Silver Age Marvel Comics 'Fantastic Four' #22 Comic Book
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Glossary Roundup
Original Presentation Script
Ah, Dan, you've brought forth a gem from the dawn of Marvelous times — the 'Fantastic Four' number 22. This piece waltzes in from January 1964, where Jack Kirby and Stan Lee were painting broad strokes across the canvas of comic book history. With its vibrant depiction of Mole Man's return and those delightfully quaint twelve-cent origins, it's a snapshot of youthful exuberance within the Golden Age landscapes. While not slabbed, our 'Very Good' friend here shows a worthy stage patina: some edge wear, a few creases, and that seasoned age discoloration wink at us like a suave silver fox in the collector's scene. Much like the legendary band backstage, it's perhaps seen a few raucous shows but still struts its stuff proudly.
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Silver Age Marvel Comics 'Fantastic Four' #22 Comic Book
By:Stan Lee (writer), Jack Kirby (artist), Marvel Comics
Style:Silver Age Comic Book
Origin:United States
Materials:Paper, ink (original vintage comic book materials)
Age:Circa January 1964
Condition:Very Good (not slabbed, moderate edge and corner wear, some creasing and age discoloration, but intact cover and spine; not officially graded)
Value:$200-$400 (mid-grade, not slabbed or professionally graded. Fine to Very Fine examples and certified/slabbed copies may be worth much more.)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Front cover: 'MARVEL COMICS GROUP', 12¢, Comics Code Authority seal, 'FANTASTIC FOUR', 'No. 22 Jan.' Interior: No visible handwriting or personalized markings. Back cover includes typical period advertising, no signatures or provenance notations present.
Date:2025-06-19 18:11:01.220130
Description:
This is an original 'Fantastic Four' comic book, issue #22, published by Marvel Comics in January 1964. Featuring the return of the Mole Man, it showcases art and story by foundational Marvel creators. This comic is a classic example of the Silver Age of Comic Books, with cover and interior art by Jack Kirby and writing by Stan Lee, two of the most significant figures in comic book history. The issue cost 12 cents at publication and is marked as approved by the Comics Code Authority.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A classic Silver Age Marvel comic with strong demand from collectors, especially as it features the Fantastic Four and a notable villain (Mole Man). Solid example with visible wear and honest age, presenting well for display or addition to a comic collection. Value depends significantly on condition and whether it has been professionally graded; this copy appears to be a solid, collectible example with moderate wear typical for its age.
Individual Images:
The second image is of the back cover
which shows age toning
some irritation at the edges
and light soiling
but no major rips or missing pieces. The front cover displays moderate edge wear
small crease at the corners
and some spine roll typical of a mid-grade Silver Age comic. The staples are intact and there is no evidence of restoration or major tears.
Provenance:
No provenance or ownership documentation provided; appears to be a 'raw' collection copy.
Condition:
Very Good (not slabbed, moderate edge and corner wear, some creasing and age discoloration, but intact cover and spine; not officially graded)
Identification Score: 100%
The issue is clearly identified as 'Fantastic Four' #22 from Marvel Comics, dated January 1964. The front cover and interior advertisements confirm authenticity as a period Marvel comic, without ambiguity.
Authenticity Score: 90%
The comic shows correct period graphics, pricing, Comics Code seal, and original advertising. There are no visible indications of facsimile or reprint status, and the cover/interior appearance is consistent with an original. Not slabbed/graded, which is standard for higher-value collectibles, but all visible signs support authenticity.
Image Memory Note
The object evaluated is a single-issue comic book, 'Fantastic Four' #22, from January 1964. The front cover features the title in prominent yellow/orange with red, with text: 'THE WORLD'S GREATEST COMIC MAGAZINE!' and the Marvel Comics Group logo (12¢ price, Comics Code Authority stamp). The cover artwork depicts the Fantastic Four (Mr. Fantastic, The Thing, Human Torch, Invisible Woman) facing the Mole Man holding a staff. Key cover text includes: 'CELEBRATE WITH US THE RETURN OF THE FIRST SUPER-VILLAIN THE F.F. EVER FACED! SEE HOW THE MOLE MAN IS PRESENTED NOW, IN THE NEW, MUCH-TALKED ABOUT MARVEL MANNER!' Speech bubbles: 'That's it, Thing! Come just a little further!' and 'Hold it! That wall is RADIOACTIVE! If you touch it, you're doomed!' The bottom blurb reads: 'In a mysterious dungeon, far below Earth's surface, a fearful fate awaits the Fantastic Four.' The issue number (22) and date (JAN) are upper right. The back cover is a classic ad page, colorless, with the headline 'GIVE ME JUST ONE EVENING and I'LL TEACH YOU TO HYPNOTIZE EASILY!' with small portrait and 25 MIRACLE LESSONS. No cut-outs or missing sections are evident. Overall, visible moderate wear includes minor spine roll, color break creasing at edges, light corner bends, minor staining/age tanning to the back cover, and generally complete/unrestored original presentation. No visible signatures, owner marks, or provenance stamps; no CGC/encapsulation.
Keywords
Fantastic Four, Silver Age Comic, Marvel Comics, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Mole Man, 1960s, United States, vintage comic book, superhero collectibles
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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