Auctions: comic books 1956-1969

Superman (1939 1st Series) 164 CGC 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4385447009

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by George Klein. The Showdown Between Luthor and Superman! [part 1], script by Edmond Hamilton, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by George Klein; When Luthor escapes from jail, he challenges Superman to meet him in a fair fight without his super powers. The Super-Duel! [part 2]; While Superman struggles to survive, Luthor meets the few remaining inhabitants of the planet and becomes their hero when he reactivates their scientific machines and temporarily solves their water shortage problem. The Fugitive From the Phantom Zone! starring Superman and Ras-Krom, script by Jerry Siegel, art by Al Plastino. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Superman (1939 1st Series) 169 CGC 5.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4385447010

Cover pencils by Curt Swan, inks by George Klein. The Infernal Imp! starring Superman and Mr. Mxyzptlk, script by Jerry Siegel, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by George Klein. The Man Who Stole Superman's Secret Life!, script by Jerry Siegel, art by Al Plastino; a sequel to The Sweetheart Superman Forgot! from Superman #165. The Bizarro Invasion of Earth!, script by Jerry Siegel, art by Al Plastino; The Bizarro Supermen come to Earth and perform "good deeds." Letters page contains a Kryptonite Guide List noting the different kinds of Kryptonite and their effects on Superman. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Superman (1939 1st Series) 199 VG 4.0 (R)

Restored (see item notes)

RESTORATION. Color touch.

1st Superman vs. Flash race. Cover pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Murphy Anderson. Superman's Race With the Flash!, script by Jim Shooter, pencils by Curt Swan, inks by George Klein; a very close race by the two fastest super-heroes; brief Justice League appearance; the first Superman/Flash race. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane (1958) 70 CGC 3.0

Paper: Off white

Label #4389610005

1st Silver Age appearance of Catwoman (see next issue for 2nd appearance & Detective Comics for #369 for 3rd appearance). Cover art by Kurt Schaffenberger. The Catwoman's Black Magic! [Part I], script by Leo Dorfman, art by Kurt Schaffenberger; When the Penguin escapes from prison, Lois tries to track him down but she is kidnapped by Catwoman instead, who hypnotizes her into acting as the villainess's double. House ad for Plastic Man #1. The Catwoman Gets the Bird! (Part II), script by Leo Dorfman, art by Kurt Schaffenberger; The Penguin confronts Lois, thinking she's Catwoman, but Superman, Batman, and Robin show up to take the Penguin back to prison. Superman's Cat-astrophe! (Part III); Catwoman takes Lois's place and tricks Superman into taking her to her lair, where she uses Circe's magic wand to turn him into a cat. Magic Photo Kit featuring Batman and Robin, pencils by Carmine Infantino, inks by Joe Giella. House ad for Justice League of America #48. GI Joe Club ad, art by Irv Novick. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales from the Tomb (1969 Eerie) Vol. 1 #6 GD/VG 3.0

1 1/2" cumulative spine split. Water damage.

Stories and art by Manning Lee Stokes and Matt Baker. Legendary publisher Eerie presents gory tales of horror and the macabre, many "reanimated" from classic pre-Code horror comics with new art. A gypsy's spirit returns in the form of a puppet to take revenge on the village that hanged him. Jungle hero El'nee battles a living caveman, in a story with art by good-girl legend Matt Baker. Terry seeks buried treasure, ignoring warnings of the Manitou, an ancient Native American spirit. Man-Beast; Werewolf; Bedeviled Puppet; Blood of the Rose; He Rose from the Grave; Hell Below; Death Trap; The Riddle of Manitou Rock. 8 1/2-in. x 11-in. 52 pages, B&W. Mature readers. Cover price $0.35.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 29 CGC 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #2084659006

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Steve Ditko. "The Martian Who Stole a City!", pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers; A Martian steals a city piece by piece, until a young boy figures out that it is vulnerable to light. "Mystery Mansion" text story. "Nothing Can Save Us!", pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers; Trapped on a small planet a group of space pilots almost kill a space dragon out of fear until they realize that it protects the planet from runaway asteroids. "It Was Only a Simple Barber Shop... or Was It??!", script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; Muggsy Bogar is a crook on the run. A mysterious figure instructs him to hide in a nearby barbershop; He goes in and the barber hides him forever. "The Thing in the Locked Room!", art by Don Heck; Prince Zemu takes a strange painting as part of his booty, only to discover it saps his life and youth from him. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 39 CBCS 1.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Cover Reattached With 1 Piece Of Archival Tape on Interior. Moderate Amount of Archival Tape on Interior Cover.

