Approximate
Condition Profile
MARVEL COMICS · 3/78 · NEWSSTAND
UNIT ECA-011505
PETER PARKER, THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #16
Spider-Man contends with Abe Jenkins as the Human Fly in a routine Bronze Age issue
// Unit specification
| Publisher | Cover date | Era | Variant | Key attribute | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvel Comics | March 1978 | Bronze | Newsstand | — | AVAILABLE |
// Copies in archive
| Unit | Grade | Variant | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECA-011505 | ~8.5 | Newsstand | AVAILABLE |
// Run position
// Condition analysis
Cover shows strong gloss and bright color with sharp corners and clean edges; a slight bend/soft corner is visible at the lower left near the barcode and minor handling wear along the spine is possible but not clearly visible in this image. No major creases, tears, or color breaks are apparent, though the book is in a protective sleeve which may obscure fine spine stress or edge chipping. Interior and back cover were not assessed.
// Valuation — market reference
| Bracket | Grade | Est. market value | Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOW_RAW | 0.5 – 1.5 | $1 | |
| MID_RAW | 4.0 – 6.0 | $4 | |
| HIGH_CERT | 9.8 SLAB | $100 |
// Archive commentary
Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #16 (March 1978) continues the ongoing subplot of Abe Jenkins operating as the Human Fly, a stunt-performer-turned-costumed adventurer introduced earlier in the series. Scripted by Elliot S! Maggin with art by Sal Buscema, the issue is a competent but unremarkable installment featuring supporting cast regulars J. Jonah Jameson and Robbie Robertson at the Daily Bugle. It carries no first appearance, no origin, and no death of consequence, and is not cited in price guides as a notable cover or storyline.
The market data reflects this: with 105 Universal census copies already graded and a population that skews toward high grade, the book is plentiful in the CGC pool, and demand is concentrated almost entirely at the top of the grading scale among Sal Buscema completists and Spider-Man run-builders. Sales activity is sparse below 9.0, and the FMV curve shows a sharp premium building only from 9.4 upward, with 9.8 copies achieving a modest but real ceiling near the low hundreds. Raw copies in lower and mid grades see negligible collector interest and trade closer to cover price or slightly above.
This is a title collected primarily as part of a complete Spectacular Spider-Man run rather than for its own merits, with buyers typically pursuing high-grade CGC 9.6-9.8 slabs to fill out a set. Mid- and low-grade raw copies serve reading-collection or filler purposes and command little premium. Long-term appreciation, if any, will track general Bronze Age Spider-Man ancillary demand rather than any standalone significance of this issue.
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