The Amazing Spider-Man ##251
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Tom DeFalco
Interior Artist
Ron Frenz
Cover Artist
Ed Hannigan and Klaus Janson
Publication Date
April 1984
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Spider-Man faces off against the Hobgoblin in a final battle before the events of the original Secret Wars. This issue concludes the initial Hobgoblin mystery arc involving Harry Osborn and the discovery of Norman Osborn's journals. The story ends with Spider-Man and several other Marvel heroes disappearing into the Beyonder's portal.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine ticks along the left edge. Minor blunting on the bottom right corner. Gloss appears healthy, but there is a slight ripple in the plastic bag that may hide minor surface impressions. General mid-grade shelf wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50 | Graded (9.0+): $100 - $140
Recent Sales
Recent Newsstand copies in 7.0-8.0 range have sold for approximately $35-$45. 9.8 graded copies command a significant premium over $400, but this raw copy shows too much spine wear for that tier.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in current state. The spine ticks and corner wear likely prevent a grade high enough (9.6+) to justify the cost of grading fees. Best kept as a high-quality collector's copy for a run set.
Notable Features
Lead-in to Secret Wars #1. Features the Newsstand UPC barcode (which is slightly more desirable to some collectors of this era than the Direct Edition). Iconic 'Endings!' cover. Key battle between Peter Parker and the first Hobgoblin (Roderick Kingsley).
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze/Copper age Marvel print. Features period-correct 60-cent price point, newsstand barcode, and characteristic 'Marvel Chipping' potential on the right edge. Paper stock and ink saturation appear consistent with 1984 production.