Tales of Suspense ##46
Marvel Comics • Tales of Suspense Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Don Heck
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby & Don Heck
Publication Date
October 1963
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the first appearance of the Crimson Dynamo (Anton Vanko), a classic Iron Man antagonist and Soviet counterpart. The story 'Iron Man Faces the Menace of the Crimson Dynamo!' depicts the Russian scientist infiltrating Stark Industries to sabotage American technology using his electrically powered armor.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (CGC 3.0)
Condition Details
Heavy spine stress with several color-breaking ticks and a small split at the bottom, significant corner rounding and blunting, edge wear with small tears, light staining/foxing on the right white border, color rub on the Crimson Dynamo figure, and visible surface soiling throughout the cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $225 | Graded (at 3.0): $300 - $350
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-low grade raw copies range from $130 to $250. CGC 3.0 copies have recently realized prices between $280 and $360 depending on the eye appeal.
Grading Recommendation
While a Silver Age key, the current condition (roughly 3.0) and cost of grading/shipping may result in a slim profit margin. Grading is recommended only if the owner desires authentication and protection; a professional 'press and clean' may help slightly but the structural flaws (tears/spine) limit the ceiling grade to around 3.5-4.0.
Notable Features
First appearance of Crimson Dynamo (Anton Vanko). Early Silver Age Iron Man story before he adopted his classic red and gold sleek armor (he is still wearing the bulky gold 'Mk 2' armor on the cover/interior). First appearance of the villainous Soviet scientist.
Authentication Notes
The 12-cent price point and 'IND.' notation next to the title are correct for the 1963 print period. The wear patterns, paper oxidation visible on the edges (tanning), and staple placement appear consistent with an authentic mid-century Marvel comic.