The Amazing Spider-Man ##274
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Tom DeFalco
Interior Artist
Ron Frenz
Cover Artist
Tom Morgan
Publication Date
March 1986
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Spider-man head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part of the Secret Wars II crossover. The Beyonder battles Mephisto; Peter Parker struggles with his identity as Spider-Man while haunted by the faces of his past and present, including Gwen Stacy, Uncle Ben, and Green Goblin.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (6.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine ticks, significant corner blunting at bottom left and top left, edge wear along the left spine, and minor surface scuffing. Interior pages likely show light tanning based on age of stock.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $15 | Graded (9.0+): $45 - $60
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar mid-range condition have recently sold between $8 and $12 on platforms like eBay. Higher grade 9.8 copies fetch significantly more, around $150.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading would likely exceed the market value of a 6.0-7.0 copy. A press and clean might improve it slightly, but visible damage to the spine and corners limits the ceiling.
Notable Features
Secret Wars II tie-in. Iconic 'faces' cover. Features appearance of the Beyonder and Mephisto. Direct Edition with black Spider-man face in the barcode UPC box.
Authentication Notes
Standard 1980s newsprint and glossy cover stock appear authentic. Ink density and trade dress fonts match known copies from the 1986 print run.