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World Of Fantasy
Atlas // May 1956 - August 1959
Issue count: 19
Right on verge of Atlas becoming Marvel Comics, you can really see where they were headed with 1956's World of Fantasy! Excellent "proto-Marvel" stuff very sought out by collectors! See what they are going for here!
It took a little bit of time for Atlas Comics (formerly Timely Comics) to find their footing in the 1950’s as far as the creative direction in which they wanted the company to go.
Martin Goodman’s Timely Comics had, by 1949, ceased publication of almost all of it’s superhero books that had brought it such good fortune from 1939 through the end of the Second World War. Captain America, the Human Torch and The Sub-Mariner were fading from public consciousness, and the whole comic book business was turned on its head; it seems America did not need heroes in their comics, they had them in their homes in the men and women that had come back after the big war…
One may think that tastes would have veered towards the more fanciful and humorous, for the country had had enough of the death and dying. But no - the flavor of the day was moving towards the darker subjects of everyday criminals, monsters, and unexplained phenomenon. Perhaps this turnabout in content could be explained as simply being a reflection of the collective national fatigue of war, and the uncertainty and paranoia of facing a future in a post-atomic-bomb world.
Monsters of unknown origin, scenarios of invasions from alien beings resonated more as the threat of global communist-domination was repeatedly heralded in the daily news.
Not that Atlas did not assume the stance that most publishers did by dabbling in all sorts of popular genres, with varying success; they did have several romance titles as well as western, war, jungle, true crime, science fiction, teenage and humor titles. But, in late 1951, when the Atlas logo started gracing the covers of books that would have previously bore the Marvel or Timely brand, their main area of excellence was their suspense/supernatural/horror titles.
Between 1950 and 1952 Timely brought out several titles that would ensure their legacy, and transition them into what would be known as the “Marvel Age of Comics.” Such titles included Adventures Into Terror, Astonishing, Uncanny Tales, Mystic, Mystery Tales, Marvel Tales, and two titles that would figure heavily in the introduction of major best selling characters in the early 60’s : Strange Tales and Journey into Mystery.
As the 50’s went on, Atlas was starting to look a whole lot like the blockbuster that would be Marvel comics beginning in the early 1960s.
And World of Fantasy was a major transitional title for Atlas. Debuting in 1956, and running for 19 issues, until August of 1959. It premiered around the same time as now-legendary titles Tales To Astonish, Amazing (Adult) Fantasy and Tales of Suspense, and unsurprisingly, employed several of the name artists that would bring Marvel to heights of greatness within a few short years.
As the issues went by you started to see more of the names of those that would be key players in Marvel’s imminent and overwhelming popularity - folks like Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby, Don Heck, Dick Ayers, Vince Colletta, Gene Colan, Joe Sinnott, Werner Roth, Jim Mooney, Don Perlin, Joe Orlando, John Severin, Ross Andru, George Roussos (Bell), all contributed to World of Fantasy.
Unfortunately, World of Fantasy didn’t stick around long enough to introduce a Thor, a Spider-Man, an Ant-Man, or an Iron Man like its contemporaries, but it does represent a time when Stan Lee, along with his brother Larry Leiber, started to take the bull more by the horns, and unleash their imaginations to the degree that changed comic books forever…
Check out what prices issues of late-Atlas/early-Marvel curio World Of Fantasy are fetching on the collectors market…
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Issue #1
What's World Of Fantasy #1 worth in 2024?
There are two copies of this issue at the highest available grade VF 8.0, and one set the top price of $1,255 in 2013. It's the only time either of these copies has recorded a sale. There's slow but solid growth at lower grades: FN+ 6.5 went from $200 in 2003 to today's price of $480, and GD/VG 3.0 jumped from $50 in 2002 to a current value of $145.
Why is this comic book valuable?
It's the debut issue of this sci-fi/fantasy/horror series published by Atlas Comics (which would later become Marvel) from 1956 to 1959. Includes art by Bernard Baily, co-creator of the Spectre.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $125 | $250 | $500 | $1,250 | $4,500 | $1,255 |
Issue #2
What's World Of Fantasy #2 worth in 2024?
There are seven total registered copies of this issue, and only two recorded sales to date. One of the two highest grade VF 8.0 copies sold for $259 in 2004, and a GD- 1.8 went for $15 in 2005. Given how long ago these transactions were recorded, this is a solid buy-low opportunity if you can get in at a comfortable price.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Features art by Mort Drucker, who would go on to a legendary run at Mad magazine that spanned five decades!
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75 | $150 | $275 | $550 | $2,200 | $259 |
Issue #3
What's World Of Fantasy #3 worth in 2024?
