What do you think?
Rate this book
Essential Amazing Spider-Man #3
Essential Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 3
The popular reprinting of Spider-Man's earliest adventures continues with classic stories by one of the fondest remembered creative teams to ever tackle Marvel's wacky webhead.All of Spidey's "usual suspects" are here in this gargantuan 528-page black and white volume: the sinister Vulture, the maniacal Doctor Octopus, the enigmatic Mysterio and the senses-shattering Shocker, just to name a few. Perhaps most significant of all is the debut of the Kingpin, an ominous figure who claims to be a "humble importer of spices", but in reality pulls all the strings of New York City's organized crime syndicates. One of the most chilling villains in all of the Marvel mythos, the Kingpin's first stories are recounted here.
The Marvel Essential line of trade paperbacks are extremely popular among consumers. These inexpensive volumes give readers a chance to catch up on years of comic stories and history without spending a fortune tracking down hard to find back issues.
The Marvel Essential line of trade paperbacks are extremely popular among consumers. These inexpensive volumes give readers a chance to catch up on years of comic stories and history without spending a fortune tracking down hard to find back issues.
528 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2002
11 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,578 books2,328 followersStan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 7, 2023
Stan Lee's 4th and 5th year on Spider-Man and he's still going strong as is his creative partnership with artist John Romita Sr.. A big time for Spidey with the debuts of an African-American family who become long time cast irregulars and the king of crime himself, the audacious Kingpin! Biggest stories are Aunt May getting a lodger (I kid you not), Pete dating, and facing the Kingpin!
Stan and John also debuted the Shocker, the first named Spider-Slayer and Captain George Stacey. 6 out of 12, Three Star read. I read reprints of the comic books The Amazing Spider-Man #44-68 collected in this volume.
2014 read
Stan and John also debuted the Shocker, the first named Spider-Slayer and Captain George Stacey. 6 out of 12, Three Star read. I read reprints of the comic books The Amazing Spider-Man #44-68 collected in this volume.
2014 read
May 5, 2025
More Lee/Romita magic from the past - puts so much of what is out there passing as comics today to shame. After Steve Ditko left ASM (issue #38) John Romita stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park! It would have been so easy for Spidey to 'strike out' with an artist who tried to mimic Ditko - but Romita did just the opposite - he presented his version of Spidey with a burst of kinetic energy!
August 4, 2020
Stan Lee & John Romita Jr deliver in this b/w reprinted essential of the Amazing Spiderman another collection of really great tales collected in this issue are issue 44-68 of the Amazing Spiderman where live is fairly simple to follow for the Marvel fans of the Spiderman. The tales are becoming more than a one shot each comic and get more depth and story arcs over several issues with MJ and Gwen Stacy wanting both the body and soul of one lucky Peter Parker.
These re-issues in b/w do actually capture the heart and soul of the Spiderman universe before it became to much a part of the Marvel Universe. And too be honest this is the Spiderman I love and enjoy none of the movies so far in any incarnation has captured Spiderman for me as well as these comics do, it is a real treat for me and I have several to enjoy.
These re-issues in b/w do actually capture the heart and soul of the Spiderman universe before it became to much a part of the Marvel Universe. And too be honest this is the Spiderman I love and enjoy none of the movies so far in any incarnation has captured Spiderman for me as well as these comics do, it is a real treat for me and I have several to enjoy.
March 29, 2013
There are quite a few changes that come in this volume. Let's start with the big one: John Romita. He draws nearly every page in the book, with some help here and there, and it looks amazing. I would say that Kirby and Ditko are tied for first as my favorite silver age Marvel artist, but Romita holds the number two spot. Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane look so beautiful, you'll find yourself skimming ahead to see when you'll get to see them again. Romita isn't just a guy who draws pretty girls though. He can draw some awesome fight scenes to boot. When Ditko was drawing Spider-man, Peter seemed to get beat on a lot. Ditko didn't make Peter come off as being easily beaten', but he seemed to really be taking a lot of licks. The way Romita stages the fights, Peter still seems to take quite a few punches to the face, but he recovers much faster.
