Tales to Astonish #78

Title: Tales to Astonish

Issue Number: #78

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Publication Date: April 1966

Era: Silver Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist/Penciler: Jack Kirby / Bill Everett / Gene Colan

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. Hulk story “The Hulk Must Die!” features Jack Kirby layouts with Bill Everett pencils/inks. Sub-Mariner story “The Prince and the Puppet!” features the Puppet Master, with Gene Colan artwork. Hank Pym and the Wasp also appear.

UPC: None (Pre-UPC)

Comic Grade: VF-/VF (7.5–8.0)

Page Quality: Cream to Off-White

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

Condition Notes: Very attractive Silver Age copy with strong color and excellent overall eye appeal. Front cover is relatively flat and clean with light spine stress and minor color-breaking wear along the spine, plus light edge and corner wear. Dark cover areas retain strong color with limited rubbing. Back cover is clean with moderate, even age toning and minor edge and corner wear. Interior pages show even age toning with light handling wear. Both staples are 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.