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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 1 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #1 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
1050443002
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Owner Comments
The issue that started Spectacular Spider-Man! On display are two issues!
01. CGC Blue Label Example 9.8 WP Notation, Located in Cove City, North Carolina
02. CGC Yellow Label CGC 9.8 WP Signed by: Stan Lee, Mike Esposito, John Romita Sr, Sal Buscema
Special Thanks to eBayer: comic-dude1978
KEY NOTES ON THIS BOOK:
I knew this book at one time was real, and I consulted many experts on the whereabouts. One CGC forum member, was very helpful, and was unsure it really existed. He even said, "You could be hunting a "White Whale", it made me laugh, and it stuck. Upon locating it, and purchasing the book, I made sure to give credit, where credit is due. So, that is why this book is dubbed the "White Whale." - Thanks Sean!
The Crown of the set originated from Clearwater, Florida. A member of the CGC Community called it...
"The White Whale"
A fitting name, The Example presented here, was signed respectively by several of the great members of the Marvel Elite. I can confirm it is the only x5 Signature Spectacular Spider-Man #1 in CGC 9.8 Grade. Like a crazy man, I have worked hard to catalogue all 124 Signature Series CGC 9.8 books (at the time of this post). I scoured the internet, and using GPA, eBay, HA Auctions, Comic Link and other sources, I tracked every single SS copy in CGC 9.8 WP Grade. I can confirm all 124 Certification Numbers, and this is it! A side note in case you are wondering, Stan Lee signed x109 of the CGC Graded 9.8 SS Copies. He sure loved the fans!
Signed by Stan Lee. 07.22.2010 (D: 11.12.2018)
Signed by Mike Esposito 07.11.2010 (D: 10.24.2010)
Signed by John Romita Sr 01.28.2011
Signed by Sal Buscema. 02.06.2012
Signed by Gerry Conway 01.09.2022
~ TITLE: SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN 1976 - 1998 | #1 - 263 + Annuals, Variants, Special Editions, and Reprints. It begins here! ~
This set is dedicated to all the fans of Spider-Man, and I want to make sure I thank everyone who was part of this special journey. Putting this set together has been fun, the covers and stories take us through special times in our lives, some good, some bad. Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-Man was a phenomenal title, and certainly one of the best. Always remember, you cannot be AMAZING, without SPECTACULAR!
Make sure to check out the set! I put characters, and special notes throughout the collection. I would love to hear any feedback you have!
STORY: "Twice Stings the Tarantula!"
Part 1 of 3.
Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Sal Buscema. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Sal Buscema and John Romita. The first issue of a brand-new series for Spider-Man! The story opens with a bang as the Tarantula kidnaps the Empire State University vice-chancellor, despite the best efforts of the web-slinger, Flash Thompson, and Mary Jane Watson! Next, the Tarantula tries to kill the mayor, but this time the Spectacular Spider-Man is ready! Can the wall-crawler beat the Tarantula and save Mayor Abe Beame? First appearance of Edward Lansky (aka Lightmaster). (Notes: The Spectacular Spider-Man series became the third monthly title for Spider-Man. The first issue of the series debuted the same month as Amazing Spider-Man 163 and Marvel Team-Up 52. The letters page contains an essay from Gerry Conway describing the plans for the new Spider-Man title.) 32 pages Cover price $0.30.
~ THE DESERT WIND “WHITE WHALE” SAGA ~
Story of the 5th and final signature...
04.15.2020 – I have trusted the “White Whale” in the care of Desert Wind Comics and Collectables in Arizona. They are currently hard at work to get Gerry Conway’s final signature. I am praying it will retain its coveted 9.8 Grade and forever be the one and only copy signed by Lee, Esposito, Romita Sr, Buscema, and Conway. I took my time choosing a trusted host for this book. I spoke to Chandler a few weeks ago, he was very kind, and assured me the book would be in the hands of a great team.
07.10.2020 - (Waiting for the “White Whale” to return unharmed with the 5th and final Signature). A Side note for respective DWC customers thinking about getting precious books signed. The communication by Sharon and team has been incredible. Top marks for customer service!