Label #24-0DA8E5D-001

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Don Heck. First appearance of Iron Man in "Iron Man Is Born!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), art by Don Heck; Playboy industrialist and weapons designer Tony Stark is injured in Vietnam and captured by communists; While pretending to build a weapon for his captors he builds a suit of battle armor to keep his injured heart beating and uses it to escape and beat the communist commander. "The Treasure" text story. "The Last Rocket!", art by Gene Colan; When the sun starts dying humanity goes into space, except for two nature lovers; Just as the last rocket leaves a new sun flares to life, and the two remaining humans, Adam and Eve, rename the planet Earth. "Gundar!", script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; A shipwrecked man finds cursed Viking ghosts on an island, and his descent from the captain that cursed them releases them. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 40 GD+ 2.5

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Don Heck. Second appearance of Iron Man in "Iron Man versus Gargantus!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Robert Bernstein (as R. Berns) (script), pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Don Heck; Introduction and origin of Gargantus. "Wrong Number" text story. "Work of Art!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), pencils by Larry Lieber, inks by Sol Brodsky; An unsuccessful artist tries to force a new painter to show him how to paint lifelike pictures; The painter is a sorcerer, and traps the artist in one of his paintings, the secret to his realism. "Prophet of Doom!", script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; A man from the future arrives in the present day in order to set himself up as ruler; He attempts to extort 100 million dollars from the Secretary General of the United Nations only to be shocked when the Secretary reveals that he too is from the future and that there are agents planted in every era in order to apprehend criminals who may attempt to alter the course of events. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 67 FN 6.0

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby. "Where Walk the Villains!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Mike Esposito (as Mickey Demeo); The Dream-Maker (formerly Count Nefaria) creates hallucinations ("dreams") in which Iron Man must battle some of his former enemies. "Lest Tyranny Triumph!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Frank Giacoia (as Frank Ray); Red Skull and his Nazis are trying to make Cap kill the Allies' high command; Bucky Barnes and Adolf Hitler appear. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 71 VG/FN 5.0

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Wally Wood. "What Price Victory?", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Wally Wood; Iron Man defeats Titanium Man, but at the price of Happy's health. "When You Lie Down With Dogs...!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby (layouts) and George Tuska (pencils), inks by Joe Sinnott; In this Captain American story, Dr. Cedric Rawlings turns on the Nazis and saves the day. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 72 VG/FN 5.0

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Mike Esposito. "Hoorah for the Conquering Hero!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Don Heck, inks by Mike Esposito (as Mickey Demeo); Returning to America following his battle against the Titanium Man, Iron Man begins to worry over the fate of his bodyguard Happy Hogan, who was critically injured in that battle. "The Sleeper Shall Awake!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby (layouts) and George Tuska (pencils), inks by Wally Wood (pages 1-4 uncredited) and George Tuska (pages 5-7) (pages 8-10 uncredited); Captain America goes after the Sleepers, sleeper agents planted by the Red Skull who were to activate the Sleeper robots 20 years after the War; Guest appearances by the Red Skull, the Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, and Quicksilver. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 76 CBCS 7.0

Paper: Off white

Label #22-0FD4FF7-044

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by John Romita. "Here Lies Hidden… the Unspeakable Ultimo!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gene Colan (as Adam Austin), inks by Jack Abel (as Gary Michaels); While being arrested for the use of the Enervation Intensifier, Tony Stark is suddenly transported through time and space; But where will he end up?; The Freak turns back into Happy, but then the Mandarin attacks. "The Gladiator, the Girl, and the Glory!", script by Stan Lee, art by John Romita; Batroc and Captain America duke it out over the vial of Inferno 42. Statement of Ownership: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 367,728. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 81 VG+ 4.5

Water spotting.

Cover pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Jack Abel. "The Return of the Titanium Man!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Jack Abel (as Gary Michaels); Tony Stark finally decides to turn himself in to the authorities so he can finally reveal the secrets of the Iron Man armor to a US Senate Committee for the sake of national security; The story continues from Tales to Astonish #82. "The Red Skull Supreme!", script by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (co-plot), pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Frank Giacoia; Cap fights a seemingly-hopeless battle against The Skull, who, armed with The Cosmic Cube, can do anything he wishes merely by thinking it; The Skull envisions instantly making everyone on the planet his slaves, turning every able-bodied man into a fighting machine, creating "new, invincible weapons... in endless number, with matchless power." 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 90 FN 6.0

Cover pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Frank Giacoia. "The Golden Ghost!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Frank Giacoia; Melter forces Tony Stark to improve his weapon; After he leaves Stark for dead, Tony Stark dons one of his old armors and defeats Melter. "And Men Shall Call Him Traitor!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Joe Sinnott; Cap manages to escape from the Red Skull's death trap, only to find out the Skull is lifting Manhattan into the sky; The only way Cap can save the island is by pledging to do the Skull's bidding for 24 hours. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 97 CGC 6.5

Paper: White

Label #4400973013

Cover pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Frank Giacoia. "The Coming of... Whiplash," script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Frank Giacoia; Jasper Sitwell tries to remove Iron Mans helmet, but cant; Tonys cousin Morgan Stark tells the Maggia he can get them Iron Man, who battles Maggia goons. "And So It Begins--!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Joe Sinnott; Two men from a crime syndicate attack Captain America; Black Panther visits an outpost, but finds that the men guarding have been wiped out; SHIELD Agent 13, Caps lover, disguises herself as a female spy called Irma Kruhl before going on a dangerous mission. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 98 CGC 8.0

