Fantastic Four #19
Marvel Comics • The Fantastic Four Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Jack Kirby
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby
Publication Date
October 1963
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Rama-Tut (an early incarnation of Kang the Conqueror). The Fantastic Four travel back to ancient Egypt in a search for a cure for Alicia Masters' blindness, only to be enslaved by Pharaoh Rama-Tut. Key storyline linking the FF to the wider Marvel time-travel mythos.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0) to Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Moderate yellowing/tanning of the cover, visible spine stress and minor creases, blunted corners (especially top right/bottom left), and potential light foxing or staining near edges. Possible minute color breaking along the spine and edges.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $350 - $600; Graded (CGC 4.0 - 5.0): $650 - $900
Recent Sales
Recent 4.5 copies have sold between $700 and $850. Mid-grade Silver Age keys like this remain highly liquid due to Kang the Conqueror relevance.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, it is worth grading. As a Silver Age key featuring the first appearance of Rama-Tut (Kang), a professional grade preserves its value and protects the fragile 1960s paper stock. A 'Press and Clean' service is recommended to improve the grade by removing non-color-breaking creases and surface dirt.
Notable Features
First appearance and origin of Rama-Tut. Jack Kirby cover and art. Silver Age key issue. No UPC (pre-dates barcodes).
Authentication Notes
Displays authentic 12-cent price point and 'Approved by the Comics Code Authority' badge consistent with 1963 Marvel production. Ink saturation and paper texture appear consistent with period-appropriate newsprint.