Ultimate Spider-Man(2000-2011, 160 issues): flagship series of the Ultimate universe. Key numbers: #1 (white variant CGC 9.8 = $3,000–5,000, regular CGC 9.8 = $200–400), #1 Target exclusive ($500–900 in 9.8), #1 DF variant ($300–600 in 9.8). Other keys: #33 (Venom), #98 (Clone Saga), #133 (Ultimatum). Miles Morales appears in Ultimate Fallout #4.
Launched in October 2000 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley,Ultimate Spider-Manmodernized Peter Parker for a new generation. This contemporary reinterpretation of Spider-Man's origins became the gateway for millions of readers to Marvel comics, and remains one of the most acclaimed series of the 2000s.
In 2026, Ultimate Spider-Man keynotes are experiencing a massive resurgence of interest thanks to the relaunch of Jonathan Hickman (Ultimate Spider-Man vol. 2, 2024) and the continued popularity of Miles Morales in cinema. Rare variants of #1 fetch prices that rival some Silver Age keys.
Ultimate Spider-Man #1: the different editions and their values
The first issue of Ultimate Spider-Man comes in multiple variations, each with a distinct rating. Understanding the hierarchy is essential:
| Edition | Description | CGC 9.8 (USD) | Estimated circulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Variant | Minimalist white cover, black logo | $3,000 – $5,000 | ~5,000 copies. |
| Target Exclusive | Polybagged, sold in Target stores | $500 – $900 | ~25,000 copies. |
| DF Variant (Dynamic Forces) | Alternative coverage, certificate | $300 – $600 | ~10,000 copies. |
| Regular Cover | Standard Bagley Cover (Spider-Man Leaping) | $200 – $400 | ~150,000 copies. |
| Walmart Variant | Sold exclusively in Wal-Mart | $150 – $300 | ~30,000 copies. |
The White Variant:This is the holy grail of Ultimate Spider-Man collectors. The minimalist cover (white background with only the silhouette of Spider-Man in black and red) is a masterpiece of design. In CGC 9.8, it is a top-tier modern key that rivals New Mutants #98 and Batman Adventures #12 in value.
Pay attention to the grades:The white variant suffers from the same problem as all white covers — the slightest blemish is visible. The 9.8s are proportionally rarer than other comics from this era.
Key issues of the series (issues #2-160)
Beyond #1, the 160-issue series contains numerous key issues linked to the first appearances in the Ultimate universe:
- #14 (December 2001):First Green Goblin Ultimate. $30 – $60 in CGC 9.8.
- #28 (January 2003):First appearance of Ultimate Gwen Stacy. $25 – $50 in CGC 9.8.
- #33 (March 2003):First Venom Ultimate ("Venom" arc). $40 – $80 in CGC 9.8.
- #42 (September 2003):Revelation of MJ's identity. $20 – $35 in CGC 9.8.
- #66 (November 2004):Start of the Hobgoblin Ultimate arc. $20 – $40 in CGC 9.8.
- #86 (January 2006):Silver Sable and Wild Pack. $15 – $25 in CGC 9.8.
- #98 (October 2006):Start of the Clone Saga Ultimate. $25 – $50 in CGC 9.8.
- #100 (November 2006):Anniversary number, multiple clones. $30 – $55 in CGC 9.8.
- #111 (September 2007):Stuart Immonen takes over from Bagley. $15 – $25 in CGC 9.8.
- #133 (August 2009):Ultimatum tie-in, death of characters. $20 – $40 in CGC 9.8.
- #156-160 (2011):“Death of Spider-Man” arc. The Death of Peter Parker Ultimate. Set 35 – $70 in CGC 9.8.
Ultimate Fallout #4: The Transition to Miles Morales
Although technically out of the Ultimate Spider-Man series,Ultimate Fallout #4(August 2011) is inseparable because it contains the first appearance of Miles Morales, Peter Parker's successor as Spider-Man Ultimate:
- Regular Cover (Sara Pichelli) CGC 9.8:$800 – $1,400
- Mark Bagley Variant (1:25) CGC 9.8:$2,000 – $3,500
- 2nd Print (Pichelli Miles cover) CGC 9.8:$150 – $300
Ultimate Fallout #4 is the essential Miles Morales key issue. The Spider-Verse films with Miles exploded its rating: from $50 in CGC 9.8 in 2016 to $800-1,400 in 2026. This is one of the strongest appreciations of a modern key over the last decade.
Ultimate Spider-Man Collecting Strategy
The series offers several approaches depending on your budget and your objectives:
Investment approach (key issues only):Focus on #1 (any variation), Ultimate Fallout #4, and the major character intro issues (#33, #98). CGC 9.8 budget: $1,500 – $6,000 depending on the variants of #1.
Reading/collection approach (full run):The 160 issues in raw VF-NM cost between $500 and $1,000 in total. Non-key numbers (#2-13, #15-27, #29-32, etc.) can be found at $2-5 each. This is excellent value for money for a series of this quality.
Mixed approach:Complete run in raw + key issues slabbed. You benefit from full reading while protecting high-value numbers. This is the most popular approach among serious collectors.
The Bendis/Bagley run (#1-111) holds the record for the longest uninterrupted run by the same creative duo at Marvel, surpassing Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's record on Fantastic Four. This historical fact adds cultural value to the entire run.
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