Paper: White

Label #4400973012

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Frank Giacoia. "The Claws of the Panther!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Joe Sinnott; Captain America and Black Panther join forces to combat the henchmen of Baron Zemo. "The Warrior and the Whip!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Frank Giacoia; Iron Man creates holograms of himself to confuse Whiplash during their battle; Jasper Sitwell has searches for Tony Stark at Stark Industries; He discovers that Morgan Stark took Iron Man away. Letter from comics writer Bob Gale. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales of Suspense (1959) 99 CBCS 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #22-0FD2B27-032

Final issue. Cover pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Frank Giacoia. "At the Mercy of the Maggia," script by Archie Goodwin, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Johnny Craig; At the risk of putting greater strain on his heart Iron Man fires a repulsor ray at Whiplash; Jasper Sitwell searches for Iron Man after Tony Stark's cousin Morgan kidnapped him and took him to the Maggia; Nick Fury appearance; The story continues in Iron Man & Sub-Mariner #1. "The Man Who Lived Twice!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Syd Shores; Captain America and Black Panther continue their fight against Baron Zemo and his men; The story continues in Captain America #100. Letter to the editor from comic and book distributor Bud Plant. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 7 GD/VG 3.0

1" Cumulative staple rust. Cover oxidation. Water damage.

Cover by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. He Waits For Us in the Glacier!, art by Don Heck; A nuclear submarine finds an alien hibernating in a glacier. The Money Tree text story. We Met in the Swamp!, art by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko; A hermit claims to have helped a group of aliens in return for a chest of treasure. I Lived a Ghost Story!, art by Paul Reinman; A real estate agent tries to dissuade a man from buying a haunted house, but he insists on spending a night there. I Saw the Other World!, art by Dick Ayers; A man tries to convince a stranger that the camera he found takes pictures of another dimension. I Spent Midnight with the Thing on Bald Mountain!, art by Steve Ditko. 36 pgs., full color. $0.10. Cover price $0.10.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 51 GD+ 2.5

Water damage. Cover oxidation.

Cover by Jack Kirby and George Roussos. Showdown With the Human Top!, script by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers; Human Top steals civil defense plans and wants to sell them to the Communists. The Sorcerer text story, art by Joe Maneely; A man who has travelled the world and seen wonders performed by hermits in India returns home to find that his young nephew creates magic with only belief. No Place to Turn!, script by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber, art by Larry Lieber and Matt Fox; Aliens transform a spy into a human, but because they can only receive black-and-white images from Earth they leave him green and he is discovered. Somewhere Waits a Wobbow!, script by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber, art by Larry Lieber and George Roussos [as G. Bell]; The Wasp tells the tale of future mercenary pilot Rack Morgan who disobeys the rules once too many. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 62 CBCS 9.0 Pennsylvania Dutch

Paper: Off white to white

FROM THE PA. DUTCH COLLECTION.

Label #0012651-AB-011

Cover by Jack Kirby and Chic Stone. Giant-Man Versus the Wonderful Wasp!, script by Stan Lee, art by Carl Burgos and George Roussos; When Hank accidentally knocks himself out after a failed lab experiment, a petty thief makes off with his costume and begins to use the Giant-Man powers to commit crimes. Promo for Journey Into Mystery #110, Tales of Suspense #60, Strange Tales #127 and Sgt. Fury #12 reprinting their covers, art by Jack Kirby and Chic Stone. Enter...the Chameleon!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko and George Roussos (as George Bell); The Hulk is captured in unbreakable restraints but slips through them when he turns back into Banner; Hearing that his buddy has been captured, Rick leaves Cap's side to go help his original super pal; The mysterious Leader sends the Chameleon to gamma base to find out what happened to an agent who didn't report back in. A Marvel-Masterwork Pin-Up of Hulk, art by Jack Kirby and George Roussos. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 62 CGC 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4389610010

Cover by Jack Kirby and Chic Stone. Giant-Man Versus the Wonderful Wasp!, script by Stan Lee, art by Carl Burgos and George Roussos; When Hank accidentally knocks himself out after a failed lab experiment, a petty thief makes off with his costume and begins to use the Giant-Man powers to commit crimes. Promo for Journey Into Mystery #110, Tales of Suspense #60, Strange Tales #127 and Sgt. Fury #12 reprinting their covers, art by Jack Kirby and Chic Stone. Enter...the Chameleon!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko and George Roussos (as George Bell); The Hulk is captured in unbreakable restraints but slips through them when he turns back into Banner; Hearing that his buddy has been captured, Rick leaves Cap's side to go help his original super pal; The mysterious Leader sends the Chameleon to gamma base to find out what happened to an agent who didn't report back in. A Marvel-Masterwork Pin-Up of Hulk, art by Jack Kirby and George Roussos. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 63 CGC 6.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4331477010

