AMAZING
SPIDER-MAN
Comic
Books For Sale
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Marvel
Comics’ most celebrated and most recognized character ever
debuted in 1962 in the last issue of Amazing Fantasy.
That
last issue - issue #15 of a soon to be cancelled title
allowed creators Stan Lee and Steve Ditko the opportunity to
feature on the cover and first story an unknown character
that would go onto become Marvel’s greatest creation and
leading to his own title in 1963.
That title is still published today and continues to go
strong with many, many fans all over the world.
It is closed to 50 years that the Amazing Spider-Man has
been published and although it has had some rough times
trying to capture a slowly declining readership across the
comic book market, the title has for the most part been one
of the most successful in the industry.
Stan the
Man Lee had been growing tired of the monster, horror and
western titles that were the norm for Atlas Comics (would
later become Marvel Comics) in the 1950s and very early
1960s and was closed to calling it quits altogether.
After having a heart to heart a conversation with his wife,
he decided to stick it out and write the kind of stories he
had always wanted to do. To do stories that were a little
unconventional. To do stories about characters that had
problems - every day problems like the readers who purchased
them on a weekly and monthly basis. To do stories that were
fun.
In
Spider-Man and his alter ego Peter Parker, Stan Lee gave
comic book readers a person who they could relate to. A guy
who was not easily accepted by his peers. A guy who didn’t
always fit in with the crowd. A guy who was out of sorts.
A guy who had issues. Lots of them.
Readers
ate up his stories and wanted more. This was a guy that
transcended to a lot of the readers when he initially broke
on the scene and continues to find a place in their lives
today.
Some of
comics’ most talented artists and writers have worked on the
title from the beginning and continue to inject an infusion
of oomph into the characters to make them fresh and relevant
for the times.
Steve Ditko was the artist from the start and did the first
38 issues leaving a high bar. His work on the title is
easily the most valuable and the most wanted by collectors.
His style help set the tone for the character and millions
instantly became Spidey fans.
John Romita Sr. took over for Ditko at issue #39 and made
Spider-Man his own. A lot of collectors feel that Romita’s
version of Spider-Man is the definitive version. His
rendition is the one that set the bar for all Spider-Man
artists to follow. His Spider-Man is most definitely the
style that has given Spidey his iconic look and feel. A
look that would be imitated for a couple of decades.
Artists like John Byrne, John Buscema, Jim Mooney, Rich
Buckler and a host of Marvel’s regular bullpen artists would
step in and do the art duties on the title in the 1970s and
1980s keeping things flowing on the title.
Todd
McFarlane would help redefine Spidey’s look in the early
1990s giving him that lanky look with huge eyes and heavy
details to Spidey and all of the characters’ faces, costumes
and clothing.
Spidey had been re-invented and a huge demand for the way
McFarlane Spider-Man issues would forever influence the way
he would be interpreted by those that followed his run from
issues #298 to #328.
McFarlane Spider-Man issues are consistently requested at
local comic book shows and via online comic book retailers
and dealers even today.
Soon every artist that followed McFarlane was trying to
emulate his look like Erik Larsen for example who would keep
Spidey’s detailed lines, large eyes and webbing with the
wrap around vine look.
There
have been many writers that followed Stan Lee such as Marv
Wolfman, Gerry Conway, Steve Englehart, David Michelenie
whom would continue the standard that Stan had set in those
amazing 1960s/early 1970s issues.
They always kept Peter Parker/Spidey on the edge just when
he was getting comfortable with his life. Never really
allowing the character to become too complacent as his many
enemies were always just around the corner when he least
expected. With those Spidey senses tingling he would
immediately be alerted of danger nearby however.
There have been so many characters that have graced the
pages of the Amazing Spider-Man.
When you
think about the great depth of characters that appear in a
title of all superhero titles ever created, there is no
other quite like the Amazing Spider-Man.
Batman
and Superman’s villains are more famous than that of
Spidey’s to the general public.
Batman and Superman’s supporting cast are more famous than
that of Spidey’s to the general public.
