Auctions: comic books May 1968, graded by CBCS

Avengers (1963 1st Series) 52 CBCS 6.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #22-0F04F41-002

First appearance of the Grim Reaper in "Death Calls for the Arch-Heroes!" Script by Roy Thomas. Pencils by John Buscema. Inks by Vince Colletta. Cover by John Buscema. The Black Panther arrives at Avengers Mansion ready to join Earth's Mightiest Heroes! However when T'Challa reaches the main meeting room, he finds his three would-be teammates lying on the floor unconscious! The panther begins to render first aid, but Jasper Sitwell suddenly appears and arrests him for murder! While being transported to and questioned at the local police station, T'Challa puts the evening's strange pieces together! And the newest avenger rushes back to the mansion to face the true perpetrator! Wow, the Black Panther vs. the Grim Reaper! What a debut for the superhero and the super-villain! Cameo appearances by the Black Widow, Tony Stark, Captain America, and Thor. Flashback cameo by Wonder Man to recap the events of Avengers #9. Avengers Lineup: Black Panther, Goliath, Hawkeye, and the Wasp. (Notes: The Grim Reaper (aka Eric Williams) returns in Avengers #78 to continue his quest for revenge. The letters page includes a letter from comics writer Mike Uslan. This issue was reprinted in Marvel Triple Action #44.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.12.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 74 CBCS 6.5 Restored

Slight amateur restoration

Paper: Off white to white

Amateur Restoration includes: small amount of color touch on cover.

Label #22-0DDC39E-021

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Joe Sinnott. The Silver Surfer, Galactus, and Crystal (of the Inhumans) guest star in When Calls Galactus, script by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (co-plot), pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by Joe Sinnott; Galactus dispatches his Punisher to retrieve the Surfer who is protected by the FF. Letters to the editor from comics writers Don McGregor and Tony Isabella. Kirby/Sinnott cover. Reprinted in Marvel's Greatest Comics # 56. Cover price $0.12.

Iron Man (1968 1st Series) 1 CBCS 6.5 SS Gene Colan

Paper: Off white to white

Verified Signature: Glen Colan.

Label #22-2CDA734-002

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Cover pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Mike Esposito. "Alone Against AIM," script by Archie Goodwin, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Johnny Craig; Iron Man is captured by A.I.M using a suction beam and trapped in a submarine by orders of Mordius; Meanwhile A.I.M. soldiers are gloating about how they have sunk The Maggias gambling ship and destroyed their leadership; The Golden Avenger is knocked out by gas while back on the sinking Maggia ship Jasper Sitwell is evacuating the passengers; Sitwell stumbles upon Whitney Frost whom he recognises from Stark Industries as one of Tonys admirers; Sitwell rescues Frost and they are taken aboard a S.H.I.E.L.D. helicopter where Nick Fury awaits; When alone Frost reveals herself to be The Big M, leader of The Maggia, and her plan to use Sitwell to learn the secrets of Stark Industries. Continued between Iron Man and Sub-Mariner #1 and Avengers #51. "The Origin of Iron Man," script by Archie Goodwin, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Johnny Craig; An abridged retelling of Iron Man's origin from Tales of Suspense #39. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Iron Man (1968 1st Series) 1 CBCS 5.0

Paper: Cream to off white

Label #22-104DFEE-003

Cover pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Mike Esposito. "Alone Against AIM," script by Archie Goodwin, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Johnny Craig; Iron Man is captured by A.I.M using a suction beam and trapped in a submarine by orders of Mordius; Meanwhile A.I.M. soldiers are gloating about how they have sunk The Maggias gambling ship and destroyed their leadership; The Golden Avenger is knocked out by gas while back on the sinking Maggia ship Jasper Sitwell is evacuating the passengers; Sitwell stumbles upon Whitney Frost whom he recognises from Stark Industries as one of Tonys admirers; Sitwell rescues Frost and they are taken aboard a S.H.I.E.L.D. helicopter where Nick Fury awaits; When alone Frost reveals herself to be The Big M, leader of The Maggia, and her plan to use Sitwell to learn the secrets of Stark Industries. Continued between Iron Man and Sub-Mariner #1 and Avengers #51. "The Origin of Iron Man," script by Archie Goodwin, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Johnny Craig; An abridged retelling of Iron Man's origin from Tales of Suspense #39. 36 pgs., full color. $0.12. Cover price $0.12.

Sub-Mariner (1968 1st Series) 1 CBCS 3.5 SS Roy Thomas

Paper: Off white to white

Slab: Other - see grading notes

Verified Signature: Roy Thomas. Top right corner is cracked.

Label #20-30D57EF-005

"Years of Glory, Day of Doom!" Guest-starring the Fantastic Four. Written by Roy Thomas. Art by John Buscema and Frank Giacoia. Imperius Rex! Witness the startling origin of Prince Namor. Plus, how can the scion of Atlantis defeat a foe who can read his thoughts and knows his every move before he does? 36 pages, full color. Cover price $0.12.