Cover by Jack Kirby and Chic Stone. The Gangsters and the Giant!, script by Stan Lee, art by Carl Burgos and Chic Stone; The police ask Giant-Man and the Wasp to stop the Wrecker and his gang who have been strong-arming business owners in Brooklyn. A Marvel Masterwork Pin-Up of Giant-Man and Wasp, art by Jack Kirby and Chic Stone. A Titan Rides the Train!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko and George Roussos (as George Bell); The Leader ponders his origins as he prepares to send his powerful Humanoid to confront the Hulk; Although he is under suspicion for being in collusin with the Hulk, Banner is sent by train to escort one of his nuclear devices with Talbot keeping a close eye on him. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 66 VG 4.0

Cover by Jack Kirby, Bob Powell, and Frank Giacoia. The Menace of Madam Macabre, script by Stan Lee, art by Bob Powell and Frank Giacoia (as Frankie Ray); Giant-Man is pitted against a disciple of the Mandarin who also has the power to grow and shrink things at will. The Power of Dr. Banner!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko and Vince Colletta; The Hulk escapes from his Russian captors with a fellow fugitive who gives his life to save the jade giant from a blast from the powerful proton gun; Angry at the death of his friend, Hulk decides to take his fight to the commies. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 66 VG- 3.5

Water spotting.

Cover by Jack Kirby, Bob Powell, and Frank Giacoia. The Menace of Madam Macabre, script by Stan Lee, art by Bob Powell and Frank Giacoia (as Frankie Ray); Giant-Man is pitted against a disciple of the Mandarin who also has the power to grow and shrink things at will. The Power of Dr. Banner!, script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko and Vince Colletta; The Hulk escapes from his Russian captors with a fellow fugitive who gives his life to save the jade giant from a blast from the powerful proton gun; Angry at the death of his friend, Hulk decides to take his fight to the commies. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 70 CGC 8.5

Paper: Off white

Label #4388597019

Cover by Jack Kirby and Mike Esposito. The Start of the Quest!, script by Stan Lee, art by Gene Colan (as Adam Austin) and Vince Colletta; Namor returns to Atlantis to find that Warlord Krang has taken his throne; When he spurns the affections of Lady Dorma, she turns him in and he is arrested by Krang as a traitor; Realizing that the only thing that will allow him to regain his kingdom and his subjects is the Trident of Neptune, Namor escapes to go and recover it. To Live Again!, script by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby and Mike Esposito (as Mickey Demeo); Dragging his dead buddy to their old underground complex, Rick uses the gamma machine (last seen in Incredible Hulk #6) on Bruce, thus turning him into the Hulk and saving his life; The Hulk once again has the intellect of Banner but he has to continue to use the ray machine every 48 hours to keep himself from turning into his alter ego as he still has a bullet lodged in his head. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 70 VG 4.0

Cover by Jack Kirby and Mike Esposito. The Start of the Quest!, script by Stan Lee, art by Gene Colan (as Adam Austin) and Vince Colletta; Namor returns to Atlantis to find that Warlord Krang has taken his throne; When he spurns the affections of Lady Dorma, she turns him in and he is arrested by Krang as a traitor; Realizing that the only thing that will allow him to regain his kingdom and his subjects is the Trident of Neptune, Namor escapes to go and recover it. To Live Again!, script by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby and Mike Esposito (as Mickey Demeo); Dragging his dead buddy to their old underground complex, Rick uses the gamma machine (last seen in Incredible Hulk #6) on Bruce, thus turning him into the Hulk and saving his life; The Hulk once again has the intellect of Banner but he has to continue to use the ray machine every 48 hours to keep himself from turning into his alter ego as he still has a bullet lodged in his head. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 71 FN- 5.5

Cover by Gene Colan and Vince Colletta. Escape...to Nowhere!, script by Stan Lee, art by Gene Colan (as Adam Austin) and Vince Colletta; Namor heads into the Forbidden Deeps as he continues his quest for Neptune's Trident; Krang sends Seaweed Man to stop him; Meanwhile, back in Atlantis, the natives are beginning to get restless under Krang's iron rule. Like a Beast at Bay!, script by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby and Mike Esposito; The Hulk and Rick barely make it out of the blast radius as Ross fires the giant "Sunday Punch" missile at the Leader's giant Humanoid bringing the massive robot down; The pair decide to hide in their underground cave but are spotted by military planes as they enter; Ross and Talbot attack, threatening the underground complex and Bruce's gamma machine; The Hulk pushes Rick out to safety just as the Leader appears. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 72 CGC 9.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4416321024

Cover by Gene Colan, Jack Kirby, and Vince Colletta. A Prince There Was!, script by Stan Lee, art by Gene Colan (as Adam Austin) and Vince Colletta; Sub-Mariner continues his quest for The Trident of Neptune. Sub-Mariner escapes a seaweed menace only to succumb to the stupifying brilliance of the Diamonds of Doom; Back in Atlantis, Krang is fed up with Lady Dorma rebuffing his advances and has her teleported into exile to the land of the Faceless Ones. Within the Monster Dwells a Man!, script by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby and Mike Esposito; The Hulk finally agrees to follow the Leader and the big brained one teleports him out just as Ross destroys Banner's old underground complex; The Leader and the Hulk get to know each other a little better but the jade giant struggles with trying not to change back to Banner as he is still plagued with a bullet in his head that would kill his alter ego. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 79 CGC 9.4

Paper: White

Includes certificate from The Northland Collection.

