Auctions: comic books 1975, graded by CBCS

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 149 CBCS 8.0

Paper: White

Label #21-279BDC8-005

First appearance of the Spider-Man Clone in "Even If I Live, I Die!" Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by Mike Esposito and Dave Hunt (backgrounds). Cover by Gil Kane and Frank Giacoia. One of the classic web-slinger issues of the bronze age! At Shea Stadium in Queens, the master plan of the Jackal finally comes together! On the infield grass, the Amazing Spider-Man fights to the finish against a carbon copy of himself - the Spider-Clone! With Ned Leeds in mortal danger, can the wondrous wall-crawler triumph over his clone and the Jackal too? But even if he wins, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man may still lose Gwen once again. An emotional ending for all. Origins of the Jackal and the Gwen Stacy clone. Apparent deaths of the Jackal and the Spider-Clone. Cameo appearances by Joe Robertson, J. Jonah Jameson, Betty Brant, Mary Jane Watson, and the Tarantula. Flashback cameos by Anthony Serba and Gwen Stacy. (Note: The Gwen Stacy clone returns many years later in Spectacular Spider-Man Annual 8. The next story arc relating to the clone saga takes place in Spectacular Spider-Man (1st series) 25-31 - the introduction of Carrion, the clone of Professor Miles Warren. This issue completes Gerry Conway's unforgettable 3-year run as the writer of the Amazing Spider-Man title - highlighted by the death of Gwen Stacy; the creation of the Punisher; and the Spider-Clone saga. Many future stories proceeded from Gerry Conway's bronze age scripts. The full clone saga was reprinted in 2011 in the trade paperback: The Amazing Spider-Man - The Original Clone Saga. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 126.) 32 pages. 25c cover price. Cover price $0.25.

Captain America (1968 1st Series) 192 CBCS 1.8

Paper: Off white

Marvel Value Stamp Missing From 10th Page, Does Not Affect Story. Incomplete.

Label #23-14ED31C-005

First appearance of Dr. Karla Sofen in "Mad-Flight!" Script by Marv Wolfman. Pencils by Frank Robbins. Inks by D. Bruce Berry. Cover by John Romita Sr. and Frank Giacoia. Steve Rogers is in a big hurry to get back to New York after the Falcon's trial. So he jumps on the first available flight departing from LAX. Unfortunately, the Living Legend doesn't bother to check the flight manifest before boarding the special charter jet! And as shown on the death-defying cover, that might be a fatal mistake! Cap is shocked when he sees Doctor Faustus and his cohorts on board! Hence he formulates a plan to commandeer the plane! Is a midflight takeover on the inflight menu? (Notes: Dr. Karla Sofen appears next in Incredible Hulk 228 where she makes her first appearance as the second Moonstone. Cap will encounter Moonstone in Captain America 230. Doctor Faustus appears next in Amazing Spider-Man 169 & 170. The final page announces and previews Jack Kirby's return to Marvel and the Captain America title. The letters page includes Marvel Value Stamp series A #56 The Rawhide Kid by Larry Lieber.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.25.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 158 CBCS 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-27946BA-004

"Invasion from the 5th (Count It, 5th!) Dimension" Part 1 of 2. Guest-starring the Inhumans. Script by Roy Thomas. Art by Rich Buckler (breakdowns) and Joe Sinnott (finishes). Cover by Rich Buckler and Al Milgrom. A quiet Friday night at the Baxter Building is disrupted by Quicksilver! And after a brief skirmish with the Human Torch, the mutant speedster tells the FF that Attilan has been overrun by Xemu, the Master of the Fifth Dimension! Xemu plans to destroy the Earth with the Thunder Horn! Will Reed, Ben, Johnny, Medusa, and Pietro get back to the Hidden Land in time? Cameo appearance by the Invisible Girl. Flashback cameos by Iron Man and Thor to recap the events of Fantastic Four 150. (Notes: Xemu previously appeared in Strange Tales 103. The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 428,583; average paid circulation 218,330.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 163 CBCS 8.5

Paper: White

Label #21-04C89CD-006

"Finale!" Part 4 of 4. Script by Roy Thomas. Art by Rich Buckler (breakdowns) and Joe Sinnott (finishes). Cover by Rich Buckler and Joe Sinnott. It's the dramatic conclusion to the Fantastic Four's cross-dimensional saga! Ben Grimm battles Gaard one-on-one to destroy the universal nexus in hyperspace that could funnel energy to Arkon's world! While at the same time, the Human Torch and Alternate Earth Reed Richards slug it out on Polemachus with Arkon himself! Can the FF pull off two victories in two dimensions? Cameo appearance by Franklin. (Note: The Earth-721 Johnny Storm returns many years later as Vangaard in Fantastic Force 11 and 12.) 32 pages Cover price $0.25.