There are three registered VF+ 8.5 copies of this issue, and one set the top price of $432 in 2018. This was well above the $288 sale of the lone highest grade VF/NM 9.0 in 2004. Sales data for the rest of the market is limited, but this movement of a better price for a lower grade shows potential.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Cover art by Sol Brodsky. Stan Lee called him his 'right hand man' in developing Marvel from the ground up into the brand it is today.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60 | $115 | $225 | $450 | $1,800 | $432 |
Issue #4
What's World Of Fantasy #4 worth in 2024?
The mint condition value of World of Fantasy #4 is unknown. The only copy that has been sold is an unrestored 6.5 for the price of $265 in August 2020.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Covert art by Bill Everett, creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and co-creator of Daredevil. Meet the “Strange Wife of Henry Johnson” in World of Fantasy #4, published in November 1956 by Marvel Comics. Other horror-suspense tales include “A Robot Among Us!,” “Bright Day,” and “Girl in a Trap.”
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $100 | $200 | $400 | $1,600 | $260 |
Issue #5
What's World Of Fantasy #5 worth in 2024?
Five copies graded at VF 8.0 make up a high-end market for this issue with plenty of movement. They set a top price of $600 in 2013, following prices of $375 in 2010 and $508 in 2012. There are few registered sales at other grades due to this issue's low quantity, but the history available suggests a market trending upward.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Covert art by Bill Everett, creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and co-creator of Daredevil. Also includes art by Bernard Baily, co-creator of the Spectre.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $100 | $200 | $400 | $1,600 | $600 |
Issue #6
What's World Of Fantasy #6 worth in 2024?
The only copy of this issue at the top available grade NM- 9.2 sold for $239 in 2002, dropped to $184 in 2003, then rebounded to $217 in 2004. It hasn't gone on sale since then. Ten years later in 2014, a lower grade VF+ 8.5 went well past that value to set the historical high price of $448. There are few registered sales at lower grades, but trends are definitely showing positive movement.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Covert art by Bill Everett, creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and co-creator of Daredevil.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35 | $65 | $125 | $250 | $1,000 | $448 |
Issue #7
What's World Of Fantasy #7 worth in 2024?
The only copy of the highest grade NM 9.4 sold for the top price of $450 in 2007. It's the only time this book registered a sale, and the rest of the market has caught up: VF/NM 9.0 went for $427 in 2013, and $448 in 2014. VF 8.0 had a price of $70 in 2002, and goes for around $180 today.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Covert art by Bill Everett, creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and co-creator of Daredevil. Also includes art by Gray Morrow, co-creator of Marvel's Man-Thing and DC Comics' El Diablo.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35 | $65 | $125 | $250 | $1,000 | $450 |
Issue #8
What's World Of Fantasy #8 worth in 2024?
The mint condition value of World of Fantasy #8 is unknown. The highest-rated copy to sell publicly is an unrestored 8.5 F+ sold for the price of $60.95 in August 2007. An unrestored 4.5 VG+ sold for the cost of $52 in December 2015, which is an increase from its value of $31 as of November 2005.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Features art by Joe Orlando, who would later become Vice President of DC Comics. A mysterious dark cloud is encroaching in World of Fantasy #8, published by Marvel Comics in August 1957. People begin to disappear when they learn the “Secret of the Black Cloud.” Other tales include “The Mark of X” and “The Girl You Must Not See.”
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30 | $50 | $100 | $200 | $800 | $0 |
Issue #9
What's World Of Fantasy #9 worth in 2024?
To date, there are only two recorded sales for this issue: VF/NM 9.0 going for $837 in 2014, and $482 in 2015. There are five available copies at this grade, with two NM- 9.2 and one NM 9.4 above them that have yet to produce a transaction. Once those three top books start generating sales, we should see the market below them develop.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Covert art by Bill Everett, creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and co-creator of Daredevil. Also features art by Bernard Krigstein, whose training as a classical painter led to massive influence and critical acclaim.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30 | $60 | $120 | $240 | $950 | $837 |
Issue #10
What's World Of Fantasy #10 worth in 2024?
The mint condition value of World of Fantasy #10 is unknown. The highest CGC rated copy to sell at auction is a 7.0 that sold for $179 in March 2015. An unrestored 6.5 has a January 2008 value of $46.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Flying men soar across the cover of World of Fantasy #10, published in February 1958 by Atlas/Marvel Comics. Learn the mysteries behind the unknown flying beings in “The Secret Men.” Other mysteries include “Books That Were Alive” and “I Went Through the Veil!”
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30 | $60 | $115 | $225 | $900 | $179 |
Issue #11
What's World Of Fantasy #11 worth in 2024?
Like other issues at this point in the series, a small quantity of four registered copies makes for a market with very few transactions on file. In this case, only two: the highest grade single VF 8.0 sold for $365 in 2015, and a FN 6.0 went for $74 in 2011.
Why is this comic book valuable?
The debut of Shrunken Bones, a villain scientist who accidentally shrinks his skeleton when an experiment goes wrong! He'd go on from this series to battle Spider-Man. Cover art by Bill Everett, co-creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and Daredevil.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45 | $90 | $175 | $350 | $1,400 | $365 |
Issue #12
What's World Of Fantasy #12 worth in 2024?
