Tales to Astonish ##54
Marvel Comics • Tales to Astonish Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee, Larry Lieber
Interior Artist
Dick Ayers
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby (penciler), Sol Brodsky (inker)
Publication Date
April 1964
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Giant-Man and the Wasp travel to a South American country to battle the dictator El Toro. Features the story 'No Place to Turn!' and a backup Tales of the Watcher story 'The Green Man!'
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress, blunted corners, minor edge wear, probable tanning of white areas on the back, and moderate cover scuffing/soiling. The book appears complete but shows significant handling wear consistent with a 4.0 grade.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $40-$60; Graded (CGC 4.0): $80-$100
Recent Sales
Recent sales for raw mid-grade copies range from $35 to $65 depending on specific eye appeal. CGC 5.0 copies have recently sold for approximately $120.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading unless sentimental. The cost of grading (fees + shipping) would likely exceed the immediate market value gain for a copy in this condition. A professional clean and press might push it to a 4.5 or 5.0, but it remains a low-to-mid value Silver Age book.
Notable Features
First appearance of El Toro. Classic Jack Kirby cover art. Features the early superhero adventures of Hank Pym as Giant-Man and Janet van Dyne as the Wasp.
Authentication Notes
The comic shows authentic Silver Age 12-cent pricing, age-appropriate paper oxidation, and standard period-correct printing dots (Ben-Day dots). No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting.