ComicLink has added a key original art page from the historic Amazing Spider-Man #252, published in 1984, to its Winter Featured Auction that starts on February 14, 2025. This issue introduced the black Spider-Man suit that was later revealed as the symbiote that became Venom. Illustrated by Ron Frenz (breakdowns) and Brett Breeding (finished art), the offered page is the eighth page from the story and features Spider-Man in action in his suit in six of the seven panels. Importantly, in its sixth panel, this page reveals that the suit reacts to Spider-Man's unspoken commands, giving readers the first clue that the suit is more than just a new look for the popular superhero. It would be months before the suit was revealed to actually be alive, an alien symbiote that would ultimately bond with another human, Eddie Brock, to become Venom, one of the most popular characters of the past 40 years.
“It’s important to keep in mind that the story of how Spider-Man ended up wearing a new black suit would not be revealed until eight months after Amazing Spider-Man #252 in the pages of Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars #8,” ComicLink founder and Managing Director Josh Nathanson said.
Amazing Spider-Man #252 was published the same month as the first issue of Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars. That entire 12-issue monthly series took place chronologically in between Amazing Spider-Man #251 and #252. The black suit didn’t appear until page 4 of issue 252 and its special abilities did not begin to be revealed until this offered page. By the time Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars #8 came out eight months after issue 252, the black costume had appeared in many issues of Amazing Spider-Man, Spectacular Spider-Man, and Marvel Team-up. Spider-Man had already learned in Amazing Spider-Man #258 that the costume was actually a living thing, and he had stopped wearing it, eventually adopting a black costume with a similar design that was just a costume.
Amazing Spider-Man #252 was a huge deal the day it came out and its importance only grew over the years as the full saga of the black suit and the symbiote that became Venom came to fruition. Spider-Man has been one of the most popular Marvel heroes now for over 60 years and the introduction of the black suit remains a milestone development in the character’s long and complex history. Only a single page featuring the black suit that ComicLink is aware of from earlier in the story in issue 252, page 7, has ever surfaced for public auction and that was many years ago. Only a handful of pages from issue 252 in total have ever surfaced for public sale.
ComicLink is accepting consignments of comics and original art for upcoming auctions, including the ComicLink Winter Featured Auction and the next ComicLink Focused Auction beginning in March. Their partner CertifiedLink is also accepting consignments for their Spring Auction. Consignors can reach ComicLink’s sales team by emailing buysell@comiclink.com or calling (617) 517-0062 on weekdays between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM ET.
CertifiedLink categories include other types of authenticated collectibles like sports and non-sports trading cards, video games, action figures, VHS tapes, coins, and sports, historical, and entertainment memorabilia. They can be reached by emailing buysell@certifiedlink.com with details or a prospective auction list or by calling (617) 517-0072.
ComicLink will be set up at Orlando’s Original Art Expo (OAX) on Saturday and Sunday, January 25-26 at the Double Tree Hilton at the entrance to Universal Studios. ComicLink founder and Managing Director Josh Nathanson, VP, Senior Consignment Director Douglas Gillock, Senior Consignment Director Steve Borock, and Consignment Director Ross Kearney will be at booth #40-41.
They will accept original art consignments, as well as valuable comic books and other certified collectibles. Cash advances will be available right at the booth for qualified material.