But when
you think about Spidey’s villains and compare his with that
of the Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel or any other
hero, Spidey has the most dynamic and a larger depth of
villains and supporting cast.
His
villains have been plentiful having debuted in this title
and have been constant regulars in the Spider-Man
mythology. Reviewing the first 100 issues of Amazing
Spider-Man reads off as a who’s who. Just about every issue
in that run has a first appearance, origin story or some
significant story.
In fact when you look at the first 200 issues there are some
very key and collectible books in this run. Books that have
had huge demand over the years and are quickly scoured and
hunted down by newer collectors every day.
His first villain may have been the Burglar appearing in
Amazing Fantasy #15, but his first true super-villain
appeared in Amazing Spider-Man #1.
The Chameleon would appear in that first issue and has made
numerous appearances over the years. He was the first and
started things off in what would lead to a huge throng of
villains to follow.
Issue #2 featured the Vulture another of his long-standing
villains. A character that has been one of the most
featured and recognizable.
Doctor Octopus probably remains one of his most prolific
villains and debuted in issue #3. He has been a major
regular in the Spider-Man and Marvel Universe. He
ultimately made his way into motion pictures featured in
Spider-Man 2.
The
Sandman had his origin and first appearance in issue #4 and
remains one of the more sought-after issues. The character
has been such a popular villain in Spidey’s world and
Marvel’s Universe that he was featured in the third motion
picture installment - Spider-Man 3.
Doctor Doom made his way over from the Fantastic Four issues
to appear in issue #5 to antagonize Spidey. This was one of
the earliest appearances by Doom and his first outside of
the FF issues.
With issue #6 the Lizard made his first appearance and
remains one of Spidey’s most famous. The Lizard will make
his motion picture debut in 2012 in the Amazing
Spider-Man movie.
Reviewing any of the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guides from
year to year, you can see how much these first 6 issues have
appreciated in value.
The
Human Torch leaped over from the pages of the FF to appear
in issue #8 and he and Spidey always seem to get in a tussle
as both were young teenage hot headed superheroes always
wanting to show who was the better hero.
Their appearances together have always been fan favorites.
Electro made his origin and first appearance in issue #9 and
is one of Spidey’s standout villains. A character that a
lot of collectors have always been happy to see featured
with his limited appearances.
The Big Man and the Enforcers debuted in issue #10 and
although not a highly famous set of characters, but
certainly hard core Spider-Man enthusiasts grasp for this
issue nevertheless.
Doctor Octopus, Sandman and the Vulture would make their
second and sometimes third appearances in the first twenty
issues helping to satisfy the readers of that era.
Mysterio
and Kraven the Hunter would make their first appearances in
issues #13 and #15 respectively. Kraven specifically has
always been a favorite among many collectors and his
appearances in the title almost always show up on
collectors’ want lists.
Kraven has been a marvelous villain and his Amazing
Spider-Man appearances are in high demand as his unique
hunting style make a great matchup for old web-head.
Maybe Spidey’s greatest and most well-known villain would
make his first appearance in issue #14. The Green Goblin
has made numerous appearances in the first 50 issues of the
title and would have his identity would be revealed in issue
#39 and his origin told for the first time in issue #40.
His second, third, fourth and fifth appearances have been
well documented in the first 30 issues of the title and are
some of the most sought-after issues and most valuable
compared to surrounding issues.
Daredevil who had made his first appearance only a few
months earlier in his own title made his first cross-over
appearance in issue #16. It was a perfect pairing of
Marvel’s nighttime city heroes. A great looking white cover
makes it one of the toughest to find in that bright color.
In fact there have been some great predominate cover colors
in white or red in the Ditko era of Spidey that really draw
one’s eyes to.
The
Scorpion would make his debut with an origin story to boot
in issue #20 while the Beetle would make his second
appearance in issue #21. Both keep in line with the insect
themed Spidey.
Some of Spidey’s not so famous villains like Princess Python
and Molten Man would make their world debut in issue #22 and
#28. Issue #28 an all-black cover is probably the hardest
to find in high grade condition. Most show the slightest of
wear very easily.
