Auctions: comic books May 1965

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 24 VG/FN 5.0

Cover oxidation with chipping.

Spider-Man goes to see a psychiatrist! But it's really Mysterio messing with Spidey's mind in "Spider-Man Goes Mad." Script by Stan Lee, art and cover by Steve Ditko. Cameos (actually part of Spider-Man's imagination) by Doctor Octopus, the Vulture, and the Sandman. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 19 and 162. Letters to the editor from comics writer Don McGregor and mycomicshop.com president Buddy Saunders! 36 pgs. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 171 CGC 4.5

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #4684693002

1st Silver Age Riddler appearance (the question-marked criminal hadn't appeared in a Batman book since 1948). Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. What's Wrong with These Pictures! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "Remarkable Ruse of the Riddler!" (the Batman TV pilot was based on this story), script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Riddler is released from prison and informs the Dynamic Duo that he has turned from crime, and, as proof, leads them to the hideout of the Molehill Mob; But when the former felon begins deluging them with riddles, the Caped Crusaders aren't sure he really has reformed. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Batman (1940) 171 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Slab: Chipped/broken bracket

Label #4620695002

1st Silver Age Riddler appearance (the question-marked criminal hadn't appeared in a Batman book since 1948). Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. What's Wrong with These Pictures! public service announcement, art by Bernard Baily. "Remarkable Ruse of the Riddler!" (the Batman TV pilot was based on this story), script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; The Riddler is released from prison and informs the Dynamic Duo that he has turned from crime, and, as proof, leads them to the hideout of the Molehill Mob; But when the former felon begins deluging them with riddles, the Caped Crusaders aren't sure he really has reformed. Rocky and Bullwinkle star in a one-page Cheerios ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 116 GD/VG 3.0

Water damage.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Vince Colletta. "The Trial of the Gods!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby and Carl Hubbell, inks by Vince Colletta and Carl Hubbell; Odin sends Thor and Loki to Skornheim to endure the Trial of the Gods which will show which one of his sons is lying to him; Against Odin's decree, Loki uses magic to escape the traps of the enchanted land while Thor has to rely on brawn and sheer will; Meanwhile, the Enchantress and the Executioner set about tormenting Jane Foster in a bid to influence the outcome of the trial; Odin sends Balder to deal with them; Guest appearances by the Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, Giant-Man, and the Wasp), Rick Jones, the Teen Brigade, the Enchantress, and Executioner; There is a minor plot crossover with Fantastic Four 38; Cameos by Daredevil, Medusa, Trapster, Sandman, and the Wizard. "Tales of Asgard" back-up, "The Challenge!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Vince Colletta; On a diplomatic mission, Loki convinces King Hymir to put Thor to a deadly test where failure means slavery to the evil king; Thor, of course, passes the test, much to the annoyance of Hymir who strikes Loki and accuses him of betrayal; First appearance of Princess Rinda and King Hymir. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.

Uncanny X-Men (1963 1st Series) 11 CGC 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #3983417006

First appearance of the Stranger. Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Chic Stone. The Triumph of Magneto!, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Chic Stone; Xavier detects an exteremely powerful entity that has arrived on earth and sends the X-Men to investigate; The Stranger tries to acclimate himself to earth customs but runs across Magneto and the Brotherhood; The X-Men arrive on the scene and battle the Brotherhood but the Stranger leaves with Magneto and Toad in the conflict; Without a leader, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch decide to return home to Central Europe; The X-Men encounter the Stranger once again and Xavier realizes he is an alien; The Stranger explains that he has been collecting mutants from across the universe and takes Magneto and Toad away with him into space. 36 pgs. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Uncanny X-Men (1963 1st Series) 11 GD+ 2.5

Cover coming detached at both staples. Spine tears reaching the centerfold. Water damage.

First appearance of the Stranger. Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Chic Stone. The Triumph of Magneto!, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Chic Stone; Xavier detects an exteremely powerful entity that has arrived on earth and sends the X-Men to investigate; The Stranger tries to acclimate himself to earth customs but runs across Magneto and the Brotherhood; The X-Men arrive on the scene and battle the Brotherhood but the Stranger leaves with Magneto and Toad in the conflict; Without a leader, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch decide to return home to Central Europe; The X-Men encounter the Stranger once again and Xavier realizes he is an alien; The Stranger explains that he has been collecting mutants from across the universe and takes Magneto and Toad away with him into space. 36 pgs. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.