What If Someone Else Besides Spider-Man Had Been Bitten by the Radioactive Spider? ##7
Marvel Comics Group • What If (Vol. 1)
Writer
Don Glut
Interior Artist
Rick Hoberg
Cover Artist
Gil Kane
Publication Date
February 1978
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (Barcode present)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
An alternate reality story exploring what would happen if Flash Thompson, John Jameson, or Betty Brant were bitten by the radioactive spider instead of Peter Parker. Features the first appearance of Betty Brant as Spider-Girl.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress (visible white ticks against the black background), slight color breaking crease at the bottom right corner, minor blunting of the top right corner, and some cover scuffing visible through the polybag.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $55; Graded (9.0+): $120 - $200
Recent Sales
Recent sales for Newsstand 7.0-8.0 range between $35 and $50. High-grade 9.8 copies have sold for over $500.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless a press/clean is performed. The current condition (approx 7.5) would not result in a significant enough ROI to justify grading costs. If a press improves the grade to 9.0+, it becomes more viable.
Notable Features
Key issue featuring the first 'Betty Brant as Spider-Girl' story. Unique Newsstand barcode version which is often more desirable to specific collectors than the Direct 'Diamond' version.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be a genuine 1978 Bronze Age Marvel comic. Paper stock shows appropriate age-related off-whiteness; staple placement and Newsstand barcode are consistent with Marvel's late 70s production standards.