A lot of supporting characters such as girlfriends,
relatives, friends, employers, acquaintances and some of
those eventually would turn into villains have debuted and
featured in the Amazing Spider-Man.
Each
have been a part of the Spider-Man world and are a big
reason behind why Spidey is one of the top comic book
characters around.
Characters like Ned Leeds would make his first appearance in
issue #18 and would later become the Hobgoblin much later in
issue #238.
Spidey’s earliest love interest and supporting friend made
their debut in issue #4 with Betty Brant and Liz Allen.
Most folks were too consumed with the Sandman’s debut to
even notice these two at first, but both are great additions
to the Peter Parker/Spidey stories.
Spidey’s most recognized supporting character who would
later become his wife made a brief appearance albeit no sign
of her face in issue #25.
Mary Jane Watson would make that monumental debut and it
would take several years and a couple of decades to become
such a huge part of the Peter Parker/Spider-Man storylines.
Any of her early appearances and early cover appearances are
highly sought-after by collectors like issues #42 and #59
which is the first time her face is shown and her first
cover appearance.
This
character has been a huge influence on Spidey and is a big
part of the Spider-Man lore having been featured in a large
amount of issues all across the board and in 3 motion
pictures.
Spencer
Smythe would also debut in issue #25 and would go onto
become a well-known Spider-Man villain.
In issue
#31 two of Spidey’s most famous supporting characters would
debut in Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy.
Harry
would later become the second Green Goblin following his
father’s footsteps and Gwen would eventually become one of
Spidey’s greatest love interest and whose death in issue
#121 would be for a long time a highly sought-after book.
Collectors continue to try and track down the issues where
Harry becomes the Green Goblin in issue #137 and other
issues where the second Green Goblin appears.
The amazing issue #39 represents John Romita Sr.’s first
issue and is one of the most treasured issues in the title
with its iconic cover that has often been referenced and
reproduced. As eluded before the original Goblin has his
identity revealed for the first time in this issue.
Two famous villains would make their debut in issues #41 and
#50 and have gone onto become major players in other
titles. The Rhino and the Kingpin appeared in those issues
and are highly collected.
Issue #50 sports a very well-known red cover and instantly
gains recognition by collectors all around.
Characters like the Shocker, Prowler, Silvermane, Black
Widow, Captain George Stacy, Joe Robertson, Brainwasher,
Vanessa, Morbius, Hammerhead, Man-Wolf, Tarantula, Jackal
were either introduced and or re-introduced in the Amazing
Spider-Man in issues running in the #40s up through the
#120s and there are even more.
There have been significant drug story issues and death
issues that have made the Amazing Spider-Man #96 to #98 and
#121 and #122 highly sough-after. Collectors for years have
been drooling over the possibilities of tracking down these
issues to add to their collections.
Over the
last decade the Hulk cross-over battle issues in issues #119
and #120 have been some of the hottest battle issues around.
Collectors absolutely love when heroes collide and Marvel is
famous for having its stars duke it out in not only one
issue, but multiple issues.
The covers to both of these issues are instant attention
grabbers and although the actual dialogue maybe dated, fans
are incredibly high on both of the books as they get to see
two of Marvel's best in a long-awaited showdown.
Two major characters made their debut in issues #129 and
#194 and are a couple of the most standout characters ever
produced in the title.
The Punisher hit the scene in #129 and his legacy as a
hard-hitting vigilante continues to be felt today and has
been the subject of 3 motion pictures and featured in
numerous animated shows.
His early appearances in this title are eagerly some of the
top collected Amazing Spider-Man issues.
He’s gained his own fan following and has been featured in
his own title multiple times.
The Black Cat instantly became a hit in issue #194 and is
Marvel’s version of Catwoman to Spidey. Her appearances in
this title are amongst some of the hottest issues in the
run.
She’s an enduring character and she too has her own fan
following.
