Registered: 03/21/06
Posts: 8755
Loc: Riding the Neutrino Pulse
Both Tales of Suspense and Tales to Astonish are fascinating Silver Age runs. I'm curious what other Boardies think of the merits (or lack of) that these two titles possess (superhero to the end of each respective run).
Here are my first impressions (roughly broken down into three divisions) to get things started.
Early: basically it's Iron Man (IM) versus Ant Man (AM) here. While AM is an interesting character, IM has risen into the top tier rank over time, while AM remains mostly in the shadows.
IM's suit of armor is intriguing, and his initial stories epitomize the early Marvel era. AM seems more of a novelty, though potentially an entertaining one, in comparison. There's a separation between his first and subsequent appearances, as well.
(Advantage: TOS)
Mid: IM continues to chug along in TOS, and some nifty characters (e.g., Black Widow, Hawkeye, etc.) appear. The remarkable introduction of Captain America (CA) harkens back to the Golden Age (Jack Kirby), and is a very welcome feature.
In TTA, AM gets a partner in the Wasp, then transforms into Giant Man (GM), and the resulting stories take on a more collosal feel. The subsequent addition of the Incredible Hulk (IH, and starting with Ditko pencils) into a dual line-up is a big boost.
(Advantage: None)
End: for TOS, Kirby continues on with CA (more Red Skull, an iconic villain), while IM is steady if unremarkable.
Sub-Mariner (SM) joins the TTA cast, and when teamed with the IH, they are a powerful duo. As a bonus, we see some efforts from the legendary BIll Everett. A few better covers here, too.
(Advantage: TTA)
Conclusion: for me, it's a tie - two very cool series that morphed and entertained over time. For now, I really like them both and they are quite fun to collect.
_________________________ If you want to go fast, travel alone. If you want to go far, travel together. - African proverb
The human race will eventually die of civilization. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The grabbing hands grab all they can, all for themselves after all - Depeche Mode
Am I a sociopath? Everyone was greedy. - Bernie Madoff
I'm all TTA, but you know that I'm sure. A case can be made either way, and I'm sure TOS will win in the end. For me personally, I'm a Hulk fan (love Namor, and Ant-man too) . Iron man is ok( I like the clunky suits), and I hate Cap. TTA is more affordable in high grade They're both pretty cheesy Reads.
I'm all TTA, but you know that I'm sure. A case can be made either way, and I'm sure TOS will win in the end. For me personally, I'm a Hulk fan (love Namor, and Ant-man too) . Iron man is ok( I like the clunky suits), and I hate Cap. TTA is more affordable in high grade They're both pretty cheesy Reads.
+1
That would have been my EXACT post except switch Ant-Man and Hulks places as favorites
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134 Avengers Pedigrees down! Any Avengers Pedigrees for sale? Please PM me! Avengers Pedigree gallery
I'm all TTA, but you know that I'm sure. A case can be made either way, and I'm sure TOS will win in the end. For me personally, I'm a Hulk fan (love Namor, and Ant-man too) . Iron man is ok( I like the clunky suits), and I hate Cap. TTA is more affordable in high grade They're both pretty cheesy Reads.
+1
That would have been my EXACT post except switch Ant-Man and Hulks places as favorites
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This is my sig.There are many like it but this one is mine. Call me Oak,Oakland,Oakman,David or Dave,just don't call me a cab. Every collection,from the most valuable Golden age,to the readiest of reading copy Moderns,is assembled with care and thought,and is worthy of respect because of it,if for no other reason.RMA
I'm not a dealer, but as far as I can see.... none of my keys are softening... they're as firm as ever.- jimjum12
I'm all TTA, but you know that I'm sure. A case can be made either way, and I'm sure TOS will win in the end. For me personally, I'm a Hulk fan (love Namor, and Ant-man too) . Iron man is ok( I like the clunky suits), and I hate Cap. TTA is more affordable in high grade They're both pretty cheesy Reads.
+1
That would have been my EXACT post except switch Ant-Man and Hulks places as favorites
you hate Cap too?
He is by far without question my least favorite of all the main Avengers over the years
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134 Avengers Pedigrees down! Any Avengers Pedigrees for sale? Please PM me! Avengers Pedigree gallery
For me, it's a win for Suspense because of Captain America. Kirby's earliest Cap stories (#s 59-62) are among my very favorite comics ever.
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Now complete on Strange Journey to Astonish Into Suspense Tales of Mystery! Still working on Adult Adventure Worlds of Amazing Strange Fantasy! KirbyJack's FeedBacks!
