What If...? ##30
Marvel Comics • What If... Vol. 2
Writer
George Caragonne
Interior Artist
Bryan Hitch
Cover Artist
Bryan Hitch
Publication Date
October 1991
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First story: 'What If the Fantastic Four's Second Child Had Lived?' featuring the survival of Sue Storm's second pregnancy as Mary Richards. Second story: 'What If... Spider-Man Had Never Lost His Cosmic Powers?'. Provides an alternate history of the Richards family and Franklin Richards' sister.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress marks visible on the left edge. Slight corner blunting on the top right. Minor surface scuffing visible through the polybag on the lower right quadrant. Generally sharp edges and good color vibrancy.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50; Graded (9.8): $120 - $180
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in high grade have sold between $35 and $55 due to the character's appearance in modern lore. 9.8 graded copies occasionally reach near $200.
Grading Recommendation
Potentially worth grading if it can achieve a 9.8 after a professional press. As it stands, it appears to be a 9.0-9.2; grading fees might exceed the value surplus unless it hits the highest tier.
Notable Features
First appearance of Mary Richards (Earth-9111). Giant Sized Special issue. Direct Edition with UPC barcode. Contains a popular Spider-Man backup story.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1991 Marvel stock. Correct cover gloss and paper aging for the Copper Age period. Staple placement and 'Comic Code Authority' stamp are consistent with mass-market production of the era.