1993 Wizard: The Guide to Comics #26 (Direct Edition) - EX

Catalog a key early-1990s Spider-Man publication issue for your archival inventory: Wizard: The Guide to Comics #26! Published by Wizard Entertainment, this unbagged direct newsstand/store edition features dynamic front cover artwork by Mark Bagley (signed "BAGLEY" in the web strands), depicting Marvel's Spider-Man web-swinging dynamically past an exploding pumpkin bomb against a blue-sky and cloud backdrop. The cover layout is set beneath bold white WIZARD title typography, top header feature callouts ("LARRY STROMAN: LIFE AFTER IMAGE", "SPIDEY STAFFERS: BAGLEY, MICHELINIE, AND CO.", "CARD GUIDE: NON-SPORTS CARDS"), and the blue issue indicator box "No. 26".

The back cover features a full-page commercial video game advertisement from Acclaim Entertainment for the home console release of Midway's Mortal Kombat ("PREPARE YOURSELF — MORTAL KOMBAT"). The ad showcases the iconic dragon logo over a cheering crowd photo backdrop along with four gameplay screenshots ("JOHNNY CAGE'S SHADOW KICK!", "FINISH HIM!", "GORO LIVES!", "ALL THE KOMBAT WARRIORS!"), calling out availability across Super NES, Genesis, Game Gear, and Game Boy platforms. A major centerpiece entry for 1990s comic industry archivists, Mark Bagley / Spider-Man completionists, and retro video game marketing catalogers!

Structural & Visual Inspection

• Cover & Spine Condition - NEAR MINT (NM): Original high-gloss cover retains bright white title typography, vivid red and blue suit tones, and crisp line definition across Mark Bagley's Spider-Man cover illustration with zero surface scuffs or color breaks. Spine is flat, square, and tight with precise staple positioning and minimal stress; corners remain sharp and intact.

• Interior & Back Cover Integrity: Interior high-grade newsprint pages remain clean, flat, and un-marred. The back cover featuring the Acclaim Mortal Kombat commercial ad maintains deep dark background fields, sharp red and yellow headline typography, and clear in-game screenshot graphics with no edge creasing, surface wear, or foxing.

Item Specific Details