Strange Tales Comic Book Values
Value of Strange Tales Comic Books
In the early 1950s, the comic superhero genre was dead, with only Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman surviving the purge.
Comic publishers instead turned to sci-fi and horror comics to keep up their readership. With their gruesome covers and bizarre stories, the 1950s sci-fi / horror is niche is becoming insanely popular.
One of Marvel’s earliest series was Strange Tales, which followed in the vein of EC Comics.
From 1951 until 1954, when the Comic Code Authority’s strict requirements were imposed, Marvel published some of their best horror comic books.
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Strange Tales Comic #1-34: Pre-Code Horror and Suspense Issues, Hotly Collected
The first 34 issues include some classic skull and grave covers, witches, the undead and other horror comic mainstays of the era.
These seldom turn up in better condition than VG. The comics with black covers are especially tough to find in nice shape.
Strange Tales #1: First in series. Click for valuesStrange Tales #1
First in series
Record sale: $5,530
Minimum value: $300
Strange Tales 2: click for valueST #2
Record sale: $770
Minimum value: $50
Strange Tales #13 precode horror comic. Click for valuesST #13
Record sale: $8,500
Minimum value: $30
Strange Tales #14 precode horror comic. Click for valuesST #14
Record sale: $1,550
Minimum value: $20
Strange Tales #15, Headless Man Cover
ST #15
Headless Cover
Record sale: $550
Minimum value: $20
Pre-code horror books are hotly collected when they feature decapitation or other extreme covers, and ST #15 is considered a classic cover image.
CLASSIC COVER! Strange Tales #28, Skeleton Cover
Strange Tales #28: classic skeleton cover. Click for valuesST #28
Classic cover
Record sale: $17,000
Minimum value: $30
Pre-code horror comic books are always popular when they feature gory or explicit covers, and ST #28 definitely is one of the hotter numbers from these early issues.
The Comics Code Authority spoiled the party for titles like Strange Tales. From then on, all kinds of language and artistic content were banned from comic books.
"Soft horror" and suspense replaced them, but rapidly these toned-down titles lost reader support. The series meandered on until the pre-hero monster comics period.
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Kirby and Ditko Begin "Tryout" Issues in the Silver Age
The next notable issues appear in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with the irrepressible Kirby and Ditko called upon to create 'monster attack' style suspense stories.
Several later heroes and villains got tryout issues in this period.
ST #67
Quicksilver Prototype
Record sale: $1,350
Minimum value: $20
KEY ISSUE! Strange Tales #89, First Appearance of Fin Fang Foom
Strange Tales #89: First Appearance of Fin Fang Foom. Click for valuesST #89
First Appearance of Fin Fang Foom
Record sale: $5,520
Minimum value: $40
A monster in the classic stylings of Godzilla, Fin Fang Foom is a giant lizard, enslaved by Doctor Vault to fight the Living Colossus.
The Iron Man movie of 2008 shows Fin Fang Foom in a post-credits sequence, leading to strong rumor that the monster will make a "real" movie appearance in the future. Possibly in the 4th Iron Man movie.
Strange Tales Annual #1 (1962)
ST Annual #1
Reprints from earlier issues, Tales to Astonish and Tales of Suspense
Record sale: $7,885
Minimum value: $10
True to most Marvel series of the era, there were annuals published to cash in on the Christmas market.
The first was a series of reprints of earlier issues, and is not especially vaulable, but see below for the second, which is an early Spider-Man appearance.
KEY ISSUE! Strange Tales #97, First Appearance of Uncle Ben and Aunt May (Spider-Man's Relatives)
KEY ISSUE! Strange Tales #97, First Appearance of Uncle Ben and Aunt May (Spider-Man's Relatives). Click for valueST #97
First Appearance of Aunt May and Uncle Ben
Record sale: $3,120
Minimum value: $50
Perhaps an unlikely first appearance issue, but ST #97 sees the relatives of Peter Parker appear for the first time.
A few issues later, the series would become a superhero comic book for the rest of its run, with the iconic (and under-valued) ST #101.
