Vendor: Astral Comics & Games
Product Type : Back Issues
Issue: # 196
Cover Date: Jun '80
1st full appearance of Taskmaster (Anthony Masters) (2nd overall appearance)
"The Terrible Toll of the Taskmaster"
The captive Yellowjacket, Wasp, and Ant-Man are amazed as the Taskmaster, easily dispatching a squad of his armed henchmen, demonstrates his "photographic reflexes," a talent which enables him to duplicate any physical action exactly after seeing it performed once. Having used this ability to mimic the prowess of such costumed heroes as Captain America, Daredevil, Spider-Man, Hawkeye, and Iron Fist, he has become a formidable combatant. The Taskmaster has successfully set up and operated a series of criminal training academies in recent years, only to have Dr. Solomon's private plans involve the Avengers. Solomon is dealt with, fatally, at which point the Avengers announce their arrival by smashing through a wall. A brief battle results in the defeat of Taskmaster's men while Selbe frees his three captives. The Taskmaster's "borrowed" talents serve him in good stead against the individual Avengers, but he is unable to best Jocasta, with whose powers he is unfamiliar. Finally, blinding the heroes with a magnesium flare, he escapes in his high-powered personal aircraft.
'Near Mint condition cards show minimal or no wear from play or handling and will have an unmarked surface, crisp corners, and otherwise pristine edges outside of minimal handling. Near Mint condition cards appear 'fresh out of the pack,' with edges and surfaces virtually free from all flaws. '
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'Lightly Played condition cards can have slight border or corner wear, or possibly minor scratches. No major defects are present, and there are less than 4 total flaws on the card. Lightly Played condition foils may have slight fading or indications of wear on the card face. '
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'Moderately Played condition cards have moderate wear, or flaws apparent to the naked eye. Moderately Played condition cards can show moderate border wear, mild corner wear, water damage, scratches , creases or fading, light dirt buildup, or any combination of these defects. '
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'Heavily Played condition cards exhibit signs of heavy wear. Heavily Played condition cards may include cards that have significant creasing, folding, severe water damage, heavy whitening, heavy border wear, and /or tearing. '
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'Damaged condition cards show obvious tears, bends, or creases that could make the card illegal for tournament play, even when sleeved. Damaged condition cards have massive border wear, possible writing or major inking (ex. white-bordered cards with black-markered front borders), massive corner wear, prevalent scratching, folds, creases or tears. '
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