1.95.

The Original Dick Tracy reprints original Chester Gould strips from the mid 1940s, cut and pasted to fit the comic book format. In "Dick Tracy Exterminates The Extortioner," Gargles' mouthwash bootlegging scheme is uncovered. Naturally, Tracy goes after him. 64 pgs. Cover price $2.00.

The Original Dick Tracy reprints original Chester Gould strips from the mid 1940s, cut and pasted to fit the comic book format. In "Dick Tracy Rubs Shoulders," Tracy foils a pickpocket scheme revolving around a little girl singing on street corners. B.O. Plenty marries Gravel Gertie. This was the final issue of the series. 64 pgs. Cover price $2.00.

NOTE: Indicia misprinted Vol. 1 No. 4. Cover price $1.75.

Cover by Bob Burden. "Who Are The Mysterymen?"; Essay discussing the history of the Mysterymen, their previous appearances in Flaming Carrot Comics, and an introduction to this mini-series. "Monster in a Shipyard," script by Bob Burden, pencils by Stephen Sadowski, inks by Christian Alamy; Bored and hung over, The Strangler, The Metro Marauder, and The Spleen go over to the shipyard to shoot guns and encounter a monster. 36 pgs., full color. $2.95. Cover price $2.95.

Cover by Rudy Nebres. "Power Shortage," script by Marty Greim, pencils by Dick Ayers, inks by Frank Giacoia (miscredited to Tony deZuniga); Joe and Dan reminisce about the early days of the Shield; Then Joe and Lisa attend Senator Casey's function; Joe notices Klotz is there, but is stopped by poison gas. "A Tale of Sorcery" one-pager, script by Frank Doyle, pencils by Dan DeCarlo; Madame Olga casts a spell to stop her greatest enemy. "Death of the Shield," script by Marty Greim, pencils by Dick Ayers, inks by Rex Lindsey; As Joe passes out in front of Lisa's room from the gas attack, his mind flashes back to his early career, his marriage and the birth of his son; He awakes and goes after Klotz using information supplied by Lisa. 36 pgs., full color. $0.75. Cover price $0.75.

Written by Jason Aaron. Art by Mike Deodato. Cover by Julian Totino Tedesco. WHO HOLDS THE EYE? WHO KNOWS ITS SECRETS? The cosmic manhunt for the Watcher's killer continues. More bodies are discovered. The killer's trail leads to the far corners of the universe and beyond. And just when Nick Fury and the Avengers think they've cornered their murderer...EVERYTHING EXPLODES, unleashing the Marvel Universe's greatest secrets. 28 pages, full color. Cover price $3.99.

Interlocking Battle Variant Cover by Arthur Adams. Written by Jason Aaron. Art by Mike Deodato. ANSWERS AT ALL COSTS. In the wake of last issue's explosion of secrets, the heroes of the Marvel U are reeling, leaving Nick Fury to stand alone. He Who Holds the Eye is still on the run, and now we meet his boss, the villainous mastermind behind the raid on the Watcher's lair. And in deep space, the Winter Soldier leads a team that uncovers the most bizarre murder of all. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $3.99.

Written by Jason Aaron. Art by Mike Deodato. Cover by Julian Totino Tedesco. TRUST NO ONE. NOT EVEN YOURSELF. One hero goes rogue. Another loses his head. Dr. Strange and the Punisher team up for a daring raid. And all trails now lead to one suspect. But he... how is that even possible? 28 pages, full color. Cover price $3.99.

Interlocking Battle Variant by Arthur Adams. Written by Jason Aaron. Art by Mike Deodato. The Final Judgment! 36 pages, full color. Cover price $4.99.

Story by Ron Fortier. Art by Gary Kato. Cover by Gary Kato. A superhero one-shot from Alpha Productions, with no relation to popular series of video games. An ex-convict with superior driving skills is recruited for the team of the crimebuster known as Street Fighter. Along with an ex-cop and an ex-p.i., he joins the Street Fighter team to battle the corrupt forces that rule the city. The Wheelman; The Lion & The Lady: The Inn At Journeys End. 32 pages, B&W. Cover price $2.50.

Signed by Scott McCloud - Volume 1 - 1st printing. Collects Zot! (1984-1991) #1-4. Story and art by Scott McCloud. Hardcover, 96 pages, full color. NOTE: LImited to 450 copies.

Volume 1 - 1st printing. Collects Zot! (1984-1991) #1-4. Story and art by Scott McCloud. Softcover, 96 pages, full color. Cover price $14.95.