02.17.2021 - The book continues to be in the care of Desert Wind. Unfortunately, the Signature was “smudged". Lauren, and Kristine, are hard at work. They recommended, Gerry "go back over his signature" to hopefully make it look better. DCW, is working to make the second signature repair the first. I am so sad, and utterly heartbroken this happened. Hopefully it retains the coveted 9.8 WP Grade and returns safely. I will keep everyone posted.
05.18.2021 - The Pandemic has made things complicated. I just recieved a picture of the "smudged" signature. These things happen! I highly advise doing your homework before you submit books. Thank goodness I have, DWC to handle the next steps. Thank you Lauren!
11.21.2021 - Still waiting for a Gerry spotting! He's out there somewhere, where are you, Gerry? I hear you are coming to my area. (2 Hours away!). Lauren, at DWC is gonna find him! I know it!
02.22.2022 - Lauren DWC Office Manager! Thank you! You pulled it off! Gerry has signed the book (again), and now it is off to find out the result. Two years later, the book that I searched for years to find, finally is on its way back.
06.28.2022 - The "White Whale" has returned from its mission. The fifth and final signature with Gerry Conway! The book was/is an exceptional example, and it retained the coveted CGC 9.8 WP Grade! The light smudge adds to the character of the book, almost like a fingerprint of the great Conway! Thank you for all the effort DWC, and Gerry! I am super grateful for the assistance that everyone provided in making this possible. DWC did the best they could under all circumstance. With the passing of Chandler, to the craze of the pandemic. They shined under the most adverse conditions. Thank you again, Lauren, Sharon, and team!
The photo has been updated! 06.28.2022!
MEMORY LANE and FUN FACTS: What happened in 1976?
When Spectacular Spider-Man hit the shelves in December of 1976. It was a special year because Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak formed Apple Computer, Rocky hit the theaters, Jimmy Carter became the President of the United States. NASA unveils the first Space shuttle named "The Enterprise". The average cost of a new house was $43,400 A gallon of Gas cost 59 Cents. Average rent was $220, Average US Income per year was $16,000.
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 2 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #2 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
1993336009
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Owner Comments
Blue Label: CGC 9.8 WP Notation
Located: Santa Clara, California
STORY: "Kraven Is The Hunter!"
Part 2 of 3.
Kraven and the Tarantula team up to kidnap the Empire State University chancellor. When Peter Parker hears about the abduction, the web-slinger rushes to ESU to investigate, but the hunter is lying in wait! Kraven and the Spectacular Spider-Man battle from Central Park to the top of a movie theater marquee! And there the wall-crawler will come eye-to-eye with Kraven...and his sharp hunting knife! Meanwhile at the Daily Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson hires Glory Grant to be his new secretary. Cameo appearances by Dr. Curt Connors and Edward Lansky. The Hulk stars in a one-page Hostess ad, "The Green Thumb." (Note: The letters page features an essay from Gerry Conway.) 32 pages Cover price $0.30.
Script by Gerry Conway. Pencils by Sal Buscema. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Al Milgrom and Frank Giacoia.
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 3 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #3 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0908155032
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Owner Comments
Blue Label CGC 9.8 WP Notation
Located In: Topeka, Kansas
STORY: "And There Was Lightmaster!" Part 3 of 3.
At last the mastermind behind the ESU kidnappings and the city hall attacks stands revealed! It's a new villain...Lightmaster! Who is he? And what is his connection to Empire State University? Spider-Man will have to find out in order to turn off the Lightmaster! Cameo appearance by the Tarantula. (Note: The issue includes a half-page ad for What If issue 1: "What If Spider-Man Joined the Fantastic Four?") 32 pages Cover price $0.30.
Plot by Gerry Conway. Script by Jim Shooter. Pencils by Sal Buscema. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Al Milgrom.
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 4 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #4 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
1322334002
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Owner Comments
Blue Label in CGC 9.8 White Page Notation
Located: Buffalo, New York
Signature Series
Yellow Label: 1 of 3 Known Signature Series issues. This one is Signed by Stan Lee and Sal Buscema Located in Los Angeles, California.
