Auctions: comic books February 1976

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 153 VF+ 8.5

"The Longest Hundred Yards!" Script by Len Wein. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by Mike Esposito and Dave Hunt (backgrounds). Cover by Gil Kane and John Romita. A group of criminals kidnap the young daughter of an ex-Empire State University (ESU) football star! The former jock turned scientist has developed a new crime-fighting computer that the underworld desperately wants! The dramatic exchange is set for the 50-yard line inside ESU's stadium! Will the wondrous wall-crawler come off the bench and save the day? It's 4th down and life to go! Appearances by Flash Thompson, Harry Osborn, Ned Leeds, and Mary Jane Watson. (Notes: The letters page features an article by assistant editor Roger Slifer explaining (or explaining away) the discrepancies in the Jackal storyline. This issue includes a full-page ad for Hostess Twinkies featuring Peter Parker and Aunt May. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 130.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 144 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4224231010

"Claws!" Part 4 of 7. First appearance of Hellcat. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by George Perez. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia. The Avengers are free inside the Brand Corporation's Long Island facility! However, it doesn't take long for Hugh Jones and Buzz Baxter to locate them and activate the plant's internal military-grade weapons! During the missile attack, the Avengers are forced to split up. The Beast, Vision, and Scarlet Witch go one way...and Captain America, Iron Man, and Patsy Walker go another! When Shell-head comes across the former uniform of the Cat, the shield-slinger gets an idea! And in a dazzling transformation...Patsy Walker becomes Hellcat! The Avengers could use another hero on their side, because the rematch with Doctor Spectrum, the Golden Archer, Hyperion, Lady Lark, and the Whizzer is coming up fast! An excellent issue! The story (part 5) continues in Avengers 147. Origin of Patsy Walker. Cameo appearances by the Two-Gun Kid, Hawkeye, Moondragon, and Thor. Flashback cameos by the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and Tigra. (Notes: The letters page includes letters from comics writer Peter Gillis and comics writer Mary Jo Duffy, respectively. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp Series B #39 Thor by Jack Kirby.) 36 pgs. Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 144 CGC 8.0 Restored

Restored: C1

Paper: Off white

Restoration includes: small amount of color touch on cover.

Label #4665985019

"Claws!" Part 4 of 7. First appearance of Hellcat. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by George Perez. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia. The Avengers are free inside the Brand Corporation's Long Island facility! However, it doesn't take long for Hugh Jones and Buzz Baxter to locate them and activate the plant's internal military-grade weapons! During the missile attack, the Avengers are forced to split up. The Beast, Vision, and Scarlet Witch go one way...and Captain America, Iron Man, and Patsy Walker go another! When Shell-head comes across the former uniform of the Cat, the shield-slinger gets an idea! And in a dazzling transformation...Patsy Walker becomes Hellcat! The Avengers could use another hero on their side, because the rematch with Doctor Spectrum, the Golden Archer, Hyperion, Lady Lark, and the Whizzer is coming up fast! An excellent issue! The story (part 5) continues in Avengers 147. Origin of Patsy Walker. Cameo appearances by the Two-Gun Kid, Hawkeye, Moondragon, and Thor. Flashback cameos by the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and Tigra. (Notes: The letters page includes letters from comics writer Peter Gillis and comics writer Mary Jo Duffy, respectively. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp Series B #39 Thor by Jack Kirby.) 36 pgs. Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 144 VG- 3.5

"Claws!" Part 4 of 7. First appearance of Hellcat. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by George Perez. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia. The Avengers are free inside the Brand Corporation's Long Island facility! However, it doesn't take long for Hugh Jones and Buzz Baxter to locate them and activate the plant's internal military-grade weapons! During the missile attack, the Avengers are forced to split up. The Beast, Vision, and Scarlet Witch go one way...and Captain America, Iron Man, and Patsy Walker go another! When Shell-head comes across the former uniform of the Cat, the shield-slinger gets an idea! And in a dazzling transformation...Patsy Walker becomes Hellcat! The Avengers could use another hero on their side, because the rematch with Doctor Spectrum, the Golden Archer, Hyperion, Lady Lark, and the Whizzer is coming up fast! An excellent issue! The story (part 5) continues in Avengers 147. Origin of Patsy Walker. Cameo appearances by the Two-Gun Kid, Hawkeye, Moondragon, and Thor. Flashback cameos by the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and Tigra. (Notes: The letters page includes letters from comics writer Peter Gillis and comics writer Mary Jo Duffy, respectively. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp Series B #39 Thor by Jack Kirby.) 36 pgs. Cover price $0.25.

