Auctions: comic books 1970-1985

Aquaman (1962 1st Series) 58 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4377862025

Fisherman lays a trap for Aquaman, leaving Arthur Curry weakened and unable to escape...so he looks back on his origins in "Through a Past Darkly." Script by David Michelinie, art by Jim Aparo. Plus: Mera does all she can to get back to her fourth-dimensional water world in "Return to Disaster." Continued next issue. Script by Paul Kupperberg, art by Juan Ortiz & Vince Colletta. Cover by Aparo. Cover price $0.35.

Aquaman (1962 1st Series) 59 CGC 9.0

Paper: White

Label #4397499024

Aquaman must contend with NATO gunboats, Fisherman and the Scavenger in "Prey Perilous!" Script by David Michelinie, art by Jim Aparo. Plus: Mera engages in fierce combat with Leron in an effort to save Xebel in "The Kingdom of Doom!" Continued next issue. Script by Paul Kupperberg, art by Juan Ortiz & Vince Colletta. Cover by Aparo. Cover price $0.35.

Aquaman (1962 1st Series) 62 CGC 9.6

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4380597015

Cover art by Jim Aparo. And the Walls Came Tumblin' Down, script by Paul Kupperberg, pencils by Don Newton, inks by Bob McLeod; Aquaman battles Seaquake and is re-united with Mera (after her series ends). Profile of Midge Bregman by Michael Catron. 36 pgs. $0.35. Cover price $0.35.

Astonishing Tales (1970) 6 VG+ 4.5

1st Appearance of Bobbi Morse (she later becomes Mockingbird) - Cover pencils by John Buscema, inks by Frank Giacoia. 'Ware the Winds of Death, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith [as Barry Smith], inks by Bill Everett; Introduction of Damon the Man-God and his subsequent attack on the Savage Land; Also introduces Bobbi Morse and Tongah's sister and brother, Tatia and Emuel. Advertisement for posters of Fantastic Four, the Black Knight, Silver Surfer and Galactus, and Thor, with a subscription to Marvelmania also included. The Tentacles of the Tyrant!, script by Larry Lieber, pencils by George Tuska, inks by Mike Esposito; Dr. Doom travels to Wakanda to steal Vibranium. Stan Lee's Soapbox. 32 pgs. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.

Astonishing Tales (1970) 8 FN 6.0

1/2" spine split from top.

Cover pencils by Marie Severin, inks by Frank Giacoia. The Battle of New Britannia!, script by Roy Thomas and Gary Friedrich, pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by Tom Sutton; While flying to see Ka-Zar in the Savage Land Barbara Morris and Paul Allen crash, with Paul being saved by Ka-Zar and Barbara being rescued by the British of New Britannia. Ka-Zar and Paul don't know that Barbara has been saved so they venture into the Lost Lake to save her. Advertisement reproducing covers for Fantastic Four King-Size Special #9 and Spider-Man King-Size Special #8. This Badge Bedeviled!, script by Len Wein and Mike Friedrich (plot), pencils by George Tuska, inks by Mike Esposito; While Damian Link is trying to stop a robbery he and his twin brother Joshua Link are somehow linked together by experimental rays. ...Though Some Call It Magic! starring Doctor Doom, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Tom Palmer. Advertisement reproducing covers for Thor King-Size Special #4 and Marvel Feature #1. 48 pgs. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Astonishing Tales (1970) 29 CGC 8.0

Paper: White

Label #4398423005

Guardians of the Galaxy origin reprint from Marvel Super-Heroes 18. Script by Arnold Drake, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Mike Esposito. Cover price $0.25.

Astonishing Tales (1970) 29 FN 6.0

Guardians of the Galaxy origin reprint from Marvel Super-Heroes 18. Script by Arnold Drake, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Mike Esposito. Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 80 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #3730620012

"The Coming of Red Wolf!" Part 1 of 3. First appearance of Red Wolf. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by John Buscema. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by John Buscema and Tom Palmer. During an evening walk through Manhattan, the Vision encounters a man and a wolf! But this isn't just any human and canine duo, it's the newest Marvel superhero Red Wolf, and his faithful partner Lobo! After a brief skirmish, the synthezoid avenger takes Red Wolf to Avengers Mansion to learn why the native American warrior has traveled so far from home. And regrettably the reason is a name Earth's Mightiest Heroes know very well: Cornelius Van Lunt! The ruthless businessman is using extortion to take land from Red Wolf's tribe! So the Avengers will be departing for big sky country very soon, right? Not so fast! Because the golden avenger has identified an urgent threat in the city: the resurgent Zodiac! Will the Avengers divide and conquer both menaces? Origin of Red Wolf. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Captain America, Goliath, Iron Man, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. (Note: The letters page includes a full-page reply by Roy Thomas to a controversial fan letter (printed in Avengers 79) about the story in Avengers 73 & 74.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.15.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 80 GD+ 2.5

Water spotting.

"The Coming of Red Wolf!" Part 1 of 3. First appearance of Red Wolf. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by John Buscema. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by John Buscema and Tom Palmer. During an evening walk through Manhattan, the Vision encounters a man and a wolf! But this isn't just any human and canine duo, it's the newest Marvel superhero Red Wolf, and his faithful partner Lobo! After a brief skirmish, the synthezoid avenger takes Red Wolf to Avengers Mansion to learn why the native American warrior has traveled so far from home. And regrettably the reason is a name Earth's Mightiest Heroes know very well: Cornelius Van Lunt! The ruthless businessman is using extortion to take land from Red Wolf's tribe! So the Avengers will be departing for big sky country very soon, right? Not so fast! Because the golden avenger has identified an urgent threat in the city: the resurgent Zodiac! Will the Avengers divide and conquer both menaces? Origin of Red Wolf. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Captain America, Goliath, Iron Man, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. (Note: The letters page includes a full-page reply by Roy Thomas to a controversial fan letter (printed in Avengers 79) about the story in Avengers 73 & 74.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.15.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 85 VG 4.0

