The Amazing Spider-Man ##391
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
J.M. DeMatteis
Interior Artist
Mark Bagley
Cover Artist
Mark Bagley
Publication Date
July 1994
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part two of the Shrieking storyline. Spider-Man faces off against Shriek at Ravencroft Institute. The plot deals heavily with Spider-Man's psychological state during the period when he believed his parents had returned, only for them to be revealed as life-model decoys.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress/ticks visible near the top and mid-spine area. Slight corner blunting on the bottom left. The white border shows very minor surface scuffing but retains good gloss. Colors remain vibrant with no significant fading.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $10; Graded (CGC 9.8): $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for approximately $5 on secondary markets. Recent CGC 9.8 sales have hovered around the $50 mark, though high-volume availability keeps prices stable.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless the collector has deep personal attachment. The cost of grading (approx. $25-$40) plus shipping often exceeds the market value of a raw or mid-grade copy. Pre-pressing might improve the grade to a 9.4+, but it is not financially lucrative for this specific issue.
Notable Features
Features Shriek as the primary antagonist. Direct Edition with UPC barcode and 'Direct Edition' text in the box. No major first appearances or key deaths, making it a standard 'filler' issue for the era.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1990s Marvel production. Correct $1.50 US price point for the era. Standard glossy cover stock and newsprint-style interior pages. Mark Bagley's signature 'Bags' is visible in the bottom art credits.