MARVEL TALES featuring THE SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN ##193
Marvel Comics • Marvel Tales (Vol. 2)
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
John Romita Sr.
Cover Artist
John Romita Sr.
Publication Date
November 1986
Cover Variant
Regular (Direct Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A reprint of The Amazing Spider-Man #101. This issue is significant as it contains the reprint of the first appearance of Morbius, the Living Vampire. The story involves Peter Parker growing four extra arms due to a failed serum experiment and his subsequent battle with Morbius.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress marks (some breaking color), blunted bottom-left corner with possible color loss, minor edge wear on the right side, and slight surface scuffing on the large black areas of the cover. Top-left corner shows slight softening.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (9.8): $150 - $200; Graded (7.5 approx): $35 - $50
Recent Sales
Raw copies in mid-to-high grade typically sell for $12-$25. The anniversary portrait covers are popular but common. 9.8 graded copies have seen recent volatility between $140 and $210.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in current condition. The black cover shows minor flaws easily (especially spine ticks), likely capping its grade below the threshold for investment profitability. Pressing might improve the grade, but the cost of grading often exceeds the value of an issue below 9.2.
Notable Features
Marvel 25th Anniversary Border (iconic 1986 frame featuring Marvel characters). Reprint of the 1st appearance of Morbius. Features the black UPC bar frame (Direct Edition). Romita Sr. headshot and portrait art.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1986 Newsprint/Glossy cover mix. Standard barcode orientation and 75-cent price point for the period are present. No indicators of reproduction or counterfeiting are visible.