Black Goliath (1976 Marvel) 1 CGC 9.8

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4595179014

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Cover art by Ron Wilson and Frank Giacoia. Origin of Black Goliath in "Black Goliath." Black Goliath, script by Tony Isabella, pencils by George Tuska, inks by Vince Colletta; Bill Foster establishes himself in Los Angeles, leading a research team for Stark Industries; As Black Goliath he investigates a series of radium robberies and finds Atom-Smasher and his gang; Guest appearance by Hank and Janet Pym; Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Luke Cage cameos. Black Goliath's first appearance is in Luke Cage, Power Man 24. The story here continues in issue 25. Spider-Man stars in a one-page Hostess ad, The Kidnap Caper. Advertisement for the record album "Reflections of a Super-Hero!" narrated by Stan Lee. 36 pgs. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Black Goliath (1976 Marvel) 1 VF- 7.5

Cover art by Ron Wilson and Frank Giacoia. Origin of Black Goliath in "Black Goliath." Black Goliath, script by Tony Isabella, pencils by George Tuska, inks by Vince Colletta; Bill Foster establishes himself in Los Angeles, leading a research team for Stark Industries; As Black Goliath he investigates a series of radium robberies and finds Atom-Smasher and his gang; Guest appearance by Hank and Janet Pym; Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Luke Cage cameos. Black Goliath's first appearance is in Luke Cage, Power Man 24. The story here continues in issue 25. Spider-Man stars in a one-page Hostess ad, The Kidnap Caper. Advertisement for the record album "Reflections of a Super-Hero!" narrated by Stan Lee. 36 pgs. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Captain America (1968 1st Series) 194 CGC 9.6

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4578005003

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"The Trojan Horde" Part 2 of 8. Script by Jack Kirby. Pencils by Jack Kirby. Inks by Frank Giacoia. Cover by Jack Kirby and John Verpoorten. The search for the Madbomb begins! The U.S. government sends Captain America and the Falcon into a remote wilderness area near the Badlands --that could be the secret location of the Madbomb! But in truth the government has unknowingly sent the pair into the clutches of the Royalist Forces of America! Who are they? The Sentinel of Liberty doesn't know, but he quickly learns that the shadowy group is performing gruesome experiments on its captives! Will Cap and the Falcon be the next to go under the knife? First (cameo) appearance of William Malcolm Taurey. (Notes: The letters page includes a letter from Fantagraphics publisher Kim Thompson. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series B #27 (Dracula). The Madbomb saga was reprinted in 2004 in trade paperback: Captain America and the Falcon Madbomb. The TPB collets issues 193 thru 200.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.25.

Captain America (1968 1st Series) 194 CGC 9.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #2103421006

"The Trojan Horde" Part 2 of 8. Script by Jack Kirby. Pencils by Jack Kirby. Inks by Frank Giacoia. Cover by Jack Kirby and John Verpoorten. The search for the Madbomb begins! The U.S. government sends Captain America and the Falcon into a remote wilderness area near the Badlands --that could be the secret location of the Madbomb! But in truth the government has unknowingly sent the pair into the clutches of the Royalist Forces of America! Who are they? The Sentinel of Liberty doesn't know, but he quickly learns that the shadowy group is performing gruesome experiments on its captives! Will Cap and the Falcon be the next to go under the knife? First (cameo) appearance of William Malcolm Taurey. (Notes: The letters page includes a letter from Fantagraphics publisher Kim Thompson. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series B #27 (Dracula). The Madbomb saga was reprinted in 2004 in trade paperback: Captain America and the Falcon Madbomb. The TPB collets issues 193 thru 200.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.25.

