The Avengers #72

Title: The Avengers

Issue Number: #72

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Publication Date: January 1970

Era: Silver Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist/Penciler: Sal Buscema; Sam Grainger inks

Cover Artist: Sal Buscema; Sam Grainger inks

Format: Single Issue Comic Book, 36 Pages

Variant/Cover: Standard 15¢ U.S. Cover

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: First appearance of the Zodiac Cartel/team. Features Scorpio, whose identity as a Jake Fury Life Model Decoy is revealed in this issue, along with Captain America, Goliath, Vision, Wasp, Yellowjacket and Captain Marvel.

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: Attractive copy with strong color and very nice overall eye appeal. Front cover shows moderate color-breaking spine stress, including wear around the staple areas, along with light edge and corner wear. Minor handling wear is visible along the top edge and lower corners. Back cover has moderate, even age toning with light edge and corner wear, plus a few small orange discoloration marks along the right edge. Interior pages show even age toning. Both staples appear secure and the centerfold remains attached.

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.