Auctions: comic books December 1974

Batman (1940) 259 CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4568608005

This issue is dedicated to the memory of Bill Finger (co-creator of Batman).

100-page giant. Cover art by Nick Cardy. Batman and the Shadow team-up in this issue in a new story titled "Night of the Shadow!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano); Batman goes on the trail of a convicted felon from the past, believing that he has stolen a valuable tiara. But he's wrong and discovers that only "The Shadow Knows" who actually is responsible. "The Great Batman Swindle!" (reprinted from Detective Comics #222), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Wealthy yachtsman Ned Judson is called to a mysterious castle once built by an eccentric millionaire, and comes face-to-face with the Brotherhood of Batmen; The leader, Batman Number One, convinces Judson that the figure of Batman is actually four people. "The Strange Costumes of Batman!" (from Detective Comics #165), script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; While making an inspection of equipment in the Bat-Cave, Bruce and Dick also must inspect the various costumes Batman and Robin use in their fight against crime for leaks and tears, and, as it turns out, a never before used costume saves the day for the Batman, who has been seriously wounded. New costumes for Robin drawn by readers of the strip. "Heroes by Proxy!" (from Batman #29), script by Don Cameron, art by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane); Two private detectives are down in the dumps because they are flat broke, even though they have great detective abilities; When they hear that the Wayne Mansion has been robbed, they decide to change their tactics and investigate, disguised as Batman and Robin! "Two Batmen Too Many!" (from Batman #177), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff (as Bob Kane), inks by Joe Giella; Batman concocts a scheme against numbers racketeer Ed Garvey to prove conclusively that the crook planned and carried out the Kimber Gem job. "The Failure of Bruce Wayne" (from Batman #120), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Sheldon Moldoff, inks by Charles Paris; Called to his dying Uncle's bedside, Silas, Bruce is told by him that he is disappointed that Bruce has not continued the family tradition of adventure; Bruce sets out to prove Silas wrong. 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Captain America (1968 1st Series) 180 FN 6.0

First appearance of Nomad (aka Steve Rogers) in "The Coming of the Nomad!" Part 1 of 3. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Sal Buscema. Inks by Vince Colletta. Cover by Gil Kane, Mike Esposito, and Frank Giacoia. Thanks to a suggestion from Hawkeye, Steve Rogers decides to become a superhero again. But he wants to adopt a different identity. So, to that end, Steve travels to the Carter estate to design a new costume and pick a new name. Say hello to the Nomad! Meanwhile elsewhere in Virginia, Madame Hydra returns to the terrorist scene after a long absence. Her first act is killing the original Viper, so she can take his name for herself! Then she assumes command of the Serpent Squad to advance her brand of nihilism. Hours later in Washington D.C., the former Captain America and the former Madame Hydra cross paths...and put their new noms de guerre to the test! Nomad vs. the Serpent Squad! What a start for the new hero! First appearance of Hugh Jones. First mention of the Roxxon Oil Corporation. Cameo appearances by the Falcon, Roscoe Simons, Sharon Carter, Harrison Carter, and Warlord Krang. (Notes: Madame Hydra previously appeared in Captain America 113. The cover shows Nomad's color scheme as blue & red; however, it's actually blue & yellow inside. The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp series A #61 The Red Ghost by Jack Kirby. This issue was reprinted in 2006 in the trade paperback: Captain America and the Falcon Nomad. The TPB collects issues 177 thru 186.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.25.

Defenders (1972 1st Series) 18 FN- 5.5

The Defenders face the Wrecking Crew--the Wrecker, Thunderball, Pile-Driver, and Bulldozer! "Rampage!" Script by Len Wein, pencils by Sal Buscema, inks by Dan Green." Power-Man guest-stars. Gil Kane cover pencils. 36 pgs. Cover price $0.25.

