Investigation Report
Generated on Apr 9, 2026
Amazing Spider-Man #129 CGC VF/NM 9.2 White 1st App Punisher! Marvel 1974 (eBay Listing by sea_7078)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/168286897306Why we think so?
This listing offers Amazing Spider-Man #129, CGC graded 9.2 with White pages—the key first appearance of the Punisher—at $2,136 and claims a US location (Gaylesville, Alabama). The seller, sea_7078, is not new to eBay and reports a 100 feedback score. Three units have sold; 75 watchers signal strong demand. However, deep web checks and third-party analytics (including Fakespot and forum discussions) flag sea_7078 for suspected fake reviews, manipulated feedback patterns, and a higher likelihood of counterfeit goods, especially in electronics. Independent reports cite repetitive review language, cluster patterns, and low-review credibility. The comic market price for this grade and book is about $3,061, so this listing’s price is meaningfully below average—a common tactic with questionable sellers. There’s no direct evidence this comic itself is a fake, but considering the seller’s track record and price discrepancy, you should exercise caution. The seller does not accept returns, which is another red flag when purchasing a high-value collectible online.
Risk Insights
Fake Reviews & Counterfeit Risk 🚩
- Seller flagged for fake review clusters, repeated phrases, and shill activity.
- Counterfeit complaints—mainly in electronics—are well documented.
- Listed comic price is well below current market average for this grade.
Limited Buyer Protection
- No returns accepted, limiting recourse if the item is not genuine.
- Seller’s location and item origin history do not align.
- eBay listing structure/procedures are followed, but risk remains.
Category Scores
Red Flags & Warnings
- High volume of questionable feedback (graded D or F by Fakespot) and unnatural review patterns.
- Multiple forum discussions and disputes about counterfeit or misrepresented products from sea_7078.
- Price is significantly below average market for this comic and grade.
- No returns accepted, heightening buyer risk.
Detailed Checks & Insights
0-100 Scale
Seller identity legitimacy
Score: 50
Seller identity legitimacy
"Multiple online sources suggest this seller operates from China but lists US locations for some items. This ambiguity reduces trust."
Reason: Identity is unclear due to conflicting information about location and product types sold. Seller is tied to both US and China, which makes verification difficult.
Reputation and review authenticity
Score: 40
Reputation and review authenticity
"Examples include identical positive phrasing, 5-star clusters, and reviews by brand-new accounts. Fakespot and Trustpilot both warn of unreliable feedback for this seller."
Reason: Third-party tools and buyer forums consistently rate review patterns as manipulated or fake.
Product authenticity and condition verification
Score: 55
Product authenticity and condition verification
"No proof this comic is fake, but the lower-than-market price and issues with seller history are troubling."
Reason: Low selling price and high-risk seller background raise strong concerns, although multiple clear photos and some sales provide weak reassurance.
Fulfillment reliability and buyer protection
Score: 42
Fulfillment reliability and buyer protection
"Lacking returns and cross-border fulfillment signals reduced buyer protections."
Reason: Seller does not offer returns; some shipping pattern inconsistencies have been noted by past reviewers.
Potential for counterfeit, manipulation, or scam activity
Score: 30
Potential for counterfeit, manipulation, or scam activity
"Scam risk is higher-than-average based on extensive web reputation research against this seller."
Reason: Widespread forum complaints, negative Fakespot analysis, and involvement in counterfeit electronics are all red flags.
Listing compliance with platform rules & terms
Score: 68
Listing compliance with platform rules & terms
"No violations of obvious eBay policies were found in the listing presentation itself."
Reason: The eBay listing is formatted correctly, uses proper photos, and accepts standard payment methods.
Your Next Steps
-
1
Avoid purchasing from this listing unless you can independently verify serial numbers, CGC certification details, and additional provenance for the comic.
-
2
Search for the book via large, certified sellers (e.g., MyComicShop, Heritage Auctions, Quality Comix) with full return guarantees and established reputation.
-
3
If you communicate with the seller, request high-resolution CGC case images, including certification numbers, and verify them on the CGC database.
-
4
If you proceed, ensure payment is through PayPal Goods & Services or a credit card—never use direct payment methods.
-
5
Report suspicious pricing, review patterns, or possible counterfeit concerns to eBay via their official channels.
Key Evidence & Citations
-
Fakespot seller analysis of sea_7078
⤷ Fakespot gives this seller low grades for review authenticity, citing repetitive patterns and suspicious feedback bursts.
-
ASM #129 CGC 9.2 Price Chart
⤷ Market-average price for this comic/grade is about $3,061 with sales tracking.
🕵🏻 Keep vetting
Verify if a Ebay seller is safe to buy from: detect counterfeits, fake reviews and red flags.
👤 Find any Person »Find and investigate any person / online identity on 7 social media platforms.
📞 Investigate Phone No. »Attribute a phone number to real-world identities, linked online accounts, carrier data, emails, etc.