The Avengers #12

Title: The Avengers

Issue Number: #12

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Publication Date: January 1965

Era: Silver Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist/Penciler: Don Heck

Cover Artist: Jack Kirby

Format: Single Issue Comic Book

Variant/Cover: Regular 12¢ U.S. Edition

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: Classic early Silver Age Avengers issue featuring Mole Man and the Red Ghost in “This Hostage Earth!” Also notable among collectors for containing a published fan letter from a young George R. R. Martin. Jack Kirby cover. This is not generally classified as a major key issue.

UPC: None

Comic Grade: FN/VF (7.0)

Page Quality: Cream to Off-White

Complete: Yes; cover and centerfold are attached at both staples

Condition Notes: Very attractive early Avengers copy with excellent front cover color, strong gloss and notably clean overall presentation. Front cover has light spine stress and minor wear concentrated along the left edge and staple areas, with small corner and edge wear. There is a small light crease/handling mark near the upper edge, but no major front cover creasing or pieces missing. Back cover shows age-related toning, light edge wear and a circular discoloration/stain near the upper center. Both staples are secure and the centerfold is firmly attached. Interior pages show typical age toning but remain supple and present very well. Overall eye appeal is strong for the grade.

Scan Note: Images are high-resolution scans of the actual comic. Scanning can exaggerate page toning, surface wear, color variations and other minor imperfections. Colors and paper tones may vary slightly from how the comic looks in person.

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.