"The World is Not for Burning!" Part 1 of 2. First appearance of the Squadron Supreme. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by John Buscema. Inks by Frank Giacoia. Cover by John Buscema and Bill Everett. After concluding their amazing adventure on Polemachus, the Prince of Asgard uses his mighty mjolnir to sweep the Avengers back to Earth! Once the Vision, Goliath, Quicksilver, and the Scarlet Witch arrive at their Fifth Avenue headquarters; they look forward to rest and relaxation! But upon entering their familiar home, the tired quartet bumps into Nighthawk! Has the Squadron Sinister invaded the mansion?! No, the Avengers have apparently invaded someone else's mansion! What? In a bizarre twist of fate, the extra-dimensional jump from Polemachus went awry! Earth's Mightiest Heroes have landed on a parallel Earth with a different superhero team: the Squadron Supreme! When the two teams meet, cooler heads don't prevail! And the Mighty Avengers test their mettle vs. the Squadron Supreme! Cameo appearances by the Black Knight, Black Panther, Captain America, Spider-Man, Thor, Doctor Spectrum, Hyperion, and the Whizzer. Squadron Supreme Lineup: American Eagle, Hawkeye (aka the Golden Archer), Lady Lark, Nighthawk, and Tom Thumb. Avengers Lineup: Goliath, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and the Vision. (Notes: The Squadron Supreme's Earth was later designated Earth-712. The cover indicates that the Squadron Sinister (from Avengers 71) has returned; however it's the Squadron Supreme that appears for the first time in this issue.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.15.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 96 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #1201599002

"The Andromeda Swarm!" Part 8 of 9. Guest-starring Captain Marvel. Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by Neal Adams. Inks by Tom Palmer. Cover by Neal Adams and Tom Palmer. Finally, the Avengers blast off into outer space to take the fight to the Kree and the Skrulls! On the edge of the Andromeda Galaxy, Earth's Mightiest Heroes engage the awesome Skrull armada! Cap, Shell-Head, Thor, and the Vision attack the armada's flagship hoping to turn back the entire fleet! During the ferocious battle inside, the Avengers hear about the Skrulls' secret plan to destroy the Earth! And as shown on the dynamic cover, an enraged Vision will do whatever it takes to uncover the devious plan (and rescue the Scarlet Witch)! Meanwhile on Hala, the Kree home planet; the power struggle between the Supreme Intelligence and Ronan the Accuser quietly rages behind the scenes...with Rick Jones caught in the middle! Cameo appearances by Nick Fury and Annihilus. Avengers Lineup: Captain America, Goliath, Iron Man, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. 32 pages. Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 100 VG+ 4.5

Cover by Barry Windsor-Smith. This landmark 100th issue features everyone who has previously been an Avenger. "Whatever Gods There Be!", script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith, inks by Windsor-Smith (pages 1-6, 12), Joe Sinnott (pages 7-11, 13, 14) and Syd Shores (pages 15-23); Bringing warning of impending doom, an amnesiac Hercules is captured by Ares, prompting the Avengers to call out for aid from all their members, past and present. Traveling to the Black Knight's castle for aid, all the members arrive, including the Hulk who is convinced to join their fight. The group enters the Black Knight's castle where in the basement Dane summons the spirit of his ancestor, the original Black Knight, who reveals to them the chain of events that brought all of them together; The group splits in two, one group remaining on Earth to battle any Olympian invaders, and the other to travel to Olympus to free Hercules and stop Ares. Avengers roll call: Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Quicksilver, the Scarlet Witch, and the Vision. Guest starring the Hulk, Ant-Man, the Black Knight, the Black Panther, Hercules, and the Swordsman. 36 pgs., full color. $0.20. Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 108 FN- 5.5

"Check and Mate!" Part 3 of 3. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Don Heck. Inks by Dave Cockrum and Joe Sinnott. Cover by Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott. In a shocking development, the Vision accepts the Grim Reaper's offer! How could the synthezoid avenger betray his teammates?! Perhaps the Vision along with Captain America has an ulterior motive to trick Eric Williams! The two avengers successfully fool the Grim Reaper, but not the Space Phantom! In the strange alien's headquarters, Earth's Mightiest Heroes fight to the finish vs. the reaper, the phantom, and the hordes of Hydra! An action-packed issue! Cameo appearances by Captain Marvel, Rick Jones, and Thor. (Notes: The Grim Reaper returns in the classic Avengers 160. Wonder Man's body comes to life in Avengers 151.) 32 pages Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 112 CGC 9.2

Paper: Off white to white

Label #0274402004

"The Lion God Lives!" First appearance of Mantis. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Don Heck. Inks by Frank Rolle. Cover by Don Heck. A mob of African protesters gathers outside Avengers Mansion and demands that the Black Panther return to his native Wakanda! When T'Challa goes outside to talk, he's kidnapped by their leader, the Lion God! Then the mob disperses and the Avengers are left wondering what just happened! However several hours later, the Lion God returns to the mansion and the no-holds-barred battle begins! Unfortunately, Earth's Mightiest Heroes fall one-by-one until only the Avengers' resident god remains! Can the Mighty Thor bring down the thunder and lightning and silence the Lion God's roar? Meanwhile on the other side of the globe, a mysterious couple makes plans to travel to the United States and join the Avengers. Cameo appearances by Mantis and the Swordsman. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. 32 pages Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 112 VG+ 4.5

"The Lion God Lives!" First appearance of Mantis. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Don Heck. Inks by Frank Rolle. Cover by Don Heck. A mob of African protesters gathers outside Avengers Mansion and demands that the Black Panther return to his native Wakanda! When T'Challa goes outside to talk, he's kidnapped by their leader, the Lion God! Then the mob disperses and the Avengers are left wondering what just happened! However several hours later, the Lion God returns to the mansion and the no-holds-barred battle begins! Unfortunately, Earth's Mightiest Heroes fall one-by-one until only the Avengers' resident god remains! Can the Mighty Thor bring down the thunder and lightning and silence the Lion God's roar? Meanwhile on the other side of the globe, a mysterious couple makes plans to travel to the United States and join the Avengers. Cameo appearances by Mantis and the Swordsman. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. 32 pages Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 112 VG 4.0