KEY ISSUE! Strange Tales #101, First Solo Human Torch Story Since 1956
KEY ISSUE! Strange Tales #101, First Solo Human Torch Story Since 1956.ST #101
First solo Human Torch story since the 50s
Record sale: $9,560
Minimum value: $50
When Fantastic Four #1 was first published in 1961, it changed the course of the superhero genre forever.
Becoming Marvel’s biggest hit, they sought to capitalize on their creation by creating a spinoff for fan favorite character Johnny Storm (AKA Human Torch).
Using Strange Tales #101 as a launch pad for Human Torch’s adventures, this issue is now one of the most valuable in the series.
Strange Tales #104: First Appearance of Paste-Pot Pete
ST #104
First appearance of Paste-Pot Pete
Record sale: $5,675
Minimum value: $20
Paste-Pot Pete is an obscure (and ridiculous) 1960s Marvel supervillain who uses his super sticky glue to commit crimes.
Later, Paste-Pot Pete changes his name to Trapster in Fantastic Four #38.
Paste-Pot / Trapster makes several appearances throughout the Marvel Universe, but the first appearance of this fashion-impaired villain really drives ST #104’s value up.
Issue #106 is interesting for a few reasons – firstly, it loosely follows the events of Fantastic Four #4 in which Johnny quits.
Secondly, it’s the first appearance of Acrobat, who later impersonates Captain America in Strange Tales #114.
This impersonation leads to the real Captain America’s revival… so in some ways, you have to thank the Acrobat.
ST #109
First appearance of Sersi
Record sale: $4,780
Minimum value: $20
KEY ISSUE! Strange Tales #110, First Appearance of Doctor Strange
KEY ISSUE! Strange Tales #110, First Appearance of Doctor Strange. Click for valuesStrange Tales #110
Record sale: $60,000
Minimum value: $200
This is the big one, folks – the first appearance of Dr Strange in Marvel!
Given only a five page story, Doctor Stephen Strange’s ST #110 introduction is what comic legends are made of.
The Marvel movie and his appearances in Avengers: Infinity War have cemented Dr. Stephen Strange into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Strange Academy is winning the hearts of new comic buyers everywhere.
A CGC 9.6 copy of this comic sold for an amazing $60,000 in 2016 (after the movie was announced).
ST #113
Origin of Doctor Strange; first appearance of Plantman and Doris Evans
Record sale: $5,200
Minimum value: $20
ST #113 features the first appearance of both Plantman and Johnny Storm’s girlfriend Doris Evans.
This issue begins the long running gag of Johnny suddenly flying off for adventure while Doris is left behind.
More importantly, it also features the origin story of the Master of the Mystic Arts.
ST #114
Captain America Returns
Record sale: $13,000
Minimum value: $20
ST #114 is one of the most important Marvel comics of all time, re-introducing the world to Captain America.
While he seems to be the legit Captain at first, by the end of the story, it is revealed Acrobat was impersonating the Golden Age hero.
The real Captain American makes his real return in Avengers #4.
Doc Strange returns for a third appearance in ST #114, becoming a permanent fixture of the comic.
ST #115
Record sale: $10,200
Minimum value: $35
Spider-Man and Human Torch have a playful rivalry, starting back in Amazing Spider-Man #1. In ST #115, Spider-Man makes an appearance, watching Human Torch take on Sandman.
This early Spider-Man appearance, coupled with Doctor Strange’s origin story, makes ST #115 a valuable issue in the series.
Strange Tales Annual #2: Early Spider-Man Appearance
ST Annual #2
4th Spider-Man appearance and first crossover
Record sale: $25,000
Minimum value: $10
Spider-Man collectors can't complete their run without a copy of this annual. Published in 1963, it is the 4th ever appearance of Peter Parker.
ST #116
Record sale: $5,800
Minimum value: $15
ST #118
Record sale: $6,000
Minimum value: $10
In the little strip along the bottom of the front is the first cover appearance of Dr Strange.
ST #120
X-Men Crossover Issue
Record sale: $6,600
Minimum value: $10
Making a rare cameo outside of their own comic is the Uncanny X-Men! In a pairing that seems like fate, Human Torch and Iceman battle Captain Barracuda.
Because of the X-Men appearance, which happens only a few months after their debut in X-Men #1 (September 1963), ST #120 is quite valuable and a worthwhile investment.