The stories themselves are evolving, too. They really are moving away for the one off issues, and we have stories that last all the way up to four issues! That must have seem like a huge storyline in the 60's. We also get more and more sense of continuity, as events seem to lead into each other, rather then a new issue bringing a new problem.
The one thing I would say sucked about this collection is the Spider-man and Human Torch team-up. I don't know why they just can't seem to figure it out with those two.
A great read overall. I'm loving these early stories of Spider-man and looking forward to reading more.
The stories themselves are evolving, too. They really are moving away for the one off issues, and we have stories that last all the way up to four issues! That must have seem like a huge storyline in the 60's. We also get more and more sense of continuity, as events seem to lead into each other, rather then a new issue bringing a new problem.
The one thing I would say sucked about this collection is the Spider-man and Human Torch team-up. I don't know why they just can't seem to figure it out with those two.
A great read overall. I'm loving these early stories of Spider-man and looking forward to reading more.
December 12, 2013
This edition of the third essential Amazing Spider-man book collected Issues 44-65 and Amazing Spider-man Annual #4.
During this era, the book's developed a definite rhythm. There were a few standalone stories, but Lee's comics compromised a lot of multi-party story archs.
The book begins off with a decent battle against the Lizard (#44 and #45), Issues 46 introduced the Shocker and had Peter move out on his own. Issues 47-49 were sensational as Spidey faced Kraven the Hunter, and then the new Vulture. Issue 50 featured one of the most iconic Spider-man covers of all time, "Spider-man No More" as Peter tries but fails to hang up his webs.
The character of the King Pin is also introduced in Issue 50 and he'd been planning on Spider-man retirement. Instead, Spidey battles the Kingpin In Issues 51-52 which also features J Jonah being captured and Spidey having to get him to somehow cooperate.
Spider-man Annual #4 is not as good as #1 or #3, but it's pretty fun as it guest stars the Human Torch. Someone has the idea of doing Spidey-Torch movie, but who are the men behind the curtain? It's not a blockbuster plot, but it's still enjoyable.
Issues 53-56 has an epic battle with Doc Ock. In Issue 55, Spidey loses his memory and Doc Ock convinces him that they're allies and Spidey helps him until figuring out better. At the end of Issue 56, he still doesn't have memory and is wanted by the police for the first time in the series.
Still without his memory in Issue 57, he battles, who is tricked into fighting Spidey by the JJJ. In Issue 58, he regains his memory but has to first face the new and improved Spider-slayer piloted by Jameson.
Issues 59-61 has Spidey battling the Brainwasher (actually another villain by another name) who has taken control of Gwen Stacy's father Captain Stacy. And Peter faces a tough decision at the end of Issue 60 as he has to take a step that could save Stacy's life but will alienate Gwen.
Issue 62 is probably the weakest story in this book. Fantastic Four/Inhumans supporting character Medusa shows up to see if humans were tolerate her people and be open with her. Like Sub-mariner in similar circumstances, she tries to see if they can live in peace by acting like an imperious jerk. The story is really a filler and a bridge to the final serial.
Issues 63-65 find that the old Vulture (presumed dead) is alive and back more dangerous than ever. At the end of Issue 64, Spidey wins the battle but is taken to jail as City Hall debates whether they can remove his mask and a jail break occurs.
---Overall, this may have been my favorite silver age Spidey collection so far. The character grows up, moving out of Aunt May's house into a pad with Harry Osborn in Issue #46. Peter still cares about his Aunt. When a fight with Doctor Octopus leads to another heart attack, Peter moves with righteous fury to contront his foe. On a less dramatic route, Peter shows concern for his Aunt while he's out and when he's with her, he loving teases her in this wonderful charming way. Here, Peter's love for his aunt is charming and natural unlike some later versions.
