Auctions: comic books in 'Spider-Man Clone Saga'

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 144 CGC 9.6

Paper: White

Label #4478558017

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.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 147 CGC 9.2

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4495160005

"The Tarantula is a Very Deadly Beast!" Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by Mike Esposito and Dave Hunt (backgrounds). Cover by John Romita Sr. Following his adventure in the Everglades (in Giant-Size Spider-Man 5), the wondrous wall-crawler returns to New York City! However everything is just as chaotic as when he left, thanks to the Gwen Stacy clone...and the Tarantula! The South American super-villain ambushes the spectacular one on the streets of Manhattan! And after a short skirmish, the Tarantula throws the web-slinger into a city bus! But this is no ordinary bus! For the driver is the Jackal...and the only passenger is Gwen Stacy! As for the bus' destination? Try the Brooklyn Bridge! Oh no, are the sins of the past coming back to haunt your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man? Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Ned Leeds, Aunt May, Anna Watson, and J. Jonah Jameson. Flashback cameo by Ben Parker. (Note: The Tarantula previously appeared in Amazing Spider-Man 135. The letters page includes Marvel Value Stamp series A #42 Man-Wolf by Gil Kane and Mike Esposito. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 124.) 32 pages. 25c cover price. Cover price $0.25.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 151 CGC 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4400758003

"Skirmish Beneath the Streets!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Len Wein. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by John Romita Sr., Mike Esposito, Frank Giacoia, and Dave Hunt (backgrounds). Cover by John Romita Sr. One of the best Spider-Man covers of the bronze age kicks off a new era for the wondrous wall-crawler! And JJJ begins the fun by hosting a party in honor of Ned and Betty's engagement! The flattop curmudgeon is in rare form and about to make a speech when the lights suddenly go out! What happened to the NYC power grid? Maybe it was a shock(er) to the system! The web-slinger descends into the sewers to find out! Appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Flash Thompson, Harry Osborn, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, J. Jonah Jameson, and Joe Robertson. (Notes: In this issue Spider-Man disposes of his clone's body at the Brooklyn incinerating plant before attending Jonah's party. Thus ending the saga of the Spider-Clone. Or so Spidey and all his fans thought. The Shocker previously appeared in Amazing Spider-Man 72. The cover to this issue is a homage to the classic cover of Amazing Spider-Man 33. Len Wein begins his memorable two-and-a-half year run as the writer of the Amazing Spider-Man title. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 128.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.25.

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 151 FN 6.0

"Skirmish Beneath the Streets!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Len Wein. Pencils by Ross Andru. Inks by John Romita Sr., Mike Esposito, Frank Giacoia, and Dave Hunt (backgrounds). Cover by John Romita Sr. One of the best Spider-Man covers of the bronze age kicks off a new era for the wondrous wall-crawler! And JJJ begins the fun by hosting a party in honor of Ned and Betty's engagement! The flattop curmudgeon is in rare form and about to make a speech when the lights suddenly go out! What happened to the NYC power grid? Maybe it was a shock(er) to the system! The web-slinger descends into the sewers to find out! Appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Flash Thompson, Harry Osborn, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, J. Jonah Jameson, and Joe Robertson. (Notes: In this issue Spider-Man disposes of his clone's body at the Brooklyn incinerating plant before attending Jonah's party. Thus ending the saga of the Spider-Clone. Or so Spidey and all his fans thought. The Shocker previously appeared in Amazing Spider-Man 72. The cover to this issue is a homage to the classic cover of Amazing Spider-Man 33. Len Wein begins his memorable two-and-a-half year run as the writer of the Amazing Spider-Man title. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 128.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.25.

Web of Spider-Man (1985 1st Series) 118D CGC 9.8

Paper: White

Label #3985810025

First Printing. Direct Edition. "Exiles Return Part 1 of 4: Memories" Written by Terry Kavanagh. Pencils by Steve Butle. Inks by Randy Emberlin. Venom and Clone appear. Note: First appearance of Ben Reilly as the Scarlet Spider. Cover price $1.50.

Web of Spider-Man (1985 1st Series) 118D CGC 9.2

Paper: White

Label #4495147012

First Printing. Direct Edition. "Exiles Return Part 1 of 4: Memories" Written by Terry Kavanagh. Pencils by Steve Butle. Inks by Randy Emberlin. Venom and Clone appear. Note: First appearance of Ben Reilly as the Scarlet Spider. Cover price $1.50.

Web of Spider-Man (1985 1st Series) 118D CGC 9.0

Paper: White

Slab: Significant front/back scuff(s)

Label #4073181008

First Printing. Direct Edition. "Exiles Return Part 1 of 4: Memories" Written by Terry Kavanagh. Pencils by Steve Butle. Inks by Randy Emberlin. Venom and Clone appear. Note: First appearance of Ben Reilly as the Scarlet Spider. Cover price $1.50.