"The Lion God Lives!" First appearance of Mantis. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Don Heck. Inks by Frank Rolle. Cover by Don Heck. A mob of African protesters gathers outside Avengers Mansion and demands that the Black Panther return to his native Wakanda! When T'Challa goes outside to talk, he's kidnapped by their leader, the Lion God! Then the mob disperses and the Avengers are left wondering what just happened! However several hours later, the Lion God returns to the mansion and the no-holds-barred battle begins! Unfortunately, Earth's Mightiest Heroes fall one-by-one until only the Avengers' resident god remains! Can the Mighty Thor bring down the thunder and lightning and silence the Lion God's roar? Meanwhile on the other side of the globe, a mysterious couple makes plans to travel to the United States and join the Avengers. Cameo appearances by Mantis and the Swordsman. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. 32 pages Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 116 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #1001213003

"Betrayal!" Avengers-Defenders crossover. Part 3 of 8. Guest-starring the Defenders. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Bob Brown. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by John Romita and Mike Esposito. Story continues from Defenders 8. Earth's Mightiest Heroes visit Dr. Strange's townhouse in Greenwich Village and request permission to enter, but Wong slams the door in their faces! After an angry Thor breaks down the door, the Avengers storm inside, but a mystic spell sweeps them back out onto the street! Meanwhile gathered around the Orb of Agamotto, the Defenders put together a plan to find the six pieces of the Evil Eye. However, in the dark realm, Loki has grown suspicious of his dreadful ally! And contacts the Avengers to tell them about the Defenders' search for the ancient instrument from Avalon! So the die is cast! And the blockbuster battles are about to begin! Flashback cameos by Prester John, Wyatt Wingfoot, and the Human Torch to recap the history of the Evil Eye. Next Chapter: "The Silver Surfer vs. the Vision and the Scarlet Witch" The Avengers-Defenders Clash kicks into high gear as members of both teams span the globe to searching for the Evil Eye! And the first showdown features two of the most popular Marvel super-heroes of the 1970's! The Silver Surfer arrives in French Polynesia and plunges into the island's indigenous volcano to look for the Evil Eye. But the cosmic sky-rider's probing triggers a volcanic eruption! The fiery blast knocks a passing quinjet out of the sky and nearly kills the Scarlet Witch! Needless to say this act enrages the synthezoid avenger! And in the heart of the raging volcano, the Vision and the Silver Surfer fight for the Evil Eye! Story continues in Defenders 9. (Notes: The Evil Eye previously appeared in Fantastic Four 54. This issue includes a full-page survey for readers to complete and mail back to the Marvel bullpen. A reprint edition exists for this issue.) Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 116 VG/FN 5.0

Water spotting.

"Betrayal!" Avengers-Defenders crossover. Part 3 of 8. Guest-starring the Defenders. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by Bob Brown. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by John Romita and Mike Esposito. Story continues from Defenders 8. Earth's Mightiest Heroes visit Dr. Strange's townhouse in Greenwich Village and request permission to enter, but Wong slams the door in their faces! After an angry Thor breaks down the door, the Avengers storm inside, but a mystic spell sweeps them back out onto the street! Meanwhile gathered around the Orb of Agamotto, the Defenders put together a plan to find the six pieces of the Evil Eye. However, in the dark realm, Loki has grown suspicious of his dreadful ally! And contacts the Avengers to tell them about the Defenders' search for the ancient instrument from Avalon! So the die is cast! And the blockbuster battles are about to begin! Flashback cameos by Prester John, Wyatt Wingfoot, and the Human Torch to recap the history of the Evil Eye. Next Chapter: "The Silver Surfer vs. the Vision and the Scarlet Witch" The Avengers-Defenders Clash kicks into high gear as members of both teams span the globe to searching for the Evil Eye! And the first showdown features two of the most popular Marvel super-heroes of the 1970's! The Silver Surfer arrives in French Polynesia and plunges into the island's indigenous volcano to look for the Evil Eye. But the cosmic sky-rider's probing triggers a volcanic eruption! The fiery blast knocks a passing quinjet out of the sky and nearly kills the Scarlet Witch! Needless to say this act enrages the synthezoid avenger! And in the heart of the raging volcano, the Vision and the Silver Surfer fight for the Evil Eye! Story continues in Defenders 9. (Notes: The Evil Eye previously appeared in Fantastic Four 54. This issue includes a full-page survey for readers to complete and mail back to the Marvel bullpen. A reprint edition exists for this issue.) Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 139 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #3892981005

"Prescription: Violence!!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Steve Englehart. Pencils by George Tuska. Inks by Vince Colletta. Cover by Gil Kane and John Romita. Janet Pym still lies comatose in the hospital after being wounded in battle vs. the Toad two issues ago. While a stressed out Hank Pym and his fellow Avengers stand guard at her bedside, the Wasp receives a visitor! Is it an old friend? No, it's an old foe...the Whirlwind! The Pym's long-time adversary quickly flees, but during the brief battle Yellowjacket finally realizes the Whirlwind's secret identity! And when Yellowjacket confronts his former limo driver, the action begins! Can the Beast and a super-sized Hank Pym reign in the Whirlwind? Meanwhile, Iron Man and Moondragon fly to Latveria looking for Hawkeye. Cameo appearances by Patsy Walker, the Toad, the Vision, and the Scarlet Witch. (Notes: The Whirlwind previously appeared in Marvel Feature (1st series) 9. The letters page includes letters from comics publisher Dean Mullaney and comics historian Peter Sanderson, respectively.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 181 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #3931998009

