Carnage's first full appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #361 is in a decline. How much of a decline has been posted and is there any good news on this popular book? In this comic book market we have seen the "rising tide, lift all boats" across the comic book spectrum. Whether it is Silver, Bronze, Copper, or Modern Age, comics have typically risen substantially during this pandemic time frame.  Even before the pandemic, we had seen consistent price rises that led us to ponder "will it ever pause or slow down?" Of the five sellers on the West Coast that I monitor, at least three have seen a significant slow down this summer. This makes sense as people are finally stumbling out of their viral bomb shelters.

One such book that has been impacted has a major movie due out in September with the first full appearance of the calamitous Carnage. Carnage's first full appearance was in Amazing Spider-Man #361, and sadly fellow Spidey fans this book is in decline. Say it isn't so! What can I say, it looks like a complete "Carnage" (ahem). Currently, across the board, it has fallen in popularity, trend return, and efficacy as short-term speculation.  What is the cause of Carnage's slaughter?

Venom 2 Debuts New Logo For Let There Be Carnage | Screen RantMovie Catalyst

At this point, a mere, month-plus away from the premiere Venom 2 anything Venom and Carnage should be blasting off into space. It appears (Venom 2) is to be another solid venture and profitable movie. So why hasn't Amazing Spider-Man #361 participated? Well, I think the easy answer is that it has participated in the initial run-up last summer.  Now, folks seem to be taking profits and perhaps the nearness of the premiere is hurting prices.  Quite possibly, Venom 2 is going to wow audiences and we might even see an uptick in ASM #361 post-premiere. Though, I would not bet on that being the outcome.

Amazing Spider-Man #361

This comic book is the first appearance of Carnage (the spawn of Venom). It was written by David Michelinie with pencils and inks by Mark Bagley and Randy Emberlin in 1992.

"Blood runs in the streets as a serial killer roams New York City! And as the web-slinger investigates the murders, he notices a very disturbing similarity to another killer's modus operandi!

In a burned-out building in Brooklyn, the spectacular one comes face-to-face with his new homicidal foe...Carnage! Can the wall-crawler end Cletus Kasady's rampage in their very first encounter? (Source: MyCmicShp)

Title Grade Last Sale CGC Census Return 6 month
Amazing Spider-Man #361 9.8 $1099 5127 -12.8%
9.6 $382 7562 -15.8%
9.0 $228 1103 -28.7%
7.5 $212 194 -29.2%

Venom 2 Adding Marvel Villain Shriek | Cosmic Book NewsConclusion

Amazing Spider-Man #361 is still ranked #2 most popular Modern Age comic book.  Despite the popularity, the comic from near mint/mint to very fine has fallen in value over the last six months.  Just last month, Amazing Spider-Man #361 was selling for $1,200. This month, three of the last four sales have been in the $900 range.

The true "Carnage" here is to the speculators playing this book right up to the movie due out in September, what a mauling! Down as much as negative -29% in some grades. Ouch, this comic book "Carnage" is painful to watch. We are going into August and perhaps as people return from their pandemic vacations we will see a return to this huge ASM key. Though, my Spidey-Sense is tugging at me to unload this comic book before it possibly goes lower after the movie premiere.

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