The Free US Open Spider-Man Comic Sells For $40 To $115 On eBay

Marvel Comics and the US Open tennis tournament have teamed up to release a unique Spider-Man comic that highlights New York City's boroughs and iconic sites. This original publication was distributed for free during the 2023 US Open Fan Week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, drawing attention not only for its content but also for its rarity and resale value.

The comic centers on Spider-Man’s pursuit of the villain Scorpion as he traverses all five boroughs of New York City, culminating in a dramatic showdown at the US Open. The storyline emphasizes the cultural and geographical distinctiveness of the city, aligning with the tournament’s theme, "Celebrating Our New York Story."

More than 40,000 copies of this special edition were handed out free to fans who attended the event and scanned their Fan Access Pass at the designated giveaway tent. Despite the large print run, many recipients discarded their copies, which has ironically spurred a secondary market on platforms like eBay. Prices for the comic have ranged between $40 and as high as $115 for sealed versions contained in a special blind bag.

This distribution strategy included standard editions as well as limited collectible variants. Each of the five boroughs—Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island—has a unique cover featuring Spider-Man with a landmark from that borough. These covers were part of a restricted run of 1,000 copies per borough, distributed randomly to the first 1,000 fans each day through surprise blind bags.

The creative team behind the comic has been notably absent from much of the media coverage surrounding the release. The story was penned by writer Paul Allor, with artwork by Angel Hernandez and colors by Chris Sotomayor. The lettering was managed by Joe Sabino of VC’s, while the covers were created by Michael Shelfer and colored by Dan Brown. This detailed acknowledgment highlights the contributors’ roles in bringing this celebratory project to life.

The timing of this release carries an ironic undertone, as Marvel Comics is currently transitioning its operations from its long-established New York base to Burbank, California. This move contrasts with the comic’s celebration of New York City’s heritage and landmarks, underscoring a bittersweet farewell to Marvel's New York roots.

From the perspective of the USTA, the collaboration with Marvel represents a strategic effort to enhance the fan experience and broaden tennis’s appeal to new audiences. The partnership, now in its third consecutive year, leverages the cultural resonance of Spider-Man as a symbol of New York’s vibrant identity while promoting the US Open as a marquee sports event.

For Marvel, the project offers an opportunity to spotlight Spider-Man’s deep connection to his hometown of Queens and the wider metropolis he protects. By incorporating famous sites from all five boroughs, the comic reinforces the character’s role as a guardian of the entire city, not just a single neighborhood.

While the comic’s distribution at the US Open was intended as a fan engagement initiative, the unexpected collector demand and the resulting online sales have added a new dimension to the release. The scarcity of the limited covers and sealed editions has driven a niche but eager market, reflecting the enduring appeal of both the Spider-Man brand and special edition comics.

As Marvel continues its relocation and the US Open prepares for future tournaments, the legacy of this collaborative comic stands as a creative homage to New York City’s unique spirit. Whether future editions will address Marvel’s departure or further celebrate the city’s rich culture remains to be seen, but this release has certainly made its mark both on the tennis court and among comic collectors.