The Amazing Spider-Man ##281
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Tom DeFalco
Interior Artist
Ron Frenz
Cover Artist
Ron Frenz
Publication Date
October 1986
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features Spider-Man in his black symbiote-style costume. The story involves Peter Parker dealing with the Sinister Syndicate, featuring the Beetle, Rhino, Hyrdo-Man, Speed Demon, and Boomerang. Flash Thompson is also framed as the Hobgoblin in this arc.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks, slight corner blunting on top and bottom right, minor surface wear visible on the orange background, and slight edge wear on the top left margin near the price box.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (CGC 9.8 equivalent): $150 - $200; As-is (CGC 7.5): $30 - $40
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition have sold between $12 and $22. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have sold for approximately $180.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal preservation. The visible spine ticks and corner wear likely cap the grade at an 8.0, and the current market value for low-to-mid 8.0 copies does not offset the $30-$50 cost of grading and shipping.
Notable Features
Marvel 25th Anniversary border cover. Newsstand edition with barcode. First appearance of the Sinister Syndicate as a team. Key Bronze Age Spider-Man issue during the 'Black Suit' era.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1986 Marvel Newsstand copy. Paper color appears slightly off-white, consistent with the age and newsprint stock of the era. Staple placement and Ben-Day dot color registration in the logo appear correct.