"On the Matter of Heroes!" Part 1 of 2. Written by David Michelinie. Art by John Byrne (breakdowns) and Gene Day (finishes). Cover by George Perez and Terry Austin. A new era for 'Earth's Mightiest Heroes' begins, and the first order of business is selecting the seven members of the new roster. But this time the federal government is going to help the Avengers choose! Peter Gyrich announces the selections: the Beast, Captain America, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Wasp,...and the Falcon! Hold on, is the Falcon even an avenger? That's what Hawkeye would like to know! Meanwhile, the old man from Vladivostok, Django Maximoff, finally arrives in New York City. And the lives of Pietro and Wanda will never be the same again. Cameo appearances by the Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, Black Widow, Hercules, and Moondragon. Note: John Byrne begins his 1-year stint as the regular artist on the series. Note: First appearance of Scott Lang (the second Ant-Man). Cover price $0.35.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 181 VF- 7.5

"On the Matter of Heroes!" Part 1 of 2. Written by David Michelinie. Art by John Byrne (breakdowns) and Gene Day (finishes). Cover by George Perez and Terry Austin. A new era for 'Earth's Mightiest Heroes' begins, and the first order of business is selecting the seven members of the new roster. But this time the federal government is going to help the Avengers choose! Peter Gyrich announces the selections: the Beast, Captain America, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Wasp,...and the Falcon! Hold on, is the Falcon even an avenger? That's what Hawkeye would like to know! Meanwhile, the old man from Vladivostok, Django Maximoff, finally arrives in New York City. And the lives of Pietro and Wanda will never be the same again. Cameo appearances by the Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, Black Widow, Hercules, and Moondragon. Note: John Byrne begins his 1-year stint as the regular artist on the series. Note: First appearance of Scott Lang (the second Ant-Man). Cover price $0.35.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 185 FN/VF 7.0

"The Yesterday Quest!" Part 1 of 3. Plot by Mark Gruenwald and Steven Grant. Script by David Michelinie. Pencils by John Byrne. Inks by Dan Green. Cover by George Perez and Terry Austin. Ever since their first appearance in Uncanny X-Men 4 many years ago, the origin of Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch has been a mystery to both comic readers and the siblings alike. After Wanda and Pietro arrive in Transia with Django Maximoff, clues to the twins' birthplace and birth parents begin to emerge. Modred the Mystic, the Darkhold, Bova the cow-woman, the High Evolutionary's former citadel, and Wundagore Mountain are all pieces to the puzzle. And the truth seems to lie at the top of the mountain. But there's something else at the top of Wundagore Mountain. Something ancient, something evil. Cameo appearance by Bova. Flashback cameos by Robert Frank, Madeline Frank, and the Toad. Avengers Lineup: Beast, Captain America, Falcon, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Jocasta, Ms. Marvel, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Vision, and the Wasp. (Notes: Mark Gruenwald's participation in this three-part story was an indication of the storyline's importance to the continuity of the Marvel Universe. Modred previously appeared in Marvel Two-in-One 33. This issue includes a full-page ad for the Man-Thing's guest appearance in Micronauts 7.) 32 pages Cover price $0.40.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 187N FN 6.0

Newsstand Edition. "The Call of the Mountain Thing!" Part 3 of 3. Plot by Mark Gruenwald and Steven Grant. Script by David Michelinie. Pencils by John Byrne. Inks by Dan Green. Cover by John Byrne and Terry Austin. One of the classic Avengers issues of the bronze age! Chthon has possessed the Scarlet Witch! And now Wanda is wreaking havoc across Central Europe! Six avengers are on the way to help Quicksilver, but the likes of Thor, Iron Man, and the Vision are not among them! Does this group of avengers have the raw power to defeat Modred the Mystic and Chthon? After the Falcon, Wasp, Ms. Marvel, Wonder Man, and Cap fall to the elder demon; the end of the world appears close at hand! But the resourceful Hank McCoy finds a piece of Wundagore Mountain's history. And in stunning fashion, one of the knights of Wundagore rides again! Will the Beast lead the charge to an inspiring victory? Or will Chthon's master plan succeed? Avengers Assemble! Cameo appearance by Bova. Final appearance of Django Maximoff. Flashback cameos by Morgan Le Fey, Magnus, Magda, Agatha Harkness, and the High Evolutionary. Avengers Lineup: Beast, Captain America, Falcon, Ms. Marvel, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, the Wasp, and Wonder Man. (Notes: Uncanny X-Men 125 provides the final clue concerning the true identity of Pietro and Wanda's father. In the Vision and the Scarlet Witch Limited Series (1st series) issue 4, the long-awaited reunion between father (super-villain) and children (avengers) takes place. This three-part story was reprinted in 1994 in the trade paperback: The Yesterday Quest. The letters page includes a letter from comics editor Cat Yronwode.) 32 pages Cover price $0.40.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 195 FN/VF 7.0

"Assault on a Mind Cage!" Guest-starring Ant-Man. Script by David Michelinie. Pencils by George Perez. Inks by Jack Abel and Dan Green. Cover by George Perez and Dan Green. The Wasp has taken it upon herself to invade the Solomon Institute and find out what's going on inside! Unfortunately though, it's been several hours since anyone's heard from her! So Yellowjacket and Ant-Man (aka Scott Lang) infiltrate the institute, while the remaining avengers wait outside in the snow! The three insect-size heroes are having an easy time defeating all the guards in the asylum, but their fortunes dramatically change when the institute's head honcho arrives...the Taskmaster! First (cameo) appearance of the Taskmaster. Avengers Lineup: Beast, Captain America, Iron Man, Jocasta, Ms. Marvel, Vision, Wasp, Wonder Man, and Yellowjacket. 32 pages Cover price $0.40.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 196D VG+ 4.5

Direct Edition. "The Terrible Toll of the Taskmaster" Guest-starring Ant-Man. Script by David Michelinie. Pencils by George Perez. Inks by Jack Abel. Cover by George Perez and Joe Rubinstein. A brand new villain, the Taskmaster, has turned the tables on the Wasp, Yellowjacket, and Ant-Man! The three insect-like super-heroes are prisoners inside the Taskmaster's training academy! The good news is that seven avengers are waiting outside the training compound, but the bad news...none of them know that their teammates are in grave danger! However, Earth Mightiest Heroes follow the ants, and the trail leads to the Taskmaster! Is the villain with the photographic reflexes ready to battle the Avengers? Choose wisely dear Taskmaster! First (full) appearance and origin of the Taskmaster. (Notes: The Taskmaster appears next in Marvel Team-Up 103. The letters page includes a letter from comics writer Kurt Busiek.) 32 pages Cover price $0.40.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 215 CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Slab: Significant scratch(es) front or back

