Auctions: comic books July 1972

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 110 FN/VF 7.0

First appearance of the Gibbon in "The Birth of the Gibbon!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by John Romita. Inks by John Romita and Tony Mortellaro (backgrounds). Cover by John Romita and Frank Giacoia. On a Manhattan rooftop, the wall-crawler has a chance meeting with a man named Martin Blank. And after he talks with Spider-Man; the tall, lanky, and athletic Martin decides to become a superhero! But when Martin (in his ape costume) meets the web-slinger again, Spider-Man laughs at his offer to become partners, and Martin is hurt. And now the Gibbon is vulnerable to becoming partners...with someone else! Origin of the Gibbon. Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, and Kraven the Hunter. (Notes: This story completes Stan Lee's extraordinary scripting run on the Amazing Spider-Man title -- which began with issue #1in 1963. The letters page includes a letter from comics writer David Michelinie. This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales #89.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.20.

Richie Rich Riches (1972 Harvey) 1 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4742164013

Stories and art by Ernie Colon and Sid Couchey. More cash-based comedy with Richie Rich and the Rich family. The latest invention from Rich Labs is a robot that eats money, but the Rich family fortune is so great it drives the Money Monster insane. Mr. Rich invites over his old friend Dr. Fazoo, a workaholic who can't stop sciencing. Cadbury's friend Scarsley tries to cadge a free meal from the butler. The Money Monster; Little Dot; Joy Toys; The Great Ecology Mystery; Richie Rich Meets Doc Fazoo; Why Do You Laugh So?; Dollar Sense; Cadbury: Well Done; Richie's Mom Mrs. Rich. 52 pages, full color. Cover price $0.25.

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen (1954) 151 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4753243001

First 20-cent cover price. Cover art by Bob Oksner. Attack of the Locust Creatures!, script by John Albano, pencils by Jose Delbo, inks by Bob Oksner; Jimmy Olsen, Percy and Meg rescue Superman from locust-like aliens and stop their invasion of Earth. Letter from Bob Rozakis. Carmine Infantino discusses the price change to 20 cents. Letter to the editor from comics writer Bob Rozakis. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Tomb of Dracula (1972 1st Series) 3 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4694034001

"Who Stalks the Vampire?!" Written by Archie Goodwin. Art by Gene Colan and Tom Palmer. Cover by Gil Kane. Drake acquires new allies in his quest to destroy Dracula, but they will all soon learn that the Lord of vampires is no ordinary adversary. 32 pages, FC. NOTE: 1st appearance of Rachel Van Helsing. First letters column: letter to the editor from comics writer David Michelinie. Cover price $0.20.

Weird Mystery Tales (1972) 1 VG- 3.5

Cover detached at one staple.

Jack Kirby/Berni Wrightson splash page. "Horoscope Phenomenon or Witch Queen of Ancient Sumeria?" Pencils by Jack Kirby. Also in this issue: "The Brothers Beaumont!" (art by Howard Purcell?). Michael Kaluta cover. 1st Appearance of Destiny Cover price $0.20.