What If Spider-Man Joined The Fantastic Four? ##1
Marvel Comics Group • What If Vol. 1
Writer
Roy Thomas
Interior Artist
Jim Craig
Cover Artist
John Romita Sr. and Joe Sinnott
Publication Date
February 1977
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (UPC barcode present)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First issue of the original 'What If' series. It explores an alternate reality where Spider-Man becomes a permanent member of the Fantastic Four (becoming the Fantastic Five) after the events of Amazing Spider-Man #1. Featuring the Fantastic Four and the Watcher.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; significant blunting and wear on the top left corner; noticeable 'yellowing' or tanning of the white cover areas; surface scuffing and small creases along the bottom edge; slight color fade in the red logo areas.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $50 - $80; Graded (CGC 5.0): $100 - $130
Recent Sales
High-grade 9.8 copies have sold for $1,000+; mid-grade raw newsstand copies consistently sell between $60 and $90 depending on tanning.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in this condition unless intended for personal preservation. The cost of CGC/CBCS fees plus shipping would likely match the current raw value of the book. Pressing might improve the grade slightly by flattening creases, but it cannot fix corner wear or tanning.
Notable Features
Premiere issue of the What If? series; First appearance of the 'Fantastic Five' (Spider-Man, Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Girl, Thing, Human Torch); Newsstand edition with UPC barcode.
Authentication Notes
The comic displays appropriate 1977 age characteristics, including newsprint paper tanning and typical era-specific ink density. No signs of counterfeit reproduction visible; staple placement appears consistent with Marvel production from the late 70s.