Amazing Spider-Man #6 gave us Dr. Curtis Connors — a one-armed war surgeon turned reptile researcher who drank his own experimental serum trying to regrow his missing arm. The arm came back. But so did the scales, the tail, and the mind of a reptilian monster. It’s one of the most tragic villain origins in all of Marvel. And unlike Doc Ock or the Vulture, the Lizard isn’t really a criminal — he’s a loving husband and father who made one mistake.
A 3.0 of this book still runs about $900. I’ve seen these come in with extra staples, tape on the spine, water damage — doesn’t matter, I still want them. I’m Gabe, and I buy ASM #6 in any condition. Call me at (951) 515-9604 — I come to you anywhere in Southern California and pay cash the same day.
Why the First Lizard Matters
The Amazing Spider-Man #6, cover dated November 1963, introduced Dr. Curtis Connors as the Lizard. But Connors himself is just as important as the villain. He’s one of Spider-Man’s only recurring antagonists who’s also a genuine friend. In later issues, Connors becomes Peter Parker’s scientific mentor — the serum just transforms him back into the Lizard from time to time.
The Lizard has appeared in multiple Spider-Man films, animated series, and video games. He’s especially significant because of The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), where Rhys Ifans played Connors as the main villain. So every time Sony or Marvel puts the Lizard back on screen, demand for this book rises. It’s one of the safest long-term Silver Age holds in the Spider-Man run.
What Happens in the Issue
The issue opens in the Everglades, where a seven-foot reptilian creature is terrorizing hunters. Bullets don’t affect him. He snaps trees like cardboard. And he speaks — claiming the swamp as his kingdom. The story spreads nationwide, and J. Jonah Jameson prints the challenge headline just to sell papers. But Peter Parker sees an opportunity to get to Florida on Jameson’s dime.
Before leaving, Peter does something smart — he goes to the Natural History Museum to research dinosaurs and lizards. While he’s there, two jewel thieves steal a ruby and take Liz Allen hostage. So Spider-Man rescues her, calls her “blue eyes,” and accidentally kicks off a crush that complicates Peter’s life for the rest of the issue.
The Connors Family Tragedy
Once in Florida, Spider-Man finds Dr. Connors’ house in the Everglades. But instead of Connors, he finds his wife crying — and she reveals the truth. Her husband was a war surgeon who lost his right arm. Afterward, he spent years studying reptiles, trying to figure out how they regrow lost limbs. Eventually, he succeeded. He made a serum that worked on a rabbit, then drank it himself.
The arm came back. But the change didn’t stop there. Within minutes, Connors transformed into the Lizard and fled into the swamp. He came back once, tried to make a reverse serum, then gave up and told his family to leave him. Their young son Billy doesn’t know his father is the monster everyone’s hunting.
Brain Over Brawn — Again
This is where the issue follows the same formula as ASM #3 and ASM #4 — Spider-Man can’t win with strength, so he wins with science. He uses Connors’ own notes to brew an antidote. Then he tracks the Lizard to an abandoned Spanish fort where Connors is planning to dump his serum into the swamp and create a reptile army.
The final fight is brutal — the Lizard has gecko abilities, alligator strength, and a tail that shatters web shooters. Spider-Man barely survives. However, he manages to tackle the Lizard in midair, force the antidote down his throat, and watch Connors transform back into a one-armed man. Then Spider-Man tells Mrs. Connors to keep the whole thing secret — Connors broke no laws, and nobody needs to know.
What I Check on ASM #6
The cover on this issue has a distinctive green and purple color scheme with the Lizard in the foreground. Those greens fade in sunlight. A copy that’s been stored on a shelf or in a sunny room loses the color pop that makes this book present well. Meanwhile, copies kept in boxes tend to hold their color much better.
Staples and Extra Staples
I see a lot of ASM #6 copies with extra staples — someone in the ’70s or ’80s tried to “fix” the book by adding staples to hold it together. That’s technically a restoration issue and affects the grade designation. CGC flags it. But the book is still worth real money with extra staples. I just factor it into the offer.
Everything Else
Beyond the staples, I check the standard Silver Age points. Spine first — color-breaking ticks, splits, and roll. Then staple rust, which tanks the grade. Cover attachment at both staples is critical on a 1963 book. For page quality, I use an OWL card. Cream-to-off-white is normal. The book also needs to be complete — all pages, no cut-out coupons.
What Your Copy Might Be Worth
The Lizard’s ongoing presence in Marvel content keeps this book’s demand steady. Here are realistic ranges based on recent sales from Heritage Auctions and GoCollect:
A rough copy (0.5–2.0) with heavy wear still runs $400–$900. Good to Very Good (2.5–4.5) falls in the $900–$3,000 range. Fine copies (5.0–6.5) with decent presentation bring $3,000–$7,000. Meanwhile, Very Fine and above (7.0+) are rare and start at $8,000. A perfect 9.8 would approach $70,000.
When I sit down with you, I pull up the actual sales data on my phone so you can see where the numbers come from. No guessing. Call me at (951) 515-9604.
How Selling to Me Works
You reach out — call, text, or fill out the form on our contact page. I ask for pictures beforehand to save time. If the book looks worth coming out for, I come to you — your home, your work, wherever.
Before we meet, I give you a ballpark range. It’s wide on purpose because condition is everything on a Silver Age book. When I arrive, I go through the book with you, explain what I’m seeing, and then make an offer. If you accept, I pay cash right there. No check, no waiting, no bank wire — cash on the spot, as is, where is.
Common Questions About Selling ASM #6
How much is my copy worth?
It depends on condition. Even a rough copy is worth several hundred dollars because it’s the first Lizard and a single-digit ASM. I evaluate it in person using current sales data to give you a real number.
My copy has extra staples — does that ruin it?
No. It changes the grade designation because CGC considers extra staples a form of restoration. However, the book still holds real value. I’ve bought plenty of ASM #6 copies with extra staples, tape on the spine, and other “home repairs.” Don’t toss the book based on cosmetic issues.
Why is the Lizard’s first appearance valuable?
The Lizard is one of Spider-Man’s most recognizable and recurring villains. He’s appeared in Spider-Man films, TV series, and video games. On top of that, Dr. Connors is also a significant recurring character in the comics — even when he’s not the Lizard. That dual significance keeps demand high.
Should I get it graded before selling?
Not necessarily. Grading from CGC or CBCS costs money, takes weeks, and means shipping a valuable book. Instead, I grade in person using the same tools and standards. However, if your book is already slabbed, I factor the grade into my offer.
What if my copy has water damage?
Still worth calling. Water damage is common on Silver Age books that sat in basements or attics for decades. It affects the grade significantly, but a single-digit ASM with water damage is still a collectible book. Don’t decide for me based on how rough it looks.
What other Spider-Man comics do you buy?
Every single one. Amazing Spider-Man #1, Amazing Fantasy #15, and every issue through the full run. Visit our Spider-Man comics page for the full breakdown.
Where do you pick up?
Anywhere in Southern California — Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and Ventura County. Call (951) 515-9604 and we’ll set up a time.
Sell Your Amazing Spider-Man #6 Today
Whether it’s a CGC slab, a raw book with extra staples, or a copy that’s been sitting in a box since 1963, EZ Comic Buyer wants to see your copy of Amazing Spider-Man #6. I come to you, go through the book together, show you the real numbers, and pay cash on the spot.
Gabe — EZ Comic Buyer
(951) 515-9604
Calicomicbuyer@gmail.com
Serving all of Southern California: Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura County.
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