The Spider-Woman ##9
Marvel Comics • Spider-Woman Vol. 1
Writer
Mark Gruenwald
Interior Artist
Carmine Infantino
Cover Artist
Carmine Infantino and Al Milgrom
Publication Date
December 1978
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (12p Pence Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Needle (Frenchy Bertonelli). Needle is a mute villain who sews the mouths of his victims shut. Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) investigates a series of bizarre attacks in Los Angeles.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Minor corner blunting on the top right. Slight surface wear/scuffing on the black ink of the cover. Vertical alignment appears slightly tilted (production-related).
Estimated Market Value
Raw (UK Variant): $10 - $20 USD. Graded 6.0: $45 - $60 USD.
Recent Sales
Standard US cents copies in mid-grade typically sell for $15-$25. UK variants often see a slight premium to specialists but generally follow standard pricing for minor Bronze Age keys unless high grade (9.4+).
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading ($35+) plus shipping exceed the market value of a mid-grade pence variant. It is best kept as a 'reader' or raw collectible copy.
Notable Features
First appearance of Needle. Notable for being the '12p' UK Pence variant, which was printed in the US for distribution in the United Kingdom. Includes the signature Infantino/Milgrom cover art.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze Age Marvel production. The '12p' price box and 'Marvel All-Colour Comics' header are consistent with UK international distribution for late 1978. Paper stock shows age-appropriate off-white to cream toning.