Auctions: comic books October 1969

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 77 CBCS 8.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #16-A121F92-005

"In the Blaze of Battle!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring the Human Torch. Plot by John Buscema. Script by Stan Lee. Art by John Buscema (layouts) and Jim Mooney (finishes). Cover by John Romita. In the nick of time, the Human Torch arrives to interrupt the Lizard's attack! The web-slinger should be overjoyed, but he's not! Because Johnny Storm might accidentally hurt the Lizard during the fight. So as a result a confusing three-way battle takes place across the city! The Human Torch vs. the Lizard; Spider-Man vs. the Human Torch; and the Lizard vs. Spider-Man! How can the wall-crawler make sure everyone walks away a winner? Appearances by Billy Connors and Martha Connors. (Notes: Spider-Man tangles with the Lizard again in Amazing Spider-Man 102. The letters page includes a letter from comics writer Don McGregor. This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales #58.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.15.

Captain Marvel (1968 1st Series Marvel) 17 CGC 9.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #4419920005

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Dan Adkins. First full appearance of the new Captain Marvel in "And a Child Shall Lead You!", script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Dan Adkins; Trapped in the Negative Zone, Mar-Vell is told by the Supreme Intelligence that he is trapped in this realm due to his blind quest for revenge against Yon-Rogg; However, he offers Mar-Vell a way to potentially free himself and directs his mind towards Earth and to the plight of young Rick Jones, who had just been rejected by his partner Captain America; (Unknown to Rick, Cap had forcefully switched bodies with the Red Skull.); He follows Rick as he returned to Avengers Mansion one last time to collect his things and start hitting the road again; When Jones gets close to an ancient Kree station which contains the Nega Bands, Mar-Vell conjures up an image of Captain America to lure Rick Jones to the bands; There Mar-Vell contacts Jones and explains his plight and that the Bands would allow them to temporarily switch places; Given the opportunity to become a super-hero, Rick accepts and puts on the Nega Bands; Clashing them together he and Mar-Vell change places. Cameos by the Hulk, the Avengers (Thor, Captain America, Iron Man,and Giant Man), and the Red Skull. Letter to the editor from comics historian Peter Sanderson. 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.15.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 91 CBCS 3.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-24C87C6-013

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"The Thing Enslaved!" Part 2 of 4. Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by Jack Kirby. Inks by Joe Sinnott. Cover by Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott. Millions of miles from Earth, Ben Grimm is a prisoner of the Skrulls! What diabolical destiny do the Skrulls have planned for Aunt Petunia's nephew? How about turning the Thing into a modern day Roman gladiator! But before the Thing takes his turn in the ring, he's sold into slavery to a Roaring 20's gangster! What in the world, make that what in the galaxy is going on?! Is the strongest member of the Fantastic Four lost in both time and (outer) space? First appearance of Torgo. Cameo appearances by Alicia Masters, Crystal, and Franklin. (Note: The letters page includes a letter from comics writer Don McGregor.) 32 pages Cover price $0.15.

Laugh Comics (1946 Archie 1st Series) 223 CBCS 4.0

Paper: Off white to white

Label #21-24C87C6-015

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"Going to the Dogs"; Archie takes a temporary weekend job at Karter's Kennels to be able to afford to take Veronica to the prom. "The Paws That Refreshes" with That Wilkin Boy; Rebel starts howling while the guys are practicing at the beach, so Teddy tries to get rid of him. "Shoo Fly," script and art by Joe Edwards; Jinx lets a fly in the house and then tries to get rid of it. Li'l Jinx Pen Pals, art by Joe Edwards. Betty and Veronica Pin Up. "Club Date," script and pencils by Al Hartley, inks by Jon D'Agostino; When two boys who are visiting Riverdale ask about a private club they can join short-term, Veronica pretends that her backyard is the "Lodge Pool and Cabana Club." 36 pgs., full color. Cover price $0.15.

Silver Surfer (1968 1st Series) 9 CBCS 8.5

Paper: Off white to white

Label #24-07FA31A-006

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"...To Steal the Soul of the Silver Surfer!" Part 2 of 2. Written by Stan Lee. Art by John Buscema and Dan Adkins. The embodiment of evil in the Marvel Universe, Mephisto, has sent a powerful force for evil to bring him the soul of the Silver Surfer. Cover price $0.15.

Thor (1962 Marvel 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) 169 VG 4.0

Water damage.

Cover pencils by Jack Kirby and John Romita (central Thor image), inks by George Klein and John Romita (central Thor image). "The Awesome Answer!", script by Stan Lee, pencils by Jack Kirby, inks by George Klein; Thor, always honorable, is deemed worthy to hear the origin of Galactus; Out of mortal death, comes a rebirth of cosmic energy; The history of Galactus, as told by Galactus, revealed to Marvel readers at long last! Appearances by Balder, Hogun, Fandral, Volstagg, the Watcher, the Thermal Man, and Odin. Letter to the editor from book and comics retailer Bud Plant. 36 pgs., full color. $0.15. Cover price $0.15.