Encapsulated and graded 1.5 with off-white to white pages by CGC (4088291001). There are iconic covers throughout the history of comics. Still, none are more legendary or more iconic than the cover of “Amazing Fantasy” #15, published by Marvel Comics in August of 1962, featuring the debut of Spider-Man. Created by comic icons Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the tale of Peter Parker, a 16-year-old high school student from Queens who gets bitten by a radioactive spider, was meant to appeal to the burgeoning teenage audience clamored for comics. The duo endeavored to create a self-obsessed character with the same rejection issues, insecurity, loneliness, and financial problems that teens faced. Other comics at the time relegated teenagers to sidekick roles, and Spider-Man was the first teenager to be a standalone hero in his own right.
Marvel publisher Martin Goodman wasn’t immediately on board with the new character, so he allowed the duo to publish Spider-Man in “Amazing Fantasy” #15, the last issue in the science-fiction and horror anthology. What Goodman didn’t expect was how popular the character would become. Spider-Man is easily the single most popular Marvel superhero and is consistently ranked as one of the most popular characters in all of fiction. So, not only is this presented copy of “Amazing Fantasy” #15 unique for the debut and origin of Spider-Man, but it is also the last issue of a storied anthology series, only adding to the value of this item.
This presented Silver Age comic has the iconic cover image of Spider-Man swinging to action and was illustrated by longtime Stan Lee collaborator Jack Kirby. The story, written by Lee, lays out the origin of Peter Parker, who is raised by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May (who also debut in this issue) after his parents tragically died in a plane crash. Parker later gets bitten by a radioactive spider during a science demonstration and is granted the super strength, agility, and powers of a spider. After creating a costume and briefly embarking on a career as a wrestler, Parker refused to intervene when a security guard failed to apprehend a burglar at a wrestling match. Later, that same burglar would take the life of his Uncle Ben, with Parker learning that “With great power comes great responsibility.” Parker, haunted by a death he could have prevented, endeavors to use his newfound powers for good instead of for wealth and fame, with the death of his beloved uncle the motivating factor that spurned Spider-Man into the role of superhero.
This comic, which is now considered a thrilling entry into the pantheon of American letters, is worth owning even in lower grades, like the example presented here. Showcasing off-white to white pages, this example also shows off heavy wear along areas of the front and back cover and in all four corners, as well as multiple weak staples.
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