The Amazing Spider-Man ##252
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Roger Stern and Tom DeFalco
Interior Artist
Ron Frenz
Cover Artist
Ron Frenz and Klaus Janson (Homage to Amazing Fantasy #15)
Publication Date
May 1984
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Spidey head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Spider-Man's black alien costume (which later becomes Venom) in the Amazing Spider-Man title. The story follows Peter Parker returning from the Secret Wars with his new sentient suit.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; visible color-breaking crease on the bottom right corner; minor blunting on all corners; top edge shows slight wear/chipping; possible light surface scuffing in the dark ink areas of the cover.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $80 - $110; Graded (CGC 5.0): $120 - $140. High-grade copies (9.8) can exceed $1,500.
Recent Sales
Raw copies in mid-grade (5.0-6.0) have been consistently selling between $85 and $120 on eBay and Heritage Auctions due to high demand for the first alien costume appearance.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in this specific condition unless for personal preservation. The costs of grading ($35+) plus shipping and insurance would likely exceed the value added for a mid-grade 5.0 copy. A 'Press and Clean' might improve the grade slightly but wouldn't fix the color-breaking creases.
Notable Features
Key Issue: First appearance of the Black Suit (Symbiote) in the main ASM title (tied with Marvel Team-Up #141). Iconic cover art that pays homage to the first appearance of Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15.
Authentication Notes
The book displays correct 1980s newsprint quality and ink saturation levels. The 'Direct Edition' Spider-Man graphic in the UPC box is correctly placed. Staple placement and cover gloss appear consistent with authentic 1984 Marvel printings.