Spiderman's debut 'swings' past $1m to become most expensive Silver Age comic

Once again, ComicConnect has been involved in a record-breaking comic book sale; and this time it's Peter Parker's turn to step out of the shadows and into the limelight.  The comic in question was a near-mint copy of 'Amazing Fantasy # 15' - the debut of Spiderman.

The comic, first issued in 1962, was sold for a staggering $1.1m - making it only the third comic to break the million dollar barrier.  'Amazing Fantasy # 15' falls short of the most expensive comic in the world; 'Action Comics #1', Superman's first appearance, which changed hands for $1.5m in February 2010.

However, this transaction has broken several records of its own.  'Amazing Fantasy #15' is now the most expensive 'Silver Age' comic - those issued between 1956 and 1970 - surpassing the previous record by $850,000.  It also becomes the most expensive Marvel comic ever sold.

Spiderman is the superhero guise of Peter Parker - a 'nerd' who is bitten by a radioactive spider, acquiring derivative super powers.  The brainchild of writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, Spiderman was initially regarded as a dead loss; the character was stuffed into the last ever issue of the cancelled 'Amazing Fantasy' title.

A copy of 'Amazing Fantasy #15' sold for $1.1m on March 7

Of course, the rest is history - Spiderman is now one of the most successful superhero franchises ever created; a mean feat for a minor character in a dying 12 cents comic.

The copy is in fantastic condition - it was given a CGC 9.6 rating, higher than both the record-holding 'Action Comics #1' and a pristine copy of 'Detective Comics #27' - the introduction of Batman.  The comic was sold from one private buyer to another, with the assistance of ComicConnect, who also helped sell the $1.5m copy of Action Comics # 1.

The sale of 'Amazing Fantasy #15' is potentially good news for collectors of and investors in Silver Age comic books, as it could see a massive increase in their market value.  In 2009, we reported on the sale of a copy of the 'Incredible Hulk #1' - long considered one of the rarest Silver Age comics - for $125,475; way below Spiderman's new benchmark.

Although these figures represent the top end, it will inevitably impact on the rest of the comic book market.  So, get trawling through your attics - you might find more than spiders up there . . .