The Amazing Spider-Man #311 (Marvel, 1989)

This is no mere illusion: this is the first The Amazing Spider-Man cover by Todd McFarlane that we have offered in nearly a decade! Our last two offerings, ASM #307 and #309, were sold in 2016 for $33,460 and $54,970 respectively. We expect this stunning cover, featuring Spider-Man and Mysterio, to surpass even those impressive results.
Reflected in Mysterio's iconic "fishbowl" helmet, Spidey approaches the insidious illusionist as swirling smoke billows around them. However, beyond this striking composition, what truly sets this piece apart are the details. From the webbed "311" in the UPC box to the hidden spiders in Mysterio's gauntlets, this brilliant cover is pure McFarlane Spidey down to the tiniest line. A defining force in Spidey's visual history, Todd McFarlane's run on ASM is among the most coveted by collectors. His bold, stylized take redefined the look and feel of Spider-Man comics for a generation, paving the way for his adjectiveless 1990 Spider-Man solo title and securing his place as arguably the defining Spidey artist of the Modern Age -- and this cover is a prime example of why. McFarlane Spidey aficionados, take note: a story page from this very issue is also offered elsewhere in this Auction.