ST #121
Record sale: $2,475
Minimum value: $10
ST #126
First Appearance of Dormammu and Clea
Record sale: $2,800
Minimum value: $5
After several months of dry spells, ST #126 introduces us to two important Doctor Strange characters – Dormammu and Clea.
Dormammu is Doctor Strange’s arch enemy, while Clea becomes his longtime romantic interest.
ST #128
Record sale: $3,100
Minimum value: $5
The second X-Men crossover occurs in ST #128, this time with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver battling Torch and Thing.
This issue also contains the highly coveted Doctor Strange pin-up. Make sure it's present when you buy a copy.
ST #134
First Watcher cover
Record sale: $3,885
Minimum value: $15
KEY ISSUE! Strange Tales #135, Origin and First Appearance of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
KEY ISSUE! Strange Tales #135, Origin and First Appearance of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Click for valueStrange Tales #135
First Nick Fury comic
Record sale: $13,200
Minimum value: $25
Nick Fury made his first appearance in Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos #1 (1963), detailing his adventures as a courageous soldier during WWII.
After being discharged, Fury joins the S.H.I.E.L.D., which is where Strange Tales #135 picks up.
See our War Comics price guide for more appearances.
ST #135 is a highly sought after late Silver Age comic.
ST #138
Record sale: $925
Minimum value: $5
ST #138 is the first appearance of Eternity, who is the leader of the Cosmic Powers.
Eternity is an important figure in Doctor Strange and the Marvel Universe, often guiding the actions of mystical beings.
ST #148
Origin of the Ancient One; First appearance of Kaluu
Record sale: $900
Minimum value: $5
Most of these later Strange Tales issues are important for the continuing development of Doctor Strange.
In ST #148, we learn the origins of The Ancient One, who gave Strange his powers.
The evil mystic Kaluu, a contemporary of the Ancient One, makes his first appearance, beginning a new story arc.
ST #150
First appearance of Umar
Record sale: $950
Minimum value: $5
Dormammu is regarded as Doctor Strange’s archenemy – and he has an equally evil sister, Umar!
Umar makes many appearances throughout the Marvel Universe, especially in the 1970s Defenders series.
Also, take note that Doctor Strange’s name finally appears on the cover of this issue, next to Nick Fury’s.
ST #168
Record sale: $1,500
Minimum value: $1
ST #168 is the last issue featuring Nick Fury and Doctor Strange, both getting their own solo series.
Nick Fury and Doctor Strange sharing a comic never really made much sense from a genre standpoint.
While Fury is embroiled in espionage and action, Strange focuses on the sci-fi / supernatural aspects of Marvel.
KEY ISSUE! Strange Tales #169, First Appearance of Brother Voodoo
Strange Tales #169: First Appearance of Brother Voodoo. Click for valuesST #169
First Appearance of Brother Voodoo
Record sale: $4,000
Minimum value: $25
With Doctor Strange and Nicky Fury gone, Brother Voodoo (BV) steps in as a poor substitute. This first appearance of BV drives the value up for hardcore collectors.
Like Doctor Strange, Adam Warlock holds a very important role in the balance of the Marvel Universe, but doesn’t get the attention he deserves.
Adam Warlock made his first appearance in Fantastic Four #66.
A few years later, Warlock was revived by Jim Starlin for Strange Tales #178, starting the Magus storyline.
Because of Adam Warlock’s eventual portrayal in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this issue is gaining in value and a great investment.
Strange Tales #180
First Appearance of Gamora
Record sale: $1,140
Minimum value: $15
Before the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, ST #180 wasn’t worth much at all. Now that Gamora is an important part of the MCU, the value of the comic has appreciated in value.
ST #181
Record sale: $280
Minimum value: $1
In some ways, you could call ST #181 the last issue of the series, because after this, it’s just reprinted Doctor Strange stories.
This last issue features Adam Warlock, whose story continues in Warlock #9.
ST #188
Record sale: $55
Minimum value: $1
The last issue of Strange Tales!
Unfortunately, it’s just another reprint of old Doctor Strange stories and it really isn’t worth anything.
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Value of Dr. Strange Marvel Comic Books
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