Auctions: comic books May 1971

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 96 VG/FN 5.0

Not approved by the Comics Code Authority (see notes). "And Now, the Goblin!" Part 1 of 3. Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by Gil Kane. Inks by John Romita. Cover by Gil Kane. With Gwen Stacy still in London, Peter Parker gains a new admirer: Mary Jane Watson. Oh boy. How will MaryJane's sudden interest in Peter affect Harry Osborn? Unfortunately, the short answer is not well. Since Harry is secretly battling a drug addiction. Nevertheless, when Mary Jane makes her off-Broadway debut at a local theater; Peter and Harry attend the show to support her. Interestingly, Norman Osborn also attends the musical. In part because he used to own the building that now houses the theater. During the show Norman fixates on a certain door -- possibly a storage room door -- just off the main hallway. And Peter notices it too. After the show the web-slinger returns to the theater...and discovers his worst nightmare in the flesh: the Green Goblin! Wow! Cameo appearances by Joe Robertson and Randy Robertson. (Notes: This three-part story was not approved by the CCA due to the (anti)drug-themed story. At this time the code did not permit drugs to be mentioned in any fashion. However, Stan Lee published the story anyway, and it led to major revisions in the code -- allowing anti-drug stories and horror stories including ones about vampires. The Green Goblin previously appeared in the Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine (1966) #2. Marie Severin provided the layout for the cover. This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales #77.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.15.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 96 GD/VG 3.0

Water spotting.

Not approved by the Comics Code Authority (see notes). "And Now, the Goblin!" Part 1 of 3. Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by Gil Kane. Inks by John Romita. Cover by Gil Kane. With Gwen Stacy still in London, Peter Parker gains a new admirer: Mary Jane Watson. Oh boy. How will MaryJane's sudden interest in Peter affect Harry Osborn? Unfortunately, the short answer is not well. Since Harry is secretly battling a drug addiction. Nevertheless, when Mary Jane makes her off-Broadway debut at a local theater; Peter and Harry attend the show to support her. Interestingly, Norman Osborn also attends the musical. In part because he used to own the building that now houses the theater. During the show Norman fixates on a certain door -- possibly a storage room door -- just off the main hallway. And Peter notices it too. After the show the web-slinger returns to the theater...and discovers his worst nightmare in the flesh: the Green Goblin! Wow! Cameo appearances by Joe Robertson and Randy Robertson. (Notes: This three-part story was not approved by the CCA due to the (anti)drug-themed story. At this time the code did not permit drugs to be mentioned in any fashion. However, Stan Lee published the story anyway, and it led to major revisions in the code -- allowing anti-drug stories and horror stories including ones about vampires. The Green Goblin previously appeared in the Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine (1966) #2. Marie Severin provided the layout for the cover. This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales #77.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.15.

Conan the Barbarian (1970 Marvel) 5 CGC 9.6

Paper: Off white to white

Label #1200035011

Cover art by Barry Windsor-Smith. Zukala's Daughter, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith, inks by Frank Giacoia; setting: Zamorian Village; Conan frees villages of Zukala's control, saves Zephra from demon, and defeats Zukala--who disappears with his daughter Zephra; this story, though published in issue 5, was actually the third drawn by Windsor-Smith (following 1 and 2, but before 3 and 4); adapted from the poem "Zukala's Hour" by Robert E. Howard. The letters page reprints the Hyborian Age map from Conan 1. 36 pgs. Cover price: $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Creatures on the Loose (1971) 11 CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4664127010

Cover by Jack Kirby, Marie Severin, and Dick Ayers. Written by Len Wein. Art by Herb Trimpe. New story: "The Underground Gambit!"; Roger Krass has been drawing underground comics for a living but hating it all the while.;A mysterious man shows up with an offer that will finally recognize his true talent, but it turns out there's a catch. Art by Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers. Reprint: "The Unbelievable Menace of Moomba"; Frank, an explorer, discovers that native African wood carvings are actually an advance fifth column invasion force under the command of Moomba; Katu uses his magic to force Moomba and his Wooden Statues to leave Earth. Ad for Fear #3 and Where Monsters Dwell #9, art by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. 36 pages, full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Savage Tales (1971 Magazine) 1 CGC 8.0

Paper: White

Label #2058803001

Issue #1. May 1971. Conan stars in "The Frost Giant's Daughter" (script by Roy Thomas, art by Barry Windsor-Smith). Adapted from the story by Robert E. Howard. Later reprinted in color (with one additional new splash page) in "Conan the Barbarian" #16. First appearance of Man-Thing in "Man-Thing" (script by Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway, art by Gray Morrow). Story continues in "Astonishing Tales" #12. Other stories include "The Fury of the Femizons" (script by Stan Lee, art by John Romita Sr.; story continues in "Fantastic Four" #151); "Black Brother" (script by Denny O'Neil as "Sergius O'Shaughnessy", pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Tom Palmer); and "The Night of the Looter" (script by Lee, art by John Buscema). Painted cover by Buscema. Note: First appearance of Man-Thing. 8.25" x 11". 68 pages. Black and white. Mature. Cover price $0.50.