Label #4095839004

"All the Ways of Power!" Part 1 of 2. Guest-starring the Silver Surfer. Script by Jim Shooter. Pencils by Alan Weiss. Inks by Dan Green. Cover by Alan Weiss. While flying over the swamps of New Jersey, the Silver Surfer senses a powerful energy source lying among the weeds. It's a wand! Could a simple wand somehow threaten the cosmic sky-rider? Yes! Because it's the wand of the Molecule Man! After subduing the surfer, the Molecule Man decides to conquer the world! However, Earth's Mightiest Heroes stand ready to oppose the power-mad villain! It's a super showdown of heavyweight proportions: Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and the Silver Surfer vs. the Molecule Man! (and Tigra's in the mix too!) Cameo appearance by Ann Nocenti. Flashback cameos by the Fantastic Four, Galactus, and Shalla-Bal. First 60¢ issue. (Note: The Molecule Man previously appeared in Micronauts (1st series) 23.) 32 pages Cover price $0.60.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 257 CGC 9.0

Paper: White

Label #4403191007

"Holocaust in a Hidden Land!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring Ka-Zar and Shanna. Script by Roger Stern. Art by John Buscema (breakdowns) and Tom Palmer (finishes). Cover by John Buscema and Tom Palmer. Terminus is on a rampage through the Savage Land! And only Earth's Mightiest Heroes stand between the powerful alien and the utter destruction of the bottom of the world! Will the combined might of the Black Knight, shield-slinger, Starfox, Wasp, and Prince of Power be enough to prevent the annihilation of the hidden paradise? Or will Antarctica, centuries later, finally reclaim the Savage Land? A cold and bitter ending for Ka-Zar and the Avengers! Meanwhile light years away in outer space, Captain Marvel meets a new super-villain that will battle the Avengers for years to come! First appearance of Nebula. (Notes: The Savage Land first appeared in Uncanny X-Men (1st series) 10. The High Evolutionary attempts to restore the Savage Land in Uncanny X-Men Annual 12. This issue includes a full-page ad for the Secret Wars II Limited Series.) 32 pages Cover price $0.65.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 257 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4403191006

"Holocaust in a Hidden Land!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring Ka-Zar and Shanna. Script by Roger Stern. Art by John Buscema (breakdowns) and Tom Palmer (finishes). Cover by John Buscema and Tom Palmer. Terminus is on a rampage through the Savage Land! And only Earth's Mightiest Heroes stand between the powerful alien and the utter destruction of the bottom of the world! Will the combined might of the Black Knight, shield-slinger, Starfox, Wasp, and Prince of Power be enough to prevent the annihilation of the hidden paradise? Or will Antarctica, centuries later, finally reclaim the Savage Land? A cold and bitter ending for Ka-Zar and the Avengers! Meanwhile light years away in outer space, Captain Marvel meets a new super-villain that will battle the Avengers for years to come! First appearance of Nebula. (Notes: The Savage Land first appeared in Uncanny X-Men (1st series) 10. The High Evolutionary attempts to restore the Savage Land in Uncanny X-Men Annual 12. This issue includes a full-page ad for the Secret Wars II Limited Series.) 32 pages Cover price $0.65.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) Annual 4 VF 8.0

This annual features two reprint stories and a new cover by Sal Buscema. First story reprinted from Avengers (1st series) 5: "The Invasion of the Lava Men!" Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by Jack Kirby. Inks by Paul Reinman. The Avengers travel to the Southwestern United States to investigate mysterious underground tremors! Who's causing the subsurface vibrations? The Lava Men! And they want to conquer the surface world! But the Avengers stand in their way! Cameo appearance by the Hulk. Second story reprinted from Avengers (1st series) 6: "Masters of Evil" Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by Jack Kirby. Inks by Chic Stone. It's the first epic clash between the Masters of Evil and the mighty Avengers! Baron Zemo, the Melter, Black Knight, and Radioactive Man vs. Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Giant-Man and the Wasp! (Notes: This annual includes an Avengers pin-up gallery featuring the covers of Avengers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This annual also contains full-page ads for X-Men Annual 1 & Amazing Spider-Man Annual 7 and Thor Annual 3 & Marvel's Greatest Comics 29.) Cover price $0.25.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) Annual 7 VG 4.0

Water spotting.

"The Final Threat" Part 1 of 2. Guest-starring Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock. Script by Jim Starlin. Art by Jim Starlin (breakdowns) and Joe Rubinstein (finishes). Cover by Jim Starlin. One of the epochal annuals of the bronze age! A stormy night at Avengers Mansion is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Captain Marvel and Moondragon. The duo feels that the universe is in imminent danger! Their fears are confirmed moments later when Adam Warlock also arrives and delivers troubling news: Thanos has a new plan for obliterating the universe! The evil Titan sends a giant space armada to attack Earth, while he prepares to blow up the sun via his massive star gem! However, the mightiest heroes on Earth intercept the fleet and set their sights on destroying Thanos' instrument of stellar genocide! Tragically though, Warlock falls in battle vs. the mad Titan. Leaving the trio of Iron Man, Thor, and Captain Marvel as the final hope of the universe! Can the Kree warrior, thunder god, and golden avenger triumph over Thanos? Story continues in Marvel Two-in-One Annual 2. Deaths of Gamora, Pip, and Warlock. Avengers lineup: Beast, Captain America, Iron Man, Scarlet Witch, Thor, and the Vision. (Notes: First appearances of the Space Gem, the Mind Gem, and the Reality Gem, and the first time all six Infinity Gems were in a story. Thanos previously appeared in Warlock 15. This annual was reprinted in 1993 in the trade paperback: The Greatest Battles of the Avengers.) Cover price $0.60.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) Annual 10 CBCS 9.8

Paper: White

Direct Edition.

