Investor Spotlight: The Avengers #70

Writer: Roy Thomas, Artist: Sal Buscema, Publisher: Marvel, Year: 1969

Avengers #70 marks the first appearance of one of my favorite super-villain teams of the Bronze Age, The Squadron Sinister. This particular issue include perennial favorite, the Grand-Master and his fixation with gambling for the planet Earth. This time, he's assembled a powerful quartet, including Hyperion, Dr. Spectrum, The Whizzer and Nighthawk (each of which incidentally, was based on a Justice League of America character). Naturally, the Avengers triumphed and each was sent on his way. 

Nighthawk turned up a bit later in Daredevil #62, and we learned a bit more about Kyle Richmond, and Dr. Spectrum really got onto Iron Man's case in issue #63-64. Hyperion sat in his little globe until he was freed by Nebulon in Defenders #13-14. A larger SS team returned in Avengers #141-149, adding new members such as Lady Lark, Golden Archer, Tom Thumb and a few other JLA clones. The Avengers vs. Squadron Sinister battles were as close as many Marvel and DC fans could get to a JLA-Avengers fight back then. 

When I see this Avengers #70 listed at no premium compared to subsequent issues, it makes me shake my head. The Squadron Sinister were a very integral part of the Marvel Universe during the Bronze Age, and Hyperion in particular had some nice dust-ups against Thor and the Hulk. I've also liked Dr. Spectrum as an Iron Man villain and thought Nighthawk was an underused, though potentially interesting (if he had remained a villain) Marvel character. The Whizzer I could take or leave, but most of the Squadron Sinister/Supreme issues fill a very important spot in my own personal Bronze Age collection, as I would imagine they do with many others. All I can say is that I feel this particular issue is undervalued and if you buy high-grade and pay up-to Guide, then I see no reason not to add Avengers #70 to your collection.

Investor/Collector Ratings:

Comic Significance:

The first appearance of The Squadron Sinister.

Cover:

Superb Marvel "battle cover", showing all of the main principals rushing at each other for the big showdown.

First Appearances:

Hyperion, Dr. Spectrum, The Whizzer and Nighthawk

High-Grade Rarity (Silver Age Relative):

Most of the late Silver Age comics are hard to find in high-grade NM, and it may take some looking to find a true NM 9.4 copy.

Art & Story:

For fans of all-out battle issues, this comic hits on all cylinders. We've got the main portion of The Avengers duking it out with some very powerful villains, with the fate of the Earth hanging in the balance. Plus, it's kind of fun to imagine a Batman, Superman, Green Lantern and Flash showdown against the best Marvel heroes.

Potential of Movie/TV Deal:

While a Avengers vs. Squadron Supreme movie would be an excellent idea, there isn't a lot of news on that front.

Overall Investment/Collectible Rating:

Variants, Stamps or Special Notes:

None of note, other than the basic country-specific price and cover differences.