The Avengers ##20
Marvel Comics • The Avengers (Vol. 1)
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Don Heck (Pencils) and Wally Wood (Inks)
Cover Artist
Don Heck and Wally Wood
Publication Date
September 1965
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features 'Cap's Kooky Quartet' era. The story 'Vengeance is Ours!' involves the Avengers (Captain America, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver) battling the Swordsman. The Swordsman attempts to join the team as a double agent for the Mandarin.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and ticks that break color. Apparent blunting on the lower left and upper right corners. Minor edge wear along the bottom. Slight surface soiling visible in the white areas of the cover. Centerfold and staple integrity appear intact based on external visual.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $60 - $90; Graded (CGC 6.0): $120 - $150.
Recent Sales
Recent 6.0 sales have averaged $135. Low-grade raw copies (3.0-4.0) sell for $30-$45, while high-grade (9.0+) can exceed $400.
Grading Recommendation
Optional. At a 6.0 estimate, the grading cost plus shipping may equal a significant portion of the value increase. However, a professional 'Press and Clean' could potentially raise this to a 7.0/7.5, making grading more financially viable.
Notable Features
First appearance of the Swordsman (Jacques Duquesne). Notable 'Pop Art' era cover layout. Special cover blurb highlighting Wally Wood's inking over Don Heck.
Authentication Notes
Authentic silver age 12-cent cover price with 'IND' indicator. Correct color registration for 1965 Marvel printings. Paper tanning consistent with age is expected for the interior pages.