MARVEL TALES FEATURING: SPIDER-MAN ##284
Marvel Comics • Marvel Tales (Vol. 2)
Writer
Tom DeFalco
Interior Artist
Ron Frenz
Cover Artist
Tom DeFalco (original ASM cover by Ron Frenz)
Publication Date
April 1994
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
This issue is a reprint of The Amazing Spider-Man #261. It features Spider-Man in his alien black costume (symbiote suit) battling the Human Fly while dealing with the mystery of the Hobgoblin. Key characters include Mary Jane Watson and Harry Osborn.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress ticks along the left edge, slight blunting on the top right corner, and minor edge wear on the bottom left. The cover retains good gloss but shows standard shelf wear for its age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8 | Graded (9.8): $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar condition consistently sell for under $10 on secondary markets like eBay. 9.8 graded copies have sold in the $50 range due to the popular black suit cover imagery.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading and shipping significantly exceed the market value of the book in this mid-to-high grade condition. Grading is generally only profitable for this issue if it is a guaranteed 9.8 or higher.
Notable Features
Features the iconic black suit (symbiote) on the cover. Direct edition indicated by the barcode in the bottom left corner. Note: This series primarily served as a reprint title for classic Silver and Bronze Age Spider-Man stories.
Authentication Notes
Standard 1990s Marvel newsprint interior with a glossier cover stock. No signs of restoration or counterfeiting; staple placement and color registration appear consistent with 1994 manufacturing standards.