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.

Captain Marvel (1968 1st Series Marvel) 43 CGC 8.0

Paper: White

Label #4427246012

Cover pencils by Al Milgrom, inks by Bernie Wrightson. "Destroy! Destroy!" script by Steve Englehart (plot; script) and Al Milgrom (plot), art by Al Milgrom; The Supreme Intelligence subtly guides Captain Marvel and Drax the Destroyer towards a meeting on a desolate moon; Mar-Vell and Rick Jones arrive first, their spacefaring robot mule having gone haywire due to the Supreme Intelligence's machinations; While Mar-Vell attempts to figure out what's wrong with the mule, Rick flies off to practice with his Nega-Band and sees the girl from the saloon, who beckons him to follow her; Drax finds Mar-Vell and attacks, blaming him for robbing him of the chance to destroy Thanos. Letter to the editor from comic writer Jo Duffy. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series B # 60 (Conan by Barry Windsor-Smith). 36 pgs., full color. 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.

Tomb of Dracula (1972 1st Series) 42 CGC 8.5

Paper: White

Label #4419904005

Blade the Vampire Slayer and Doctor Sun guest star in "A Final Battle Waged!" Script by Marv Wolfman, pencils by Gene Colan, inks by Tom Palmer. Letters to the editor from writer Frank Lovece and comics writer Ralph Macchio. The letters page also contains Marvel Value Stamp series B # 43 (the Silver Surfer by Jack Kirby). Colan/Palmer cover. Cover price $0.25.

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.