The Amazing Spider-Man ##271
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Tom DeFalco
Interior Artist
Ron Frenz
Cover Artist
Ron Frenz
Publication Date
December 1985
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Spider-Man head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Spider-Man (in his black symbiote-style cloth costume) battles Manslaughter. The story titled 'Whatever Happened to Crusher Hogan?' explores the fate of the wrestler Peter Parker first fought in his origin story.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine / Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress visible along the left edge, slight blunting on the bottom right corner, and minor surface wear typical of age. Color remains vibrant with no major creases breaking color on the front cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15 - $25; Graded (9.8): $120 - $150; Graded (9.0): $40 - $50
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar status typically sell for $15 - $20 on eBay. CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold in the $130 range.
Grading Recommendation
Generally not worth professional grading unless it is a guaranteed 9.8. The cost of grading exceeds the value increase for mid-to-high grades for this specific non-key issue. A 'Press and Clean' might help if there are non-color-breaking dimples.
Notable Features
Features the return and 'whatever happened to' story of Crusher Hogan. Black suit Spider-Man era cover and interior art. Direct Edition identified by the Spider-Man logo in the corner UPC box.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1985 newsprint-era comic. Paper aging (off-white to white) is consistent with the era. Staple placement and cover gloss appear consistent with Marvel manufacturing of the mid-80s.