Auctions: comic books December 1973

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 127 CGC 9.2

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4664126014

"The Dark Wings of Death!" Part 1 of 2. First appearance of the third Vulture. Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. Cover by John Romita. Outside her apartment window, Mary Jane Watson witnesses a murder! And she thinks the killer is the Vulture! However MJ is reluctant to go to the police in fear of retaliation -- despite Peter's recommendation to do so. The next day at Empire State University, Mary Jane's worst fear is realized...when the Vulture grabs her! But the ESU campus is the stomping ground of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. And the next great fight between the web-slinger and the Vulture begins! First appearance of Dr. Clifton Shallot. Cameo appearances by the Human Torch, Professor Miles Warren, Flash Thompson, and Harry Osborn. (Note: This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales 104.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.20.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 127 CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4616926002

"The Dark Wings of Death!" Part 1 of 2. First appearance of the third Vulture. Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. Cover by John Romita. Outside her apartment window, Mary Jane Watson witnesses a murder! And she thinks the killer is the Vulture! However MJ is reluctant to go to the police in fear of retaliation -- despite Peter's recommendation to do so. The next day at Empire State University, Mary Jane's worst fear is realized...when the Vulture grabs her! But the ESU campus is the stomping ground of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. And the next great fight between the web-slinger and the Vulture begins! First appearance of Dr. Clifton Shallot. Cameo appearances by the Human Torch, Professor Miles Warren, Flash Thompson, and Harry Osborn. (Note: This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales 104.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.20.

Power Man and Iron Fist (1972 Hero for Hire) 16 VG+ 4.5

"Shake Hands with Stiletto!" Part 3 of 3. Story by Tony Isabella. Art by Billy Graham and Frank McLaughlin. In his quest to clear Claire's name, Luke Cage crosses paths with the deadly assassin known as Stiletto. NOTE: Last issue to be titled Luke Cage, Hero for Hire. Cover price $0.20.

Special Marvel Edition (1971) 15 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4664068003

Written by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin. Art and cover by Jim Starlin and Al Milgrom. Shang Chi, making his first appearance, is a master of martial arts and the son of Fu Manchu, a Chinese mandarin and scientist. Fu Manchu sends Shang Chi to England in order to assassinate the evil Dr. Petrie for the common good. Shang Chi reluctantly agrees, but after the deed is done he is confronted by Sir Denis Nayland Smith, a former British intelligence officer who tells him the truth about Fu Manchu; that he is a nearly immortal evil mastermind. Shang Chi travels back to his father's secret lair in New York and renounces him. Text articles by Roy Thomas and Englehart about the creation of Shang-Chi. Ad for Astonishing Tales #21. A brief obituary for Syd Shores. Ad for the Marvel fan club FOOM (Friends of Ol' Marvel). 36 pages, full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Swamp Thing (1972 1st Series) 7 VG 4.0

"Night of the Bat." Swamp Thing goes to Gotham City and encounters Batman. Both are after Mr. E, who is leader of the Conclave. Script by Len Wein, art and cover by Berni Wrightson. Cover price $0.20.