Label #4388597020

Cover by Jack Kirby and Bill Everett. When Rises the Behemoth, script by Stan Lee, art by Gene Colan (as Adam Austin) and Bill Everett; Little realizing that he is under the control of the Puppet Master, the Army tries to capture Namor for robbing a bank; After being shot in the arm, Namor seeks the healing power of water and winds up in the Hudson River; There he encounters Lady Dorma who has come to the surface world to retrieve him as the Behemoth has awakened and is menacing Atlantis. The Titan and the Torment, script by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby and Bill Everett; Zaxon tries to sap the power of the Hulk for his own nefarious ends but ends up getting himself killed in the process; Free once again, the Hulk rips up some train tracks to throw at pesky fighter jets and wouldn't you know that Hercules just happens to be riding in the oncoming locomotive; Hulk and Herc battle to a standstill before the jade giant leaps off to fight another day. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 79 CBCS 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #22-0FD2B27-036

Cover by Jack Kirby and Bill Everett. When Rises the Behemoth, script by Stan Lee, art by Gene Colan (as Adam Austin) and Bill Everett; Little realizing that he is under the control of the Puppet Master, the Army tries to capture Namor for robbing a bank; After being shot in the arm, Namor seeks the healing power of water and winds up in the Hudson River; There he encounters Lady Dorma who has come to the surface world to retrieve him as the Behemoth has awakened and is menacing Atlantis. The Titan and the Torment, script by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby and Bill Everett; Zaxon tries to sap the power of the Hulk for his own nefarious ends but ends up getting himself killed in the process; Free once again, the Hulk rips up some train tracks to throw at pesky fighter jets and wouldn't you know that Hercules just happens to be riding in the oncoming locomotive; Hulk and Herc battle to a standstill before the jade giant leaps off to fight another day. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 81 CGC 9.2

Paper: Off white to white

Label #1057601007

Cover by Jack Kirby and Bill Everett. When a Monarch Goes Mad!, script by Stan Lee, art by Gene Colan and Dick Ayers; Namor is driven mad by the betrayal of Lady Dorma (she agreed to marry Krang last ish in order to protect the Sub-Mariner from the monstrous Behemoth); Dorma and Krang turn their skin to flesh color and head to the surface world to hide out. The Stage Is Set!, script by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby and Bill Everett; The Secret Empire hires Boomerang to obtain the plans for the Orion missile and the new bad guy on the block heads for gamma base; As Rick, Betty and Glenn are returned to the surface from the underground subterranean kingdom, Boomerang captures Betty to use as a bargaining chip for the missile. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 86 CBCS 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #22-0FD2B27-039

Cover by Gene Colan and Bill Everett. The Wrath of Warlord Krang!, script by Stan Lee, art by Jerry Grandenetti and Bill Everett; Krang sends a giant tidal wave to devastate New York City and then makes an anonymous tip to the Army to tell them that Namor is the culprit. The Birth...of the Hulk-Killer!, script by Stan Lee, art by John Buscema and Mike Esposito (as Mickey Demeo); Banner is hanging on the Orion missile heading for the heart of New York City and is able to change its course before he transforms to the Hulk once again; Military genius that he is, Ross thinks that it is the Hulk who tried to blow up New York and activates the Leader's most powerful Humanoid robot to take on the jade giant. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 91 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4125690025

Cover by Gil Kane. Outside the Gates Waits..Death!, script by Stan Lee, art by Bill Everett and Dan Adkins; As the new ruler of Atlantis, Byrrah has Namor arrested and sent to the dreaded Inferno Isle; Namor battles the lava monster that lives there and returns to Atlantis to seek his vengeance; Meanwhile, back in the undersea kingdom, Dorma has found Byrrah's hypnosis machine that won him the throne and uses it to turn the Atlantean allegiance back to Namor. Whosoever Harms the Hulk..!, script by Stan Lee, art by Gil Kane; Ross and his men try to revive the Hulk after his beating by the Abomnation; Returning from the brink of death, Hulk is about to leave when the pleading Rick Jones causes him to transform back to Banner; Banner uses his knowledge to lure Abomination back to Gamma base with Betty in tow; Hulk and Abomination clash once again; Watching from a distant galaxy, the Stranger realizes that the Abomination is a much better ally than the Hulk and zaps him to his side, ending the battle. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 92 CGC 7.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4411810007

