Expert: Grant Hudson - 8/2/2006

Question
     Hi.My name is Michele. First of all, I'd like to tell you that I am very new at this and trying to learn. Regarding reprints: Why were they made; What are they worth (vs. originals), and why would someone want them (assuming they have little value)? I have 2 Marvel comics from 1962. One says in the upper right "Marvel facsimile editon" and at the bottom says "A reprinting of amazing spiderman #1" (1962). The second has the diamond in the upper left, but at the bottom says "An unabridged reprint of Spider-man" #1 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Can you tell me what's what here? I'm confused! Thanks for you help in advance.  

Answer
Don't worry, you're not the only one who gets confused.

Both your copies are facsimiles of the ACTUAL "Amazing Spider-Man 1" which can fetch aroung $US 25,000 these days and is a hot collector's item.

Because the originals are so expensive and hard to get, Marvel occasionally releases facsimiles of them which aren't as valuable. As to what they may be worth, it's hard to say. Your best bet is to get hold of a copy of "Wizard" magazine from a comics specialist shop -it will guide you from there.

Grant