Amazing Spider-Man #300(May 1988) — Writer: David Michelinie / Drawing: Todd McFarlane — Publisher: Marvel Comics — Estimated CGC 9.8 value:$12,000 – $18,000.
Amazing Spider-Man #300is an issue that combines weighty arguments: first full appearance of Venom (Eddie Brock as a symbiote), 25th anniversary of Spider-Man, giant format (64 pages), iconic black cover by Todd McFarlane, and the definitive return of the classic red and blue costume. It's the key issue Copper Age par excellence and one of the most requested comics of the 1980s.
For collectors, ASM #300 represents a solid investment backed by the Venom (Tom Hardy) film franchise and the character's enduring popularity. Demand remains strong at all grade levels, and CGC 9.8 examples are trading at prices that rival some historic Bronze Age keys.
Publication context
In 1988, Todd McFarlane revolutionized the drawing of Spider-Man with a dynamic style, contorted poses and virtuoso use of webs. David Michelinie, on the screenplay, has been developing for several issues the mystery of a character who knows the secret identity of Peter Parker. The concept of the symbiote has existed sinceSecret Wars#8 (1984) and ASM #252 (first black suit). ASM #298-299 shows Eddie Brock in a cameo. #300 is the full reveal: Venom in all his terror.
The Story Inside
In this 64-page story titled “Venom,” Eddie Brock — a journalist ruined by Spider-Man — unites with the alien symbiote rejected by Peter Parker. Their shared hatred breeds Venom, an adversary who knows Spider-Man's identity, is invisible to his spider-sense, and possesses superior strength. The issue culminates in a brutal confrontation in Our Lady of Saints Church. Spider-Man ditches the black suit for good and once again dons the classic red and blue.
The cover
Todd McFarlane signs a cover that has become legendary: Spider-Man in classic costume, framed by the massive and menacing silhouette of Venom who emerges from the black background, mouth open, tongue sticking out. The framing, the black/color contrast, and the palpable threat make this image one of the most emblematic of the Copper Age. The “25th Anniversary” anniversary logo adds a commemorative dimension.
Edition and variants
The circulation of ASM #300 is estimated at between 300,000 and 400,000 copies — a high figure reflecting McFarlane's popularity and the buzz surrounding the anniversary issue. Notable variants: the editionNewsstand(with UPC barcode, representing approximately 20% of the mintage) commands a premium of 30 to 50% at high grade. There is no alternative cover variant for the first print.
CGC census data
The CGC census lists more than 12,000 graded copies — one of the comics most subject to grading. About 2,500 reach 9.8, which may seem high but is still less than 1% of the total circulation. The Newsstand versions in 9.8 are much rarer (around 200-250 copies) and benefit from a significant premium. The concentration in 9.4-9.6 is high (around 4,000 copies), providing accessible entry points.
Value by grade
| CGC grade | Estimate 2025 |
|---|---|
| 9.8 (Live) | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| 9.8 (Newsstand) | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| 9.6 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| 9.4 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| 9.0 | $800 – $1,200 |
| 8.0 | $400 – $600 |
| 6.0 | $150 – $250 |
Price history
ASM #300 sold for $200 in 9.8 in the early 2000s. Pre-Venom (2018) film speculation pushed prices to $5,000, then the film's commercial success pushed them to $8,000-10,000. The 2021 peak saw sales over $20,000 in 9.8 Direct. The correction has brought prices back into the $12,000-18,000 range, but the Venom franchise in theaters continues to generate structural demand.
Points of vigilance when purchasing
The black cover of ASM #300 is as problematic for grading as that of Sandman #1: eachspine tick, each stripe is visually amplified on a black background. The most common defects: white marks on the edge, slightly offset printing (common manufacturing defect), andNewton rings(circular marks caused by the CGC slab itself). For a raw purchase, use a UV light to detect any color alterations on the cover. The oversized format (64 pages) makes the issue more vulnerable tospine stressthan standard numbers.
Find this number in our complete guideHow much is Amazing Spider-Man #300 worth?and explore the series in our articleAmazing Spider-Man Collection.
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