Tales to Astonish (1959) #44
Wasp’s first appearance! While working for scientist Vernon Van Dyne, Hank Pym meets the young girl who will become his partner in crime-fighting…and in life! Janet Van Dyne gains her sting, thanks to a super powered transformation! (Synopsis from Goodreads)
Writer: Stan Lee
Illustrator: Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Don Heck
Published: June 10, 1963
Tales to Astonish (1959) #44 wasn’t as good as I hoped it would be. I have found that I really love these collection issues. I find them more fun than the full-length issues. However, this one was a disappointment.
I was looking forward to the introduction of the Wasp, but the way it was done was so creepy. Pym continuously calls Janet a child and compares her to his dead wife. Then he proceeded to talk about how he might fall in love with her. It was almost disturbing. The romance was a huge part of their story too. I think more time was spent on their relationship than on the moster they were fighting. It ruined the story for me.
There were only two other stories in this issue. One story didn’t have graphics, Blueprint for Victory, and one did have graphics, Hunted. Neither of these stories really stood out to me as special or particularly interesting, but Hunted was my favorite part of the issue. I did like the twist at the end.
I really wish this issue had been better.
K.J. White Reads 
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