The guest appearances of X-Men member Nightcrawler in issues
#161 and #162 which also happen to contain the Punisher
remain some of the top Spider-Man, Punisher and X-Men
related books appearing on many collectors’ want lists.
The
anniversary issues such as issues #100 and #200 which don’t
necessarily contain a first appearance have always been
issues that collectors look for. They’re extraordinary
issues and are milestone issues for the numbers that they
represent.
Almost all publishers tend to do something special for these
issues and in the case of #100, the cover really is an
attention grabber. While issue #200 is double-sized and has
a wonderful nostalgic cover of the Burglar with an ominous
Spider-Man overhead.
I could
go on and on about the various highlights in the first 200
issues, but I highly recommend referencing the Overstreet
Comic Book Price Guide to find the key appearances and
stories in this amazing title. I have only touched the
major highlights.
There are obviously some standout issues beyond the first
200 like issue #238-first appearance of the Hobgoblin,
#252-a homage to the cover of Amazing Fantasy #15. This
time Spidey is wearing his infamous black costume fresh from
his time during the Secret Wars maxi-series and #265-first
appearance of the Silver Sable a cool looking agent for
hire.
#298-Todd McFarlane’s first art issue on the title and
#300-25th Anniversary and 1st appearance of the Venom have
been amongst the hottest books over the last 20 years for
the Amazing Spider-Man. They’re significant and are not
incredibly expensive either.
McFarlane was a hot artist in his day and he will always be
synonymous with Spider-Man and for establishing a new bar
for art standard on the character.
Venom is
a major villain. Probably the top major villain to have
debuted since the 1970s for Spidey and was popular enough to
be featured in the third Spider-Man film Spider-Man 3.
There’s
a major story in issue #400 where Peter Parker’s most
influential supporting character dies.
Aunt May
Parker has been in the Spider-Man world since the very
beginning and ultimately due to the age of the character,
there had to be a time when Marvel would have to go forward
with this story.
It was still a senses-shattering event when it became known
what the issue was about. The issue steered the Amazing
Spider-Man into a different direction that would eventually
lead to other changes that didn’t always go over well with
fans of old.
Marvel would have to seize the opportunity to right things
and eventually produce the Spider-Man stories for this new
age of readers and to satisfy long-time readers. I think
they’ve updated the title and character to match the current
trends and many fans seemed to be pretty happy.
The Amazing Spider-Man issues have grown considerably in
value over the years and will continue to do so. The issues
have always had the constant attention and heavy demand and
Marvel will do whatever it can to ensure their prized
creation is at the forefront of all comics published.
The motion pictures and TV series only bring more and more
new fans and collector interest to
his issues.
Collecting his earliest issues can get very expensive
especially in the highest of conditions. In some cases may
almost be impossible to find since those who own those
issues are unwilling to part with their treasured issues
knowing full well that they may never find the same
condition issues ever again.
That’s not to say that they cannot be obtained, but you have
to be patient and realistic in your goals.
Certainly there is no shortage of issues that can be found
and selected for additions to your collection in this
amazing run.
What collectors old and new can do for themselves is to
focus on a specific theme, character or portion of the title
to collect that fits in with their own likes and tastes and
budget.
Maybe you want to focus in on certain character appearances
like the Hobgoblin or Black Cat or going after specific
artists’ issues. Then go from there to other
characters and artists issues.
I think focusing in on issues from point A to point B is a
great way to collect this title. Say you decide that you
want to go after issues #200 to #300 or up to #400 for
example. That’s not going to hamper a lot of collectors’ budget.
If you’re new to collecting maybe you want to scale that
down to say issues between #400 to #500 or just start out by
collecting the newest issues and work your way backwards to
a certain milestone like an anniversary or origin story.
Those amazing annual issues that come out once a year are a
great way to collect Amazing Spider-Man issues.
They're self-contained in that the stories are complete and
typically don't require you to purchase additional issues in
order to finish up the storyline.
They're
usually packed with not only a new story, but reprinted
stories from key past issues that help familiarize
collectors with the various characters and stories in the
Spider-Man mythology.
