Web of Spider-Man (1985-1995, 129 issues):third series regular Spider-Man. Key issues: #1 (April 1985) CGC 9.8 = $200–400, #18 (1st Venom cameo) CGC 9.8 = $200–350, #36 (1st Tombstone) CGC 9.8 = $100–200, #90 (gold hologram cover) CGC 9.8 = $40–80, #117-129 (Clone Saga issues). Spider-Man disappears from the black suit on the cover of #1 in an iconic scene.
Web of Spider-Man(1985-1995) is the third regular Spider-Man series, launched to replace Marvel Team-Up. For 10 years and 129 issues, it offered stories that were often darker and more experimental than Amazing or Spectacular, serving as a testing ground for new storylines and characters before becoming a mainstay of the Clone Saga in its later years.
In 2026, keys from Web of Spider-Man are among the most undervalued on the Spider-Man market. Several issues contain significant first appearances at prices that are a fraction of what the equivalents cost in Amazing Spider-Man. For collectors looking for value, this is prime hunting territory.
Web of Spider-Man #1 (April 1985): goodbye to the black suit
The first issue of the series is notable for its iconic cover showing Spider-Man rejecting the black symbiote suit for good in a powerful visual sequence. Drawn by Charles Vess, this is one of the most artistic Spider-Man covers of the 1980s.
| CGC grade | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9.8 (NM/MT) | $200 – $400 | Dark cover, sensitive to defects |
| 9.6 (NM+) | $80 – $140 | Good value for money |
| 9.4 (NM) | $50 – $80 | Typical grade for this issue |
| 9.0 (VF/NM) | $30 – $50 | Accessible |
| 7.0 (FN/VF) | $15 – $25 | Minimum entry point |
Narrative significance:Web #1 marks the resolution of the Spider-Man/symbiote conflict. Peter uses the sound of church bells to free himself from the alien suit for good. This scene is directly adapted in Spider-Man 3 (Raimi, 2007).
Note on cover:The Charles Vess cover has a very dark background (blue/black) which shows fingerprints and micro-scratches. The 9.8s are proportionally rarer than other first issues of the same era.
Web of Spider-Man #18: Venom's first cameo
Web #18 (September 1986) contains what many consider to be Venom's very first cameo (even before ASM #298). In the last page, a mysterious hand pushes Peter Parker in front of a subway — this arm belongs to the future Venom/Eddie Brock, even if the character is not yet named:
- CGC 9.8:$200 – $350
- GCC 9.6:$80 – $140
- GCC 9.4:$40 – $70
- CGC 8.0:$20 – $35
The “first Venom” debate:The community is divided on what constitutes the "real" first Venom. Chronologically: Web #18 (arms only), ASM #298 (silhouette/cameo), ASM #299 (back page cameo), ASM #300 (first full appearance). CGC recognizes Web #18 as "1st appearance of Venom in shadow" on its label.
For investors, Web #18 offers an interesting angle: it is the first indication of the existence of Venom in the comics, at a price significantly lower than ASM #298-300. If the community further aligns with this interpretation as "true first", the upside potential is significant.
Web of Spider-Man #36: First Appearance of Tombstone
Web #36 (March 1988) introduces Tombstone (Lonnie Lincoln), an albino antagonist who will become a recurring Spider-Man villain and an important character in comics and media (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Spectacular Spider-Man animated):
- CGC 9.8:$100 – $200
- GCC 9.6:$40 – $70
- GCC 9.4:$25 – $40
- CGC 8.0:$12 – $20
Tombstone is a villain who is gaining popularity in modern media. His appearance in Into the Spider-Verse (as crime boss Kingpin) and Insomniac's Spider-Man video games gives him increasing visibility. Web #36 is his only first appearance.
Web of Spider-Man #90: the era of hologram covers
Web #90 (July 1992) is famous for its gold hologram cover showing Spider-Man in action. It is an issue representative of the excess of the 90s (gimmick covers) but also a collector's item prized for its aesthetic:
- CGC 9.8:$40 – $80 (perfect holograms are rare)
- GCC 9.6:$20 – $35
- GCC 9.4:$12 – $20
The issue also contains a significant story (Spider-Man 2099 teaser, Hobgoblin). The hologram surface is extremely sensitive to scratches — even exposed NM examples often receive 9.2-9.4s due to micro-defects on the hologram invisible to the naked eye.
Web of Spider-Man #117-129: the Clone Saga and the end of the series
The final issues of Web of Spider-Man are closely linked to the Clone Saga (1994-1996). #117 is the most important number of this last phase:
- Web #117 (October 1994):First appearance of Ben Reilly as Scarlet Spider. Prismatic cover. $80 – $150 in CGC 9.8. Key from the main issue of the Clone Saga.
- Web #118 (November 1994):Following the return of Ben Reilly. $20 – $35 in CGC 9.8.
- Web #119 (December 1994):First appearance of Kaine (Peter clone). $25 – $50 in CGC 9.8.
- Web #124 (May 1995):Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider arc. $15 – $25 in CGC 9.8.
- Web #125 (June 1995):Special hologram cover. $20 – $35 in CGC 9.8.
- Web #129 (October 1995):Last issue of the series. The series is replaced by Sensational Spider-Man. $25 – $50 in CGC 9.8.
Web of Spider-Man #1-129 Complete Set:In raw VF-NM, a full run costs between $400 and $800. The non-key issues (#2-17, #19-35, #37-89, etc.) can be found at $2-5 each, making the full run remarkably affordable for a 129-issue Spider-Man series.
Collecting tip:Web of Spider-Man is the most financially accessible Spider-Man series for a full run. For an investor, the key issues (#1, #18, #36, #117-119) concentrate 80% of the total value of the run. Filler issues are excellent for reading but have little market value.
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