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Value of Marvel Venom Comics

Marvel Venom Comics Price Guide
The next Spider-Man movie is guaranteed to Brock...

The initial Sony spin-off will follow Eddie Brock, who becomes the original Venom.

Fans recently got their first look at Tom Hardy as the title character.

While there will be three other Marvel movies released before this one, the buzz is spreading quickly.

This isn’t surprising. Venom has been popular as both a supervillain and anti-hero since his debut. The top Copper Age comics list is littered with Spider-Man comics, which includes multiple Venom-related books in the top 25.

Check out these key issues before the movie hits theaters on October 5, 2018.

Most Valuable Marvel Venom Comics

Amazing Spider-Man #252 (May, 1984): First appearance of Symbiote and Black Spider-Man Suit

Amazing Spider-Man #252

Amazing Spider-Man #252
Ties for first Symbiote/Black Spider-Man Costume Appearance

Record sale: $6,000 (CGC 9.9); $215 (CGC 9.8)
Minimum value: $30

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In a story that shares its name with another Spider-Man movie, “Homecoming!” introduces readers to the slime that started it all.

During this issue, Peter Parker comes into contact with an alien symbiote which bonds to the web-slinger. Not only does it give him enhanced powers, it also leaves him with a new black and white costume.

Oddly, there are two other first appearances of this new Spidey suit that happen simultaneously: Spectacular Spider-Man #90 and Marvel Team-Up #141.

Yet, ASM #252 is still the issue to own for two reasons. Not only does it have the best cover art of the three, but Amazing Spider-Man titles are the much more collectable series.

Spectacular Spider-Man #90:

Spectacular Spider-Man #90
Ties for first Symbiote/Black Spider-Man Costume Appearance

Record sale: $760
Minimum value: $10

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Marvel Team-Up #141

Marvel Team-Up #141
Ties for first Symbiote/Black Spider-Man Costume Appearance

Record sale: $1,220
Minimum value: $10

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Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8 (December, 1984): Origin of Alien Symbiote and its First Encounter with Spider-Man

Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8 (December, 1984)

Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8
Origin of Symbiote Costume

Record sale: $16,800 (CGC 10.0); $2,200 (CGC 9.9); $205 (CGC 9.8)
Minimum value: $20

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Despite becoming the first host seven months earlier, this issue represents Spider-Man’s first "in continuity" encounter with the symbiote. It's one of the best-known Marvel Venom comics.

Our friendly neighborhood wall crawler finds himself transported to Battleworld, where he damages his costume while fighting. Much better with webbing than he is with needlework, Spider-Man seeks help to repair the suit.

Thor and Hulk direct him to a machine that can instantly fabricate any clothing just by thinking it. Unfortunately, a wardrobe malfunction ensues when Parker chooses the wrong machine, releases the symbiote and covers his body in the new costume.

Prices for this key issue are relatively low right now, because the CGC is flooded with high-grade books. In grades at 9.6 or above, there are almost 5,000 issues alone.

This includes 21 9.9 books and four rated at a perfect 10.0. With that said, there is still money to be made if you find the right book at the right price.

Amazing Spider-Man #300 (May, 1988): First appearance of Venom (Eddie Brock)

Amazing Spider-Man #300 (May, 1988): First appearance of Venom (Eddie Brock).

Amazing Spider-Man #300: First Venom comic

Record sale: $13,500 (CGC 9.9); $1,950 (CGC 9.8)
Minimum value: $30

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The symbiote merged with many characters over the last 30-plus years, but Eddie Brock may be the most famous (and infamous).

He becomes the first Marvel Venom and, over time, one of Spider-Man’s main archenemies.

Brock, a journalist, incorrectly names someone as a serial killer. Spider-Man, proving him wrong, identifies the real killer and leaves Brock embarrassed, angry and unemployed.

In classic comic book villain fashion, Brock uses his newfound relationship with the symbiote to vow revenge against Spider-Man.

Although Brock has a cameo in an earlier book and Venom has a cameo in the one right before this, ASM #300 is the ultimate, must-have key for both.

A fan favorite, this Venom comic is one of Marvel’s biggest properties. Not only is it the No. 4 book for all Copper Age sales, it is also No. 11 on our Hot 100 list for two straight years. High-grade books are still reasonably priced for such a coveted issue.

