Auctions: comic books December 1968

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 67 VG- 3.5

First appearance of Randy Robertson in "To Squash a Spider!" Part 2 of 2. Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by John Romita. Inks by Jim Mooney. Cover by John Romita. In unbelievable fashion, Mysterio has shrunk the web-slinger to just six inches tall...and thrown him into a giant amusement park! Spider-Man attempts to get his bearings, but when he enters the house of mirrors -- everything goes haywire! However the web-spinner has fought Mysterio a few times before. And he knows if he can see through the illusions -- the path to triumph will be revealed! Will your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man find the pathway in time? Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Anna Watson, J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson, Betty Brant, and Ned Leeds. (Notes: The original Mysterio does not return until a decade later -- in the storyline leading up to Amazing Spider-Man 200. This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales #50.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.12.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 59 VG+ 4.5

First appearance of Yellowjacket (aka Henry Pym) in "The Name is Yellowjacket!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by John Buscema. Inks by George Klein. Cover by John Buscema and George Klein. A new crime-fighter bursts onto the scene in New York City! And the Daily Bugle loves him already! The brash Yellowjacket barges into Avengers Mansion and boasts about killing Goliath! Shocked by the news; Hawkeye, T'Challa, and the Vision charge forward! But the mysterious Yellowjacket fights them off and absconds with the Wasp! Fearing that Jan is in serious danger, the Avengers pursue Yellowjacket across town! But when Earth's Mightiest Heroes locate their new foe, the Wasp asks them to leave Yellowjacket alone! Wow, why would Jan do that? Because she wants to marry him that's why! Wedding bells ring next issue! Cameo appearances by J. Jonah Jameson, Spider-Man, Jarvis, Nick Fury, Dum Dum Dugan, and the Black Widow. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Hawkeye, Wasp, Yellowjacket, and the Vision. (Notes: The letters page includes a letter from Elfquest co-creator Wendy Fletcher (Pini). This two-part story was reprinted in Marvel Super Action 20 & 21.) 36 pages. 12 cent cover price. Cover price $0.12.

Daredevil (1964 1st Series) 47 FN+ 6.5

Cover pencils by Gene Colan, inks by George Klein. Brother, Take My Hand!, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by George Klein; Daredevil visits troops in Vietnam and meets soldier named Willie Lincoln, who was blinded while on a tour of duty; Matt and Daredevil protect Lincoln, who was forced to take a bribe, and whose name was cleared by Matt; guest-starring bad guy Biggie Benson. 36 pgs. Cover price $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

House of Mystery (1951-1983 1st Series) 177 FN- 5.5

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Son of the Montross Monster," pencils by Mort Meskin; The grandson of the creator of the Montross Monster creates another monster so that they will destroy each other and restore the family name. "Welcome Fellow Tenants" cutout picture by Joe Orlando. "Does Your Hand Have Any of These Lines?" illustration by Sergio Aragonés. "Last Meal" text story by Charles King, art by Joe Orlando. "The Curse of the Cat," script by Howie Post, art by Bill Draut; A beggar tells Mr. Fleming of a fortune buried in a cat's grave. 2-page Cain's Game Room cartoon by Sergio Aragonés. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Iron Man (1968 1st Series) 8 GD 2.0

Heavy water damage. Oxidation.

Gladiator and Count Nefaria appearance. "A Duel Must End!" Part 2 of 2. Script by Archie Goodwin. Pencils by George Tuska. Inks by Johnny Craig. Cover by George Tuska. The battles are raging on two fronts as Iron Man slugs it out with the Gladiator in an abandoned factory, while Big M and her Maggia henchmen raid SI's weapons factory on Long Island! After Shell-head fights the wrist-bladed villain to a standstill and rescues Janice Cord, he hurries to SI to help Jasper Sitwell stop Big M! And then battle the Gladiator one more time! Origin of Whitney Frost (aka Big M). Cameo flashback appearance by Count Nefaria. 32 pages Cover price $0.12.

Silver Surfer (1968 1st Series) 3 CBCS 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-3883C7B-016

1st appearance of Mephisto. "The Power and the Prize!" Written by Stan Lee. Art and cover by John Buscema and Joe Sinnott. The valiant Silver Surfer comes face-to-face with the sinister creature who would go on to become his greatest adversary and one of the greatest forces for evil in the Marvel Universe, Mephisto! When the Lord of the Underworld kidnaps Shalla Bal, Norrin Radd has no choice but to venture into the stygian depths and face the devil himself to save the woman he loves. Includes the Watcher back-up "Why Won't They Believe Me?" Story by Stan Lee. Art by Gene Colan and Paul Reinman. Letter to the editor from comic writer Tony Isabella. 68-page giant. Cover price $0.25.

Strange Adventures (1950 1st Series) 215 FN- 5.5

Deadman stars in "A New Lease on Death." Art by Neal Adams. Reprint back-up story: "The Incredible Mutated Man!" Adams cover. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Sub-Mariner (1968 1st Series) 8 VG 4.0

1st Printing. "In the Rage of Battle!" Guest-starring the Thing. Written by Roy Thomas. Art by John Buscema and Dan Adkins. It's the heavyweight bout for the championship as the Savage Sub-Mariner clashes with the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing! 36 pages, full color. NOTE: 1994 JC Penney reprint exists. Can be identified by having a Stridex ad on the back cover. Cover price $0.12.