Spider-Man WTC Theater Banner

I have one of these 8ft. by 4ft. vinyl banners that were recalled from theaters after the events of 9/11. Most of you have probably seen it. (A reflection of the Twin Towers can be seen in Spider-Man's eye.) But I was wondering if anyone knows of ways to distinguish these from replicas and determine its authenticity? Are there even replicas of the banners out there? I've seen plenty of the movie poster replicas but I rarely see one of these banners at all (authentic or not.) Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[NewYorkSpider]

You might be able to find something on EBAY. I'm not sure though.

I've seen a couple on Ebay within the past five months or so (which surprised me, seeing how long ago the banners were released.) Both of the banners looked identical to mine, but obviously I couldn't tell quality differences. Today, I found one recently listed on Ebay being sold from Thailand. However, there's a major difference on this one. It has "Coming 2002" printed in bold on the bottom of the banner, whereas mine (and the other banners) have "3 May 2002" on the bottom. I'm a bit skeptical that Marvel would have had two types of banners made, both of which look identical except for the caption (especially on recalled banner.) Then again, I could be wrong.

[matthooper]

Are there any markings, either at the bottom or top? Anything from the studio. If not, it doesn't mean it's not real, it might be more for me to go on. Also, where did you get it?

The quality of the printing is usually the best way to tell. Replicas, especially ones made in Asia, are usually cheap looking.

Originally Posted by matthooper

Are there any markings, either at the bottom or top? Anything from the studio. If not, it doesn't mean it's not real, it might be more for me to go on. Also, where did you get it?

The quality of the printing is usually the best way to tell. Replicas, especially ones made in Asia, are usually cheap looking.

The one I have has all of the trademark logos on the bottom including that of Marvel, Columbia, and a Copyright disclaimer. They are very crisp in clarity except for the Columbia logo which seems to be a little "faded." (Probably, from printing such a small detailed logo.) But couldn't there be replicas with the logos on them?

I actually got this one off of Ebay from here in the states. I keep trying to contact the guy to follow up about its origins but he never emails or phones back. I've seen a Spider-Man 2 banner and if you're wondering how the quality between these two compare, the quality of the Spider-Man 2 banner seems to be better. I'm not saying that the Spider-Man WTC is horrible in quality. On the contrary, it's amazing but there is a noticable difference (when looking up close,) but that's just my opinion.

Other details: This SM WTC banner hangs using a wooden rod. There are no metal grommets. The print is uniform except for the "3 May 2002" which appears to be done in a high glossy print, distinct from the rest of the banner. On the back of the banner, the vinyl is gray (no print.)

[matthooper]

All signs point to a reproduction. The difference in quality between SM1 and SM2, the fact that the seller refuses to get back to you, a wooden rod for hanging (I have only seen metal gromets), the fuzzy Columbia logo, and the glossy print for the date. All signs point to a repro.

I actually got in contact with a couple of people who actually own (or owned) these banners, one of which being the person I got mine from. To make a long story short, I did some "investigative" work, and the banner I have is the real deal. I actually found out that the WTC banners came with wooden rods only, no grommets surprisingly. (That's what I've been told from the collectors.) Another person who sells/collects these banners commented that the quality of the Spiderman WTC Banner (i.e. vinyl, print, etc.) wasn't what the SM2 banner was, like I mentioned before. The authentic banners did have a high gloss lettering, and thankfully mine passed this test as well. After finally getting a hold of the person I received mine from, I got the history of the banner and finally cleared all of this up. So, again thanks for the all of the time and help.

[Miken Ayers]

Nerver furgit

[Roughneck]

I much prefered the trailer they pulled where Spidey built the Giant Web between the twin Towers

[Spider-X]

i have one of those...got it from the theater i worked at...they lost it and it popped up a year later, i was able to get my hands on it. it's the coolest memorabilia i have..and probably the most expensive.

how much did you buy your's for Chapter 2099?

I bought it months back for around $200.00. For an authentic piece and the history of these particular banners, I don't mind the price.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I finally got a hold of the seller on the phone, and we cleared up any questions about the piece. (So I can put my mind at ease now.) It really is an incredible banner, especially knowing the "controversy" behind them, and I can say that this one has found a permanent home in my collection.

[ryano 91]

That was one cool scene

[Spider-X]

Originally Posted by Chapter 2099

I bought it months back for around $200.00. For an authentic piece and the history of these particular banners, I don't mind the price.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I finally got a hold of the seller on the phone, and we cleared up any questions about the piece. (So I can put my mind at ease now.) It really is an incredible banner, especially knowing the "controversy" behind them, and I can say that this one has found a permanent home in my collection.

right on. Yeah, probably never letting go of mine ever either. i wonder how much it will be worth on the 25th anniversary of 9/11

Im a Manager @ a Movie theater! i get all kinds. MY beautiful SM3 is hanging right now, the day it comes out it goes home w/ me! also i can get trailers of the movies.

[Marcel Mulder]

I have one Banner from the WTC, original distribution stickers on it from Sony Holland.

How can I sell it and what is a good price? It is a big vinyl banner.

Regards,


Marcel from Holland, the Netherlands