A VF+ 8.5 set the top price of $325 for this issue in 2010. Signs point to a positive market as a lower grade VF 8.0 almost caught up to that value, selling for $317 five years later in 2015. The three highest quality copies have yet to record a sale: two VF+ 8.5 and one NM- 9.2.
Why is this comic book valuable?
A thief finds a mirror that can change his appearance. He uses it to get away with crimes, but ends up making a deadly mistake! Cover art by Bill Everett, co-creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and Daredevil.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40 | $80 | $160 | $325 | $1,300 | $325 |
Issue #13
What's World Of Fantasy #13 worth in 2024?
One of the two top grade VF/NM 9.0 copies of this issue set the historical high sell price of $896 in 2014. It's the only time either copy has recorded a sale to date. There are few transactions below it, and what is currently available shows modest growth over time.
Why is this comic book valuable?
A doll comes to life for an old lady, and a thief tries to steal it! Cover art by Bill Everett, co-creator of Namor the Sub-Mariner and Daredevil. Features art by Joe Orlando, who would go on to become Vice President of DC Comics.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40 | $75 | $150 | $300 | $1,200 | $896 |
Issue #14
What's World Of Fantasy #14 worth in 2024?
The single VF 8.0 registered copy of this issue set the top price of $837 in 2013. Two years later in 2015, it saw a steep drop to $359. Then in 2017, the highest grade available single VF 8.5 sold for an in-between price of $528. Lower grades have very few recorded sales. If you like investing in issues that let you can take advantage of fluctuations, this would be a good choice.
Why is this comic book valuable?
A prisoner escapes jail only to find out a horrible truth: all of humanity has moved to a different planet!
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $100 | $200 | $375 | $1,500 | $837 |
Issue #15
What's World Of Fantasy #15 worth in 2024?
The highest available grade VF+ 8.5 has yet to record a sale, leaving a FN/VF 7.0 below it to set the historical top price of $264 in 2018. There are few sales below it due to the limited quantity, but signs point to a positive market: FN- 5.5 moved from about $25 in 2005 to today's value of $70.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Prisoners attempt to escape using a new power: making objects appear out of thin air! Cover art by Jack Kirby.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40 | $75 | $150 | $300 | $1,200 | $264 |
Issue #16
What's World Of Fantasy #16 worth in 2024?
There are three registered copies of this issue available at the highest grade of NM- 9.2, making for a top-end market with lots of movement. It was valued at $363 in 2002, jumped to $450 in 2010, then set the historical top price of $1,061 in 2012. There are few sales recorded at lower grades, but the excellent movement at NM- 9.2 suggests plenty of profit waiting to be cashed in across the board.
Why is this comic book valuable?
'Nightmare Planet', 'Worlds Within Worlds', 'Beware the Future' and 'Prison 2000 A.D.' stories written by Stan Lee. Features art by Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40 | $75 | $150 | $300 | $1,200 | $1,061 |
Issue #17
What's World Of Fantasy #17 worth in 2024?
The single copy of the highest grade NM- 9.2 for this issue set the top price of $1,105 in 2011. It's the only time this book has recorded a sale. There's plenty of growth below it: FN+ 6.5 moved from around $95 in 2012 to today's value of $190, and FN- 5.5 grew 366% from $30 in 2008 to a current price around $140.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Cover art by Jack Kirby. 'Guardians of the Stars' art by Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $70 | $150 | $275 | $550 | $2,200 | $1,105 |
Issue #18
What's World Of Fantasy #18 worth in 2024?
The best available grade for this issue is set by a single VF/NM 9.0 that set a top price of $1,016 in 2014. To date, it's the only recorded sale for this copy. The low quantity of sales below it makes for a market that's hard to decipher, but signs point to positive movement. A VG 4.0 currently goes for $90, over double the $40 value of a higher grade VG/FN 5.0 in 2010.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Cover art and 'To Build a Robot!' story pencils by Jack Kirby. 'The Clock Strikes Never!' art by Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $100 | $200 | $400 | $1,600 | $1,016 |
Issue #19
What's World Of Fantasy #19 worth in 2024?
The market for this issue has yet to be defined, due to a small quantity of nine registered copies that have only generated two recorded sales. A FN+ 6.5 went for $102 in 2012, and a FN 6.0 sold for $49 in 2010. There should be more movement when one of the two highest grade VF 8.0 copies goes on sale and sets a value ceiling.
Why is this comic book valuable?
Cover art by Jack Kirby. 'Deluge!' story art by Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko.
Price Guide Report
| GD 2.0 | VG 4.0 | FN 6.0 | VF 8.0 | NM 9.4 | RECORD SALE! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40 | $75 | $150 | $300 | $1,200 | $102 |