Posted By Dan Greenfield on Sep 27, 2024 | 3 comments

I never, ever, ever, get tired of looking at Jazzy John’s artwork…

I’ll get right to it. How gorgeous is this?

1968’s The Spectacular Spider-Man #2 features one of the all-time great covers, so to see John Romita’s original painting is a bona fide treat. It only strengthens my resolve that he’s the greatest Spider-Man artist who has ever walked the Earth — and I mean absolutely no disrespect to Steve Ditko. Art is subjective, ultimately, and what Ditko started, Romita perfected.

The piece sold for $63,250, plus buyer’s premium, via Heritage Auctions waaaaaaaaaaaay back in 2002. That’s the same as $110,677 in 2024. I don’t know if it’s changed hands since but I’d wager that this comics masterpiece would command even more if put back on the market.

Here’s the official description from 2022: “John Romita, Sr. – Original Cover Art for Spectacular Spider-Man #2 (Marvel, 1968). One of the most recognized and beloved covers of the Silver Age, this stunning piece of art was long thought to have been destroyed in a house fire years ago. Discovered recently in a private collection, this beautifully rendered painting visually sums up the classic enmity between the Green Goblin and Spider-Man. Romita Spider-Man covers, highly prized by collectors, command top prices in the original art market, and one would be hard-pressed to find a better example of this modern master’s work. Measuring 13″ x 17.5″, this piece is in beautiful condition and will certainly be the centerpiece of even the most distinguished collection.”

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MORE

— This JOHN ROMITA SPIDER-MAN Illo Is So Pretty and I Want to Own It — Don’t You? Click here.

— MARVEL and DARK HORSE Team Up For JOHN ROMITA AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Art Book — and MUCH MORE. Click here.