Tales to Astonish #76

Title: Tales to Astonish

Issue Number: #76

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Publication Date: February 1966

Era: Silver Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist/Penciler: Gene Colan / Jack Kirby / Gil Kane

Cover Artist: Gene Colan / Vince Colletta

Format: Single Issue Comic Book, 36 Pages

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

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: Hulk and Sub-Mariner split-feature issue. The Hulk story “I, Against a World!” is notable as Gil Kane's first Marvel Comics work, credited under the pseudonym Scott Edward, with Jack Kirby layouts. The story also features the Executioner. The Sub-Mariner story “Uneasy Hangs the Head..!” features Namor reclaiming the throne of Atlantis.

UPC: None (Pre-UPC)

Comic Grade: FN+/VF- (6.5–7.5)

Page Quality: Cream to Off-White

Complete: Appears complete; centerfold is attached. Only the lower staple is present, with no visible staple holes at the upper staple position, indicating the upper staple was likely omitted during manufacturing.

Condition Notes: Attractive Silver Age copy with excellent color and strong overall eye appeal. Front cover is clean and relatively flat with light spine stress, minor color-breaking wear, and light edge and corner wear. Black cover areas retain strong color. Back cover has moderate, even age toning with minor edge and corner wear. Interior pages show even age toning and general light handling wear. Only one staple is present. The lower staple remains secure through the cover and centerfold; no staple holes or evidence of a removed upper staple are visible, consistent with a manufacturing omission.

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.