Giant Size Defenders (1974) 3 CBCS 6.5

Paper: White

Label #22-2D520EC-038

Cover pencils by Ron Wilson, inks by Joe Sinnott. New story: 1st appearance of Korvac in "Games Godlings Play!", script by Steve Gerber (script, plot), Jim Starlin (plot), and Len Wein (plot), pencils by Jim Starlin (layouts), Dan Adkins (finished art), Don Newton (finished art), and Jim Mooney (finished art), inks by Dan Adkins (pages 1-7, 10-11, 22-27, 43), Don Newton (pages 14-19, 31-36, 38), and Jim Mooney (pages 8-9, 30, 37, 39, 44); The Grandmaster and the Prime Mover play a game for the fate of the Earth; The Grandmaster selects the Defenders for his "pieces" and the Prime Mover selects several alien "pieces" and combat begins. "The World Destroyers!" starring the Sub-Mariner, script and art by Bill Everett. "The House of Shadows!", script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; Doctor Strange is on the scene to observe a TV crew as they prepare to enter & broadcast about a "Haunted House." Letter from Mary Jo Duffy. 68 pgs., full color. $0.50. Cover price $0.50.

Giant Size Spider-Man (1974) 4 CBCS 7.5 SS Gerry Conway

Paper: Off white to white

Witnessed Signature: Gerry Conway on 3/13/2022.

Label #22-072EB80-002

3rd appearance of the Punisher in "To Sow the Seeds of Death's Day!" Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Gil Kane and Mike Esposito. The Punisher has discovered that an evil mastermind is testing biological weapons on kidnapped Americans somewhere in South America. After recruiting the web-slinger to help him, the Punisher and Spider-Man break into the offices of the shadowy Deterrence Research Corporation in New York City. However during the attack, the wall-crawler is captured and transported to the death camp of Moses Magnum! Can the Punisher rescue the Amazing Spider-Man and the captive civilians before they meet a horrible fate? First appearance of Moses Magnum. (Note: The Punisher appears next in Marvel Preview Magazine 2.) Back up story: "The Wondrous World of Doctor Strange!" Script by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko. Spider-Man and the Master of the Mystic Arts team up to battle Xandu! Reprinted from Doctor Strange 179. (Notes: The story originally appeared in Amazing Spiderman Annual 2, and was later reprinted in Doctor Strange 179. A reprint of the cover of Doctor Strange 179 is included in the issue.) 64 pages Cover price $0.50.

Incredible Hulk (1962 Marvel 1st Series) 185 CBCS 8.5

Paper: White

Label #21-2797CC0-022

Cover art by Herb Trimpe. "Deathknell," script by Len Wein, art by Herb Trimpe; On the day that the President is expected to arrive at Hulkbuster Base to congratulate Glenn Talbot from escaping from the Russians, Colonel Armbruster has captured Bruce Banner and has him tranquilized and shackled up deep under Hulkbuster Base; As Banner is being overseen by Armbruster, General Ross and Betty Talbot, Armbruster tells Banner that he's lucky he was only tranquilized and that Armbruster could have easily have killed him; When Betty tries to get Bruce to talk, he angrily lashes out at her angry that everyone is focused on the Hulk that they've forgotten about Bruce Banner; Later in the day, Air Force One lands at Hulkbuster Base and President Gerald Ford is welcomed to Hulkbuster Base and is shown around by General Ross, Betty and Glenn Talbot; The Hulk breaks free and grabs Betty and tries to escape Hulkbuster Base. A Marvel Value Stamp was NOT printed in this issue. 36 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Incredible Hulk (1962 Marvel 1st Series) 187 CBCS 7.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-2798811-007

Cover art by Herb Trimpe. There's a Gremlin In the Works!, script by Len Wein, pencils by Herb Trimpe, inks by Joe Staton; Banner stows away on a mission to the Soviet Union to rescue the captured Glenn Talbot, which brings the Hulk into conflict with the Gremlin, who has brainwashed Talbot. Statement of ownership: average number of copies sold during preceding 12 months (total paid circulation): 202,592. Spider-Man Hostess ad, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Mike Esposito. 36 pgs. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Incredible Hulk (1962 Marvel 1st Series) 192 CBCS 7.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-279720A-010

"The Lurker Beneath Loch Fear!" Written by Len Wein. Pencils by Herb Trimpe. Inks by Joe Staton. The man-brute known as the Hulk has been returned home by the Shaper of Worlds. Now the green goliath is in for some mayhem on the Scottish Moors as he comes face-to-face with the lurker beneath loch fear! Cover price $0.25.