Captain Stacy is introduced in Issue #56 and lends a great deal of gravitas to the proceedings. He's a fully formed, complex adult figure who counters the cartoonish J Jonah. While the Fantastic Four was adding forgettable characters like Wyatt Wingfoot, Stacy was a true gem.
The stories themselves were rich and full of twists. They were exciting and oftentimes emotionally charged. They were well-developed and well-executed. Several issues also featured foreshadowing of the coming return of the Green Goblin.
The art remained solid throughout. The only thing I didn't like was Mary Jane getting a perm in Issue 65. Ugh! Though perhaps that's just because I'm not a fan of perms. Regardless, this is a must for Spidey fans.
During this era, the book's developed a definite rhythm. There were a few standalone stories, but Lee's comics compromised a lot of multi-party story archs.
The book begins off with a decent battle against the Lizard (#44 and #45), Issues 46 introduced the Shocker and had Peter move out on his own. Issues 47-49 were sensational as Spidey faced Kraven the Hunter, and then the new Vulture. Issue 50 featured one of the most iconic Spider-man covers of all time, "Spider-man No More" as Peter tries but fails to hang up his webs.
The character of the King Pin is also introduced in Issue 50 and he'd been planning on Spider-man retirement. Instead, Spidey battles the Kingpin In Issues 51-52 which also features J Jonah being captured and Spidey having to get him to somehow cooperate.
Spider-man Annual #4 is not as good as #1 or #3, but it's pretty fun as it guest stars the Human Torch. Someone has the idea of doing Spidey-Torch movie, but who are the men behind the curtain? It's not a blockbuster plot, but it's still enjoyable.
Issues 53-56 has an epic battle with Doc Ock. In Issue 55, Spidey loses his memory and Doc Ock convinces him that they're allies and Spidey helps him until figuring out better. At the end of Issue 56, he still doesn't have memory and is wanted by the police for the first time in the series.
Still without his memory in Issue 57, he battles, who is tricked into fighting Spidey by the JJJ. In Issue 58, he regains his memory but has to first face the new and improved Spider-slayer piloted by Jameson.
Issues 59-61 has Spidey battling the Brainwasher (actually another villain by another name) who has taken control of Gwen Stacy's father Captain Stacy. And Peter faces a tough decision at the end of Issue 60 as he has to take a step that could save Stacy's life but will alienate Gwen.
Issue 62 is probably the weakest story in this book. Fantastic Four/Inhumans supporting character Medusa shows up to see if humans were tolerate her people and be open with her. Like Sub-mariner in similar circumstances, she tries to see if they can live in peace by acting like an imperious jerk. The story is really a filler and a bridge to the final serial.
Issues 63-65 find that the old Vulture (presumed dead) is alive and back more dangerous than ever. At the end of Issue 64, Spidey wins the battle but is taken to jail as City Hall debates whether they can remove his mask and a jail break occurs.
---Overall, this may have been my favorite silver age Spidey collection so far. The character grows up, moving out of Aunt May's house into a pad with Harry Osborn in Issue #46. Peter still cares about his Aunt. When a fight with Doctor Octopus leads to another heart attack, Peter moves with righteous fury to contront his foe. On a less dramatic route, Peter shows concern for his Aunt while he's out and when he's with her, he loving teases her in this wonderful charming way. Here, Peter's love for his aunt is charming and natural unlike some later versions.
Captain Stacy is introduced in Issue #56 and lends a great deal of gravitas to the proceedings. He's a fully formed, complex adult figure who counters the cartoonish J Jonah. While the Fantastic Four was adding forgettable characters like Wyatt Wingfoot, Stacy was a true gem.
The stories themselves were rich and full of twists. They were exciting and oftentimes emotionally charged. They were well-developed and well-executed. Several issues also featured foreshadowing of the coming return of the Green Goblin.
The art remained solid throughout. The only thing I didn't like was Mary Jane getting a perm in Issue 65. Ugh! Though perhaps that's just because I'm not a fan of perms. Regardless, this is a must for Spidey fans.
