The Amazing Spider-Man ##197
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Marv Wolfman
Interior Artist
Keith Pollard
Cover Artist
Keith Pollard
Publication Date
October 1979
Cover Variant
Regular Edition (Direct Edition/UPC Barcode)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A classic Bronze Age issue featuring the return of Kingpin (Wilson Fisk). The story, titled 'The Kingpin's Midnight Massacre!', involves Spider-Man battling the Kingpin while dealing with the grief of Aunt May's apparent death (a plot point later revealed to be a ruse). Key characters include Kingpin, Vanessa Fisk, and Peter Parker.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Extremely significant spine wear with heavy splitting and paper loss along the entire left edge. Large diagonal crease and paper fold on the bottom right corner showing color break. Multiple vertical and horizontal creases across the cover surface. Significant blunting/rounding of all corners. Probable tanning of interior pages due to age and condition of exterior. Possible detached cover or staple migration given the spine damage.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $10; Graded: $30 - $40 (though grading cost exceeds value in this condition)
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (NM 9.4+) sell for over $100, but lower-grade 'reader copies' in this condition frequently sell for under $10 in bulk lots or discount bins.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS services (shipping, handling, and grading fees) would far exceed the market value of the comic in this specific condition. Keeping it in a protective bag/board for personal enjoyment is the best approach.
Notable Features
Features the Kingpin. Iconic cover art by Keith Pollard. Notable for being part of the storyline leading up to the milestone issue #200. Features a UPC barcode (Direct Market distribution).
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1979 Marvel publication. Correct 40-cent price point. The 'CC' logo in the price box and standard barcode format are consistent with Marvel's 1979 direct market distribution. Aged paper stock and wear patterns are consistent with authentic vintage newsprint.