The Amazing Spider-Man ##281
Marvel Comics • The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Tom DeFalco
Interior Artist
Ron Frenz
Cover Artist
Ron Frenz
Publication Date
October 1986
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (with UPC block)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Spider-Man, in his black symbiotic costume, battles the Sinister Syndicate. Featured villains include Beetle, Rhino, Hydro-Man, Boomerang, and Speed Demon. The story continues the 25th-anniversary celebration of Marvel.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine ticks along the left edge, slight blunting on the top-right and bottom-left corners, light surface scuffing on the black ink of the suit, and minor edge wear along the top spine area.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded 9.0+: $60 - $85
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies show a range of $8 to $25 depending on condition; CGC 9.8 copies have reached $150+ while mid-grade copies remain affordable.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if it can achieve a 9.6 or higher. Based on the spine ticks and corner wear, it likely falls in the 7.0-8.0 range. Pressing may improve the flat surfaces but won't fix color-breaking ticks.
Notable Features
Marvel 25th Anniversary border; Key appearance of the Sinister Syndicate; Spider-Man in the iconic black costume.
Authentication Notes
First printing confirmed by the 75-cent price point and '281 OCT' numbering. No signs of reproduction; paper aging is consistent with 1980s newsprint and cover stock.