Label #21-3E1B838-001

First appearance of Rogue and Madelyne Pryor in "By My Friends Betrayed!" Spider-Woman, X-Men, Carol Danvers, and New Brotherhood of Mutants guest star. Script by Chris Claremont. Pencils by Michael Golden. Inks by Armando Gil. Cover by Al Milgrom. This action-packed annual has got it all, true believers: the first appearance of Rogue, the spectacular art of Michael Golden, the tragic return of Carol Danvers, and the stupendous struggle between the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and the mighty Avengers! Following the events of Uncanny X-Men #142, Mystique & her New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants attempt to break four of their members out of Ryker's Island prison! After Rogue and Mystique take down Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, the rest of the Avengers and Spider-Woman catch up to the villains, and the epic clash erupts! Woven in and around the frantic action at Ryker's Island is the heartbreaking story of Carol Danvers' return to Earth. Her life has fallen apart since leaving for Limbo with Marcus Immortus in Avengers #200, and now, stripped of her powers and memories, Carol begins the long road to recovery. And the first step is an emotional confrontation with her former teammates! Notes: Marvel Super-Heroes #11 (Fall 1992) fills in the details of Carol Danvers' life between Avengers #200 and Avengers Annual #10. The Thing stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "A Lesson to Be Learned!" This issue was reprinted in 1993 in the trade paperback: The Greatest Battles of the Avengers. 52 pages, full color. Cover price $0.75.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) Annual 10 CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #3980365002

First appearance of Rogue and Madelyne Pryor in "By My Friends Betrayed!" Spider-Woman, X-Men, Carol Danvers, and New Brotherhood of Mutants guest star. Script by Chris Claremont. Pencils by Michael Golden. Inks by Armando Gil. Cover by Al Milgrom. This action-packed annual has got it all, true believers: the first appearance of Rogue, the spectacular art of Michael Golden, the tragic return of Carol Danvers, and the stupendous struggle between the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and the mighty Avengers! Following the events of Uncanny X-Men #142, Mystique & her New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants attempt to break four of their members out of Ryker's Island prison! After Rogue and Mystique take down Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, the rest of the Avengers and Spider-Woman catch up to the villains, and the epic clash erupts! Woven in and around the frantic action at Ryker's Island is the heartbreaking story of Carol Danvers' return to Earth. Her life has fallen apart since leaving for Limbo with Marcus Immortus in Avengers #200, and now, stripped of her powers and memories, Carol begins the long road to recovery. And the first step is an emotional confrontation with her former teammates! Notes: Marvel Super-Heroes #11 (Fall 1992) fills in the details of Carol Danvers' life between Avengers #200 and Avengers Annual #10. The Thing stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "A Lesson to Be Learned!" This issue was reprinted in 1993 in the trade paperback: The Greatest Battles of the Avengers. 52 pages, full color. Cover price $0.75.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) Annual 10 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #0951325014

First appearance of Rogue and Madelyne Pryor in "By My Friends Betrayed!" Spider-Woman, X-Men, Carol Danvers, and New Brotherhood of Mutants guest star. Script by Chris Claremont. Pencils by Michael Golden. Inks by Armando Gil. Cover by Al Milgrom. This action-packed annual has got it all, true believers: the first appearance of Rogue, the spectacular art of Michael Golden, the tragic return of Carol Danvers, and the stupendous struggle between the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and the mighty Avengers! Following the events of Uncanny X-Men #142, Mystique & her New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants attempt to break four of their members out of Ryker's Island prison! After Rogue and Mystique take down Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, the rest of the Avengers and Spider-Woman catch up to the villains, and the epic clash erupts! Woven in and around the frantic action at Ryker's Island is the heartbreaking story of Carol Danvers' return to Earth. Her life has fallen apart since leaving for Limbo with Marcus Immortus in Avengers #200, and now, stripped of her powers and memories, Carol begins the long road to recovery. And the first step is an emotional confrontation with her former teammates! Notes: Marvel Super-Heroes #11 (Fall 1992) fills in the details of Carol Danvers' life between Avengers #200 and Avengers Annual #10. The Thing stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "A Lesson to Be Learned!" This issue was reprinted in 1993 in the trade paperback: The Greatest Battles of the Avengers. 52 pages, full color. Cover price $0.75.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) Annual 10 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Label #3876174002

First appearance of Rogue and Madelyne Pryor in "By My Friends Betrayed!" Spider-Woman, X-Men, Carol Danvers, and New Brotherhood of Mutants guest star. Script by Chris Claremont. Pencils by Michael Golden. Inks by Armando Gil. Cover by Al Milgrom. This action-packed annual has got it all, true believers: the first appearance of Rogue, the spectacular art of Michael Golden, the tragic return of Carol Danvers, and the stupendous struggle between the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and the mighty Avengers! Following the events of Uncanny X-Men #142, Mystique & her New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants attempt to break four of their members out of Ryker's Island prison! After Rogue and Mystique take down Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, the rest of the Avengers and Spider-Woman catch up to the villains, and the epic clash erupts! Woven in and around the frantic action at Ryker's Island is the heartbreaking story of Carol Danvers' return to Earth. Her life has fallen apart since leaving for Limbo with Marcus Immortus in Avengers #200, and now, stripped of her powers and memories, Carol begins the long road to recovery. And the first step is an emotional confrontation with her former teammates! Notes: Marvel Super-Heroes #11 (Fall 1992) fills in the details of Carol Danvers' life between Avengers #200 and Avengers Annual #10. The Thing stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "A Lesson to Be Learned!" This issue was reprinted in 1993 in the trade paperback: The Greatest Battles of the Avengers. 52 pages, full color. Cover price $0.75.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) Annual 10 VG 4.0

