Tales to Astonish #43
Marvel Comics • Tales to Astonish Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee and Ernie Hart
Interior Artist
Don Heck
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby and Sol Brodsky
Publication Date
May 1963
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features Ant-Man (Hank Pym) in 'The Mad Master of Time!'. Ant-Man faces Karsano the Time Master, who uses a ray to age Ant-Man into an old man. This issue also features Wasp (Janet van Dyne).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and ticks, softening and blunting of corners, slight discoloration/yellowing of the cover consistent with age, minor edge wear, and potential color-breaking creases near the spine.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $250; Graded (5.0): $300 - $450
Recent Sales
Recent 5.0 - 6.0 CGC copies have sold between $320 and $550 depending on eye appeal; raw lower grade copies typically hover around $100-$180.
Grading Recommendation
Moderate Recommendation. While a silver age key, the cost of grading and pressing may only marginally increase the profit margin in this mid-grade range unless a professional press cleans up the spine and corners significantly.
Notable Features
Early Ant-Man solo story; Wasp appearance; Silver Age Marvel; 12 cent cover price; Jack Kirby cover art.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic with correct 12c price point, Marvel Comics Group logo placement from 1963, and correct paper oxidation/staple positioning for the era.