ComicsPriceGuide.com has learned that a CGC graded 9.2 (Near-Mint Minus) copy of Tales to Astonish #27 just sold for a record price of $32,500 on the Pedigree Comics, Inc. Web site (www.PedigreeComics.com). The book, which features the first ever appearance of Ant-Man, is one of the earliest and hardest to find Silver Age Marvels and is cover-dated January, 1962. It hit the newsstands the same month as Fantastic Four #2 (October, 1961) and represents the last 10 cent issue from Marvel Comics. The book was listed on consignment in the New Arrivals section of the site on Thursday night, September 10th, at a Buy It Now price of $35,000 and sold very quickly.
 
Doug Schmell, President and CEO of Pedigree Comics, Inc. states: "This is the second highest graded and third best existing copy, trailing only a pair of 9.4's as indicated on the CGC census. Amazingly, it is the only NM- (9.2)  so far graded (out of almost 300 copies already submitted to the CGC). As most seasoned Marvel collectors know, Tales to Astonish #27 is one of the absolute toughest early 1960's comic books to locate in high grade, with only 6 total copies making it to 9.0 (VF/NM) or higher. This is due not only to its very low print run (only 139, 167 copies were circulated) but to the chocolate brown and black cover background and borders that easily show stress lines, color flecks, creases and surface impressions. As far as #1 and first appearance issues go (Marvel keys), TTA #27 is the hardest to locate in high grade, tougher even than Incredible Hulk #1 and Fantastic Four #1".
 
This is the same copy that Pedigree sold for a then-record price of $17,000 back in October, 2007, nearly doubling in price. The seller was very satisfied with the result. The buyer is a Golden Age and early Silver Age collector who had been looking for a 9.0 or better copy for a while. The book has off-white pages with exceptionally sharp edges and corners and perfect alignment.
 
As Mr. Schmell has previously reported in ComicsPriceGuide.com, Tales to Astonish sales have been on the rise. The early Ant-Man issues (#27 and #35-#48) are selling at record prices when they do hit the market in high grade, which is not often. In fact, of all the early Silver Age Marvel titles, Tales to Astonish is easily the toughest title to find high grade and ultra high grade issues from. When they do become available, they get snatched up very quickly. Historically viewed as a second-tier superhero, Ant-Man is bursting out. With the upcoming Avengers motion picture just around the corner, look for continued early Ant-Man appearances to sell briskly.
 
If you have any Tales to Astonish or other Silver and Bronze Age comics to consign or sell, do yourself a favor and try Pedigree Comics. They specialize in ultra high grade (9.4 and higher) CGC certified Marvels from the 1960's and 70's and aggressively promote their comic book internet based business. Pedigree is currently accepting new items for their Web site and Grand Auctions and consistently get the highest recorded prices for high grade and ultra high grade comics and magazines while continuing to set new records for their sellers and consignors. Please contact Mr. Schmell at 561-422-1120 or 561-596-9111 or email him at DougSchmell@pedigreecomics.com for any questions, comments or information about the consigning process. They only charge 10% commission for their services and will maximize your profit. Pedigree has over 15,000 registered customers ready to bid on and purchase your high grade comic books.
 
Prospective consignors can also upload their own scans, item information, descriptions and Buy It Now prices by utilizing the Automated Consignment System. It is actually very easy and fun to do. Just register onto the site, click "Customer Page" under "Your Account" and then click "Consignments". You will then be able to enter the Pedigree Comics Consignment Management System and upload your own CGC certified books and magazines. Pedigree Comics will receive an email automatically once you have uploaded the information and they will then review the information imparted for accuracy. The item will then be added to the New Arrivals section of the site to be bought and bid upon.