STORY: "The Vulture is a Bird of Prey!"
Part 1 of 2.
It's the long-awaited return of the Vulture! And the old villain is still craving revenge against Spider-Man! The Vulture perches several hostages on top of a skyscraper and dares the web-slinger to rescue them. The wall-crawler and the Vulture are in the middle of another classic battle, when suddenly the duo is interrupted by...the Hitman! First appearance of the Hitman. (Notes: The Vulture previously appeared in Amazing Spider-Man 64. The red-haired woman on the cover is not Mary Jane Watson.) 32 pages Cover price $0.30.
Script by Archie Goodwin. Pencils by Sal Buscema. Inks by Mike Esposito.
Also available in this issue is the "Diamond Variant" see below for details...
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 5 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #5 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
1006783002
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Owner Comments
Blue Label in CGC 9.8 White Page Notation.
Located: Cove City, North Carolina
STORY: "Spider-Kill!"
Part 2 of 2.
An awesome three-way battle rages outside Peter Parker's apartment! The Vulture vs. the Hitman vs. the Spectacular Spider-Man! As the cover shows, the situation looks grim for the web-slinger as he dangles in midair with the Vulture closing in and the Hitman lining up the kill shot! Will the spectacular one survive? Meanwhile, Flash Thompson and Mary Jane Watson investigate the mysterious reappearance of Sha Shan. (Note: The Hitman returns in Amazing Spider-Man 174.) 32 pages Cover price $0.30
Script by Archie Goodwin. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by Dave Cockrum.
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 6 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #6 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
1322334004
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Owner Comments
Blue Label in CGC 9.8 WP Notation
Located: Cove City, North Carolina
Signature Series Example in CGC 9.8 WP Notation: Signed by Stan Lee, and Sal Buscema
1 of 3 Known Signature Copies.
Located: Los Angeles, California
STORY: "The Power to Purge!"
This issue reprints most of Marvel Team-Up 3 where Spider-Man and the Human Torch teamed up to battle Morbius the Living Vampire. The first two pages and the last page of this issue are new story and art. The web-slinger is feeling sick and reflects on the last time he felt this way (MTU 3). Cameo appearance by Morbius. (Note: The artist for the three new pages is not credited.) 32 pages Cover price $0.30.
Script by Gerry Conway. Art by Ross Andru and Frank Giacoia. Cover by Al Milgrom.
Also available in this issue is the "Diamond Variant" see below for details...
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 7 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #7 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
1322334005
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Owner Comments
Blue Label in CGC 9.8 WP Notation
Located: Cove City, North Carolina
Yellow Label in CGC 9.8 WP Signed By: Stan Lee & Sal Buscema
1 of 2 Known Signature Series Copies
Located: Los Angeles, California
STORY: "Cry Mayhem, Cry Morbius!"
Part 1 of 2.
Morbius has returned to New York City! And the blood-lusting vampire chooses Glory Grant as his first victim! When Peter Parker sees the living vampire abscond with Glory, the web-slinger swings into action! It's a death-defying battle across the rooftops of Manhattan for the Spectacular Spider-Man! Can the wall-crawler save Glory, much less himself, from the fangs of Morbius? Cameo appearance by Mary Jane Watson. (Note: A 35-cent cover price variant exists for this issue.) 32 pages Cover price $0.30.
Script by Archie Goodwin. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns) and Jim Mooney (finishes). Cover by Dave Cockrum and Al Milgrom.
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 7 35 Price Variant |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #7 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.4 |
| Cert #: |
2025431006
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Owner Comments
Blue Label in CGC 9.4 OWP Tied for Highest Known CGC Grade!
Located: San Antonio, Texas
Special thanks to the Alien Worlds Comics of San Antonio Texas. They sold me this rare book and I appreciate the great customer service. Make sure to check them out! Ebay name: alienworldscollectibles
I am still hunting this issue, in CGC 9.8 Grade. If you think you have a better example, please let me know. Thank you!
STORY: "Cry Mayhem, Cry Morbius!"