Marvel Chillers (1975) 1 CBCS 5.0

Paper: Off white

Label #21-3246A82-006

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Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Tom Palmer. 1st appearance of Modred the Mystic in "Magic is Alive!", script by Marv Wolfman (inspiration) and Bill Mantlo, pencils by Ed Hannigan (page 1) and Yong Montano, inks by John Romita (page 1), Frank Giacoia (page 1), and Yong Montano; Janet Lyton and Grant Whittacker dig a tunnel to try and find the lost tower of Darkhold in England; They work through a storm, which washes out the supports of their tunnel, causing it to cave ; In the adjoining chamber they find what they believe is a perfectly preserved human body in a tomb dating back to the Dark Ages; The man comes to life, revealing himself to be Mordred, a magician's apprentice during the final years of Camelot. Reprint back-up story "It Happened in the Attic!" (from Mystical Tales 7), art by Frank Bolle; A man goes back in time and kills his ancestor. 36 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Power Man and Iron Fist (1972 Hero for Hire) 27 CBCS 7.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-279EE8B-011

"Just a Guy Named X!" Script by Bill Mantlo, pencils by George Perez, inks by Al McWilliams. When an overweight down-on-his-luck wrestler drinks a mysterious formula, he is endowed with super-human strength. Now, he's going to get back at everybody who laughed at him, starting with Luke Cage. Cover price $0.25.

Richard Dragon Kung Fu Fighter (1975) 1 CBCS 3.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #23-47F5AB7-008

Cover art by Dick Giordano. Coming of a Dragon! starring Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter (1st appearance), O-Sensei, Benjamin Turner (intro, later becomes the Bronze Tiger), script by Jim Dennis, art by Leopoldo Duranona; martial arts action based on the novel, Dragon's Fists. 32 pgs. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Savage Sword of Conan (1974 Marvel) Annual 1 CBCS 9.4

Paper: White

Label #23-11CBD69-063

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Summer 1975. Conan reprints: "Beware the Wrath of Anu" (script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Barry Windsor-Smith, inks by Sal Buscema; from Conan the Barbarian 10) and "The Web of the Spider-God" (also by Thomas/Windsor-Smith/Buscema, from a plot by John Jakes; from Conan the Barbarian 13). Kull reprints: "The Forbidden Swamp" (script by Thomas, pencils by Marie Severin, inks by John Severin) and "The Death-Dance of Thulsa Doom!" (also by Thomas/Severin/Severin). Windsor-Smith frontispiece (reprint). Badia cover. Cover price $1.25.

Skull the Slayer (1975) 1 CBCS 7.5

Paper: White

Slab: Scuffing on front and back of case; Debris trapped between case and inner well

Label #19-27E95DC-110

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Cover by Gil Kane and Al Milgrom. The Coming of Skull the Slayer, script by Marv Wolfman, art by Steve Gan; Pilot, special operative and Vietnam POW, James Scully, who after being freed from captivity, returns to find his world turned upside down; His wife has divorced him and is in the arms of another man, his parents have died of grief and his little brother is a dope fiend; When Jim returns to his parents' home (as he has nowhere else to go) his brother attacks him with a knife in a fit of grief and dope-induced hysteria; His brother ends up dead and Jim goes on the lam for fear of being blamed for his death; Months later, Jim is captured in Bermuda and is about to be transported to a maximum security prison - also on the flight are Dr. Raymond Corey, Ann Farrow Reynolds and Jeff Turner. Old Funny Animals article by Marv Wolfman. 36 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Strange Tales (1951-1976 1st Series) 178 CBCS 6.5 Signed Starlin

Paper: White

Witnessed Signature: Jim Starlin on 4/22/2022.

