What If... Spider-Man Had Kept His Cosmic Powers? ##31

Marvel ComicsWhat If... (Volume 2)

What If... Spider-Man Had Kept His Cosmic Powers?

Writer

Glenn Herdling

Interior Artist

Scott McLeod

Cover Artist

Scott McLeod

Publication Date

November 1991

Cover Variant

Direct Edition (Newsstand UPC barcode present)

Printing

First Printing

Comic Description

An alternate timeline story exploring what would have happened if Peter Parker had retained the powers of Captain Universe from the 'Acts of Vengeance' storyline. Featuring Cosmic Spider-Man, Venom, Doom, and The Watcher.

Condition & Value

Condition Grade

Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)

Condition Details

Visible color-breaking spine stress ticks along the left edge, slight blunting on the bottom-left corner, and minor surface scuffing on the black background areas. The edges appear relatively sharp but show faint shelf wear.

Estimated Market Value

Raw: $15 - $25; Graded (9.0-9.4): $50 - $80

Recent Sales

Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade have sold for approximately $18-$22. CGC 9.8 copies can fetch significantly higher prices ($150+), though this specimen likely won't hit that grade.

Grading Recommendation

Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal collection. The cost of grading ($30-$50) plus shipping nearly equals the market value of a 9.0 copy. A professional press could improve the grade slightly by flattening non-color breaking dimples.

Notable Features

Features 'Cosmic Spider-Man' (Uni-Power). Newsstand edition with UPC barcode. During this era, newsstand copies are often rarer in high grade than direct editions.

Authentication Notes

Authentic 1991 Marvel printing. Features standard newsstand glossy finish, correct period-specific price box ($1.25 US), and consistent aging of paper stock along the visible edges.

Scanned on 5/15/2026