Conan the Barbarian (1970 Marvel) 59 CGC 9.8

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4528825009

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Cover pencils by John Buscema, inks by John Romita. The origin of Belit in The Ballad of Belit, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by John Buscema, inks by Steve Gan; setting: Tigress & flashback scenes; N'yaga tells Conan the origin of Belit; adapted from the story "Queen of the Black Coast" by Robert E. Howard. Spider-Man stars in a one-page Hostess ad, The Kidnap Caper. Letter to the editor from Kim Thompson (Comics Journal). The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series B # 33 (background of Dracula by Neal Adams). 36 pgs. Cover price $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 167 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #3767605010

"Titans Two!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring the Hulk. Script by Roy Thomas. Art by George Perez (breakdowns) and Joe Sinnott (finishes). Cover by Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott. In a shocking development, the Thing frees the Hulk! And the powerful pair escapes in a hovercraft towards St. Louis! Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Girl, and the Human Torch follow in hot pursuit; and on top of the famous Gateway Arch, Ben Grimm will face a critical decision, when the Hulk threatens Reed's life! (Notes: The Hulk's adventure in the Midwest continues in Incredible Hulk 195. In response to a fan letter, Roy Thomas clarifies the terms: artist, penciler, embellisher, and inker. The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp series B #38 Conan the Barbarian by Barry Windsor-Smith.) 36 pages Cover price $0.25.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 167 CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4632122010

"Titans Two!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring the Hulk. Script by Roy Thomas. Art by George Perez (breakdowns) and Joe Sinnott (finishes). Cover by Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott. In a shocking development, the Thing frees the Hulk! And the powerful pair escapes in a hovercraft towards St. Louis! Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Girl, and the Human Torch follow in hot pursuit; and on top of the famous Gateway Arch, Ben Grimm will face a critical decision, when the Hulk threatens Reed's life! (Notes: The Hulk's adventure in the Midwest continues in Incredible Hulk 195. In response to a fan letter, Roy Thomas clarifies the terms: artist, penciler, embellisher, and inker. The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp series B #38 Conan the Barbarian by Barry Windsor-Smith.) 36 pages Cover price $0.25.

Ghost Rider (1973 1st Series) 16 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4549081009

"Blood in the Waters!" Story by Bill Mantlo. Art by George Tuska and Vince Colletta. Cover by Bob Brown and Dave Cockrum. A boating accident sets the Spirit of Vengeance against the deadliest creature to ever swim in the ocean - the Great White Shark! 32 pages, FC. NOTE: The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series B #3: the Human Torch. Spider-Man stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "The Kidnap Caper." And a letter to the editor from David Lynch (no, no, not the film director). Cover price $0.25.

Iron Fist (1975 1st Series) 2 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4627593005

"Valley of the Damned!" Guest-starring Misty Knight. Story by Chris Claremont. Art by John Byrne and Frank Chiarmonte. Cover by Gil Kane. Iron Fist must battle the strange denizens in the Valley of the Damned to save the life of an innocent woman. But on this day, even a hero can fail. Cover price $0.25.

Joker (1975 DC) 5 VG 4.0

Cover by Ernie Chan. Featuring: 18 page Joker story "The Joker Goes 'Wilde'!" In this tale, the Joker battles the Royal Flush Gang. Written by Martin Pasko, with art by Irv Novick and Tex Blaisdell. Cover price $0.25.

Marvel Premiere (1972) 28 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4667965013

The Legion of Monsters - Starring Ghost Rider, Morbius, Werewolf by Night and Man-Thing - "There's a Mountain on Sunset Boulevard!" Written by Bill Mantlo. Art by Frank Robbins and Steve Gan. The mightiest monsters of the Marvel Universe stand united! But can even their combined macabre might stand up to the supernatural power of the Starseed?! 32 pages, FC. NOTE: Letter to the editor from writer Frank Lovece. Cover price $0.25.

