Tales to Astonish #44 (1963, First Wasp)
Tales to Astonish #44 holds one of the most significant first appearances in Marvel Silver Age history. Published in June 1963, this issue introduces Janet Van Dyne, the Wasp, who would become one of Marvel's most important female superheroes and a founding member of the Avengers. Written by Stan Lee with plot assist from H.E. Huntley and featuring art by Jack Kirby (cover and layouts) and Don Heck (interiors), TTA #44 is where Janet Van Dyne receives her powers from Hank Pym and adopts the Wasp identity to avenge her father's murder.
The Wasp's significance extends far beyond this single issue. Janet Van Dyne was a founding member of the Avengers in Avengers #1 (September 1963) and is the character who actually named the team. Her decades-long presence in Marvel comics, combined with her prominent role in the MCU films (portrayed by Evangeline Lilly), has made TTA #44 one of the most sought-after Silver Age Marvel keys.
The Story Behind the Issue
The story, titled "The Creature from Kosmos!" introduces Janet Van Dyne as the daughter of renowned scientist Vernon Van Dyne. When an alien creature kills her father, Janet turns to Hank Pym (Ant-Man) for help. Pym, recognizing Janet's resemblance to his deceased first wife, agrees to help her by implanting cells beneath her skin that allow her to shrink and grow wings when she reaches insect size.
The issue also contains Janet's origin story as the Wasp and her first mission alongside Ant-Man against the Kosmosian creature. The story establishes the Pym-Van Dyne dynamic that would define both characters for decades, eventually evolving into a romantic relationship and marriage.
Jack Kirby's cover is a strong selling point: it depicts Ant-Man and the Wasp in action, with the Kosmosian creature looming behind them. Kirby's dynamic composition and the introduction of a major new character make this one of the more desirable TTA covers from the pre-Giant-Man era.
What Makes It Collectible
First Wasp appearance: Janet Van Dyne is a founding Avenger and one of Marvel's most enduring characters. First appearances of Avengers founders (Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, Wasp) are perpetually in demand.
MCU connection: The Wasp has been prominently featured in the Ant-Man film series, with Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) putting the character front and center. MCU appearances drive collector demand across all experience levels.
Silver Age Marvel: Tales to Astonish is part of the Silver Age Marvel anthology series alongside Tales of Suspense, Journey into Mystery, and Strange Tales. These titles are the origin point for Marvel's most important characters.
Avengers significance: The Wasp named the Avengers. This detail, established in Avengers #1, gives TTA #44 indirect significance to the entire Avengers franchise.
Jack Kirby cover: Kirby covers from this era are collected independently of interior content. His dynamic style and visual storytelling make any Kirby cover a plus.
Condition Grading Guide
| Grade | Description | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0+ (VF/NM to NM/MT) | Exceptional | Near perfect, white pages |
| 8.0 (VF) | Very Fine | Minor wear, light spine stress |
| 7.0 (FN/VF) | Fine/Very Fine | Minor creasing, clean |
| 6.0 (FN) | Fine | Moderate wear, some creases |
| 5.0 (VG/FN) | Above average | Moderate creases, light soiling |
| 4.0 (VG) | Average | Noticeable wear, complete |
| 3.0 (GD/VG) | Below average | Heavy creasing, minor tears |
| 2.0 (GD) | Good | Significant wear, complete |
| 1.0 (FR) | Fair | Heavy wear, reading copy |
Specific Concerns for TTA #44
Tanning and brittleness: 1963 newsprint is over 60 years old and prone to browning and brittleness. Page quality significantly impacts grade and value. White or off-white pages are far more desirable than tan or brown pages.
Spine roll: Anthology-format comics from this era frequently exhibit spine roll (the spine curves away from flat). This is caused by improper storage and affects grade.
Color fading: The cover colors, particularly the greens and purples, are susceptible to fading from light exposure. Compare the cover vibrancy to interior color panels to assess fading.
Subscription creases: Many copies were mailed to subscribers and bear a horizontal fold across the center. This limits grade to approximately 5.0 regardless of other factors.
Restoration: Given the values involved, restored copies exist. Look for evidence of color touch, piece replacement, tear seals, and spine reinforcement. CGC designates restored copies with a purple (restored) label.
Market Values
| Grade | Raw (Ungraded) | CGC Certified |
|---|---|---|
| 9.4 (NM) | - | $15,000-25,000 |
| 9.0 (VF/NM) | $3,000-5,000 | $6,000-10,000 |
| 8.0 (VF) | $2,000-3,500 | $3,500-5,500 |
| 7.0 (FN/VF) | $1,200-2,000 | $2,000-3,500 |
| 6.0 (FN) | $800-1,400 | $1,400-2,200 |
| 5.0 (VG/FN) | $500-900 | $900-1,500 |
| 4.0 (VG) | $350-600 | $600-1,000 |
| 3.0 (GD/VG) | $225-400 | $400-650 |
| 2.0 (GD) | $150-275 | $250-425 |
| 1.0 (FR) | $75-150 | $150-250 |
Values have been supported by MCU exposure and the broader appreciation for Silver Age Marvel first appearances. The Wasp's continued prominence in Marvel's publishing and film plans suggests sustained demand.
Authentication Tips
Verify correct interior ads and story content for June 1963 publication
Check Marvel corner box design for period correctness
Examine staples for originality (original Marvel staples have specific characteristics)
Look for CGC/CBCS certification on high-value purchases
Be aware of color touch and professional restoration on higher-grade copies
Storage and Preservation
Use Silver Age-sized acid-free bags and boards
Store upright in stable, climate-controlled conditions
Handle minimally and only by edges
Avoid temperature fluctuations which stress brittle newsprint
Consider professional pressing for raw copies with non-color-breaking defects
CGC encapsulation recommended for copies valued above $500
The Bottom Line
Tales to Astonish #44 is one of the essential Silver Age Marvel keys. The Wasp's significance as an Avengers founder, her decades of story importance, and her MCU prominence combine to make this issue a strong long-term collectible. While high-grade copies command serious prices, the issue remains accessible in lower grades, allowing collectors at various budget levels to own a piece of Marvel history.
For Avengers collectors, TTA #44 sits alongside Tales of Suspense #39 (Iron Man), Journey into Mystery #83 (Thor), Incredible Hulk #1, and Tales to Astonish #27 (Ant-Man) as a founding member first appearance. Completing this set is one of the great achievements in Silver Age Marvel collecting.
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