Written by FRED VAN LENTE, JEFF PARKER and JIM MCCANN. Art by JOHN ROMITA, JR., DALE EAGLESHAM, STEVE EPTING, STUART IMMONEN, LEINIL FRANCIS YU, SALVADOR LARROCA, ESAD RIBIC, MIKE PERKINS, MIKE DEODATO, JR., TREVOR HAIRSINE, MIKE CHOI, SONIA OBACK, KYLE HOTZ and KLAUS JANSON. Cover by CHRIS STEVENS THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE! An all-star lineup of creators brings you the origins of Marvel's greatest heroes! Short, accessible origin stories, all drawn by a roster of the hottest artists, including John Romita Jr., Leinil Francis Yu, and MORE! From the Avengers to the X-Men! From Iron Man, Thor, the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man to Hulk, Deadpool, Black Widow and the Punisher! They're all here! Cover price $3.99.

1st printing. Collects the 1-Shots Origins of Marvel Comics (2010), Origins of Marvel Comics: X-Men (2010 Marvel), Heroic Age: Heroes (2010 Marvel), Heroic Age: Villains (2010 Marvel) and Heroic Age: X-Men (2010). Written by FRED VAN LENTE, JEFF PARKER, JIM MCCANN, CHRIS YOST, MIKE CAREY, and PETER DAVID. Art by JOHN ROMITA JR., LEINIL FRANCIS YU, ALAN DAVIS, GREG LAND, MARK BROOKS, NICK BRADSHAW, and JILL THOMPSON. Cover by CHRIS STEVENS. An all-star lineup of creators brings you the origins of Marvel's greatest heroes! Short, accessible origin stories you'll want to cut out and tape up on your wall! From the Avengers to the X-Men! From Iron Man, Thor, the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man to Hulk, Deadpool, Black Widow and the Punisher! Cyclops! Wolverine! Magneto! They're all here! Plus: In the aftermath of SIEGE, Steve Rogers assesses the state of Earth's heroes, villains and mutants in almost 200 pages of character files! Softcover, 272 pages, full color. Cover price $24.99.

O Beautiful for Spacious Skies... - Story, Art and Cover by Walter Simonson. Orion is reeling from his mother Tigra's revelation that he is not the son of Darkseid after all, and he flies to Apokolips to find Darkseid. However, Darkseid is on Earth with Desaad where they are conducting a deadly experiment in a small Nebraska town. 32 pages, full color. Cover price $2.50.

From the start, the ongoing ORION series has proven that writer/artist Walter Simonson has a keen mastery of the characters that populate the "Fourth World" created by comics legend Jack Kirby. But that's not to say that Simonson is the only person capable of handling those iconic figures and, beginning with ORION #3, the magnanimous Simonson begins sharing the spotlight in backup features written by him and others and illustrated by some of the rest of the best artists the comic-book field has to offer. And to start things off right, the backup story in ORION #3 is drawn by none other than Frank Miller (BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, Sin City, 300)! The 6-page story tells the incredible, not-for-the-faint-of-heart story of Orion's fierce and horrifying birth, revealing details of Orion's mother Tigra's treachery against Darkseid and Darkseid's own, unforgettable revenge against mother and son alike. Future issues are planned that will feature other stories of Orion and his fellow New Gods, illustrated by an array of artists that includes Dave Gibbons, Howard Chaykin, Erik Larsen, and many more! Cover price $2.50.

WRITTEN BY WALTER SIMONSON; ART BY SIMONSON AND BOB WIACEK; COVER BY SIMONSON In stores January 23. Orion encounters a young teen and her ratty guardian ? a low-level numbers runner for the mob. Orion finds them and uses them to begin tracing his way back to the hitherto unknown person who had him captured. FC, 32 PG.$2.50 Cover price $2.50.

WRITTEN BY WALTER SIMONSON; ART BY SIMONSON AND BOB WIACEK; COVER BY SIMONSON In stores February 20. A young teen and her ratty guardian cross paths with the angriest New God, Orion ? and he's got reason to be angry! A crime syndicate had him captured and maimed...and now he demands vengeance! FC, 32 PG.$2.50 Cover price $2.50.

Written by Ted Anderson. Art and Cover by Nuno Plati. On the road to Albany. Stopping for supplies at the town of Mall. The importance of the gun. Everything's for sale. Bargaining. What is it worth to you? What would you give? Written by Ted Anderson (MOTH & WHISPER, My Little Pony, Adventure Time) with art by Nuno Plati (Alpha: Big Time, Marvel Girl). 28 pages, full color. Cover price $3.99.

Written by Graeme Manson, John Fawcett and Jody Houser. Art by Szymon Kudranski. Cover by Cat Staggs. One. Of a kind. Sarah's life was changed dramatically after witnessing the suicide of a woman who looked just like her. Sarah learned that, not only were she and the woman clones, but there were others just like them, and dangerous factions at work set on capturing them all. Now, the mysterious world of Orphan Black widens, with new layers of the conspiracy being peeled back in this miniseries! 32 pages, full color. MR Cover price $3.99.

