Publishers / Marvel / Astonishing Tales (1970) / #8
8October 1971
$0.25

Astonishing Tales #8

Marvel · October 1971 · on sale 1971-07-20

First appearance: Cynthia von DoomFirst appearance: BorisFirst appearance: Paul AllenOrigin: Gemini
How to read this file
  • Every claim on this page traces to a public bibliographic record; the sources are listed at the bottom of the file.
  • A first-appearance badge means this is the earliest non-flashback appearance on record in this database.
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Identification plate

Series
Astonishing Tales (Marvel, 1970 series)
Issue
#8
Publication date
October 1971
Key date
1971-10-00
On-sale date
1971-07-20
Indicia publisher
Magazine Management Co. Inc.
Price
$0.25
Pages
52
Rating
Approved by the Comics Code Authority

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

First appearance of Cynthia von Doom - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Boris - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Paul Allen - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Gugalanna - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

Origin story on record for: Gemini.

The evidence

Claims here come from the story records for this issue, listed under Sources at the bottom of the file. Character hubs with full evidence tables are coming to this site.

Contents

SeqStoryTypePagesCreditsCharacters
0War at the Bottom of the World! / Some Call It... Witchcraft!cover1pencils: Marie Severin; inks: Frank Giacoia; colors: Marie Severin; letters: Sam RosenDoctor Doom, Victor Von Doom, Ka-Zar, Kevin Plunder, Zabu, Paul Allen First
1The Battle of New Britannia!comic story11script: Roy Thomas, Gary Friedrich; pencils: Herb Trimpe; inks: Tom Sutton; letters: Artie SimekKa-Zar, Bobbi Morse, Kevin Plunder, Zabu, Paul Allen First
2Pick a Pair of Winners from Mighty Marvel!promo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: Jack Kirby, John Romita; inks: Vince Colletta, John RomitaBen Grimm, Human Torch, Invisible Girl, Mister Fantastic, Peter Parker, Reed Richards, Herman Schultz, Shocker, Spider-Man, Susan Storm Richards, Johnny Storm, The Thing
3This Badge Bedeviled!comic story10script: Len Wein, Mike Friedrich; pencils: George Tuska; inks: Mike Esposito; letters: Jon CostaGemini Origin
4While the Cat's Away, the Bullpen Will Play! [October 1971]in-house column1script: Roy ThomasDoctor Strange, Stephen Strange
5Another Marvel Masterpiecepromo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: John Buscema; inks: Frank Giacoia
6... Though Some Call It Magic!comic story10script: Gerry Conway; pencils: Gene Colan; inks: Tom Palmer; colors: Tom Palmer; letters: Jean IzzoDoctor Doom, Cynthia von Doom First, Victor Von Doom, Boris First, Lucifer
7The Mighty Marvel Checklistin-house column0.5script: ? (promo copy); letters: typeset
82 More Triumphs from Marvelpromo (ad from the publisher)0.5pencils: Jack Kirby, Neal Adams; inks: Vince Colletta, Neal AdamsBruce Banner, Hulk, Namor, Doctor Strange, Stephen Strange, Sub-Mariner, Thor
9Now It Begins! Double-Sized Dynamite from Magnificent Marvel!promo (ad from the publisher)1pencils: Barry Windsor-Smith, Neal Adams; inks: Barry Windsor-Smith, Neal AdamsBruce Banner, Gugalanna First, Conan, Hulk, Namor, Doctor Strange, Stephen Strange, Sub-Mariner
10Astonishing Mailsletters page2pencils: Barry Smith, Wally Wood, Marie Severin; inks: Sam Grainger, Frank Giacoia, Wally Wood, Marie SeverinAngelo Baldini, Franz Cadavus, General Ching, Doctor Doom, Victor Von Doom, Eric Gruning, Iron-Hand Hauptmann, Ka-Zar, Ivan Krushki, Kevin Plunder, Zaladane

Where to read it

CollectionYear
Essential Super-Villain Team-Up #1
ISBN 0-7851-1545-5
2004On eBay ›
Gene Colan Tribute Book #12008On eBay ›
Defenders: The Coming of the Defenders #12012On eBay ›
Marvel Masterworks: Ka-Zar #1
ISBN 978-0-7851-5957-5
2013On eBay ›

Reading the story costs a fraction of owning the issue. Both routes are on every file.

Before you buy

  • Check the price box: Marvel ran 30-cent and 35-cent test-market price variants in 1976-77.
  • Canadian and Whitman editions exist for many bronze books; match the barcode area to the plate.
  • Look for Mark Jewelers inserts and date stamps - they affect collector preference, not authenticity.

Series context

Sources

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