October 17, 2022
I loved every page of this. Probably my least favourite issues were the ones involving supervillains like Mysterio - I really enjoy Spider-Man most when he's fighting street-level criminals and trying to maintain a good work/life balance. That's fine, because these early issues contain those stories in spades. I love seeing Pete as a college student, still a kid, still working out how to begin a relationship and maintain friendships. My only complaint as far as Peter Parker's plotlines went was that Aunt May is just constantly irritatingly feeble and dependent on Peter. I don't mind that as a plotline, in fact I think it's interesting and humanising, but it comes up so often that Aunt May ends up being incredibly two-dimensional, existing really solely as a problem for Peter to deal with. Other characters, like Harry Osborne and Gwen and MJ, seem so much more well-rounded and fleshed out. Even JJJ is more of a human character than the feeble old lady who requires her adult nephew to visit her every day and phone her whenever he stays out for more than a few hours. There's potentially so much more to Aunt May than this - a strong woman who raised an excellent boy, and coped with the loss of basically her entire family while still teaching Peter the importance of looking out for each other. It's such a disappointment to see her consistently written to be so boring and irritating.
But Aunt May issues aside, these stories are all great. There's not a lot I can say about John Romita's art that hasn't been said a million times before. He's the definitive Spidey artist for a reason and that reason is on full display here. Stan Lee's writing is at its best, giving (most) characters depth and personality. The stories are full of action and fun. Peter Parker is actually a likeable guy - a welcome change after Ditko's cynical run, which I recently read.
Overall just a great time. Exactly, exactly what I want from Spider-Man.
But Aunt May issues aside, these stories are all great. There's not a lot I can say about John Romita's art that hasn't been said a million times before. He's the definitive Spidey artist for a reason and that reason is on full display here. Stan Lee's writing is at its best, giving (most) characters depth and personality. The stories are full of action and fun. Peter Parker is actually a likeable guy - a welcome change after Ditko's cynical run, which I recently read.
Overall just a great time. Exactly, exactly what I want from Spider-Man.
April 24, 2020
Volume 3 of Essential Amazing Spider-Man contains 24 issues of the comic of the same name. As with all books in the Marvel Essential range the comics come in black & white and on much lower grade quality paper (i.e. thinner) this in my opinion doesn't subtract from the whole experience a whole lot as the artwork speaks for itself (as long time Walking Dead readers will agree).
The book spans over 500 pages to cover issues #44 through to #68 of the Amazing Spider-Man and on a whole stands up pretty well for it's age (Vol 3 chronicles 1967-1968 period). I will mention that the quality of writing from [the infamous] Stan Lee has matured somewhat from the last two volumes and now no longer feels as though he has to describe in great detail what is happening in each and every single panel via inane dialogue (the first Volume suffers greatly from this) but this time lets John Romita Senior's art speak for itself. It's worth mentioning that by this time Romita has taken over art duties full time from original co-creator Steve Ditko. Now I have nothing against Ditko's original art but Romita seems to relish in the frantic web crawling nature of the Spider-Man vertical escapades and seems to know how to handle the composition both better when Parker has his feet on the ground (which at times thanks to Lee's script can feel like a soap opera!) and through the action panels.
As mentioned Stan Lee's scripting has improved which I'm not sure is down to being intentionally better written or if it was simply the sign of the times with both the comic and readership maturing (and Lee adjusting his writing to match) but one thing I will mention is the dated 60's "coolio daddio" lingo is rife through out all the comics; the main culprit being Mary Jane who's constant answer for everything is to put a record on and start dancing (I want what was she smoking) comes off as annoying and so needs no further explanation when Parker eventually decides to opt for the more down to earth (or less irritating) Gwen as his love interest near the back end of the book.
Well, anyway I've rambled on enough now so I'll just mention it's a recommended read in Spidey's past and required reading for Spidey-Historians. Here's some quick bullet points of what (and who) goes down in this volume :
First Appearances from; The Kingpin, Captain Stacy (aka Gwen's Father), The Shocker & Robbie Robertson.