Cover by Don Heck and Dan Adkins. :It Walks Like a Man!, script by Stan Lee, art by Dan Adkins; When a passing ship dumps a radioactive barrel into Namor's realm, he realizes the danger it poses and takes it far away from Atlantis to throw it into a deep crevasse; Little does he know that the radiation in the barrel has awakened an ancient monster who begins to menace both the surface world and the world beneath the waves alike. Turning Point!, script by Stan Lee, art by Marie Severin and Frank Giacoia; Betty bemoans her loss of Bruce; Bruce, in disguise, bemoans his circumstances, then transforms into Hulk who flees his hotel room in typical Hulk fashion - through the wall; Outside, Hulk sees a 'flying saucer' and leaps to bring it down so the aliens can take him far from Earth; What he brings down is not a saucer but the mighty Silver Surfer! 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 92 CBCS 5.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-24C87C6-028

View items consigned by SlabSmart: all items, auctions only

Cover by Don Heck and Dan Adkins. :It Walks Like a Man!, script by Stan Lee, art by Dan Adkins; When a passing ship dumps a radioactive barrel into Namor's realm, he realizes the danger it poses and takes it far away from Atlantis to throw it into a deep crevasse; Little does he know that the radiation in the barrel has awakened an ancient monster who begins to menace both the surface world and the world beneath the waves alike. Turning Point!, script by Stan Lee, art by Marie Severin and Frank Giacoia; Betty bemoans her loss of Bruce; Bruce, in disguise, bemoans his circumstances, then transforms into Hulk who flees his hotel room in typical Hulk fashion - through the wall; Outside, Hulk sees a 'flying saucer' and leaps to bring it down so the aliens can take him far from Earth; What he brings down is not a saucer but the mighty Silver Surfer! 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 93 CBCS 4.0

Paper: White

Label #22-0B385E8-004

View items consigned by SlabSmart: all items, auctions only

Cover by Marie Severin and Frank Giacoia. The Monarch and the Monster, script by Roy Thomas and Dan Adkins; As Namor battles It, torpedoes from the submarine cause an avalanche, trapping It; Namor turns on the submarine and begins to punch holes in it; It (the creature) returns and they battle, further damaging the submarine and (apparently) killing it;The submarine leaves (with the carcass of It) while Namor breaks off, feeling weakness overwhelm him. He Who Strikes the Silver Surfer, script by Stan Lee, art by Marie Severin; Having 'caught' the Silver Surfer (believing him to be an alien starship), Hulk starts a fight with perhaps the only being on Earth stronger than Hulk is; The Surfer, irritated, knocks him out, then probes Hulk to discover the reason for his belligerence and discovers the damage done by the gamma radiation; Just as the Surfer prepares to reverse the damage and return Dr. Banner's life, Hulk wakes up and, seeing the action as an attack, lashes out. 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 98 CBCS 7.5

Paper: Off white

Label #22-0FD2B27-041

Cover by Dan Adkins. To Destroy the Realm Eternal!, script by Roy Thomas, art by Werner Roth and Dan Adkins; Namor returns to Atlantis only to find it under attack by the Plunderer; As the two parties clash, an American sub overhead senses the vibrations and begins to drop depth charges in case it is the Sub-Mariner intent on attacking them; The charges not only take out the Plunderer's sub but also destroy much of the city of Atlantis. The Puppet and the Power!, script by Stan Lee, art by Marie Severin and Herb Trimpe; Brainwashed into thinking that the Living Ligtning members are his friends, Hulk attacks his old enemy Ross and while the military is busy taking on the jade giant, the Lord of the Living Lightning takes over Thunderbolt's base. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 98 FN- 5.5

Cover by Dan Adkins. To Destroy the Realm Eternal!, script by Roy Thomas, art by Werner Roth and Dan Adkins; Namor returns to Atlantis only to find it under attack by the Plunderer; As the two parties clash, an American sub overhead senses the vibrations and begins to drop depth charges in case it is the Sub-Mariner intent on attacking them; The charges not only take out the Plunderer's sub but also destroy much of the city of Atlantis. The Puppet and the Power!, script by Stan Lee, art by Marie Severin and Herb Trimpe; Brainwashed into thinking that the Living Ligtning members are his friends, Hulk attacks his old enemy Ross and while the military is busy taking on the jade giant, the Lord of the Living Lightning takes over Thunderbolt's base. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Tales to Astonish (1959-1968 1st Series) 99 CGC 9.0

Paper: Off white

1/4" tear on 3 pages. Top edge label strip problem (old style slab only).

Label #0103961033

Cover by Marie Severin and Dan Adkins. When the Monster Wakes!, script by Stan Lee, art by Marie Severin and John Tartaglione; With the military base under control of the Lord of the Living Lightning and the threat of a deadly missile barrage looming, it is up to the Hulk and Talbot to retake the instillation and beat back the Living Lightning troops; The Hulk succeeds in stopping his foe but has to blow up the military base to do it. When Falls the Holocaust!, script by Archie Goodwin, art by Dan Adkins; Namor awakens in the ruins of Atlantis only to find that his army has taken off to start a war with the surface world; They plan on activating their latest and most dangerous weapon, the Hurricane Inducer, but the machine has not been tested and Namor fears that it will cause great harm to friend and foe alike; With his subjects already thinking him a traitor for allying with the piratical Plunderer, Namor doesn't do his tarnished rep any favors when he is caught destroying the Atlantean's most powerful weapon. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 83 CGC 4.5 Restored

Restored: B1

Paper: White

Restoration Includes: Small Amount of Color Touch on Cover.

