MARVEL TALES STARRING SPIDER-MAN ##209
Marvel Comics • Marvel Tales (Vol. 2)
Writer
Gerry Conway
Interior Artist
Ross Andru
Cover Artist
Todd McFarlane
Publication Date
March 1988
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (with Barcode)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue is a reprint of 'The Amazing Spider-Man #129'. It features the 1st appearance of The Punisher (Frank Castle) and the 1st appearance of The Jackal (Miles Warren). The story titled 'The Punisher Strikes Twice!' involves The Punisher being manipulated by the Jackal into hunting Spider-Man.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Extremely heavy wear visible including severe spine stress with numerous color-breaking horizontal creases, significant corner blunting/rounding, heavy chipping along the left edge/spine, a visible diagonal crease through the bottom right corner, and noticeable surface abrasions with ink loss on the black background. The top edge shows fraying and tears.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5.00 - $10.00; Graded (CGC 2.0): $25.00 - $35.00 (grading fee likely exceeds book value).
Recent Sales
High-grade (9.8) copies sell for approximately $200-$300 due to the McFarlane cover; mid-grade copies sell for $15-$25; Low-grade newsstand copies frequently sell in dollar bins or for under $10.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS shipping and grading fees (approx. $40-$60) significantly exceeds the market value of the book in this condition. Professional pressing would not fix the extensive color-breaking creases.
Notable Features
Iconic Punisher/Spider-Man cover by Todd McFarlane. This is a highly sought-after reprint issue because it contains the full story of the Punisher's first appearance. Newsstand edition identified by the UPC barcode in the lower-left corner.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1988 Copper Age Marvel comic. The paper quality exhibits natural aging/yellowing consistent with newsprint from that era. The '75c US' price and '02476' indicia match known authentic copies.