First appearance of Rogue and Madelyne Pryor in "By My Friends Betrayed!" Spider-Woman, X-Men, Carol Danvers, and New Brotherhood of Mutants guest star. Script by Chris Claremont. Pencils by Michael Golden. Inks by Armando Gil. Cover by Al Milgrom. This action-packed annual has got it all, true believers: the first appearance of Rogue, the spectacular art of Michael Golden, the tragic return of Carol Danvers, and the stupendous struggle between the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and the mighty Avengers! Following the events of Uncanny X-Men #142, Mystique & her New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants attempt to break four of their members out of Ryker's Island prison! After Rogue and Mystique take down Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, the rest of the Avengers and Spider-Woman catch up to the villains, and the epic clash erupts! Woven in and around the frantic action at Ryker's Island is the heartbreaking story of Carol Danvers' return to Earth. Her life has fallen apart since leaving for Limbo with Marcus Immortus in Avengers #200, and now, stripped of her powers and memories, Carol begins the long road to recovery. And the first step is an emotional confrontation with her former teammates! Notes: Marvel Super-Heroes #11 (Fall 1992) fills in the details of Carol Danvers' life between Avengers #200 and Avengers Annual #10. The Thing stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "A Lesson to Be Learned!" This issue was reprinted in 1993 in the trade paperback: The Greatest Battles of the Avengers. 52 pages, full color. Cover price $0.75.

Avengers (1963 1st Series) National Diamond 98NDS CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

"National Diamond Sales" Insert.

Label #3948005004

National Diamond Sales Advertisement Insert Variant. "Let Slip the Dogs of War!" Script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith, inks by Sal Buscema. Avengers roll call: Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, Hawkeye (formerly Goliath), Quicksilver, the Scarlet Witch, and the Vision. Guest appearances by Hercules and Nick Fury. Letter to the editor from fantasy novelist Stephen R. Donaldson (Thomas Covenant series). John Buscema/Windsor-Smith cover. Cover price $0.20.

Avengers (1973-1976 Marvel UK) 30 VG+ 4.5

Batman (1940) 223 CGC 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4378797025

DC Giant G-73. All reprints: "City Without Guns" (from Detective 196), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; When Bruce and Dick visit London's Scotland Yard, they are shocked to see a frame that once held a picture of Batman and Robin empty, and seek to find out why this has happened. "Batman of the Mounties" (from Batman 78), script by David Vern Reed, pencils by Bob Kane (signed, Batman & Robin figures only) and Lew Schwartz, inks by Stan Kaye; Batman and Robin are the guests for National Law Enforcement Week in Canada, but soon become involved in a manhunt with a Royal Canadian Mountie. "The Mardi Gras Mystery," script by Bill Finger, pencils by Jack Burnley (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; Batman and Robin are invited to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras festival and get involved in the hunt for a hidden treasure aboard an old abandoned paddleboat. "Journey to the Top of the World" (from Batman 93), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane), inks by Charles Paris; Batman and Robin are informed of the loss of valuable microfilm atop Mount K-4, which reveals the names of many members of an international crime cartel. "Around the World in 8 Days" (from Detective 248), script by Bill Finger, pencils by Dick Sprang, inks by Charles Paris; Bandits break into a hospital and steal an experimental new drug....the only one that will save a patient, and Batman & Robin only have a week to discover its location and get it back so that the man can be injected with it.. Also 14 pages of newspaper strips from 1944. 68 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 227 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4389005001

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Demon of Gothos Mansion!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Alfred receives a letter from his niece Daphne, saying she is a teacher to children at Gothos Mansion but thinks there is something strange; Batman decides to investigate and once he arrives at the place, he is attacked by some men, but easily defeats them; He then gets into Daphne's room, where she tells him she has discovered the children were Dwarves and she is forced to wear ancient clothes; On the wall there's a portrait of a girl who looks exactly like Daphne; Batman breaks the lock and opens the door of the room in order to leaves the room; However, he steps outside the room into a hallway and he falls through a trapdoor into a net; The Elder Heathrow and his men bind Batman's hands and he is placed on a stone with a noose round his neck; In about a quarter of an hour it will drop into the cellar and Batman will be hanged. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Help Me--I Think I'm Dead!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Mike Esposito; Professor "Buck" Stuart is running for congress against incumbent Forte on a platform of cleaning up the polluted river that Forte has allowed ICM to dump their chemicals into; When Stuart's campaign headquarters are burned to the ground, Robin investigates. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 230 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4213359013

Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. "Take-Over of Paradise!", script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Batman disrupts violent protests and organizes the young people on the streets in order to put them on the right path protest; After a new housing project is announced, they commit violence again. Robin the Boy Wonder in "Danger Comes A-Looking!", script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Robin discovers who bombed the ROTC building on Hudson University. Letter to the editor from comics writer and DC "Answer Man" Bob Rozakis. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.

Batman (1940) 234 VG+ 4.5

Batman stars in the story "Half an Evil" which is the first appearance of the Silver-Age Two Face. Script by Denny O' Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano. Robin stars in the story "Vengeance for a Cop." Script by Mike Friedrich, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Giordano. Reprint: 1964 story "Trail of the Talking Mask" which introduces the "new look" for Batman, symbolized by the addition of an oval around the bat-insignia. Script by Gardner Fox, pencils by Carmine Infantino, and inks by Joe Giella. Letter to the editor from comics writer Bob Rozakis (misspelled "Razakis"). Adams cover. 52 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Batman (1940) 245 CGC 8.0

Paper: White

Label #4378798023

Cover by Neal Adams. "The Bruce Wayne Murder Case!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Dick Giordano (pp. 1-2) and Neal Adams (pp. 3-15); Batman stops a crooked political group for framing another political group for the murder of Bruce Wayne. "Who Stole the Gift from Nowhere!", script by Elliot S! Maggin, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; Luke Graham is accused of stealing $50,000 in cash that was sent anonymously to the Hudson University Library. Letter to the editor from comic writer David Michelinie. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 246 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4378798024