Label #22-1EB985B-019

Cover art by Jim Starlin. Warlock begins in this title in "Who Is Adam Warlock?", script and art by Jim Starlin; Sphinxor retells the Origin of Warlock, his encounters with Thor and the High Evolutionary, the Creation of Counter-Earth and Warlock's Battle against the Man-Beast; First appearance of the Magus; Cameo appearances by the Hulk. The story continues from Incredible Hulk 178. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.25.

Strange Tales (1951-1976 1st Series) 179 CBCS 7.5 SS Starlin

Paper: Off white to white

Witnessed Signature: Jim Starlin in 4/22/2022.

Label #22-1EB985B-020

Cover art by Jim Starlin. "Death Ship!", script and art by Jim Starlin; Warlock is captured by Autolycus of the Black Knights an brought aboard Magus' Flagship; His fellow prisoners tell Warlock, that survivors of the Wars of the Church are taken as slave laborers, those who refuse will be terminated and their remains will be chemically broken down and valuable elements that can be retrieved will be used to further the cause of the Church; They also tell him, that Non-Humanoids are not considered fashioned in the Magus' image and thus must be disposed of, this also holds true for some Humanoid types—such as Trolls; First appearance of Pip the Troll. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.25.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 239 CBCS 8.0

Paper: White

Label #21-279BDCA-009

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Dan Adkins. "Time Quake!", script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Sal Buscema, inks by Joe Sinnott; With Geirrodur defeated, Ulik now sets his sights on the surface world; But Thor stands in his way and defeats him; Thor then causes the cave to collapse on the trolls, while he and Jane escape to the surface; Back in California, at a strike meeting, Orrin breaks up an attack by Conners and his men, when a gigantic pyramid bursts up from the ground; Orrin seems transfixed by it and begins heading for it; Thor leaves Jane to search for Odin, but after he leaves, Jane sees Orrin in California heading toward the pyramid; Osiris, Isis, and Horus appear in a doorway and Orrin follows them inside. 36 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.

Uncanny X-Men (1963 1st Series) 95 CBCS 5.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-2FFD315-020

"Warhunt!" Part 2 of 2. Story by Chris Claremont and Len Wein. Art by Dave Cockrum and Sam Grainger. Cover by Gil Kane. In order to stop the sinister madman Count Nefaria from raining nuclear Armageddon down upon the world, the new X-Men must fight their way through the Count's mutated bodyguards - the Ani-Men! Plus, one X-Man makes the ultimate sacrifice! NOTE: Death of Thunderbird I. Cover price $0.25.

Uncanny X-Men (1963 1st Series) 96 CBCS 5.5 SS Chris Claremont

Paper: White

Witnessed Signature: Chris Claremont on 3/19/2023.

Label #23-11ABD88-010

"Night of the Demon!" Story by Chris Claremont. Art by Dave Cockrum and Sam Grainger. Something sinister and demonic stalks the grounds at Xavier's School for the Gifted. The all new X-Men suddenly find themselves as the first and last line of defense against a denizen from the deepest bowels of Hell! Cover price $0.25.

Werewolf by Night (1972 1st Series) 33 CBCS 9.0

Paper: White

Label #21-2536EBA-032

"Wolf-Beast vs. Moon Knight!" Written by Doug Moench. Art by Don Perlin and Howie Perlin. Cover by Gil Kane. The werewolf unleashed, more savage than ever before! A shocking twist as the beast faces the cages of the Committee. 32 pages, FC. NOTE: 2nd appearance of Moon Knight. Cover price $0.25.

Werewolf by Night (1972 1st Series) UK Edition 32UK CBCS 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

9p U.K. Price Variant.

Label #19-2B0F004-020

UK edition. Identical to US edition, but has 9p cover price. "The stalker called Moon Knight!" Written by Doug Moench. Art by Don Perlin. Cover by Gil Kane. Just as Jack Russell plunges into the horror of killing his best friend, the second night strikes and with it comes the stalker called MOON KNIGHT! 32 pages, FC. NOTE: 1st appearance of Moon Knight.

Wulf the Barbarian (1975 Atlas) 1 CBCS 8.0 SS Larry Hama

Paper: White

Witnessed Signature: Larry Hama on 3/23/2021.

Label #21-21F13CC-025

"Wulf the Barbarian." Script and pencils by Larry Hama, inks by Klaus Janson. The savage warrior Wulf seeks revenge on the troll who murdered his royal parents and sent him into exile. Part of the short-lived Atlas line from former Marvel publisher Martin Goodman. 32 pages. Cover by Hama and Janson. Cover price $0.25.