You are looking at a raw (seller-assessed) copy of Marvel Tales Starring Spider-Man and Thor #206, published by Marvel Comics in December 1987. This issue reprints the beloved classic Marvel Team-Up #70 (June 1978) - the thrilling conclusion of the two-part "Whom Gods Destroy!" story arc featuring Spider-Man, Thor, Havok, and the rampaging Living Monolith. Cover Artist: The cover art for this reprint issue is derived from the original interior artwork by John Byrne, one of the most celebrated and influential comic artists of the late 1970s and 1980s. Byrne's dynamic, explosive style - particularly his rendering of the colossal Living Monolith hurling Spider-Man skyward while Thor charges in - is showcased beautifully on this cover. Interior Creative Team: The reprinted story is written by Chris Claremont - arguably Marvel's most important writer since Stan Lee and the architect of the legendary Uncanny X-Men run - with pencils by John Byrne, inks by Tony DeZuniga, lettering by Annette Kawecki, colors by Phil Rachelson, and editing by Jim Shooter. This was the final consecutive issue of the celebrated Claremont/Byrne partnership on Marvel Team-Up before they departed to launch their historic Uncanny X-Men run together.
As a bonus, this issue includes an all-new Spider-Ham backup adventure at no extra cost - featuring Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham, Marvel's beloved funny-animal parody character. Also included is a teaser blurb for the upcoming Fall of the Mutants crossover event, making this a great snapshot of the Marvel Universe in late 1987.
ITEM DETAILS: Title: Marvel Tales Starring Spider-Man and Thor, Issue #206 Year of Production: December 1987 (Vol. 1, No. 206) Publisher: Marvel Comics, A New World Company; Office of Publication: 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 Country of Production: Printed in the U.S.A. Materials: Standard copper age newsprint interior pages; glossy color cover stock Cover Price: 75¢ US / 95¢ Canada / UK 40p Page Count: Standard Marvel issue Content: Reprints Marvel Team-Up #70 - "Whom Gods Destroy!" (Spider-Man, Thor, Havok vs. the Living Monolith); plus all-new Spider-Ham backup story Special Notices: Features the final consecutive Claremont/Byrne collaboration on Marvel Team-Up before their historic Uncanny X-Men run. Contains promotional teaser for the Fall of the Mutants crossover event (1988). Also features Spider-Ham - a character who gained renewed mainstream attention after appearing in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018).
CONDITION STATEMENT: This raw (ungraded) copy has been seller-assessed at Very Fine Minus (VF-) - Grade 7.5 on the standard 10-point CGC scale. The cover is glossy and displays vibrant, well-preserved color with no tears, missing pieces, or writing. The spine is tight and unbroken. The book is complete with no missing pages. Minor soiling (handling marks) and age-appropriate page yellowing are present and are the primary factors placing this copy at 7.5 rather than a clean 8.0. Overall this is an attractive, above-average mid-to-high grade raw copper age copy that displays very well. Note: Seller condition assessments are opinions, not CGC/CBCS certified grades. Buyers seeking a certified grade are encouraged to submit to a professional grading service.
💡 FUN FACT: This issue reprints what many fans consider the most historically significant moment of the entire Claremont/Byrne Marvel Team-Up run - the final page of the original MTU #70 contained a Marvel editorial announcement that Claremont and Byrne were stepping away from Team-Up to focus on making Uncanny X-Men a monthly title. That decision led directly to one of the greatest comic runs in history, including the Dark Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past. So in a way, this little reprint issue marks the moment the X-Men changed forever.
SHIPPING: Ships from Pueblo, Colorado via USPS Ground Advantage. Comic will be bagged, boarded, and packaged in a rigid mailer for safe transit. RETURNS: ⚠️ NO REFUNDS ACCEPTED. Please review all photos and condition notes carefully before purchasing. All sales are final.