Auctions: comic books August 1988

Akira (1988) 1 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #4689553009

1st printing. Here it is – the first English translation of Katsuhiro Otomo's influential manga series, paving the way for the manga and anime craze to blossom in the English-speaking world. Decades after a mysterious explosion destroys Tokyo, teen bikers Tetsuo and Kaneda encounter a child with the face of an old man; his strange powers hold the key to the mystery. Story, art and cover by Otomo. Color by Steve Oliff, who pioneered the use of computer coloring with this series. Also includes an introductory article by Archie Goodwin. Mature readers. Cover price $3.50.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 303N FN/VF 7.0

Newsstand Edition. "Dock Savage!" Guest-starring Silver Sable. Script by David Michelinie. Art by Todd McFarlane. Cover by Todd McFarlane. While trying to make up his mind about the research company's job offer in Kansas, the wondrous wall-crawler receives another employment offer! However, this one is from Silver Sable and requires brawn not brains! The Symkarian mercenary wants Spider-Man to team up with the Sandman to take down a neo-nazi and his private army! The web-slinger quickly accepts sable's offer and swings into action! As for the other offer, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man has to talk to his wife first! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson and J. Jonah Jameson. (Notes: Beginning with this issue, Todd McFarlane produces small drawings in the UPC box on the front cover. These sketches only appear on the cover of the direct sales issues. The newsstand editions have the regular bar code.) 36 pgs. Cover price $1.00.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 303N FN+ 6.5

Newsstand Edition. "Dock Savage!" Guest-starring Silver Sable. Script by David Michelinie. Art by Todd McFarlane. Cover by Todd McFarlane. While trying to make up his mind about the research company's job offer in Kansas, the wondrous wall-crawler receives another employment offer! However, this one is from Silver Sable and requires brawn not brains! The Symkarian mercenary wants Spider-Man to team up with the Sandman to take down a neo-nazi and his private army! The web-slinger quickly accepts sable's offer and swings into action! As for the other offer, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man has to talk to his wife first! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson and J. Jonah Jameson. (Notes: Beginning with this issue, Todd McFarlane produces small drawings in the UPC box on the front cover. These sketches only appear on the cover of the direct sales issues. The newsstand editions have the regular bar code.) 36 pgs. Cover price $1.00.

Avengers West Coast (1985) 35 CGC 7.5

Paper: White

Label #4725589003

Direct Edition. Tales to Astonish Part 3 of 4. "The Voice of Doom" Script by Steve Englehart. Art by Al Milgrom (layouts) and Mike Machlan (finishes). Cover by Al Milgrom and Mike Machlan. At the end of last issue, the Avengers escaped Hungary! But then they crash landed into neighboring Latveria! Oh no, talk about going from the frying pan into the fire! And now Earth's Mightiest Heroes stand before Doctor Doom! However it's not Victor von Doom! It's the 9-year old Kristoff who thinks he's Dr. Doom! Kristoff wants the Avengers to defend Latveria against an attack from the "imposter" Doom! But Khonshu convinces him otherwise! In the meantime, Hawkeye and Mockingbird have a chance to discuss the Phantom Rider's mysterious death in 1876. And the conversation does not go well to say the least. Appearance by Quicksilver. Avengers Lineup: Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Dr. Pym, MoonKnight, Scarlet Witch, Tigra, Vision, Wonder Man, and the Wasp. 32 pages. Cover price $0.75.

Incredible Hulk (1962 Marvel 1st Series) 346N FN- 5.5

Signed by Erik Larsen (splash). Certification not included.

Newsstand Edition. "Whys and Wherefores." Guest-starring Nick Fury. Peter Parker (Spider-Man), Mary Jane, and J. Jonah Jameson cameos. Story by Peter David. Art by Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen, and Jim Sanders III. This story takes place before the events in Nick Fury vs. S.H.I.E.L.D. The Hulk is dead and the small hamlet of Middletown has been vaporized. Now someone has to answer for that. Clay Quartermain, Rick Jones, and Betty Banner must stand before a congressional hearing with the whole world watching and tell their story. 36 pages. Cover price $0.75.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures (1988) 1 CGC 9.6 Direct Variant

Paper: White

Label #4517123010

Direct Edition. Story by Michael Dooney, David Wiser, and Patti Howeth. Art by Michael Dooney and David Garcia. Cover by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Cover price $1.00.