Marvel Tales (1966) 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 Ditko/Romita VF/NM

$

18

Spider-man is probably Marvel Comics' most popular character, appearing in many movies, TV shows, cartoons, etc.  He ranks #3 in the top 100 comic book heroes.  The 1966 series Marvel Tales had a long run of reprinting classic issues from Amazing Spiderman.  Here is a set of 10 issues of Marvel Tales, including #172-181.  These issues reprint the last Steve Ditko issues, and the first John Romita issues, all written by Stan Lee.  See below for my grading estimation of each issue -  I think I grade conservatively.

I bought all of these books brand new myself.  They have been bagged in plastic and stored in cardboard comic boxes since I bought them.  I have about 5 boxes of comics that I'll be selling here, mostly from the 1980s, but a few from 1960s, 1970s and 1990s, so please check out my other listings.

I'm shipping these Priority Mail (discounted rate!) with all comics packed together (back-to-back) in one plastic bag.

Here's an issue-by-issue breakdown:

172 - Reprints Amazing Spider-man #33.  In the first big test of his Spider-strength, Spidey frees himself from Dr. Octopus' underwater lair and finds the serum Aunt May needs.  NM

173 - Reprints Amazing Spider-man #34.  Betty Brant dreams that Peter is Spider-man.  Kraven dresses up as Spider-man to provoke a rematch.  NM
 
174 - Reprints Amazing Spider-man #35.  The Molten Man returns to plague Spider-man.  VF

175 - Reprints Amazing Spider-man #36.  First appearance and origin Looter (later renamed Meteor Man).  Norton Fester becomes the Looter due to a strange meteor.  NM

176 - Reprints Amazing Spider-man #37.  Professor Stromm is released from prison and wants revenge on his old partner Norman Osborn.  Osborn has been seen, but not named, in previous issues.  This is his first named/identified appearance.  NM

177 - Reprints Amazing Spider-man #38.  Last Steve Ditko issue.  Norman Osborn puts a bounty on Spider-man.  Peter misses meeting Mary Jane Watson.  NM

178 - Reprints Amazing Spider-man #39.  First John Romita art.  The Green Goblin sees Spidey change back to Peter Parker.  He captures Spidey outside his house, and reveals himself to be Norman Osborn.  NM

179 - Reprints Amazing Spider-man #40.  Origin Green Goblin.  Spidey battles the Green Goblin until an explosion induces amnesia in Norman Osborn.  NM

180 - Reprints Amazing Spider-man #41.  First appearance Rhino.  Spidey prevents Rhino from kidnapping John Jameson.  VF

181 - Reprints Amazing Spider-man Annual #3 (original story only).  The Avengers try to get Spidey to capture the Hulk as a test to see if he is worthy to join the team.  During Spidey's fight with the Hulk, the Hulk reverts to Bruce Banner, who Spidey recognizes.  He decides the Hulk doesn't deserve to be captured, and tells the Avengers he couldn't find the Hulk at all.  VF - slight cover scuffing