Tales to Astonish #26
Marvel Comics (MC/Atlas Era) • Tales to Astonish Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee / Larry Lieber
Interior Artist
Jack Kirby / Steve Ditko / Don Heck
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers
Publication Date
December 1961
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features a collection of sci-fi and horror stories: 'The Four-Armed Things!' (Art by Jack Kirby), 'He Walked Through Walls!' (Art by Steve Ditko), and 'The Mystery of the Many-Colored Mist' (Art by Don Heck).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good- (CGC 3.5)
Condition Details
Visible foxing and heavy tanning/yellowing of the cover paper stock. Significant corner blunting on the bottom right and top left. Spine exhibits multiple stress lines and color breaks. General surface wear and moderate soiling consistent with age and storage conditions.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $80.00 - $120.00; Graded (CGC 3.5): $150.00 - $190.00
Recent Sales
Recent low-grade sales of this late pre-hero era issue have fluctuated between $75 for lower VG copies and $220 for solid Fine copies.
Grading Recommendation
Borderline value for grading. While it is a desirable Jack Kirby/Stan Lee Silver Age era book, the current condition (mid-to-low grade) may not justify the slab cost unless for protection. Professional dry-cleaning could improve the foxing and lift the grade slightly.
Notable Features
This issue is notable as a 'pre-hero' Marvel monster/sci-fi comic, published shortly after Fantastic Four #1. The 10-cent cover price and 'MC' (Marvel Comics) logo in the box signify its place in early Marvel history. Key features include art by the legendary trio of Kirby, Ditko, and Heck.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1961 original. The off-white to yellowish page quality visible at the edges and the specific typeface of the 10-cent price circle are consistent with period-correct Atlas/Marvel printing (newsprint stock).