What are Key Issues in Amazing Spider-Man?

The Very First Appearance of Spider-Man

The very first appearance of Spider-Man was in Amazing Fantasy issue fifteen released in 1962.  The prototype for Spider-Man appeared in Journey into Mystery issue seventy three released in 1961.

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Milestones Issues That Shaped Spider-Man’s Legacy

There are a number of key events that shaped Peter Parker/Spider-Man’s legacy.  Aside from Peter Parker’s origin of getting bit by a radioactive spider there have been a number of character defining moments for Spider-man through the years.

Death has played a role in Peter Parker’s character arc. First the death of his parents when he was a child, the death of Ben, his uncle who helped raise him with Aunt May. This was the catalyst for Peter to be a super hero and to fight crime with his gift.

The death of Gwen Stacey was another influential story arc that shocked readers and gave Peter a further understanding of his powers and their limits.

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The One More Day storyline divided fans and has left a lasting impact on Peter Parker and the marvel universe.  Mephisto saves a dying Aunt May in exchange for erasing the marriage of Peter and MJ.

Top 9 Amazing Spider-Man Comics To Add To Your Collection

1) The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (1963)

ASM #1 released in nineteen sixty three was written by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko.  While this is not the first appearance of Spider-Man it is the first issue in his long running solo title.  It includes the first appearance of J. Jonah Jameson, the Chameleon and Spider-Man’s second appearance. While this book may be out of reach for most collectors there are reprints and some may be able to afford low grade copies.

2) The Amazing Spider-Man #14 (1964)

This issue includes the first appearance of one of Spider-Man’s greatest adversaries, The Green Goblin. It has a nice cover for display and low grade copies are not out of this world expensive.

3) The Amazing Spider-Man #31 (1965) 

This issue has multiple first appearances and has a fun cover for display.  This issue includes the first appearance of Gwen Stacey, Harry Osborn, Miles Warren and includes the first ever sound effect of ‘Thwip’. Low grade copies are affordable.

4) The Amazing Spider-Man #50 (1967)

This issue is a pivotal issue in Marvel history.  It includes the first appearance of one of Marvel’s greatest villains, Wilson Fisk, The Kingpin.  This issue also includes Peter Parker walking away from being Spider-Man.  It has a classic cover by John Romita Sr. This issue is affordable in low and mid grade copies.

5) The Amazing Spider-Man #121-122 (1973)

These two issues are important to the Spider-man collection as includes the death of Gwen Stacey and the death of Green Goblin.  Specifically the death of Gwen Stacey was a shock to readers as key characters close to heroes were never killed in comics. Both are still quite affordable in various conditions.

6) The Amazing Spider-Man #252 (1984)

This is along with Marvel Team Up #141 includes the combined first appearance of the iconic black suit that Peter Parker dons. The suit was created by Randy Schueller, a fan that sent in the design.  He was paid two hundred and twenty dollars for use of the design by Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter.

7) The Amazing Spider-Man #300 (1988)

This is a big issue and one of the more expensive Spider-Man books in the Modern Age.  This is the first appearance of Venom, arguably the greatest and most famous villain in the Spider-Man mythos. Written by David Michelinie with art by Todd McFarlane.  Its iconic cover has been replicated and paid homage to by dozens of artists.

8) The Amazing Spider-Man #361 (1992) 

Another big issue in the Modern age of The Amazing Spider-Man.  The first appearance of Carnage. Another symbiote like Venom but with a murderous personality that mixed with a serial killer named Cletus Kasady.  This is also one of the more valuable books in the Modern Age.  Also written by David Michelinie this time the art was done by Mark Bagley.

9) The Amazing Spider-Man #700 (2013)

A milestone that few comic runs have ever reached.  Amazing Spider-Man Issue seven hundred was released in February 2013. Written by Dan Slott with art by Humberto Ramos. This tells the story of the death of Doc Ock and his transformation into Superior Spider-Man.  This issue has the most variants of any Spider-Man since issue #300.  It had a huge print run so there are a lot of copies that are still below 20 dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes an Issue a “Key” in Spider-Man Comics?

Key issues in comics are an important part of the collecting culture in comic books.  Key issues can be anything from an important event that affects a comic universe to a new costume to an appearance of a new character or more factors.  Key issues can be very valuable and a great investment for the future or it can be worth less than what you paid for it at the time of its printing.

How do I start collecting Amazing Spider-Man Key Issues?

You can start by searching Amazing Spider-Man on Yousellcomics.com!

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Can reprinted Key Issues be worth Collecting?

Absolutely they are collecting in terms of personal value though not so much of a monetary value.  Most Silver Age Amazing Spider-Man comics are very expensive but you can find reprints that present very nicely on a shelf or in a frame.