The Spectacular Spider-Man ##173
Marvel Comics • The Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Gerry Conway
Interior Artist
Sal Buscema
Cover Artist
Sal Buscema
Publication Date
February 1991
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (Captain America 50th Anniversary Logo)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 1 of the 'Creatures of the Night' arc. Spider-Man battles Doctor Octopus while Aunt May and Willie Lumpkin look on. Features appearances by Doctor Octopus and Aunt May.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5) to Very Fine+ (CGC 8.5)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress ticks visible, some color-breaking. Minor blunting at bottom-left and top-left corners. The cover gloss appears intact, but there is a slight vertical ripple on the right edge likely from storage/bagging.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (9.8): $45 - $60.
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell in bundles or for $5. This is not a high-value key issue; most sales are driven by completionist collectors or those seeking Sal Buscema art.
Grading Recommendation
Not worth grading. Total costs of grading (approx. $30-$40) exceed the fair market value of the book in this condition. Only 9.8 candidates of this era are generally worth professional encapsulation.
Notable Features
Features the Captain America 50th Anniversary headshot logo in the bottom-left UPC box, which was common on Marvel titles during 1991.
Authentication Notes
The paper stock and print quality align perfectly with early 1990s Marvel Direct Edition production. No signs of restoration or counterfeiting.