The Avengers #48

Title: The Avengers

Issue Number: #48

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Publication Date: January 1968

Era: Silver Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist/Penciler: George Tuska

Cover Artist: George Tuska

Format: Single Issue Comic Book, 32 Pages

Variant/Cover: Standard 12¢ U.S. Cover

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: First appearance of Dane Whitman as the Black Knight, making this a significant Silver Age Avengers key. Also features the first appearance of Aragorn, Black Knight's winged horse, along with Magneto, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Hawkeye, Wasp and Hercules. GCD specifically identifies Dane Whitman's first appearance as the Black Knight and Aragorn's first appearance.

UPC: None (Pre-UPC)

Comic Grade: FN+ to FN/VF (6.5–7.0)

Page Quality: Cream to Off-White

Complete: Appears complete from provided scans; cover and centerfold are attached at both staples

Condition Notes: Very attractive Silver Age key with strong color and excellent overall eye appeal. Front cover has moderate color-breaking spine stress, including several small stresses around the staple areas, along with light edge and corner wear. Minor wear is visible along the top edge and at the upper corners. Back cover has moderate, even age toning with light edge and corner wear. Interior pages show even age toning and minor handling wear. Both staples appear secure and the centerfold remains attached. No cover stamp or writing is visible.

Comic Book Grading Guide

Near Mint (NM) 9.2–9.8: An exceptionally well-preserved comic with excellent eye appeal. May have only very minor manufacturing or handling defects.

Very Fine (VF) 7.5–9.0: An attractive, well-preserved comic showing light wear. May have minor spine stress, small corner wear or other minor defects.

Fine (FN) 5.5–7.0: An above-average copy with moderate wear. May have noticeable spine stress, minor creasing, edge or corner wear, and other small defects while remaining complete and attractive.

Very Good (VG) 3.5–5.0: A well-read copy showing noticeable wear. May have creases, spine wear, small tears, discoloration or other defects but remains complete and collectible.

Good (GD) 1.8–3.0: A heavily read copy with significant wear. May have substantial creasing, tears, spine damage, staining, writing or other defects. The comic remains generally complete and readable.

Fair (FR) 1.0–1.5: A heavily worn or damaged comic. May have significant tears, staining, splits, loose or detached components, missing non-story portions or other major defects.

Poor (PR) 0.5: A severely damaged or incomplete comic with major defects that substantially affect its condition and collectibility.

Grading Disclaimer: Grading is based on commonly accepted comic book grading standards. We are not professional graders, but make every effort to provide an accurate and conservative assessment based on the condition of each comic. Grading is subjective and opinions may vary. If you have any questions or concerns about an item, please reach out to us.