Marvel Collectible Classics: Spider-Man #1 (December, 1998): "Chromium" Reprint of ASM #300 Venom Comic

Marvel Collectible Classics: Spider-Man #1 (December, 1998): "Chromium" Reprint of ASM #300.

Marvel Collectible Classics: Spider-Man #1
Reprints Amazing Spider-Man #300

Record sale: $1,400 (CGC 9.9); $1,000 (CGC 9.8)
Minimum value: $20

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Reprints are rarely almost as valuable as first printings. This is the exception.

The cover layout is virtually identical, with a few noticeable changes. First, the "300" type in the background and cityscape are both "metallic" in appearance.

When looking for a copy of this key, also look for the Marvel Collectible Classics sticker in the upper left-hand corner. Most sellers describe this Venom comic as Amazing Spider-Man #300 Chromium Edition.

This issue is tough to find. Period. Whenever a copy comes up for auction, collectors snatch them up quickly. That’s why it ranks as the No. 23 book on our Modern Age list.

As with any comic from this era, buy in the best conditions only.

Amazing Spider-Man #316 (June, 1989): First Venom Comic Cover

Amazing Spider-Man #316 (June, 1989): First Venom Cover.

Amazing Spider-Man #316

Record sale: $5,000 (CGC 10.0); $1,035 (CGC 9.9); $350 (CGC 9.8)
Minimum value: $20

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Part of a two-issue story, this book shows Venom on the cover for the first time.

Venom is drawn towering over Spider-Man, clutching at the lifeless hero’s suit. The combination of these two characters makes for an iconic cover and a very sought-after issue.

ASM #316 is not nearly as expensive as first appearances, making it more obtainable for beginning collectors. It is widely available in most upper-end grades, so invest in those.

Amazing Spider-Man #361 (April, 1992): First appearance of Carnage

Amazing Spider-Man #361 (April, 1992): First appearance of Carnage.

Amazing Spider-Man #361

Record sale: $600
Minimum value: $10

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Carnage is such a menacing threat that it takes a truce between Spider-Man and the original Marvel Venom to stop him.

Another top Modern Age book, ASM #361 concludes Cletus Kasady’s journey from psychopathic serial killer to full-on supervillain. After sharing a jail cell with Brock, Kasady becomes bonded with the symbiote’s offspring.

Of all the entries on this list, it has the greatest potential for profit going forward. While most other books are near their peaks, Carnage is rumored to be the primary enemy in the upcoming Venom comic book movie.

If (or when) this is confirmed, prices could go berserk.

Amazing Spider-Man #361 2nd print with silver background

Make sure to find first printings with a white background. The second printing edition has a silver background on the cover, not white. It's worth about half the value.

Amazing Spider-Man #362

Amazing Spider-Man #362

Record sale: $1,530 (CGC 9.9);
$60 (CGC 9.8)
Minimum value: $20

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Amazing Spider-Man #363

Amazing Spider-Man #363

Record sale: $1,530 (CGC 10.0);
$400 (CGC 9.9);
$70 (CGC 9.8)
Minimum value: $10

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Amazing Spider-Man #362 (May, 1992) and Amazing Spider-Man #363 (June, 1992) finish this three-issue story and show Spider-Man, Venom and Carnage together on each of these covers.

These books are worth owning for that reason alone, even though they won’t ever reach the value the first appearance can.

There is a second printing of #362 which has a silver cover background.

Venom comics: There is a second printing of Amazing Spider-Man #362 which has a silver cover background

Venom: Lethal Protector #1 (1993): First Solo Venom Comic Series; Error Variant Exists

Venom Lethal Protector #1: red background.

Venom Lethal Protector #1

Record sale: $3,500 (CGC 10.0); $300 (CGC 9.9); $120 (CGC 9.8)
Minimum value: $10

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Venom Lethal Protector #1 Gold Edition. Gold background.

Venom Lethal Protector #1 Gold Edition

Record sale: $1,050
Minimum value: $30

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Venom Lethal Protector #1 Error Variant: black background.

