Strange Tales #146

Title: Strange Tales

Issue Number: #146

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Publication Date: July 1966

Era: Silver Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Stan Lee / Jack Kirby / Steve Ditko / Denny O'Neil

Artist/Penciler: Steve Ditko / Jack Kirby / Don Heck

Cover Artist: Steve Ditko

Format: Single Issue Comic Book, 36 Pages

Variant/Cover: Standard 12¢ U.S. Cover

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: First appearance of A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics). First full Doctor Strange cover. Final Steve Ditko Doctor Strange story/artwork in the original run. Clea is named for the first time. Doctor Strange battles Dormammu with Eternity appearing, while the Nick Fury story introduces A.I.M.

UPC: None (Pre-UPC)

Comic Grade: VG+/FN- (4.5–5.5)

Page Quality: Cream to Off-White

Complete: Appears complete; cover and centerfold are attached at both staples

Condition Notes: Solid Silver Age key with excellent cover color and strong overall eye appeal for the grade. Front cover has moderate spine wear with numerous color-breaking stress marks, edge and corner wear, several small creases and surface wear. There is additional wear along the top edge and some rounding and wear at the corners. Back cover shows moderate age toning, edge wear, small creases and light soiling. Interior pages have moderate, even age toning with some handling wear. Both staples remain intact and the centerfold is securely attached.

Comic Book Grading Guide

Near Mint (NM) 9.2–9.8: An exceptionally well-preserved comic with excellent eye appeal. May have only very minor manufacturing or handling defects.

Very Fine (VF) 7.5–9.0: An attractive, well-preserved comic showing light wear. May have minor spine stress, small corner wear or other minor defects.

Fine (FN) 5.5–7.0: An above-average copy with moderate wear. May have noticeable spine stress, minor creasing, edge or corner wear, and other small defects while remaining complete and attractive.

Very Good (VG) 3.5–5.0: A well-read copy showing noticeable wear. May have creases, spine wear, small tears, discoloration or other defects but remains complete and collectible.

Good (GD) 1.8–3.0: A heavily read copy with significant wear. May have substantial creasing, tears, spine damage, staining, writing or other defects. The comic remains generally complete and readable.

Fair (FR) 1.0–1.5: A heavily worn or damaged comic. May have significant tears, staining, splits, loose or detached components, missing non-story portions or other major defects.

Poor (PR) 0.5: A severely damaged or incomplete comic with major defects that substantially affect its condition and collectibility.

Grading Disclaimer: Grading is based on commonly accepted comic book grading standards. We are not professional graders, but make every effort to provide an accurate and conservative assessment based on the condition of each comic. Grading is subjective and opinions may vary. If you have any questions or concerns about an item, please reach out to us.