MARVEL TALES STARRING SPIDER-MAN ##176
Marvel Comics • Marvel Tales Vol. 2
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Steve Ditko
Cover Artist
Steve Ditko (Art used from original issue)
Publication Date
June 1985
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A reprint of The Amazing Spider-Man #37. Spider-Man faces the villainous Mendel Stromm (The Robot Master) and Norman Osborn makes a cameo appearance. Includes sub-plots involving Peter Parker's Aunt May and his classmates.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (7.5)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Slight blunting on the bottom left corner. Some edge wear on the right side of the cover. Appears relatively flat with good color gloss overall.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8 | Graded (9.8): $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for under $10 in high grade. High-grade slabbed copies infrequently appearing on the market due to low value relative to grading costs.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (CGC/CBCS fees plus shipping) significantly exceeds the market value of the comic. It is a reprint issue and not a key book.
Notable Features
Reprint series (Marvel Tales was a long-running reprint title). Early appearance of Mendel Stromm. Contains early Stan Lee/Steve Ditko material from the 1960s. Direct Edition UPC barcode in the bottom left corner.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears to be an authentic 1985 Marvel publication. Paper stock is standard newsprint/copper-age quality. Staple placement and ink registration are consistent with Marvel production from the mid-80s.