Amazing Spider-Man #316 (Marvel, 1989) - Todd McFarlane Venom Cover

One of the most iconic covers in Marvel history. Amazing Spider-Man #316 (Marvel Comics, June 1989) features the legendary Todd McFarlane cover depicting Venom looming over a helpless Spider-Man — a visceral, terrifying image that defined an era and made Venom a superstar villain.

This is the issue that cemented Venom's place in Marvel lore. McFarlane's dynamic, web-drenched artwork and his revolutionary take on both characters made this one of the most collected Spider-Man issues of the Bronze/Copper Age. Decades later, it remains a centerpiece of any serious Spider-Man collection.

• Title: Amazing Spider-Man #316
• Publisher: Marvel Comics (June 1989)
• Cover Artist: Todd McFarlane
• Story: David Michelinie
• Art: Todd McFarlane
• Key Issue: Classic Venom cover; part of the landmark McFarlane run on Amazing Spider-Man
• Condition: See photos — bagged and boarded

McFarlane's run on Amazing Spider-Man (#298–#328) is one of the most celebrated in the title's history. Issue #316 is among the most sought-after covers from that run.