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ow pages; Stan Lee Signature Series
John Romita cover; 1st app of Morbius; last 15c issue; COMIC BOOK IMPACT rating of 7 (CBI)


Marvel’s cinematic output has the power to turn a somewhat overlooked comic into a key issue overnight, simply by mentioning an upcoming project; and this book, ASM #101 is one of the lucky issues to be granted this lofty status. Back in the early 70s, the CCA lifted their ban on supernatural content in comics; for years, vampires, mummies, zombies and the like were not allowed to be featured in comics unless they were overtly benign and childish, but once moral straightjackets started loosening, Marvel was quick to jump at the chance to unleash their modern monsters upon the comic reading world.

Mere months after the ban was lifted, Roy Thomas and Gil Kane created Morbius, the Living Vampire, The book also offered the milestone of Thomas becoming the first writer besides Stan Lee to pen the book, breaking Stan's previous 100-issue streak. This first appearance features the origin story of Dr. Michael Morbius, whose vampire-like bloodlust is sparked by a science experiment gone awry. (Kane based Morbius’ look on actor Jack Palance, whose chilling demeanor is known by many a fan of cinema.) The character would go on to star in the B&W magazine Vampire Tales and continues on throughout Marvel history as a tortured antihero. The Morbius movie with Oscar-winner Jared Leto helped to drive prices of this book into the upper echelons of Bronze Age titles. Now is the time to invest in this popular and accessible key.