Tales to Astonish #27 (1962, First Ant-Man)
Tales to Astonish #27, published in January 1962 with a cover date of March 1962, contains the story "The Man in the Ant Hill" by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (with art by Kirby and Dick Ayers). This story introduced Dr. Henry Pym and the concept of a size-reducing serum that would eventually lead to the Ant-Man superhero identity. It is one of the foundational Silver Age Marvel keys, representing the first appearance of one of the Avengers' original members in proto-form.
The Story and Its Significance
"The Man in the Ant Hill" is not yet a superhero story. It is a sci-fi thriller in the anthology format common to pre-superhero Marvel Comics (then known as Atlas). Dr. Henry Pym invents a size-reducing serum and accidentally reduces himself to ant size. Trapped in an ant hill, he must navigate the insect world before finding a way to restore his normal size.
The story has no action heroics, no villain, no crime-fighting. It is pure science fiction, the kind of tales that filled Marvel's anthology books alongside monster stories, romance, and Westerns. Pym does not call himself Ant-Man. He is simply a scientist who made a dangerous mistake.
Pym's transformation into a costumed hero came in Tales to Astonish #35 (1962), which is usually credited as the "true" first Ant-Man appearance. But #27 is the character's conceptual debut, and collectors who want the full arc of Pym's creation buy both.
The significance to the MCU era has amplified demand considerably. The Ant-Man and Avengers films made Hank Pym a household name, and every film release brings new collectors to the Silver Age market looking for key first appearances.
Jack Kirby's Contribution
Jack Kirby's art throughout the early Marvel anthology period shows the kinetic energy and page design that would define his superhero work. His anatomical figures, dynamic action, and clear visual storytelling are present even in these shorter anthology stories. "The Man in the Ant Hill" shows Kirby at work in his pre-Fantastic Four mode, producing competent genre work that would soon evolve into the revolutionary Kirby aesthetic of 1961-70.
Condition Grades and Values
Silver Age keys from 1962 in high grade are genuinely scarce. Tales to Astonish #27 values:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| CGC 9.8 (NM/MT) | $150,000+ (extremely rare) |
| CGC 9.6 (NM+) | $30,000 - $60,000 |
| CGC 9.4 (NM) | $12,000 - $25,000 |
| CGC 9.2 (NM-) | $7,000 - $12,000 |
| CGC 9.0 (VF/NM) | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| CGC 8.0 (VF) | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| CGC 7.0 (FN/VF) | $800 - $1,500 |
| CGC 6.0 (FN) | $500 - $900 |
| CGC 5.0 (VG/FN) | $300 - $600 |
| Lower grades | $100 - $300 |
The 1962 distribution system means most surviving copies show significant wear. CGC 9.0 and above copies from this year are exceptionally rare, and verified CGC 9.8 examples would represent record auction territory.
Authentication
Silver Age Marvel comics are among the most commonly restored comics in the market. Restoration (cleaning, pressing, color touch, tape removal, staple replacement) can dramatically improve apparent grade and must be disclosed. CGC identifies restoration with a purple label rather than the standard blue label, and restored books are worth significantly less than unrestored examples at equivalent apparent grade.
For any Silver Age Marvel key, a CGC census check and label color verification is the minimum authentication step for serious buying.
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