*Marvel: Two famous issues of Marvel’s flagship title from the Bute Collection this week.
PICTURED: FANTASTIC FOUR 
#51 FN £100 Sandwiched between the Silver Surfer/Galactus epic and the introduction of the Black Panther is the wonderful story that is Fantastic Four #51. Not a ‘key’ issue; not a fabulous first appearance; not a universe-rending battle for reality. Just a simple, poignant and masterful example of done-in-one storytelling without the bloated ‘epics’ of today, as a man with a scheme for revenge against Reed Richards steals the identity of one of Reed’s closest friends, and discovers the truth. It’s a tale of revenge, loss and redemption, and proves that while Lee & Kirby’s output is often emulated, at their peak it is truly inimitable. A lovely copy with an unmarked rich cover colour which retains some gloss. Tight and flat with good staples and supple off-white pages. Minor corner blunting, a miniscule nick at lower right edge and minor impact damage at bottom spine leading to a short crease or two which do not break colour. 
#67 VG+ p £40 First cameo appearance of revelation of Him, later Warlock. In the previous issue, we were introduced to a mysterious cocooned figure who emerged in #67 as ‘Him’, a being of almost godlike power. Later, he would be named Warlock and would enjoy a chequered career of critical acclaim, but haphazard commercial success, coming into his own with Jim Starlin’s controversial series of the 1970s. This is a nice clean pence printed copy, with a white background and minimal wear except for some small indentations/pressure marks to the central cover cocoon, which barely show. Tight, firm staples and supple white to off-white pages.