“The Black Issue” — Marvel’s 9/11 Tribute by JMS & John Romita Jr.
Direct Edition
A historic and somber standout in the Spider-Man run — this is the famous all-black cover issue released in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Issue #36 (Legacy #477) abandons the usual superhero theatrics for a raw, reflective narrative by J. Michael Straczynski and John Romita Jr., in which Spider-Man confronts the devastation of 9/11, surrounded by Marvel’s greatest heroes, villains, and civilians alike.
📚 Contents
Cover — Unadorned black cover. No title. No logo. Only the barcode and issue info. A stark design choice reflecting the gravity of the moment.
Story — Untitled (9/11 Tribute)
Script: J. Michael Straczynski
Art: John Romita Jr.
Inks: Scott Hanna
Colors: Dan Kemp
Letters: Wes Abbott & Richard Starkings (Comicraft)
Spider-Man arrives at Ground Zero. What follows is a sweeping, emotional response from heroes, villains, and ordinary people. Wolverine and Captain America stand shell-shocked. Doctor Doom sheds a tear. The Fantastic Four sift through rubble for survivors. Even villains help lift debris. It's not about powers — it's about humanity, grief, and unity.
📝 Maj. Picto’s Grading Notes
VF (8.0) — Iconic black cover retains deep gloss with minor surface wear visible under direct light. Light tick marks at spine and faint handling impressions keep it at a solid upper-mid grade. Clean corners, no creases, and rich, stable interior pages. A beautifully presentable copy of a true modern key — emotionally powerful and culturally significant.
“The Black Issue” — Marvel’s 9/11 Tribute by JMS & John Romita Jr.
Direct Edition
A historic and somber standout in the Spider-Man run — this is the famous all-black cover issue released in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Issue #36 (Legacy #477) abandons the usual superhero theatrics for a raw, reflective narrative by J. Michael Straczynski and John Romita Jr., in which Spider-Man confronts the devastation of 9/11, surrounded by Marvel’s greatest heroes, villains, and civilians alike.
📚 Contents
Cover — Unadorned black cover. No title. No logo. Only the barcode and issue info. A stark design choice reflecting the gravity of the moment.
Story — Untitled (9/11 Tribute)
Script: J. Michael Straczynski
Art: John Romita Jr.
Inks: Scott Hanna
Colors: Dan Kemp
Letters: Wes Abbott & Richard Starkings (Comicraft)
Spider-Man arrives at Ground Zero. What follows is a sweeping, emotional response from heroes, villains, and ordinary people. Wolverine and Captain America stand shell-shocked. Doctor Doom sheds a tear. The Fantastic Four sift through rubble for survivors. Even villains help lift debris. It's not about powers — it's about humanity, grief, and unity.
📝 Maj. Picto’s Grading Notes
VF (8.0) — Iconic black cover retains deep gloss with minor surface wear visible under direct light. Light tick marks at spine and faint handling impressions keep it at a solid upper-mid grade. Clean corners, no creases, and rich, stable interior pages. A beautifully presentable copy of a true modern key — emotionally powerful and culturally significant.