Bad guys Appearances from; Mysterio, Vulture, Dock Ock, Kraven the Hunter & The Lizard
Events worth noting; Gwen & Peter become an item, Peter moves out of Aunt May's house (and in with Harry Osborne) & MJ gets a haircut (seriously she should demand a refund immediately)
The book spans over 500 pages to cover issues #44 through to #68 of the Amazing Spider-Man and on a whole stands up pretty well for it's age (Vol 3 chronicles 1967-1968 period). I will mention that the quality of writing from [the infamous] Stan Lee has matured somewhat from the last two volumes and now no longer feels as though he has to describe in great detail what is happening in each and every single panel via inane dialogue (the first Volume suffers greatly from this) but this time lets John Romita Senior's art speak for itself. It's worth mentioning that by this time Romita has taken over art duties full time from original co-creator Steve Ditko. Now I have nothing against Ditko's original art but Romita seems to relish in the frantic web crawling nature of the Spider-Man vertical escapades and seems to know how to handle the composition both better when Parker has his feet on the ground (which at times thanks to Lee's script can feel like a soap opera!) and through the action panels.
As mentioned Stan Lee's scripting has improved which I'm not sure is down to being intentionally better written or if it was simply the sign of the times with both the comic and readership maturing (and Lee adjusting his writing to match) but one thing I will mention is the dated 60's "coolio daddio" lingo is rife through out all the comics; the main culprit being Mary Jane who's constant answer for everything is to put a record on and start dancing (I want what was she smoking) comes off as annoying and so needs no further explanation when Parker eventually decides to opt for the more down to earth (or less irritating) Gwen as his love interest near the back end of the book.
Well, anyway I've rambled on enough now so I'll just mention it's a recommended read in Spidey's past and required reading for Spidey-Historians. Here's some quick bullet points of what (and who) goes down in this volume :
First Appearances from; The Kingpin, Captain Stacy (aka Gwen's Father), The Shocker & Robbie Robertson.
Bad guys Appearances from; Mysterio, Vulture, Dock Ock, Kraven the Hunter & The Lizard
Events worth noting; Gwen & Peter become an item, Peter moves out of Aunt May's house (and in with Harry Osborne) & MJ gets a haircut (seriously she should demand a refund immediately)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2021
A collection of twenty-four classic issues of The Amazing Spider-Man from the late 60s.
Struggling to balance his dual identities, Peter Parker quits being Spider-Man, suffers memory loss and is caught between his feelings for both Gwen Stacy and MJ Watson. Meanwhile, he also has to battle foes such as the Lizard, Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, the Kingpin, the Vulture, Shocker and Doctor Octopus.
Much like the previous volume of these Essential collections, the stories presented here are Spider-Man at his most iconic, representing everything that makes the character my favourite Marvel superhero (second only to Batman for me in comics overall).
In a weird way it's not even the supervillain-battling antics that were the most appealing part of this book for me; it was Peter Parker's social life. One of the most interesting things about this character is just how much he struggles to balance his two lives and it's in full play here, even including the iconic 'Spider-Man No More' storyline. I also enjoy Peter's romantic entanglements, but I'll never quite forgive the writers for edging out MJ in favour of Gwen here (although, I guess Gwen gets a worse deal eventually...).
It's not all gold, of course (because no comic run from the 1960s is) and this book has two things in it that I really didn't like.
The first is an amnesia storyline and I always find that if we, the readers, know the truth then amnesia stories are just pointless wheel-spinning until the protagonist inevitably catches-up with what we already know.
The other thing I didn't like, and which happens a couple of times here, is that this book features one of Stan Lee's worst habits; having heroes fight each other for little or no reason. It's the literary equivalent of bashing action figures together and almost always feels unjustified, which is certainly the case here.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com *
Struggling to balance his dual identities, Peter Parker quits being Spider-Man, suffers memory loss and is caught between his feelings for both Gwen Stacy and MJ Watson. Meanwhile, he also has to battle foes such as the Lizard, Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, the Kingpin, the Vulture, Shocker and Doctor Octopus.
