Auctions: comic books March 1976

Amazing Spider-Man (1963 1st Series) 154 CBCS 9.2

Paper: White

Label #21-279BDC8-007

"The Sandman Always Strikes Twice" Script by Len Wein. Pencils by Sal Buscema. Inks by Mike Esposito and Dave Hunt (backgrounds). Cover by John Romita. The Sandman is back on the block! And stealing an experimental cryogenic converter for a mysterious crime boss! The charter member of the Frightful Four easily breaks into the research complex! But instead of absconding with the converter, the Sandman lays a trap for the spectacular one (to even the score after his defeat in Marvel Team-Up 40)! When the web-slinger shows up, the showdown begins! It's another rock 'em sock 'em battle between the Amazing Spider-Man and the Sandman! Cameo appearances by Doctor Octopus and the Kingpin. (Notes: The Sandman appears next in Fantastic Four 176. The letters page includes letters from comics historian Peter Sanderson and comics publisher Dean Mullaney respectively. This issue contains a full-page ad for Hostess Cupcakes featuring Peter Parker, Mary Jane, and Man-Mountain Marko. The letters page also includes Marvel Value Stamp series B #49 Fantastic Four by John Buscema and Joe Sinnott. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 131.) 32 pages. Cover price $0.25.

Detective Comics (1937 1st Series) 457 VG+ 4.5

First 30-cent cover-price. Origin retold and updated in "There Is No Hope in Crime Alley!", script by Denny O'Neil, pencils by Dick Giordano, inks by Dick Giordano and Terry Austin (backgrounds); Every night on this date, Batman abandons all other crimes and missions and secretly heads to visit Leslie Thompkins; En route, Batman stops a car radio theft and two muggings; When one of the muggers pulls a gun on him in Crime Alley, Batman loses his temper and knocks the mugger silly while having a flashback of his parents' murder and his "rescue" by a young Leslie Thompkins. "Make Way for the Elongated Woman!", script by Bob Rozakis, art by Kurt Schaffenberger; Previously while fighting the siblings, Ralph's powers wear off and he is captured; The villains demand he write Sue a note to bring him the source of his powers for the villains to use; He agrees but asks Sue to bring special rubber tree bark. Sue buys accordian arms and collapsible stilts, used under one of Ralph's costumes to make it look like she has the same powers (in truth, Sue is allergic to gingold). Superman is featured in a one-page public service announcement, "Justice For All Includes Children!", art by Neal Adams. Captain Marvel stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "The Cup Cake Caper," art by Curt Swan. 36 pgs., full color. $0.30.

NOTE: "Detective Comics (2016) #1000 features a direct sequel to the featured story of this issue - "There Is No Hope in Crime Alley!" - by Denny O'Neil and Steve Epting." - Odinson, mycomicshop.com Archivist Cover price $0.30.

Werewolf by Night (1972 1st Series) 37 FN- 5.5

"Final Ending!" Guest-starring Moon Knight. Written by Doug Moench. Art by Don Perlin. Can even the werewolf survive the combined assault of his three deadliest foes - Moon Knight, the Hangman, and Dr. Glitternight?! This is it! Everything the past 36 issues of Werewolf by Night have been building up to comes to a head! Don't miss the stunning, soul-chilling conclusion! 32 pages, FC. Cover price $0.25.