Phantom Stranger (1969 2nd Series) 41 FN- 5.5

Final issue of the series. Cover art by Jim Aparo. "A Time for Endings," script by Paul Levitz, art by Fred Carrillo; Upon his request, Cassandra Craft returns to the Sanders School for the Blind to see Nathan Seine; She has no idea that Seine plans on using his occult powers to kill her and her friend Adam Shapiro; But her death will take the form of a Satanic sacrifice as Seine places her captured form onto an altar; He petitions the nether-demons to grant him the powers of a god, so that he may avenge himself (and his late wife, Margaret) against the Phantom Stranger; The Phantom Stranger and Deadman arrive to save Cassandra; While the Phantom Stranger engages Seine directly, Deadman hops into the unconscious body of Adam Shapiro, not realizing that the man is blind. "Will the Real Black Orchid Please Stand Up?", script by Mike Fleisher and Russell Carley (Script Continuity), art by Fred Carrillo; The Black Orchid saves Ronnie Kuhn and rounds up the Black Orchid Legion. Captain Marvel stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "The Cup Cake Caper." 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.25.

Power Man and Iron Fist (1972 Hero for Hire) 29 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4664271002

Fill-in issue. "No One Laughs at Mr. Fish!" Script by Bill Mantlo, pencils by George Tuska, inks by Vince Colletta. Luke Cage face the amphibian menace of the man called Mr. Fish. And you better believe that no one laughs at his name twice. NOTE: As a result of deadline issues, the story that began in # 28 continues in # 30. The letters page includes Marvel Value Stamp series B # 25 (Captain America by Jack Kirby). Spider-Man stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "The Kidnap Caper." Tom Palmer cover inks. Cover price $0.25.

Super-Team Family (1975) 3 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #4608748011

The Flash and Hawkman battle Gorilla Grodd in "Gorilla My Dreams" (script by Steve Skeates, pencils by Ric Estrada, inks by Wally Wood). Reprints: Aquaman and Green Arrow in "The Manhunt on Land" (art by Ramona Fradon and Lee Elias); Superman and Batman star in "The Superman-Batman Split" (script by Cary Bates, art by Neal Adams). Captain Marvel stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "The Cup Cake Caper." Frank Brunner cover. Cover price $0.50.

Super-Villain Team-Up (1975) 4 CBCS 9.4

Paper: Off white to white

Label #18-228DB93-112

"A Time of Titans" Script by Bill Mantlo. Art by Herb Trimpe (layouts) and Jim Mooney (finishes). Cover by Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott. Prince Namor is appalled at his supposed partner's callous murder of Saru-san last issue. So finally the long-awaited clash of the titans erupts! The armored and technological might of Doctor Doom vs. the awesome strength and power of the Sub-Mariner! Wow, two of Marvel's all-time heavyweights throwing down on Hydro-Base! As the blockbuster battle rages, a U.S. Navy battleship navigates into the vicinity. The sailors are only casual observers until the Avenging Son hurls Doctor Doom into the ship! Surprisingly, a civilian scientist onboard challenges the Latverian monarch! Is that really a good idea? But stranger things have happened, and the scientist's foolhardy actions might just bring the titanic tussle between Doom and Namor to an end! First appearance of Simon Ryker. Cameo appearance by the Symbionic Man. (Notes: The plot involving Simon Ryker and the Symbionic Man continues in Marvel Spotlight 27. The letters page contains Marvel Value Stamp Series B #31 Stan (the man) Lee. This issue includes a full-page ad for Hostess Twinkies featuring Spider-Man and Aunt May.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Uncanny X-Men (1963 1st Series) 97 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4665985025

"My Brother, My Enemy!" Story by Chris Claremont. Art by Dave Cockrum and Sam Grainger. Cyclops and the all new X-Men suddenly find themselves facing off with former allies Havok and Polaris. Who is the mysterious villain that plots and schemes from the shadows? Who is this man that pits brother against brother? Plus, what do Charles Xavier's recurring prophetic nightmares mean for the future of his students? NOTE: 1st appearance of Lilandra (face & name unrevealed). Her face is seen for the 1st time in #102 and her name is revealed in #105 36 pgs. Cover price $0.25.