Featuring: Wasp
Release: March 3, 1964
Cover: June 1964
12 cents
Story plot: Stan Lee
Script + art: Larry Lieber
Inking: Paul Reinman
5 pages
Giant-Man is humiliated that Hulk is stronger than he. Humiliated. At some point we have to address that Hank has some pretty severe issues.
Wasp tells Hank a story of a far-off planet and three suitors competing for the hand of a princess guarded by the Bog Beast. The Bog Beast overcomes those who seem to be the most powerful suitors, but the peasant Lorenzo will win the princess’ hand.
Wasp offers to tell Hank the ending to the tale only in exchange for a dinner date. Buy me dinner, and I’ll happily tell you how it ends as well.
This was Wasp’s final tale. Next issue, she’ll actually do some crimefighting.
Rating: ★★½, 45/100
Significance: ★★☆☆☆
I read this story in Marvel Masterworks: Ant-Man/Giant-Man vol. 2.
You can find the story in Ant-Man/Giant-Man Epic Collection vol. 1: The Man in the Ant Hill. Or on Kindle.
Characters:
- Giant-Man
- Wasp/Janet van Dyne
- Lorenzo
- King Maximus
- Bog Beast
Story notes:
- Series title now: “The Wasp tells a tale”. The “Wonderful” is omitted.
- Giant-Man in “light stripes costume”.
- Wasp in unique costume. No “W” logo, no v-neck to blouse. Headgear as introduced in first story of issue. Blouse shares elements of the original costume and the one that will be introduced in 58.
- Princess in love with peasant Lorenzo. King does not approve and proposes test. To earn the princess’ hand, the suitor must prove himself against the Bog Beast. Three suitors, including Lorenzo, are willing.
- Bog Beast defeats the strong man and crossbowman.
- Bog Beast can grow very hot.
#183 story in reading order
Next: Tales to Astonish #57
Previous: Tales to Astonish #56
