Auctions: comic books May 1975

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 144 CGC 5.0

Paper: White

Label #4402527006

First (full) appearance of the Gwen Stacy clone in "The Delusion Conspiracy!" Part 2 of 2. Script by Gerry Conway. Art by Ross Andru (breakdowns), Frank Giacoia (finishes), and Dave Hunt (backgrounds). Cover by Gil Kane and John Romita. On the banks of the Seine River inside the Cathedral de Notre Dame, the wondrous wall-crawler battles the Cyclone to save J. Jonah Jameson and Joe Robertson! With a bit of American ingenuity the spectacular one defeats the French super-villain and sets a course for home! On the long flight back, Peter looks forward to reuniting with Mary Jane; but when he arrives at his Chelsea apartment…he finds Gwen Stacy instead! What?! Unbelievable! The web-slinger's nightmare is only just beginning. Cameo appearances by Aunt May and Anna Watson. Origin of the Cyclone. (Notes: This issue along with its dramatic cover sent shockwaves thru Marveldom when it was published. The Cyclone appears next in Spectacular Spider-Man 22 & 23. The letters page includes Marvel Value Stamp series A #18 Volstagg by Jack Kirby and John Romita. The letters page also includes a letter from Fantagraphics publisher Kim Thompson. The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 524,583; average paid circulation 288,232. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 121.) 32 pages. 25c cover price. 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.

Joker (1975 DC) 1 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4064427010

Cover by Dick Giordano. "The Joker's Double Jeopardy!," script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Irv Novick, inks by Dick Giordano; When a new criminal breaks Two-Face out of Arkham Asylum, claiming that he has need of "a truly master criminal", the Joker is incensed; Soon, the Clown Prince of Crime stages his own breakout and tracks down Two-Face, determined to show just who Gotham's number-one criminal truly is. Article on the creation of the Joker. Hostess Twinkies ad with Batman. 36 pgs., full color. $0.25. Cover price $0.25.