Cover art by Dave Cockrum and Neal Adams. How Many Ways Can a Robin Die? starring Batman, script by Frank Robbins, pencils by Irv Novick (pp 1-17) and Dick Dillin (pp 18-23), inks by Dick Giordano; Batman must rescue the real Robin from some crazies who are using dummies to demonstrate various ways to kill Robin. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 251 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4350609001

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!", script by Denny O'Neil, art by Neal Adams; The Joker has set himself free from the Mental Hospital for the Criminally Insane Batman had him incarcerated in, and he is out for blood; Before he was sent away, knowing that one member of his previous gang had ratted him out to the police, he had vowed to murder all five of them; And only the Batman is capable of stopping him; Despite Batman's best efforts, the Joker is able to finish off nearly all of his hit list; Batman is only alerted after the first murder, when a grinning corpse is found in the mud just outside of Gotham City, and he goes to each of the former members of the Joker's gang individually to try to protect them. Plop! comic book ad. Champion Sports comic book ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 251 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4389004002

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!", script by Denny O'Neil, art by Neal Adams; The Joker has set himself free from the Mental Hospital for the Criminally Insane Batman had him incarcerated in, and he is out for blood; Before he was sent away, knowing that one member of his previous gang had ratted him out to the police, he had vowed to murder all five of them; And only the Batman is capable of stopping him; Despite Batman's best efforts, the Joker is able to finish off nearly all of his hit list; Batman is only alerted after the first murder, when a grinning corpse is found in the mud just outside of Gotham City, and he goes to each of the former members of the Joker's gang individually to try to protect them. Plop! comic book ad. Champion Sports comic book ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 251 CGC 4.5

Paper: White

Slab: See item notes

Minor plastic debris.

Label #3998519001

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!", script by Denny O'Neil, art by Neal Adams; The Joker has set himself free from the Mental Hospital for the Criminally Insane Batman had him incarcerated in, and he is out for blood; Before he was sent away, knowing that one member of his previous gang had ratted him out to the police, he had vowed to murder all five of them; And only the Batman is capable of stopping him; Despite Batman's best efforts, the Joker is able to finish off nearly all of his hit list; Batman is only alerted after the first murder, when a grinning corpse is found in the mud just outside of Gotham City, and he goes to each of the former members of the Joker's gang individually to try to protect them. Plop! comic book ad. Champion Sports comic book ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 251 GD 2.0

3" spine split from bottom. Cover detached at one staple. Cover oxidation.

Cover art by Neal Adams. "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!", script by Denny O'Neil, art by Neal Adams; The Joker has set himself free from the Mental Hospital for the Criminally Insane Batman had him incarcerated in, and he is out for blood; Before he was sent away, knowing that one member of his previous gang had ratted him out to the police, he had vowed to murder all five of them; And only the Batman is capable of stopping him; Despite Batman's best efforts, the Joker is able to finish off nearly all of his hit list; Batman is only alerted after the first murder, when a grinning corpse is found in the mud just outside of Gotham City, and he goes to each of the former members of the Joker's gang individually to try to protect them. Plop! comic book ad. Champion Sports comic book ad. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.20.

Batman (1940) 257 CBCS 9.0

Paper: White

Label #22-0FD4FF7-005

100-page giant. Cover by Nick Cardy. "Hail Emperor Penguin!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; When a young King is kidnapped by the Penguin, it takes the efforts of Batman, Robin and Talia to free him from the madman's clutches. The Penguin's Unique Umbrellas! panels from previous comics. "Hunt for a Robin-Killer!", script by Gardner F. Fox, art by Gil Kane; After finding the Boy Wonder nearly dead from a brutal beating, a vengeful Batman hits the streets to find the man responsible. One-page Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "Ally Babble and the Fourteen Peeves!", script by Bill Finger, art by Dick Sprang; Ally Babble accepts the offer of $5000 from a rich man to eliminate 14 peeves he has against others, but is soon charged with ripping off the man who paid him. "Conversational Clue!", script by Mort Weisinger, art by Jerry Robinson; When Alfred accidently hears some unsettling conversation in a local library, he follows the clue up...which nearly costs him his life! "Die Small--Die Big!", script by Robert Kanigher, pencils by Bob Brown, inks by Joe Giella; The appearance of a man dressed as the Batman at a party at Wayne Mansion and carrying a death threat for the Caped Crusader spurs Batman to attack the problem alone without the aid of Robin. "Rackety-Rax Racket!", script by Don Cameron, art by Dick Sprang (as Bob Kane); A series of crazy college initiations are actually a blind for daring thefts masterminded by the Joker! 100 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.60.

Batman (1940) 287 FN 6.0

Last 30-cent cover price. Cover art by Mike Grell. The Maltese Cup Cake Hostess snack cakes ad with Wonder Woman. "Batman-Ex--As in Extinct!", script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Mike Grell, inks by Bob Wiacek; The Penguin uses robots of extinct birds or ancestors of birds, starting with a robot pterosaur, top commit crimes; The robot cracks out of a Napoleon statue at Gotham's La Galerie; Batman destroys the robot bird, but Penguin and his gang pull off a jewel robbery; Penguin sends an archeopteriz robot to panic the crowds at Gotham City Music Hall where a movie about Machiavelli is playing; Meanwhile, his gang robs a diner on 1805 Hamilton Street; Batman captures the crooks, but then learns of an attack on the schooner Nelson by a robot Diatryma. Statement of ownership; Average # of copies sold previous year: 178,000. Text article with photograph of publisher Jenette Kahn. Walt Simonson profile by Mike Gold. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.30.

Batman (1940) 296 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4279412009

Cover pencils by Sal Amendola, inks by Al Milgrom. "The Sinister Straws of the Scarecrow," script by David Vern (as David V. Reed), pencils by Sal Amendola; Criminals are running scared because of the fear instilled by the Scarecrow; They turn over their stolen goods to the police; Batman steps in and battles Scarecrow. Letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson. Daily Planet Volume 77 Issue 45 Week of November 7, 1977 article by Bob Rozakis; Information on Showcase #97, World's Finest Comics #249, comics on sale the week of November 14th and Ask the Answer Man! 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.35.