Auctions: comic books November 1969

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 78 GD+ 2.5

Water damage.

First appearance of the Prowler in "The Night of the Prowler!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Stan Lee. Art by John Buscema (layouts) and Jim Mooney (finishes). Cover by John Romita. In order to make a name for himself, a down on his luck window washer named Hobie Brown becomes a super-villain. And using his own ideas and equipment, Hobie creates weapons and a costume -- and the Prowler is born! In the meantime, Peter Parker is also feeling downtrodden after seeing Gwen Stacy and Flash Thompson having coffee together. Later that evening, Peter stops by the Daily Bugle hoping for a payday advance. But instead he sees the Prowler stealing the Bugle's payroll bag! And suddenly it's the Prowler vs. Peter Parker...with J. Jonah Jameson standing by! Origin of the Prowler. Cameo appearances by Harry Osborn, Joe Robertson, and Mindy Brown. (Note: This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales #59.) 36 pages. Cover price $0.15.

Fantastic Four (1961 1st Series) 92 FN 6.0

"Ben Grimm, Killer!" Part 3 of 4. Written by Stan Lee. Pencils by Jack Kirby. Inks by Joe Sinnott. Cover by Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott. Trapped on the planet Kral in the Skrull galaxy, Ben Grimm waits for his turn in the arena of death! The Thing's scheduled opponent is his cellmate, Torgo! The powerful mechanoid from the planet Mekka! At the Great Games, the Thing will fight for Boss Barker's cartel, while Torgo will battle for Lippy Louie's racket! But is there any chance Ben could convince Torgo to fight with him for life…instead of against him for death? Meanwhile back on Earth, Reed surmises that the Skrulls must be behind Ben's disappearance! Can Mr. Fantastic, Crystal, and the Human Torch reach Kral before the death-duel begins? Cameo appearance by the Invisible Girl. (Notes: The letters page includes a letter from comics publisher Howard Keltner of Star-Studded comics fanzine fame.) 36 pgs. Cover price $0.15.

Peter the Little Pest (1969) 1 FN 6.0

Water spotting.

Written by Stan Lee. Art by Joe Maneely. Contents (1-page and half-page stories) reprinted from the series Melvin the Monster (1956 Atlas). Melvin becomes Peter, his hair recolored from blond to red. All signed credits for Stan Lee (writer) and Joe Maneely (artist) were removed from the reprints. Cover of this issue is an altered version of Joe Maneely's cover for Melvin the Monster (1956 Atlas) #3. 32 pages, full color. Cover price $0.15.

THUNDER Agents (1965 Tower) 20 VG+ 4.5

Cover by Chic Stone. Stories and art by Wally Wood, Reed Crandall, Chic Stone, Tim Battersby, Bill Pearson, John Giunta, Joe Coleman, Steve Skeates, Frank Giacoia, Mike Sekowsky, and Dan Adkins. The cult-favorite super-team saga from Tower Comics features neat powers, bizarre villains, and great art by some comics legends. Special agents for the UN agency THUNDER find that Professor Jennings has been murdered by the forces of the mysterious Warlord. The scientist's "Thunderbelt" gives THUNDER Agent Dynamo superhuman strength and invulnerability, but only for thirty minutes at a time. When Baron Von Kampf's Deadly Dust slows THUNDER to a crawl, the scientists respond with a super-speed suit, and the hero Lightning is born. Dynamo travels to "Vietnesia" to face the forces of the Red Dragon. The Origin of Thunder Agent Dynamo; The Return of the Iron Maiden; NoMan Faces the Thread of the Amazing Vibraman; The Deadly Dust; The Menace of the Red Dragon. Final issue of the original series. 48 pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.25.

Uncanny X-Men (1963 1st Series) 62 GD/VG 3.0

Water damage.

1st Printing. Cover pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Tom Palmer. Strangers...In a Savage Land!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Neal Adams, inks by Tom Palmer; Angel searches for Sauron and ends up in the Savage Land where he is attacked by flying dinosaurs; He is rescued by Magneto and restored to health; The rest of the X-Men arrive in the Savage Land and hook up with Ka-Zar; Angel does not recognize Magneto who presents himself as a benefactor and protector of the Savage Land mutants. 32 pgs. $0.15. NOTE: 1994 JC Penney reprint exists. Can be identified by having a Stridex ad on the back cover. Cover price $0.15.

Witching Hour (1969 DC) 5 VG- 3.5

Signed by Berni Wrightson (interior). Certification not included.

3-page prologue/epilogue with art by Alex Toth. Stories: "The Sole Survivor!" (art by Berni Wrightson; 7 pages); "A Guy Can Die Laughing!"; and "My! How Small You've Grown!" (art by Sid Greene). One-page text story, "The Non-Believer!" Nick Cardy cover. 36 Pages, Full Color. Cover price $0.15.