Writers: Stan Lee and Larry Lieber
Artist: Jack Kirby
"The Vengeance of the Scarlet Beetle"
Our story begins with a troubled Dr. Henry Pym. He has been receiving numerous warnings from ants around the city. Fearing that it's something strange and dangerous, Pym goes to investigate as the Astonishing Ant-Man!
Pym discovers hundreds of ants gathered together. A large scarlet beetle stands before the crowd communicating with the ants using "mental telepathy". The beetle sees Pym and proceeds to explain himself. During one of "mankind's atomic experiments" the beetle was exposed to radiation which granted him with a "brain which is the equal of any humans". The beetle's grand plan is to use the insects of the planet to become the Masters of the World!
Ant-Man decides that this wouldn't be an improvement and promptly attacks the scarlet beetle. The beetle's hoards overcome Pym and the beetle grabs the growth gas from Pym's belt. The beetle proceeds to use the gas and grows to the size of man. Pym awakens later to find himself trapped and without any gas canisters.
Meanwhile, the scarlet beetle begins his battle against mankind. As the attacks continue, the world wonders where Ant-Man has gone. Back in captivity, Pym manages to talk some friendly ants into freeing him. Ant-Man engages the scarlet beetle and with the help of some DDT and shrinking gas, our hero prevails.
Another ultimately forgettable issue of Tales to Astonish. This title needs... something at this point. Unfortunately, it will still be another 5 issues before the winsome Wasp joins the title.
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