Top 10 Ant-Man Key Issues to Own

Tales to Astonish #27 introduces Henry "Hank" Pym for the very first time in the short story "The Man in the Ant Hill," written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby. In this science-fiction tale, Pym creates a substance that allows him to shrink down to the size of an ant — a simple but brilliant concept that laid the groundwork for the Ant-Man character. While this issue doesn't yet show him in a superhero costume, it marks the official birth of the character who would go on to become one of the Avengers' founding members. In CGC 9.0, a copy can reach $100,000 — testament to the historical importance of this pre-costume first appearance in Marvel's early universe.

Tales to Astonish #35 is THE foundational issue of the Ant-Man franchise: it's the first time Hank Pym appears in full Ant-Man costume — helmet for communicating with ants and shrinking device included. This issue marks Pym's official entry into the Marvel Silver Age superhero pantheon, alongside Spider-Man, Hulk, Thor, and the Fantastic Four who preceded him. The concept of a hero who can communicate with insects is one of Lee and Kirby's most original creations — strange, yet fascinating. In CGC 9.0, it can reach $50,000. This is the single most important issue for any Ant-Man collection.

Tales to Astonish #44 introduces Janet van Dyne / The Wasp, the partner and companion of Hank Pym, and one of the most important female superheroes of 1960s Marvel. The Wasp shares Pym's shrinking abilities with the addition of wasp wings, and would become one of the founding members of the Avengers. Her character — optimistic, courageous, and fiercely independent — provides a wonderful contrast to the tortured intellectual that is Pym. The Pym/Wasp relationship, complex and often painful, is one of the richest relationship narratives in all of Marvel continuity. In CGC 9.2, estimated around $50,000.

Avengers #1 is one of the most important Marvel issues of all time. This is where the Avengers — Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Ant-Man, and the Wasp — assemble for the very first time, spurred into action by Loki. Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne are among the founding members, which gives this issue critical importance in Ant-Man mythology. The very concept of the Avengers as a permanent team is invented here, laying the foundations of the Marvel shared universe. In CGC 9.4, a copy can exceed $300,000. This is Marvel's most cross-collectible issue, sought after by Avengers, Ant-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and Hulk collectors alike.

Avengers #59 introduces Yellowjacket, the new identity and costume of Hank Pym. After years as Ant-Man and then Giant-Man, Pym adopts this identity during an episode of mental breakdown and mysteriously presents himself to the Avengers under a new name. The transition to Yellowjacket is one of the most psychologically complex periods in Hank Pym's history — a character whose mental instability is a recurring narrative element. This issue is an important key for collectors tracking all of Hank Pym's identities, and a solid entry point into the late Silver Age Avengers.

Marvel Feature #4 presents the return of Hank Pym to the original Ant-Man costume after his Yellowjacket period. This issue from the anthology series Marvel Feature is one of the rarest in the Ant-Man franchise — the Marvel Feature series was produced in low print runs and surviving copies in fine condition are scarce. It's an important transitional issue for collectors tracking all of Pym's identities. Jim Starlin delivers artwork that foreshadows his signature cosmic style, making this a collectible issue for fans of the artist as well.

Marvel Premiere #47 is the most-watched key issue in the franchise for MCU collectors. It's the first appearance of Scott Lang as Ant-Man — the divorced electrician who steals Pym's costume for a desperate mission and ultimately earns the blessing of his predecessor. Written by David Michelinie and drawn by the legendary John Byrne, this issue introduces the version of the character made popular by the MCU films starring Paul Rudd. Since the release of the Ant-Man film in 2015, the value of this book has exploded. In CGC 9.8, estimated around $3,000 and trending higher.

Marvel Premiere #48 completes the introduction of Scott Lang with his full origin story — his criminal past, his divorce, his relationship with his daughter Cassie, and the exact circumstances that led him to steal the Ant-Man costume. This second issue is frequently sought alongside Marvel Premiere #47, as the two form a cohesive narrative unit. Michelinie develops the themes that define Scott Lang here: fatherhood as the driving force for heroism, redemption through action, and the self-deprecating humor that characterizes the character. An essential companion to key issue #47.

Astonishing Ant-Man #1 (2015) is the Scott Lang series relaunch that followed in the wake of the MCU film. Nick Spencer's script delivers a light, funny, action-packed title that capitalizes on the character's popularity after the movie's success. The series develops Scott Lang's personality as an imperfect but loving father, a failed entrepreneur but sincere hero — a vision that perfectly mirrors the film. This issue is an excellent modern entry point for readers coming from the MCU films who want an accessible, quality series. In CGC 9.8, accessible at around $100.

Ant-Man & the Wasp #1 (2018) is the limited series published as a tie-in to the Ant-Man and the Wasp film. Mark Waid — one of the most respected writers in modern Marvel history — crafts a title that captures the comedic and affectionate duo dynamic between Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne / Wasp. While this issue isn't a key in the strict sense, the cover variants — including artist variants and ratio variants — are particularly sought after by MCU collectors. An accessible and enjoyable book, ideal for rounding out a modern Ant-Man collection without a significant budget.