*Marvel: Our special month-long feature on the first appearances of Marvel’s Silver Age female characters continues with the debut of Janet Van Dyne, aka the Wasp as Ant-Man’s partner in Tales To Astonish #44. A long mainstay of the Marvel Universe, and founding member of the Avengers, wealthy socialite Jan was a breath of fresh air in the comics world, and her relationship with Hank (Ant-Man/Giant-Man) Pym was nicely portrayed as mature and caring, with a nice line in witty badinage, in contrast to the soul-searching angst on display elsewhere. Later, after she rejoined the Avengers, her fashion interest and constant change of costume (almost every issue) was a source of great entertainment and charm. This debut issue is a lovely copy with just minor wear at spine and the merest suggestion of a half inch sealed tear at centre right cover edge. Excellent unmarked cover with good colour, nice page quality and firmly attached at unrusted staples. A tight, flat copy with great eye appeal. Graded as VG/FN, pence printed and priced at £450.