As far as comic cards go, 1998 SkyBox Marvel: The Silver Age is one that should be respected and cherished for several reasons. Not only does it offer an in-depth look at one of the most influential time frames in comic history (at least from the Marvel point of view), it includes original artwork from several of the era’s giants in the form of early sketch cards.
The 100-card base set covers 1961 to 1973, a time where several classic comics debuted and important heroes and villains were born. Card fronts highlight important panels. Backs have a write-up on the spotlighted issue as well as a shot of the cover.
1998 SkyBoxMarvel: The Silver Age Sketch Cards and Autographs
Leading the inserts are Sketchagraphs. These are sketch cards, many of which are done by some of the top Marvel creators ever. These are some of the first Marvel sketch cards. The level of quality isn’t where a lot of today’s sets are at. At the time, sketch cards were just that — quick drawings. There’s not much color. That said, these are still some of the most sought after sketch cards in the hobby. Stan Lee, John Romita Sr and Sal Buscema are just some of the legends with original art. Sketchagraphs are inserted one per box.
The legendary names continue with autographs, which are also inserted one per 1998 SkyBox Marvel: The Silver Age box. A total of 11 different creators have cards in the set.
Other Inserts
In addition to these are three additional basic inserts. Alex Ross Salutes the Marvel Age (nine cards, 1:6 packs) has the popular painter take on famous characters. The first three cards form a “heroes” puzzle while the next three do the same with villains. The final trio features classic cover recreations by the modern legend.
Silver Age Tribute to Jack Kirby (six cards, 1:6) shows off some of his greatest creations while Silver Age Heroes (nine cards, 1:12 packs) delivers a foil look at even more characters.
1998 SkyBox Marvel: The Silver Age boxes are serial numbered to 10,000. Not overly expensive at the outset, sealed boxes have appreciated well over the years.
1998 SkyBox Marvel: The Silver Age Checklist
Click on links to shop for cards or check current market values on eBay.
Cards per pack: 9
Packs per box: 36
Shop for 1998 SkyBox Marvel: The Silver Age boxes on eBay.
Base Set
100 cards.
1 Fantastic Four #1
2 Fantastic Four #2
3 Fantastic Four #4
4 Incredible Hulk #1
5 Fantastic Four #5
6 Amazing Fantasy #15
7 Journey Into Mystery #83
8 Tales To Astonish #35
9 Journey Into Mystery #85
10 Fantastic Four #8
11 Fantastic Four #11
12 Amazing Spider-Man #1
13 Fantastic Four #12
14 Tales of Suspense #39
15 Fantastic Four #13
16 Amazing Spider-Man #2
17 Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos #1
18 Tales To Astonish #44
19 Amazing Spider-Man #3
20 Strange Tales #110
21 Amazing Spider-Man #4
22 Avengers #1
23 X-Men #1
24 Amazing Spider-Man #6
25 Strange Tales #115
26 X-Men #3
27 Amazing Spider-Man #9
28 Tales of Suspense #50
29 Avengers #4
30 X-Men #4
31 Daredevil #1
32 Tales of Suspense #52
33 Amazing Spider-Man #13
34 Amazing Spider-Man #14
35 Amazing Spider-Man #15
36 Avengers #8
37 Tales of Suspense #57
38 Avengers #9
39 Strange Tales #126
40 Fantastic Four Annual #2
41 Tales To Astonish #62
42 Fantastic Four #36
43 X-Men #10
44 Tales of Suspense #63
45 Daredevil #7
46 Avengers #16
47 Tales of Suspense #66
48 Fantastic Four Annual #3
49 Journey into Mystery Annual #1
50 X-Men #12
51 Journey into Mystery #119
52 Strange Tales #135
53 X-Men #14
54 Amazing Spider-Man #31
55 Fantastic Four #45
56 Amazing Spider-Man #33
57 Fantastic Four #50
58 X-Men #20
59 Fantastic Four #51
60 Tales of Suspense #78
61 Fantastic Four #52
62 Strange Tales #146
63 Amazing Spider-Man #39
64 Amazing Spider-Man #42
65 X-Men #28
66 Tales To Astonish #90
67 Amazing Spider-Man #50
68 Not Brand Ecch #1
69 Fantastic Four #67
70 Marvel Super-Heroes #12
71 X-Men #39
72 X-Men #42
73 Captain America #100
74 Iron Man #1
75 Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1
76 Fantastic Four Annual #6
77 Silver Surfer #1
78 Avengers #58
79 Fantastic Four #81
80 Silver Surfer #3
81 Thor #159
82 Avengers #60
83 Captain America #111
84 Thor #162
85 Captain Marvel #17
86 Sub-Mariner #14
87 X-Men #57
88 Captain America #117
89 Fantastic Four #94
90 X-Men #65
91 Amazing Spider-Man #90
92 Avengers #86
93 Amazing Spider-Man #98
94 Avengers #96
95 Sub-Mariner #37
96 Amazing Spider-Man #100
97 Amazing Spider-Man #101
98 Avengers #100
99 Amazing Spider-Man #121
100 Checklist
Autographs
11 cards, 1:36 packs.
A5 can be found with both blue and black ink. The black version is more rare.
A1 Stan Lee
A2 John Romita Sr.
A3 Tom Palmer
A4 Dick Ayers
A5 Sal Buscema
A6 John Buscema
A7 Joe Sinnott
A8 Gene Colan
A9 Roy Thomas
A10 Marie Severin
A11 George Tuska
Sketchagraph Sketch Cards
1:36 packs.
Dick Ayers
John Buscema
Sal Buscema
Gene Colan
John Czop
Michael Dutkiewicz
Stan Lee
Tom Palmer
Emir Ribiero
John Romita Sr.
Dan Schaeffer
Joe Sinnott
George Tuska
Alex Ross Salutes the Silver Age
9 cards, 1:6 packs.
AR1-AR3 forms a “Heroes” puzzle while AR4-AR6 make a “Villains” puzzle.
AR1 Heroes A
AR2 Heroes B
AR3 Heroes C
AR4 Villains A
AR5 Villains B
AR6 Villains C
AR7 Fantastic Four #1
AR8 Amazing Fantasy #15
AR9 X-Men #1
Silver Age Heroes
9 cards, 1:12 packs.
1S Spider-Man
2S Thing
3S Human Torch
4S Daredevil
5S Thor
6S Captain America
7S Silver Surfer
8S Hulk
9S Iron Man
Silver Age Tribute to Jack Kirby
6 cards, 1:6 packs.
JK1 Jack “The King” Kirby
JK2 Fantastic Four
JK3 Captain America
JK4 Galactus, Silver Surfer
JK5 Spider-Man
JK6 Thor
Promo Cards
Fantastic Four #1 by Alex Ross