There
have been some years where Marvel created a storyline that
ran through other titles' annuals and those who wanted to
ensure they knew every aspect of the stories had to purchase
all of the other issues' annuals.
For the most part the Amazing Spider-Man annuals have the
complete story within that one book and including those
reprints of previous Spider-Man stories.
Some annuals have featured very significant stories such as
the first annual where several of Spidey's villains came
together to form the Sinister Six to battle him in an all
out brawl.
This annual being the first and containing the first
appearance of this super-villain team is the most prized and
valuable annual in the lot, but there are many others that
collectors want to have for their collections.
Annual #2 features an impressive yellow cover and a great
Doctor Strange story.
Annual #3 features all new story with the Avengers and the
Hulk.
Annual #4 has a new battle issue with the Human Torch that
is always exciting.
Annual #5 features the first appearance of Peter Parker's
parents.
Then there's the most significant story to influence Peter
Parker's life in Annual #21 where he marries Mary Jane
Watson forever changing Spidey's alter ego.
Purchasing the annuals is a nice way to collect a run of
Spidey's issues and depending on the condition that you're
seeking especially for the earliest ones can be obtained at
a good price that won't damage your bank account.
Keeping
a themed approach is really the best way to go and you’ll be
very proud of what you’ve been able to put together.
Purchasing Amazing Spider-Man Comics
When reviewing sources to acquire
Spider-Man
issues, I like to check
out local comic book shops and conventions. I get to see
the comics in person and can examine more issues at one time than I could online.
Eventually local sources go only so far since they rely on
collectors and other sellers in the area to bring them in.
Sources on the internet tend to travel and pick up
collections and will buy a lot of books online to add to
their inventory. They also have a lot of people from
all over the world who will contact them since they are not
tied to a local area to sell to them. These sellers
also tend to advertise on a more global scale than the local
comic book shop since their marketplace is the entire world
essentially.
mycomicshop
is a great place to find Spider-Man issues. They're a
national online seller and have been selling comic books
through the mail since the 1960s. They try to stock every issue of every
title that has ever been published.
You'll
see a large amount of
Spider-Man covers of key books in the run
as well as general issues in the title on this page that I
think will interest any Spider-Man collection which will take
you directly to mycomicshop's inventory of that issue.
There you
will see every condition of that issue they currently have
in stock so you can choose the right condition of the book
that you're looking for.
Don't be
worried if you do not see an issue in stock when you click
on any of the links. Often times they will receive an
issue into their inventory on a fairly regular basis as they
purchase books and collections daily. Just go ahead
and bookmark the link after you've clicked on the issue here
or check back here and click on the link to see if the issue
has come into stock. The links will stay permanently
connected.
I've
purchased books from mycomicshop before and will continue to use them.
Their grading is accurate and they are a reliable source.
They have great customer service in providing you books in a
timely manner.
Ebay is a
great option as there’s a lot of
collectors/sellers/dealers always looking to move in
and out of product and use Ebay as their avenue.
You may find some good deals on Ebay, but be careful to check out
the auctions and or Buy it Now listings carefully. Some
sellers’ terms are not right for everyone and sometimes the
items are not what you expect.
If condition is important to you, then be sure to ask a lot
of questions. If you don’t get the right kinds of answers
you’re looking for, then move on and try another listing.
Always check out the seller’s profile to see how their past
selling has been. If they’re new to selling and have only
been buying, ask questions.
You always want to be comfortable with the person you’re
potentially going to be buying from and you really need to
know what it is you’re getting.
If you're looking for CGC Spider-Man, then ComicLink is
your best choice. They focus primarily on CGC books
and you can find some of the top notch
Spider-Mans available on
their site. Expect to see from time to time CGC
Amazing Fantasy #15s and Amazing Spider-Man
#1s and others of that era as well as CGC Spider-mans from the
Silver and Bronze age.
I hope
this page has been informative to you regarding the world of
Spider-Man comic books.
Happy Collecting!!!
Johnson's Collectibles