Ghost Rider (1973 1st Series) 9 FN- 5.5

"The Hell-Bound Hero!" Story by Tony Isabella. Art by Jim Mooney and Sal Trapani. Cover by Gil Kane. Mephisto (as Satan) arrives on Earth to claim Johnny Blaze's immortal soul, but who is this mysterious stranger that has other plans? 32 pages, FC. NOTE: Marvel Value Stamp #81: Rhino. Cover price $0.25.

House of Mystery (1951-1983 1st Series) 228 VF- 7.5

100-page giant. Featuring: 1 page preface drawn by Alfredo Alcala; 9 page story "The Wisdom of Many, The Wit of One" written by Doug Moench (plot) & Frank Robbins and drawn by Frank Robbins; 1 page Cain's Game Room filler drawn by Sergio Aragones; 5 page reprint story "Stamps of Doom!" drawn by Ruben Moreira; 4 page story "The Rebel" written by Michael Pellowski (plot) & Maxene Fabe and drawn by Alan Kupperberg & Neal Adams; 7 page reprint story "The Wizard's Revenge" drawn by Bill Ely; 3 page Cain's True Case Files reprint story "The Man Who Murdered Himself!" written by Otto Binder and drawn by Berni Wrightson; 1 page crossword activity "House of Mystery Hidden Message" by Bob Rozakis; 2 page filler "Halloween Monster Cards" starring Cain and Swamp Thing, featuring images from other DC horror comics with humorous blurbs; 1 page Cain's Game Room story drawn by Sergio Aragones; 11 page story "A Coffin for Bonnie and Clyde!" written by Robert Kanigher and drawn by Jack Sparling; Half page text article "Attention College Students!" which comments on getting DC magazines into university bookstores; 6 page reprint story "The Dragon of Times Square" drawn by Bob Brown; 1 page Room 13 filler "Free! A Lucky Room 13 Amulet for You!" drawn by Sergio Aragones; 6 page reprint story "Seven Steps to the Unknown" drawn by Bill Ely; 7 page reprint story "Wheel of Fate!" drawn by Carmine Infantino and Frank Giacoia; 12 page story "The Fireworks Man!" written by Russell Carley (script continuity) & Michael Fleisher and drawn by Gerry Talaoc. 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Incredible Hulk (1962 Marvel 1st Series) 182 CGC 9.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #2113192009

Cover art by Herb Trimpe. First appearance of Hammer and Anvil in "Between Hammer and Anvil!," script by Len Wein, art by Herb Trimpe; The Canadian government reins agent Wolverine back in from his unaccomplished mission of destroying the Hulk; He reluctantly retreats, and they send their special-op commandos to take on the brute; When even that doesnt work, they detonate a huge sleeping gas bomb at him, which finally puts the Hulk out; When the Hulk comes to, he is flying high above the forest, carried by the agents in a steel cage; The Hulk angrily breaks free of his prison, and jumps away to safer pastures. Next Wolverine in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Marvel Value Stamp Series A: The Golem. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.25.

Justice League of America (1960 1st Series) 114 FN 6.0

Cover art by Nick Cardy. The Return of Anakronus!, script by Len Wein and Mark Hanerfeld [as Felton Marcus], pencils by Dick Dillin, inks by Dick Giordano; Snapper Carr creates a fictional story in which the JLA faces the unstoppable menace of Anakronis, and it's up to them to figure out how to defeat him. Detour--Just a Story starring Hawkman, script and art by Howard Purcell. Super-Hero Boots! activity page, art by Mike Sekowsky, Curt Swan, and Neal Adams. JLA Trivia Quiz. Crisis on Earth-Three! starring the Justice League of America, script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Mike Sekowsky, inks by Bernard Sachs. Cover price $0.60.

Man-Thing (1974 1st Series) 12 CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4644275014

"Song-Cry of the Living Dead Man!" Written by Steve Gerber. Art by John Buscema and Klaus Janson. Cover by Gil Kane. The cries of the dying once again draws the macabre Man-Thing into the world of men. 32 pages, FC. Cover price $0.25.