Every so often, a cover comes along that reminds you why you fell in love with comic art in the first place. For me, one of those is Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 4 #25I — the J. Scott Campbell Store Variant.
📰 Publication Details
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Title: The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 4 #25 (Store Exclusive Variant)
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Cover Artist: J. Scott Campbell
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Publisher: Marvel Comics
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Release Date: March 2017
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Format: Standard U.S. comic; JScottCampbell.com Store Exclusive
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Writer: Dan Slott
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Interior Artists: Stuart Immonen, Giuseppe Camuncoli & others
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Variant Code: #25I
🎨 Why It’s Special
J. Scott Campbell’s Amazing Spider-Man variants are instantly recognizable for their energy, detail, and character-driven focus — and this one is no exception. The cover showcases Mary Jane Watson in classic Campbell style: bold, modern, and effortlessly iconic.
Originally offered as a JScottCampbell.com exclusive, this variant quickly became a modern collector favorite, both for its striking artwork and for the key story it contained.
🔑 Collector Specifics
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Key Type: 🔥 Major Modern Key
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Significance: First appearance of Otto Octavius as the Superior Octopus.
This issue marks Otto’s transformation into a new identity following The Clone Conspiracy — a hybrid persona of Doctor Octopus and Spider-Man, wearing a redesigned black-and-green suit. -
Notable Content:
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Otto’s debut as the Superior Octopus, leading to The Superior Octopus #1 (2018) and his later appearances in The Superior Spider-Man Vol. 2 (2019).
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Anniversary-sized issue containing multiple stories that also foreshadow The Osborn Identity arc.
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Features appearances by Spider-Man, Norman Osborn, Silver Sable, and Black Cat.
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Edition Size: Estimated ~2,000 copies (J. Scott Campbell Store exclusives).
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Market Value (CGC 9.8): ~$120–$175 depending on demand, signature, and cover grade.
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Signed Copies: Frequently available through J. Scott Campbell Store signings or CGC Signature Series.
🌍 Legacy
While most fans remember Amazing Spider-Man #25 for its art variants and anniversary branding, collectors know it for what it truly is — the debut of a new era for Otto Octavius. The Superior Octopus wasn’t just another villain upgrade; he was a complete redefinition of one of Spider-Man’s oldest foes.
Combined with Campbell’s signature cover art, this issue stands as a must-have modern key — where art, storytelling, and legacy collide.
Stay nerdy,
Randell
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