Tales to Astonish #78
Title: Tales to Astonish
Issue Number: 78
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Publication Date: April 1966
Era: Silver Age
Series/Volume: Volume 1
Writer: Stan Lee
Artist/Penciler: Gene Colan / Jack Kirby
Inker: Vince Colletta / Mike Esposito
Cover Artist: Gene Colan / Vince Colletta
Format: Standard Comic Book
Variant/Cover: Regular 12¢ U.S. Edition
Printing: First Printing
Key Issue/Notable: Hulk and Sub-Mariner split feature. Puppet Master, Hank Pym and Wasp appearances. Namor stars in “The Prince and the Puppet!” with the Puppet Master manipulating him, while the Hulk feature continues the military storyline.
UPC: None
Grade Range: VG/FN 5.0 to FN- 5.5
Page Quality: Cream to Off-White
Complete: Yes; cover and centerfold attached at both staples.
Condition Notes: Solid Silver Age copy with strong colors and good overall presentation. Moderate color-breaking spine stress and wear are present with heavier wear at the upper and lower spine. The dark front cover shows additional color-breaking edge and corner wear, several small creases, surface marks and handling wear. Upper-right corner has noticeable creasing and wear. Lower corners and bottom edge show additional color-breaking wear. Back cover has moderate age toning with edge and corner wear, small creases and scattered surface marks. Interior pages show moderate age toning but remain supple. Both staples and centerfold remain securely attached.
Scan Note: Images are high-resolution scans of the actual comic. Scanning can exaggerate page toning, surface wear, color variations and other minor imperfections. Colors and paper tones may vary slightly from how the comic looks in person.
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.