Much like the previous volume of these Essential collections, the stories presented here are Spider-Man at his most iconic, representing everything that makes the character my favourite Marvel superhero (second only to Batman for me in comics overall).
In a weird way it's not even the supervillain-battling antics that were the most appealing part of this book for me; it was Peter Parker's social life. One of the most interesting things about this character is just how much he struggles to balance his two lives and it's in full play here, even including the iconic 'Spider-Man No More' storyline. I also enjoy Peter's romantic entanglements, but I'll never quite forgive the writers for edging out MJ in favour of Gwen here (although, I guess Gwen gets a worse deal eventually...).
It's not all gold, of course (because no comic run from the 1960s is) and this book has two things in it that I really didn't like.
The first is an amnesia storyline and I always find that if we, the readers, know the truth then amnesia stories are just pointless wheel-spinning until the protagonist inevitably catches-up with what we already know.
The other thing I didn't like, and which happens a couple of times here, is that this book features one of Stan Lee's worst habits; having heroes fight each other for little or no reason. It's the literary equivalent of bashing action figures together and almost always feels unjustified, which is certainly the case here.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com *
November 15, 2016
There are several story-lines in this volume, the three major ones are:
-Peter battled the Green Goblin and temporarily stopped him, but Norman Osbourne's memory is coming back.
-Kingpin's plot involving Gwen Stacy's dad, which led to drama but also brought the youngsters together.
-Peter got temporary amnesia and forgot who he is.
Of course May Parker keeps getting sick every issue and being a total cxnt to Peter, the same drama occur each issue. Mary Jane so far is really annoying trying to get attention and compete with Gwen. Also no one seems to be studying. There was also a one issue crossover with inhumans, that was a pretty bad issue though showed how bad business practice can ruin your capital. Disappointingly, there was one issue covering the counter cultural revolution.
-Peter battled the Green Goblin and temporarily stopped him, but Norman Osbourne's memory is coming back.
-Kingpin's plot involving Gwen Stacy's dad, which led to drama but also brought the youngsters together.
-Peter got temporary amnesia and forgot who he is.
Of course May Parker keeps getting sick every issue and being a total cxnt to Peter, the same drama occur each issue. Mary Jane so far is really annoying trying to get attention and compete with Gwen. Also no one seems to be studying. There was also a one issue crossover with inhumans, that was a pretty bad issue though showed how bad business practice can ruin your capital. Disappointingly, there was one issue covering the counter cultural revolution.
April 7, 2013
4.5 stars
This was so fun. I have never read a comic book before (the closest ever being the funnies in the paper) but I wanted to give the a try so didn't pass this up when I was at my library say a couple weeks ago. And I've been glued to the thing ever since. I liked seeing Spider-Man's original story. I also liked seeing his inner story from a new perspective. The only thing strange about it was how the characters described what they were doing before or during the time they did it. But that is probably because there are pictures instead of descriptions which I am more use to. Will be getting the next volume of The Amazing Spider-Man!
This was so fun. I have never read a comic book before (the closest ever being the funnies in the paper) but I wanted to give the a try so didn't pass this up when I was at my library say a couple weeks ago. And I've been glued to the thing ever since. I liked seeing Spider-Man's original story. I also liked seeing his inner story from a new perspective. The only thing strange about it was how the characters described what they were doing before or during the time they did it. But that is probably because there are pictures instead of descriptions which I am more use to. Will be getting the next volume of The Amazing Spider-Man!
December 19, 2015
This set starts off with a bang with spme great villian-centric issues in a row, then there's a lot of Peter still being kinda a douche but people being okay with it now, and then a pretty sweet old school monster movie type issue at the end. These are still historical significance reads with a few exceptions.
January 3, 2010
Crazy cool if you love comic books!!
July 27, 2011
Some great work here as the greatest partnership in Marvel history builds towards the height of their powers. Some fantastic artwork, stories and twists. It truly is essential.
