*Marvel: We’re delighted to present a cornerstone of the Marvel Universe this week: Amazing Spider-Man #1 from 1963. This first issue of just about the most famous and in-demand run in comics’ history features the origin of Spidey re-told, and the first appearances of J. Jonah Jameson and the Chameleon, as well as the first ever Fantastic Four crossover.

It’s a lower graded UK pence printed variant, with supple creamy pages. The spine is worn, with the bottom staple off, and also off at centrefold. The top staple is weak at spine but still attached, and is firm at centrefold. Tiny pieces out at top and bottom spine. Corners blunted with some chipping along the right edge (not severe). There are two short tears at the right edge with no loss; one of 1.5 cm and one of 2 cm (the latter extends to a lessening degree to the first three pages). There are no marks or stains on the cover, other than a fair few creases. Most of these are to the right side of the cover; there is a long reading crease at spine and a long vertical crease down the comic (off centre) which is not too apparent. Most of these creases break colour. Inside covers are slightly tanned at edges, but there is no sign of brittleness. The comic is not fresh and is a little limp, but it is a reasonable and relatively affordable copy of this icon. Many images are shown here. High resolution images are available on request.   

PICTURED: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1 FA/GD p £3,950