Label #4401539004

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Joe Sinnott. First appearance and origin of Thor in "The Stone Men from Saturn!," script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Joe Sinnott; A lame doctor vacationing in Norway runs across an alien invasion; While hiding from the aliens in a cave he finds an old cane that transforms him into the god Thor; Thor drives back the alien invasion. "Discovery" two-page text story, art by Joe Maneely. "The Perfect Crime," script by Stan Lee, art by Don Heck; A crook tries to kill and rob a man by pushing him off a cliff, but finds that he is a flying man from Mercury. "When the Jungle Sleeps," script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; A lion is given superhuman intelligence by a nuclear test; It plans to attack humanity, but quickly loses its enhanced intelligence. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 87 GD 2.0

Cover and centerfold detached at one staple. Tape on interior cover. Cover oxidation.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. "Prisoner of the Reds!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers; In order to solve the mystery of a rash of defecting American scientists, Dr. Blake uses himself as bait and is abducted by communists. "The Comic" two-page text story. "I Know the Secret of the Sea-Monster!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), art by Paul Reinman; A sea serpent is sighted and causes panic, drawing a military response culminating in a nuclear strike. "The Man on the Endless Stairway," script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; A fugitive runs up a staircase to hide from police, but when he runs back down the staircase descends into hell. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 90 GD/VG 3.0

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. "Trapped By the Carbon-Copy Man!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), art by Al Hartley; The heir to the throne of a race of shape-shifting aliens leads an attack on Earth as his rite of passage; The aliens replace officials in New York and disrupt the government, but Thor discovers their plan and defeats them. "Mystery Mansion" text story. "The Midnight Caller!", script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; In a communist bloc country a fugitive seeks shelter from an elderly couple who grant it to him; The next day they find their shack has been transplanted outside of the iron curtain and repaired to look as new; They regard the event as impossible but their guest says he was merely repaying the kindness shown to a stranger and is revealed to be an angel who was traversing the communist-occupied country for an unknown reason and then he ascends back to heaven. "I Am A Robot!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), art by Joe Sinnott; A criminal steals an advanced robot and uses it to rob a bank, but when he orders it to guard the door of his hideout an error in wording traps him inside permanently. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 91 GD- 1.8

Cover detached and glued to first wrap. Water damage. Oxidation.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. "Sandu, Master of the Supernatural!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), art by Joe Sinnott; Loki gives a greedy carnival mystic magical powers in order to use him to attack Thor; Thor is overcome in their first battle, but with the help of Odin and his belt of strength he defeats Loki's pawn; Jane Foster appearance; first appearance of Odin's Valkyries (cameo). "The Party" text story. "The Seedlings," script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), pencils by Larry Lieber, inks by Sol Brodsky; Alien spores land on Earth and bloom into telepathic plants that would have conquered the world had they not been eaten by crows. "The Manikins!", script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; An odd man works with the manikins in a department store, but becomes upset when one of the female manikins is to be put in a bridal display; The employee disappears and the groom is replaced with a manikin that looks just like him. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 91 FR 1.0 (R)

Restored (see item notes)

RESTORATION. Color touch. 6" Cumulative spine split. Cover detached at one staple and coming loose at the other.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. "Sandu, Master of the Supernatural!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), art by Joe Sinnott; Loki gives a greedy carnival mystic magical powers in order to use him to attack Thor; Thor is overcome in their first battle, but with the help of Odin and his belt of strength he defeats Loki's pawn; Jane Foster appearance; first appearance of Odin's Valkyries (cameo). "The Party" text story. "The Seedlings," script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), pencils by Larry Lieber, inks by Sol Brodsky; Alien spores land on Earth and bloom into telepathic plants that would have conquered the world had they not been eaten by crows. "The Manikins!", script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; An odd man works with the manikins in a department store, but becomes upset when one of the female manikins is to be put in a bridal display; The employee disappears and the groom is replaced with a manikin that looks just like him. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 94 GD+ 2.5

Cover oxidation. Water damage.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Dick Ayers. "Thor and Loki Attack the Human Race!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Robert Bernstein (script), art by Joe Sinnott; Loki uses his magic to cause Thor's hammer to hit his head, turning him evil; Odin and Heimdall appearances. "Bird Talk" two-page text story. "Dinner Time on Deimos!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), art by Larry Lieber; In the future, Earth is overpopulated, and even the very rich must work an hour on a farm each week to produce enough food. "The Gentle Old Man!", script by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko; A greedy landlord is captured by a time traveler who maintains a collection of 'dolls' consisting of miniaturized heartless people from different eras. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 100 VG+ 4.5 (R)