Volume 57 - 1st printing. " San Juan Hill 1898!" Written by Angus Konstam. Art by David Rickman. Labelled a 'splendid little war' by Senator John Hay, the Spanish American War was a peculiar event in America's history, provoked as much by the press as by political pressures. Here, aided by superbly detailed maps and artwork, the author deals with the clashes at Las Guasimas and El Caney, the capture of San Juan Hill, and the naval battle and siege of Santiago. The war was to mark the end of Spanish sovereignty in her 'New World', and the establishment of the United States of America as a world power. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $19.95.

Volume 62 -2nd and later printings. "American Civil War Zouaves!" Written by Robin Smith. Art by Bill Younghusband. Among the mass of units formed in the early months of the American Civil War were several of the colourful Zouave units. Inspired by the French colonial units raised in North Africa with their distinctive uniforms and reputation as hard fighters, units with names as colourful as their uniforms began to appear. In this volume Robin Smith details the uniforms and battles of these flamboyant units. Bill Younghusband is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most popular illustrators of 18th and 19th century military subjects, and has already contributed to a number of Osprey titles Softcover, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 64 - 1st printing. "Army Commandos 1940-45!" By Mike Chappell. The period from early 1940 to the end of 1942 was a time of gloom and uncertainty for the British, who stood alone against the assembled might of the Axis powers. They badly needed a champion, and were to find this in a small force of soldiers who inspired them with a series of daring raids against the coasts of 'occupied Europe', becoming the heroes of the British public and of the British Prime Minister who had created them. This title explores the wartime history of the British Army Commandos whose bravery did so much to raise the morale of the British public. Softcover, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 107 - 1st printing. "Buffalo Soldiers 1866-91!" Written by Ron Field. Art by Richard Hook. African-American soldiers played a decisive role in the US Army on the western frontier during the Plains Wars. First authorised by Congress in July 1866, they were organised into two cavalry and four infantry regiments, which were commanded by white officers. All were quickly nicknamed the 'Buffalo Soldiers' by their Cheyenne and Comanche enemies. These brave soldiers fought many native tribes over the years, including the warriors of Sitting Bull and Geronimo. This book tells the story of these buffalo soldiers who, until the early 1890s, constituted 20 per cent of all active forces on duty in the American West. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 109 - 1st printing. "The British Home Front 1939-45!" Written by Martin Brayley. Art by Malcolm McGregor. The population of Britain was mobilized to support the war effort on a scale unseen in any other Western democracy - or in Nazi Germany. They endured long working shifts, shortages of food and all other goods, and complete government control of their daily lives. Most men and women were conscripted or volunteered for additional tasks outside their formal working hours. Under the air raids that destroyed the centres of many towns and made about 2 million homeless, more than 60,000 civilians were killed and 86,000 seriously injured. This fascinating illustrated summary of wartime life, and the organizations that served on the Home front, is a striking record of endurance and sacrifice. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 137 - 1st printing. "The Mexican Revolution 1910?20!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Peter Dennis. Some of the most famous Western movies have been set against the background of the Mexican Revolution of the early 20th century. Now, for the first time in English, Osprey offer a concise but fact-packed account of the events, armies, uniforms and weapons of those ten chaotic and bloody years, putting in context such famous but half-understood names as Diaz, Pancho Villa, Zapata, Madero and Huerta. The text is illustrated with many rare and fascinating period photographs, and with eight detailed color plates of orfiristas and Rurales, Maderisitas, Federales, Villistas, Zapatistas,and US volunteers and intervention troops. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 59 - 1st printing. "The Plains Wars 1757-1900!" By Charles M Robinson III. The Great Plains cover the central two-thirds of the United States, and during the nineteenth century were home to some of the largest and most powerful Indian tribes on the continent. The conflict between those tribes and the newcomers from the Old World lasted about one hundred and fifty years, and required the resources of five nations - Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America and the United States - before fighting ended in the mid 1890s. This masterly exposition explains the background, causes and long term effects of these bitter wars, whose legacy can still be felt today. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $17.95.

