1 2

The Vegas Comic Kingdom

Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #243 (Newsstand)

Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #243 (Newsstand)

$25.00 USD
$25.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Picture Peter Parker finally patching things up with Mary Jane Watson—yep, the redheaded firecracker’s back, and their reconciliation’s got all the warm fuzzies of a second-chance romance (Stern’s milking that Parker luck for max drama). But before Pete can bask in MJ’s glow, his spider-sense screams: trouble’s brewing at the Our Lady of Grace Chapel, where armed thugs have taken hostages in a standoff that’s got cops sweating and nuns praying. Spidey sneaks into the church, all stealth and webs, knowing one wrong move could turn the pews into a bloodbath. These aren’t super-villains—just desperate, trigger-happy goons, which makes the stakes feel raw and real. Can Spider-Man outsmart the gunmen without being spotted, or will his heroics cost innocent lives? It’s a tense, tactical thriller packed with quiet heroics, romantic highs, and Stern’s knack for grounding Spidey’s world in human moments, all brought to life by Romita Jr.’s crisp, emotive art.
This issue’s pure 1980s Marvel magic—big heart, bigger risks, and no capes needed beyond Spidey’s. The MJ plot hooks romantics, while the church showdown nails that everyman-hero vibe, making it a standalone classic that hits like a hymn.
Key Character Appearances
  • Spider-Man (Peter Parker): Your friendly neighborhood tightrope-walker, balancing stealth saves and MJ’s heart with weary quips.
  • Mary Jane Watson: The queen of sass and second chances, reigniting sparks with Pete in a big way.
  • No named villains—just armed goons holding the chapel hostage, making the threat gritty and grounded.
  • Hostages and cops: Nameless but crucial, from scared churchgoers to SWAT teams, setting the high-stakes mood.
  • No Aunt May or extras—MJ and the crisis carry the weight, keeping it tight and focused.
Current Value – What’s It Worth Today?
As of April 2025, The Amazing Spider-Man #243 is a mid-tier collectible with extra sizzle from MJ’s comeback and Stern/JRJR’s star power. Raw copies in Very Fine (VF) condition (sharp, with light wear) sell for $12–$20, while Near Mint (NM) copies fetch $25–$40. Graded slabs? A CGC 9.8 (cleaner than a church altar) runs $120–$200, with 9.6s at $60–$100. Newsstand editions (check that barcode) might snag a 5–10% premium for rarity. Rough copies in Good to Fine shape go for $5–$10, depending on how many “pew scratches” they’ve got. The MJ romance and tense plot give it a slight edge over filler issues, but no keys keep it affordable.
Expected Value – Will This Comic Hallelujah or Hiccup?
Let’s talk trends, because ASM #243 has some holy potential! Mary Jane’s return is the big draw—her role as Spidey’s iconic love keeps collectors hooked, especially with MJ’s modern clout (Spider-Man PS5 vibes and Spider-Verse buzz). The hostage crisis nails Spidey’s street-level roots, resonating with fans who love Daredevil-style grit. Roger Stern and John Romita Jr. are gold—Stern’s run is Spidey scripture, and JRJR’s art is a magnet for fans of his pre-Batman days. No named villains (just goons) dials back key-issue hype, but the emotional MJ beat and tactical action add staying power.
The 2025 comic market’s steady, with Bronze Age Spidey a reliable pick. If MJ gets a spotlight (say, a big role in Spider-Man 4 or a Spider-Gwen tie-in), raw VF copies could hit $15–$25 and NM $30–$50 in 12–18 months. Graded 9.8s might climb to $200–$300 with a romance-driven bump. More likely, expect 5–10% growth through 2027—solid like Spidey’s faith, but not a miracle. Long term, Spidey’s crown and MJ’s legacy make it a keeper, especially if love stories or grounded heroics trend at cons like WonderCon 2025. Bonus: Stern’s emotional chops could shine if Peter/MJ arcs heat up in Beyond the Spider-Verse buzz.
Why You NEED This Comic
  • MJ Magic: Peter and Mary Jane’s reconciliation is pure heart, a must for romance-loving Spidey fans.
  • Stealth Spidey: The church standoff’s tense and tactical—think Die Hard with webs, not guns.
  • Stern & JRJR Rule: Their combo delivers drama and action with art that sings like a choir.
  • Grounded Grit: No capes, just goons and guts, showing Spidey’s heroics at their rawest.
  • Wallet-Friendly Win: Snag a Spidey classic without breaking your piggy bank, with sneaky upside.
Don’t Miss the Sermon—Grab It Now!
The Amazing Spider-Man #243 is like a quiet prayer answered with a web-slinging bang—soulful, suspenseful, and packed with moments that stick. Whether you’re a Spidey stan, an MJ shipper, or just vibing with Stern/JRJR’s 1980s glory, this issue’s a holy grail that’ll shine on your shelf. It’s the kind of comic you’ll preach about when MJ’s next big moment hits. So, don’t let this one slip through the stained glass—swing over to our store and nab this sacred treasure before it’s lost to the congregation!
View full details