Restored (see item notes)

RESTORATION. Color touch. Water spotting.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Sol Brodsky. "The Master Plan of Mr. Hyde!", script by Stan Lee, art by Don Heck; Mister Hyde kidnaps Don Blake and Jane Foster and then tries to steal a submarine using Jane as a hostage; Jane stops Thor from catching Hyde because she thinks that Don is still in danger; The police realize that Hyde framed Thor for the bank robbery, but Jane's actions convince Odin that she is unworthy of immortality. "Tricky Travel" text story. "The Unreal!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), pencils by Larry Lieber, inks by Matt Fox; A man recounts a dream to a psychiatrist, in which he meets and fights an alien on an expedition; The psychiatrist dismisses the importance of the dream, since the alien "human" that he describes couldn't exist. Fourth "Tales of Asgard" installment, "The Storm Giants!", script by Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Paul Reinman; This is the first "Boyhood of Thor" story; Thor and Loki (as children) defeat three Storm Giants and return the Golden Apples of Iduna. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 102 GD/VG 3.0

Cover oxidation. Water damage. Interior residue.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Sol Brodsky. Loki and the Tomorrow Man seek to make Thor's life miserable in "Slave of Zarrko, the Tomorrow Man!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Chic Stone; Thor helps Zarrko conquer the 23rd century world, but then turns on him and defeats him, winning back Odin's favor. "The Green Hat" text story. "The Menace!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), pencils by Larry Lieber, inks by Matt Fox; An alien lands in a central European village and restrains the villagers while he sets up a weapon; He uses the weapon to drive back an attacking space fleet, and the villagers realize he was actually trying to help them. The first appearance of Heimdall's sister Sif (though with blonde hair) is in the "Tales of Asgard" back-up, "Death Comes to Thor!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Paul Reinman; Thor rescues Sif from Hela, goddess of Death, and earns the right to carry the Hammer of Odin; The story features young Thor, plus the first appearance of Hela, Goddess of Death, and the three Fates. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 103 VG+ 4.5

Oxidation.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by George Roussos. "The Enchantress and the Executioner!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Chic Stone; Loki and Odin conspire to end Thor's infatuation with Jane Foster by sending the Enchantress to seduce him away from his mortal love; The heavy handed Executioner fouls things up and the mission is unsuccessful; features the first appearance of the two title characters. "Poor Oscar" text story. "To Live Forever!", script by Stan Lee (plot) and Larry Lieber (script), pencils by Larry Lieber, inks by Chic Stone; In a future where capital punishment has been abolished, the maximum sentence is 90 years imprisonment; A brilliant scientist decides to find a way to make himself immortal, so he may commit crimes with impunity, but turns himself into a rock. This issue also has a statement of ownership: average print run 318,413; average paid circulation 187,740. "Thor's Mission to Mirmir!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Chic Stone; Thor must reach Mirmir to tell him that Odin has decided it is time to create the human race. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 113 CBCS 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-2FFD315-010

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Chic Stone. Thor reveals his secret identity to Jane Foster in "A World Gone Mad," script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Chic Stone; Thor upsets Odin again by declaring his love for Jane Foster; Don Blake reveals his secret identity to Jane, but she doesn't believe him; He stamps his cane and nothing happens because, unknown to him, Odin has removed the enchantment which allows him to become the God of Thunder; The Grey Gargoyle appears and attacks Don and Jane; They flee; Odin sends Honir the Hunter to aid Blake. Honir distracts the Gargoyle and grants Blake the ability to become Thor for 30 seconds, long enough to defeat the Gargoyle; Balder appearance. "Tales of Asgard" back-up: "The Boyhood of Loki!" Script by Lee, pencils by Kirby, inks by Vince Colletta; Origin of Loki continued; Thor defends Loki after Loki is caught engaging in mystical mischief; Loki resents Thor's popularity and physical superiority vowing that, one day, Thor must be destroyed! The Merry Marvel Marching Society promo. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 115 VG 4.0

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Chic Stone. "The Vengeance of the Thunder God," script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Frank Giacoia (as Frankie Ray); Thor rescues Jane from Loki; Odin appears and accuses Thor of bringing Jane to Asgard; Loki denies all involvement and Thor calls him a liar; Odin orders the Trial of the Gods, but first Thor is granted 48 hours in which to defeat the Absorbing Man; Aided by reporter Harris Hobbs and a courageous police unit, Thor tricks Creel into absorbing some helium gas. The origin of Loki continues in this "Tales of Asgard" back-up, "A Viper in Our Midst!", script by Lee, pencils by Kirby, inks by Vince Colletta. "Tales of Asgard" back-up, "A Viper in Our Midst!" Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Vince Colletta; Loki aids the giant, Ghan, in escaping from the Asgardians; Ghan owes Loki a debt of gratitude; Loki plans to ask him to repay the favor when he makes his bid to claim the throne of Asgard; features young Thor and Loki. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.12.