Tales to Astonish #81

Title: Tales to Astonish

Issue Number: #81

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Publication Date: July 1966

Era: Silver Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Stan Lee

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

Cover Artist: Jack Kirby / Bill Everett

Format: Single Issue Comic Book, 36 Pages

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

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: First appearance of Boomerang (Fred Myers), a recurring Marvel villain who later becomes particularly associated with Spider-Man. Hulk story “The Stage Is Set!” features Boomerang and the Secret Empire, with Jack Kirby and Bill Everett artwork. Sub-Mariner story “When a Monarch Goes Mad!” features Gene Colan and Dick Ayers art.

UPC: None (Pre-UPC)

Comic Grade: FN/FN+ (6.0–6.5)

Page Quality: Cream to Off-White

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

Condition Notes: Attractive Silver Age key with bright color and strong overall eye appeal. Front cover is relatively flat with moderate color-breaking spine wear, light edge and corner wear, and general handling wear. There is also a noticeable date/store stamp in the upper-right area of the front cover. Back cover is clean overall with moderate, even age toning and light 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.