Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man ##1
Marvel Comics • The Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1
Writer
Gerry Conway
Interior Artist
Sal Buscema
Cover Artist
Sal Buscema
Publication Date
December 1976
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (with Barcode)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Premier issue of Spider-Man's second ongoing solo title. This issue features the return of the Tarantula and appearances by Mary Jane Watson and Flash Thompson. It establishes a more 'grounded' tone focusing on Peter Parker's college life and social circles compared to the Amazing Spider-Man title.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks; significant blunting and wear on the bottom left corner; visible creasing on the top right corner and top edge; minor staining/soiling on the white borders; slight surface wear across the yellow background.
Estimated Market Value
Raw (ungraded): $35.00 - $55.00 | Graded (estimated 5.0): $60.00 - $80.00
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (9.8) sell for $1,000+; however, mid-grade copies (5.0-6.0) consistently sell in the $40-$70 range on auction sites.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in current condition. The cost of grading (shipping + fees) would roughly equal the market value of the book. It is best kept as a nice 'reader' or raw collection copy. A clean and press might lift it to a 5.5, but likely not higher.
Notable Features
First issue of the series; Bronze Age key; features Tarantula; contains barcode (Direct Edition distribution). Note: In 1976, some Marvel books began featuring barcodes for the emerging direct market.
Authentication Notes
The wear patterns, paper aging (evidenced by the slight tanning of the white edges), and ink saturation are consistent with 1970s Marvel newsprint stock. There are no immediate signs of a reprint (such as the 1990s 'JC Penney' reprints which lacked the price/date box).