Part 1 of 2.
Script by Archie Goodwin. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns) and Jim Mooney (finishes). Cover by Dave Cockrum and Al Milgrom. Morbius has returned to New York City! And the blood-lusting vampire chooses Glory Grant as his first victim! When Peter Parker sees the living vampire abscond with Glory, the web-slinger swings into action! It's a death-defying battle across the rooftops of Manhattan for the Spectacular Spider-Man! Can the wall-crawler save Glory, much less himself, from the fangs of Morbius? Cameo appearance by Mary Jane Watson. (Note: A 35-cent cover price variant exists for this issue.) 32 pages Cover price $0.35.
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 8 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #8 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
1322334006
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Owner Comments
Blue Label in CGC 9.8 WP Notation
Located in: Cove City, North Carolina
Signature Series Label CGC 9.8 WP Example 1 of 4 Known. This one is Signed by Stan Lee, and Sal Buscema
Located in: Los Angeles, California
STORY: "And Only One Shall Survive!"
Part 2 of 2.
A mysterious alien called the Empathoid is controlling Morbius. But during the wall-crawler's battle with the living vampire, the Empathoid decides that he would rather control Spider-Man instead! So now the web-slinger has two foes to fight! Meanwhile, Flash Thompson finally gets a chance to talk to Sha Shan, only to discover that she is married. 32 pages Cover price $0.30. ($.035 Variant in limited release available as well.)
Script by Archie Goodwin. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by Paul Gulacy.
Also available in this issue is the "Diamond Variant" and "35 Cent Variant" see below for details...
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 8 35 Price Variant |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #8 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.2 |
| Cert #: |
2109651002
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Owner Comments
Blue Label in CGC 9.2 35 Cent Variant 2nd Highest at this time.
Located in Toledo, Ohio
I am still hunting this issue, in CGC 9.8 Grade. If you think you have a better example, please let me know. Thank you!
STORY: "And Only One Shall Survive!"
Part 2 of 2.
Script by Archie Goodwin. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by Paul Gulacy. A mysterious alien called the Empathoid is controlling Morbius. But during the wall-crawler's battle with the living vampire, the Empathoid decides that he would rather control Spider-Man instead! So now the web-slinger has two foes to fight! Meanwhile, Flash Thompson finally gets a chance to talk to Sha Shan, only to discover that she is married. (Note: A 35-cent cover price variant exists for this issue.) 32 pages Cover price $0.35.
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 9 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #9 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
2547666001
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Owner Comments
Yellow Label in CGC 9.8 WP Notation
Signature Series, Signed by George Perez and Gerry Conway
Located: San Jose California
Blue Label in CGC 9.8 WP Notation
Located: Cove City, North Carolina
STORY: "Like a Tiger in the Night!"
Part 1 of 2.
The Empire State University president is closing down the campus' night school, and the student body is very upset! The students want ESU to sell the prized Erskine Manuscripts to raise money. When the White Tiger apparently steals the manuscripts, tempers on campus reach a boiling point...and also set the White Tiger and the web-slinger on a collision course! Flashback cameos by Iron Fist, Jack of Hearts, Shang-Chi, the Prowler, and the Sons of the Tiger to recap the White Tiger's past adventures. (Notes: The White Tiger previously appeared in many issues of the black-and-white Deadly Hands of Kung Fu series. A 35-cent cover price variant exists for this issue.) 32 pages Cover price $0.30.
Script by Bill Mantlo. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by George Perez and Frank Giacoia.
Key Note: First color comic appearance of the White Tiger.
Also available in this issue is the "Diamond Variant" and "35 Cent Variant" see below for details...
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 9 35 Price Variant |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #9 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.6 |
| Cert #: |
3706627018
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Owner Comments
Blue Label: CGC 9.6 WP 35 Cent Variant
Located in: Hong Kong? What? Yes I said Hong Kong! This is awesome to see a book get all the way over the Ocean, it is a testament to how special and loved they are the World over. This example is tied for the top example Graded by CGC. Special shout out to pokascomics for giving me the opportunity to own this beautiful book!
