Best Spider-Man Runs: Top Amazing Spider-Man Series for Collectors

Collecting Spider-Man by “runs” rather than by isolated numbers is the most rewarding strategy in the long term. A complete run tells a coherent story, bears the artistic signature of an impactful creative team, and its overall value often exceeds the sum of its individual parts. In 2026, some historic runs continue to appreciate while others still offer accessible entry points.

This guide details the essential runs of the Spider-Man universe, from the Silver Age to the modern series, detailing key numbers, current ratings, and why each arc deserves a place in your collection. Whether you are an investor or enthusiast, this selection covers all budgets.

The Todd McFarlane run — Amazing Spider-Man #298-328 (1988-1990)

Todd McFarlane revolutionized the Spider-Man aesthetic in just 30 issues. His spaghetti spider webs, dynamic poses and eye for detail redefined the character for an entire generation. This run contains several major key issues that make it one of the most sought after of the Copper Age era.

Key numbers from the McFarlane run

ASM #298(March 1988) — McFarlane's first issue on the title, Eddie Brock's first cameo appearance. In CGC 9.8, this number trades between $800 and $1,200. Raw copies in excellent condition find buyers around $150-250.

ASM #300(May 1988) — The centerpiece: Venom's first full appearance. CGC 9.8: $2,500-3,500. CGC 9.6: $900-1,400. It is the modern key issue par excellence, with one of the highest monthly transaction volumes on the market.

ASM #316(June 1989) — First cover of Venom, an iconic visual. CGC 9.8: $600-900. This number is often considered the “little brother” of #300, with similar appreciation potential at a lower cost.

ASM #325(November 1989) — Spider-Man vs. Red Skull, last notable episode before McFarlane's departure. The numbers at the end of the run (320-328) remain very affordable in raw, between $10 and $30, which makes it a complete run for less than $500 excluding key issues.

The JMS and John Romita Jr run — Amazing Spider-Man vol. 2 #30-58 (2001-2003)

J. Michael Straczynski brought a mythological dimension to Spider-Man with the concept of the "totem" and the introduction of Morlun, a formidable antagonist. Drawing artist John Romita Jr delivered some of his best illustrations, in a nervous and impactful style that left its mark on readers in the early 2000s.

Strengths and ratings

ASM vol. 2 #30 (vol. 1 #471)— Start of the JMS run, introduction of the totemic concept. CGC 9.8: $150-250. An affordable entry point for a run considered one of the best of the modern era.

ASM vol. 2 #36 (vol. 1 #477)— The famous 9/11 tribute issue, with an iconic black cover. CGC 9.8: $200-350. Its value is as much sentimental as financial.

ASM #471-508— The entire JMS run with Romita Jr and then with other artists extends well beyond that, including “Sins Past” and “The Other”. The non-key issues of the run can be found between $5 and $15 in raw, making the complete collection very accessible.

The Dan Slott run — Big Time and Superior (ASM #648-700, Superior #1-33)

Dan Slott wrote Spider-Man for nearly a decade, the longest run by a single screenwriter on the title. His arc “Big Time” (#648-700) then “Superior Spider-Man” (#1-33) profoundly transformed the character's status quo, with Doc Ock taking possession of Peter Parker's body.

Key from the Slott run

ASM #648(January 2011) — Start of Big Time, relaunched with a more mature and technological Spider-Man. CGC 9.8: $80-120.

ASM #654.1(April 2011) — First appearance of Agent Venom (Flash Thompson). CGC 9.8: $150-250. This character gained popularity thanks to rumors of film projects.

ASM #700(February 2013) — “Death” of Peter Parker, Doc Ock becomes Superior Spider-Man. CGC 9.8: $100-180. A major event which divided fans but remains a historic narrative turning point.

Superior Spider-Man #1(February 2013) — Launch of the Superior concept. CGC 9.8: $60-100. The complete run of 33 issues can easily be found for $200-300 in raw.

The Nick Spencer run — Amazing Spider-Man #1-74 (2018-2021)

Nick Spencer brought Spider-Man back to his fundamentals: relationship problems, humor, Peter Parker's difficult daily life. Its run is marked by the return of classic characters and long arcs that reward the diligent reader.

Notable numbers

ASM #1 (vol. 5, 2018)— Post-Slott relaunch with a return to basics. CGC 9.8: $80-130. Several variations sought, including Ryan Ottley's cover.

ASM #26 (2019)— Introduction of characters related to the “Kindred Saga”. Mid-run numbers are still very accessible, often under $10 in raw.

ASM #49/850 (2020)— Legacy anniversary issue, epic Spencer cover. CGC 9.8: $60-90.

The full Spencer run (74 issues) represents an investment of approximately $400-600 in raw, with potential for appreciation as nostalgia sets in — a pattern seen on previous runs 5-10 years after their conclusion.

Historic Silver Age Runs — Lee/Ditko and Lee/Romita Sr

For collectors with a substantial budget, the first two runs in ASM's history remain the absolute holy grail. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created the character and defined his universe (#1-38, 1963-1966), then Stan Lee and John Romita Sr took the title to new heights (#39-120, 1966-1973).

Centerpieces

ASM #1(March 1963) — First issue of the regular series. CGC 6.0: $60,000-80,000. CGC 3.0: $20,000-30,000. A monument of popular culture whose popularity never weakens.

ASM #14(July 1964) — First appearance of the Green Goblin. CGC 7.0: $8,000-12,000. The Spidey/Goblin rivalry is a mainstay of the film franchise.

ASM #50(July 1967) — “Spider-Man No More!” », iconic cover by Romita Sr. CGC 8.0: $5,000-8,000. Referenced in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2 film.

ASM #129(February 1974) — First appearance of the Punisher. CGC 8.0: $6,000-9,000. Technically in the Conway/Andru run but essential to any Spider-Man collection.

Strategy: how to build a collection of runs

The best approach is to start with the non-key numbers of a run, often available in bundles on eBay for a fraction of the individual price. Then secure the key issues one by one, prioritizing grade rather than speed of acquisition. An ASM #300 in CGC 9.4 will always be preferable to two raw copies of uncertain quality.

Also consider undervalued modern runs: Zeb Wells (ASM #1-55, 2022-2024) and Joe Kelly's new run are still rock-bottom prices, just as the Spencer and Slott runs were a few years after their conclusion. Patient buying on recent runs is historically one of the most profitable strategies in the comics market.