The Avengers ##20
Marvel Comics • The Avengers Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Don Heck (Penciller) and Wally Wood (Inker)
Cover Artist
Don Heck and Wally Wood
Publication Date
September 1965
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (Direct)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In this issue, the Super-Adaptoid is famously introduced as a drone created by A.I.M. and the Avengers battle a plot involving the Mole Man. The story focuses on the 'Cap's Kooky Quartet' era of the team membership.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible color breaking spine stress ticks, minor corner blunting on the bottom right and top left, slight edge wear along the right side, and silver-age specific paper tanning. Cover gloss appears moderately intact but shows surface wear consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $60; Graded (CGC 6.0): $120 - $160
Recent Sales
Recent 6.0 sales have averaged $135; 8.0 copies have sold for approximately $250. Raw mid-grade copies frequently trade in the $45 range.
Grading Recommendation
While a classic Silver Age issue, a grade of 6.0 may not yield a high enough return to justify the grading and shipping costs unless kept for personal collection archival. A 'press and clean' might bump it to a 6.5 or 7.0, making it more viable.
Notable Features
Features the first mention of the Super-Adaptoid (referred to as the 'Adaptoid' in this issue). Notable for the unique artistic collaboration of Wally Wood inking Don Heck, which was highlighted by a special caption on the front cover.
Authentication Notes
The 12-cent price point and 'Marvel Comics Group' box are consistent with 1965 printing standards. Ink saturation on the reds and purples appears authentic to the period's offset printing methods.