Venom Lethal Protector #1 Error Variant

Record sale: $6,250 (CGC 10.0); $2,200 (CGC 9.8)
Minimum value: $100

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Amazing Spider-Man #654 (May, 2011): First appearance of Agent Venom

Amazing Spider-Man #654 (May, 2011): First appearance of Agent Venom.

Amazing Spider-Man #654: 1st Agent Venom

Record sale: $240
Minimum value: $10

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No disrespect to any other Venoms, but outside of Eddie Brock, there is only one other host worth mentioning here: Flash Thompson.

The boy who bullied poor Peter Parker back in high school grows up into a respected military war hero. After losing both his legs in the Iraq War, Thompson agrees to be host for the parasite.

As Agent Venom, he becomes the first superhero to voluntarily control the symbiote.

Even though he has been right by Parker’s side since the first Amazing Fantasy #15 (August, 1962), Thompson is much more interesting as Agent Venom from a value standpoint.

If Sony really does intend to build their own Spider-Verse without Spider-Man himself, it will be centered around Venom. They will need more than just Eddie Brock. Enter Flash Thompson.

Amazing Spider-Man #654 Second Printing Variant.

Amazing Spider-Man #654 2nd Printing Variant

Record sale: $2,220
Minimum value: $10

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Unexpectedly, this comic’s second printing is the ideal investment since it offers a better, variant cover. On the cover, the symbiote is lurking over Thompson as he sets strapped to a chair.

Again, look for the sticker labeling it as a "2nd Printing Variant."

It is always difficult to speculate on modern books and variant comics. The fact that this is both makes it a tough buy, but may be worth the minimum risk needed to acquire a high grade.

Marvel Venom Comic Book Variant Editions

So-called "Venomized" variant comics are very popular with collectors of modern variant covers. This is by no means a complete breakdown, but here are some of the most valuable.

Amazing Spider-man #678 Quinones Venom Variant (Mary Jane) (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $6,800

Recent sale: 9.6 $2,606, 8/17

Minimum raw value: $2,000

Captain America 7 Perkins Venom Variant (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $700

Minimum value raw: $375

Uncanny X-Force 20 Renaud Venom Variant (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $1,650

Minimum value raw: $650

Journey into Mystery Hans Venom Variant (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $824

Minimum value raw: $375

Incredible Hulk 4 Del Mundo Venom Variant (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $750

Minimum value raw: $400

Venom 1 McFarlane Variant (2017)

Record sale: 9.8 $4,000

Minimum value raw: $1,100

Venomverse 1 Remastered Sketch Edition, McFarlane (2017)

Record sale: 9.8 $850

Minimum value raw: $400

Venom 6 McFarlane Variant (2017)

Record sale: 9.8 $1,125

Minimum value raw: $500

Invincible Iron Man 512 Stroman Venom Variant (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $1,995

Recent sale: 9.8 $1,200, 2/17

Minimum value raw: $350

All New Wolverine 19 Mattina Sketch (2017)

Record sale: 9.8 $1,675

Recent sale: 9.8 $990, 8/17

Minimum value raw: $700

Amazing Spider-man 569 Second Printing, Romita Jr./Janson (2008)

Record sale: 9.8 $1,330

Minimum value raw: $100

Mighty Thor 10 Parel Venom Variant (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $550

Minimum value raw: $100

Venomverse 1 Remastered Edition (Color), McFarlane (2017)

Record sale: 9.8 $755

Minimum value raw: $350

Venom 12 Del Mundo Venom Variant (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $550

Minimum value raw: $250

Wolverine and the X-Men 4 Brooks Venom Comics Variant (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $725

Recent sale: 9.8 $420, 11/17

Minimum value raw: $175

X-men 23 Christopher Venom Variant (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $435

Minimum value raw: $125

Avengers 21 Barberi Venom Variant (2012)

Record sale: 9.8 $421

Minimum value raw: $150

Venom Comics Rule: Spider-Man is Still Supreme

Fans have experienced six Spider-Man films across three different franchises.

Yet, there are still more to come. As Sony begins to build its own Spider-based movie universe, they will continue to pull from the comic’s most notable characters.

Lucky for fans (and collectors) there are plenty to choose from. Check out our Amazing Spider-Man list for more investment possibilities.

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