Astonishing Stories #1

Jan 1962 · Alan Class · 1'- [0-1-0 GBP]

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In "Mr. Miggs from Mercury!", bumbling Frankie Nesbitt stumbles into a surreal adventure when a knock on the head sends him back to 516 AD, where he briefly joins the Knights of the Round Table and wields Excalibur against a dragon—only to wake up clutching the very sword in his modern-day hands. The story, illustrated with whimsical precision by John Rosenberger, blends schoolyard comedy with Arthurian myth in a delightfully odd 1962 tale. Ogden Whitney’s dynamic cover captures the moment of Frankie’s bewildered return, a perfect teaser for the absurd magic within.

Contains 9 stories

Mr. Miggs from Mercury!

13 pp · Science Fiction

Miss MeteoriteQueen SkiddlebupMr. MiggsOzzie BarbutiHalf-Nelson McGurkBetty Barton

Hidden Valley!

6 pp

BrennerRashiiKaruWeaver

One Exciting Knight!

8 pp

Frankie NesbittMiss HigglebyRusty MerrittFay MorganMr. MoylanKayo JonesRustalindaMerlinSir KayMorgan Le Fay

In "One Exciting Knight!", bumbling Frankie Nesbitt stumbles into a surprising adventure when a bump on the head transports him to the year 516, where he meets the legendary Knights of the Round Table and is given Excalibur to defeat a dragon. Waking up back in his school play rehearsal, Frankie can’t believe his luck—until he realizes he’s still holding the sword.

The Biggest Man in the World!

6 pp

Mervin MootUlysses

The Tiny War!

7 pp

JimSallyGruhn

Calculated Risk!

3 pp

ThykoHybronPilorCharlie

In "Calculated Risk!" from *Astonishing Stories* #1 (1962), a group of Volarnian scouts attempt a covert reconnaissance of Earth, relying on their echo detector to find a safe landing zone. Their mission takes a fatal turn when they misjudge the terrain—what their instruments call "uninhabited" is actually the open ocean—and their ship sinks before they can send a report.

The Depths Below!

6 pp

Ferdinand Freem

Dreamer

8 pp · Science Fiction

The Identical Twins!

7 pp

James KelleyHoward KelleyAlma RichardsMarv

In "The Identical Twins!" from Astonishing Stories #1 (1962), James and Howard Kelley share a bond so deep it defies explanation—until James is trapped in a cave and hears his brother’s voice guiding him to safety, long after Howard has died. The story unfolds with quiet intensity, exploring the eerie, unbreakable connection between the twins, and the haunting question of what it means to be reached from beyond.