I am still hunting this issue, in CGC 9.8 Grade. If you think you have a better example, please let me know. Thank you!
STORY: "Like a Tiger in the Night!"
Part 1 of 2.
First color comic appearance of the White Tiger. Script by Bill Mantlo. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns) and Mike Esposito (finishes). Cover by George Perez and Frank Giacoia. The Empire State University president is closing down the campus' night school, and the student body is very upset! The students want ESU to sell the prized Erskine Manuscripts to raise money. When the White Tiger apparently steals the manuscripts, tempers on campus reach a boiling point...and also set the White Tiger and the web-slinger on a collision course! Flashback cameos by Iron Fist, Jack of Hearts, Shang-Chi, the Prowler, and the Sons of the Tiger to recap the White Tiger's past adventures. (Notes: The White Tiger previously appeared in many issues of the black-and-white Deadly Hands of Kung Fu series. A 35-cent cover price variant exists for this issue.) 32 pages Cover price $0.35.
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 10 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #10 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
1322334008
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Owner Comments
Blue Label: CGC 9.8 WP Example.
Located in: Cove City, North Carolina
Signature Series Label: 1 of 1 Known. Signed by Stan Lee, and Sal Buscema
Located in: Los Angeles, California
STORY: "Tiger in a Web!"
Part 2 of 2.
An awesome battle issue as the White Tiger and the Spectacular Spider-Man fight from cover-to-cover! Did the tiger really steal the Erskine Manuscripts, or is this all a giant misunderstanding? Either way, the volatile situation at ESU must be brought under control soon! Can the two heroes work together to achieve peace on campus? (Note: A 35-cent cover price variant exists for this issue.) Cover price $0.30.
Script by Bill Mantlo. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns), Mike Esposito (finishes), and Frank Giacoia (finishes). Cover by George Perez and Frank Giacoia.
Also available in this issue is the "Diamond Variant" and "35 Cent Variant" see below for details...
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 10 35 Price Variant |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #10 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 7.5 |
| Cert #: |
2022832006
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Owner Comments
Blue Label: CGC 7.5
Located in: Collierville, Tennessee
I am still hunting this issue, in CGC 9.8 Grade. If you think you have a better example, please let me know. Thank you! < slpfirehawk@gmail.com >
STORY: "Tiger in a Web!"
Part 2 of 2.
Script by Bill Mantlo. Art by Sal Buscema (breakdowns), Mike Esposito (finishes), and Frank Giacoia (finishes). Cover by George Perez and Frank Giacoia. An awesome battle issue as the White Tiger and the Spectacular Spider-Man fight from cover-to-cover! Did the tiger really steal the Erskine Manuscripts, or is this all a giant misunderstanding? Either way, the volatile situation at ESU must be brought under control soon! Can the two heroes work together to achieve peace on campus? (Note: A 35-cent cover price variant exists for this issue.) Cover price $0.35.
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| Slot: |
Spectacular Spider-Man 11 |
| Item: |
Spectacular Spider-Man #11 Universal |
| Grade: |
CGC 9.8 |
| Cert #: |
0057664004
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Owner Comments
Blue Label: CGC Beautiful Near Mint/Mint - Example
This Book was acquired on ComicLink auction. I can say for certain this seems to be one of the most difficult issues to obtain in 9.8 Condition.
Story:
"A Life Too Far" Guest-starring Medusa and the Inhumans. Script by Chris Claremont. Pencils by Jim Mooney. Inks by Mike Esposito. Cover by Al Milgrom. It's a race against time as the web-slinger has to deliver a serum to a dying patient in the operating room! But wait, there's another superhero that desperately needs that serum too...Medusa! The Spectacular Spider-Man and the long-haired Inhuman battle at Coney Island! And if the wall-crawler successfully beats Medusa, he will face Gorgon, Karnak, Triton, and Black Bolt next! Cameo appearance by Mary Jane Watson. Last 30¢ issue 32 pages Cover price $0.30.
Also available in this issue is the "Diamond Variant" and "35 Cent Variant" see below for details...
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