Volume 42 - 2nd and later printings. "The King's German Legion!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Michael Roffe. The King's German Legion was the largest and most respected of the foreign corps which fought as integrated elements of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. The light and heavy cavalry, light and line infantry, and horse and foot artillery of the KGL made major contributions to Wellington's victories during the Peninsular War, and several units covered themselves with glory at Waterloo. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the KGL from its origins to its disbandment, including its uniforms, weapons, flags and standards. Meticulous illustrations offer unprecedented details of this impressive fighting force. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

Volume 163 - 1st printing. "The American Plains Indians!" Written by Jason Hook. Art by Richard Hook. The central plains of North America to the east of the Rocky Mountains were home to the Plains Indians; here the hunting grounds of the twelve typical tribes coincided with the grazing range of the largest of the buffalo herds. The adoption of a horse culture heralded the golden age of the Plains Indians – an age abruptly ended by the intervention of the white man, who forced them into reservations in the second half of the 19th century. Jason Hook's fascinating text explores the culture of American Plains Indians, from camp life to conquest, in a volume complemented by photographs and stunning artwork. Men-at-Arms 163 and 186 and Warrior 4 are also available in a single volume special edition as ‘To Live and Die in the West'. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 238 - 1st printing. "Foreign Volunteers of the Allied Forces 1939–45!" Written by Nigel Thomas. Art by Simon McCouaig. In a period of just over two years, from 15 March 1939 to 30 April 1941, ten countries were defeated in campaigns in which Nazi Germany deployed revolutionary techniques of mobile warfare. The breakneck speed of German victories allowed some defeated troops to escape to friendly countries, where their political leaders established governments-in-exile and formed them into military units to continue the struggle. The hard-pressed Western Allies welcomed this well-motivated manpower with open arms. Nigel Thomas investigates the foreign volunteers of the Western Allies in a fascinating text backed by contemporary photographs and eight full page colour plates by Simon McCouaig. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 338 - 2nd and later printings. "The King's German Legion (1)!" Written by Mike Chappell. Art by Mike Chappell. The formation of the King's German Legion resulted from the occupation of Hanover, their homeland, by the French in 1803. After assorted expeditions including Copenhagen in 1807 and Moore's retreat to Corunna, the Legion joined Sir Arthur Wellesley in the Peninsula. It was here that they were to earn undying renown as the crack corps of Wellington's army. The Legion represented about 20% of Wellington's fighting strength and distinguished itself in all the major actions, including their famous charge at Garcia Hernandez during the Salamanca campaign. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 377 - 1st printing. "Luftwaffe Air & Ground Crew 1939-45!" Written by Robert F Stedman. Art by Mike Chappell. The Luftwaffe, honed in the Spanish Civil War, played a vital part in Germany's 'Blitzkrieg' victories in 1939-41. Badly overstretched by war on three fronts in 1942-44, it was crippled by an incompetent commander-in-chief, the losses among experienced aircrew, and shortage of fuel. In 1944-45 it faced a final battle of attrition in skies ruled by the Allies as the Eastern and Western pincers closed on the Reich; but until the very end the dwindling band of veteran pilots - among them the greatest 'aces' the world has ever known - presented a potent threat. This fact-packed review of Luftwaffe uniforms and flying kit is illustrated with rare personal photos, insignia charts, and two dozen meticulously detailed colour figures. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 433- 1st printing. "Napoleon's Scouts of the Imperial Guard!" Written by Ronald Pawly. Art by Patrice Courcelle. Driven out of Germany after his defeat at Leipzig in 1813, Napoleon seemed to face disaster. Some 345,000 Allied troops were converging on France from the east; and Napoleon had only about 80,000 men. Most of his veterans had been killed in Russia and Germany, and he was short of cavalry to counter the swarms of Cossacks. For his last and possibly most brilliant campaign, Napoleon raised three regiments of mounted Scouts for his Imperial Guard. Through the story of these units the reader can follow Napoleon's dazzling manoeuvres in the campaign of 1814; and their widely varied uniforms are reconstructed in meticulously researched colour plates. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 13 - 1st printing. "Union Cavalryman 1861-65!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Richard Hook. The bombardment by Confederate artillery of Fort Sumter on 12 April 1861 was the spark that finally ignited the American Civil War, quickly bringing thousands of eager volunteers for the Union cause. It proved especially easy to raise cavalry, since recruits naively believed that their military duties would be easier than in the infantry. This book investigates all aspects of the life and experiences of a Union trooper, covering enlistment, training, uniforms, weapons, cavalry tactics and the discrepancy between the recruit's view of swashbuckling charges and heroic hand-to-hand combat and the less glorious reality. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 54- 1st printing. "Confederate Cavalryman 1861-65!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Gerry Embleton. The southerner of the mid-19th century had been bred to ride horses. In addition the period southerner had long been used to handling firearms, through hunting for pleasure, food or simply for sport. The combination of these factors promised that when the southern states began to secede in December 1860, the cavalry would be a major combat arm. This title looks at how the men of the Confederate cavalry were recruited, trained, lived and fought. Both routine and campaign life are covered, as well as the weapons and equipment that served them in their combat roles. Key encounters such as the 1863 clash at Brandy Station are also covered in this authoritative text. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.