August 25, 2017
The stories in these first five [or so] volumes of the Spidey Essentials are the defining Spidey stories for me.
June 1, 2024
Romita and Lee dive into possibly the most important run in serialized cape comics? Following up on Norman Osborn's Green Goblin reveal, the Lee Romita team brings back Kraven and The Vulture with twists, as well as Dock Ock and Amnesia for an arc wildly set up and hilariously deflated - the Shakespearian pining of plot and the convoluted conclusions of cape drama are at their best in this volume, Ditko era Spidey drama often hinged on the conceit that being Peter just sort of sucked and he had to live with it, the Romita era is one of romance - these idiot college kids all love each other, and it drives them to be stupid and terrible. One last standout of the volume: The Kingpin, introduced as a means of consolidating the mafia crutch early Spidey spun too many small-time villains out of, here now serving the Big Man himself, what a wonderful 50th Issue Debut.
April 26, 2016
Essential Spider-Man Volume 3, Lee & .Romita, 2002, Marvel Comics, 528 black & white pages
This Essentials volume reprints Amazing Spider-Man 45-68, the period when Lee was laughing all the way to the bank and deeply annoying other orginal members of the bullpen, especially Jack Kirby, by claiming that he had created everything, and when Romita was learning how to do it like Kirby. Apparently sales rose significantly during this period, but probably because Marvel Comics generally were hitting their stride and extending their range by appealing to the campus crowd as well as a growing number of adolescents, rather than any superiority of Romita’s art to Ditko’s, which is what Lee has implied on several occasions. In fact, many Spider-Man fans consider this to be the period when the quality of the comic dipped because it lost its edginess bestowed on it because of Ditko’s quirky artwork. Ditko’s art has never been better than during this period, and probably even more so on Doctor Strange, much preferable to Romita’s increasingly slick style, and Lee’s stories became increasingly just villain-of-the-month coupled with his famous “illusion of change” instead of real change, but still providing solid entertainment.
This Essentials volume reprints Amazing Spider-Man 45-68, the period when Lee was laughing all the way to the bank and deeply annoying other orginal members of the bullpen, especially Jack Kirby, by claiming that he had created everything, and when Romita was learning how to do it like Kirby. Apparently sales rose significantly during this period, but probably because Marvel Comics generally were hitting their stride and extending their range by appealing to the campus crowd as well as a growing number of adolescents, rather than any superiority of Romita’s art to Ditko’s, which is what Lee has implied on several occasions. In fact, many Spider-Man fans consider this to be the period when the quality of the comic dipped because it lost its edginess bestowed on it because of Ditko’s quirky artwork. Ditko’s art has never been better than during this period, and probably even more so on Doctor Strange, much preferable to Romita’s increasingly slick style, and Lee’s stories became increasingly just villain-of-the-month coupled with his famous “illusion of change” instead of real change, but still providing solid entertainment.
September 13, 2015
GAH I JUST WANT STAN TO STOP. WRITING. ALREADY. HIS LITTLE ASIDES AND HORRIBLE TICS ARE SO DAMN DOSTRACTING AND TAKE THESE FROM CLASSIC TO ABOVE AVERAGE.
Okay, that's out of my system. The relationship and character building stuff? SO good. Great even. Romita is outstanding. The issues from 54-62 were an amazing arc. The one shots were good too. The parts that don't work are stans dialogue, first and foremost forever, and some annoyingly similar villains. Stans fault anyways. We also see spidey hang it up for the first time, which was a truly amazing issue.
Okay, that's out of my system. The relationship and character building stuff? SO good. Great even. Romita is outstanding. The issues from 54-62 were an amazing arc. The one shots were good too. The parts that don't work are stans dialogue, first and foremost forever, and some annoyingly similar villains. Stans fault anyways. We also see spidey hang it up for the first time, which was a truly amazing issue.
April 21, 2011
Couldn't concentrate much on the Washington biography while suffering from a bad cold (flu?) so I read way too many Spider-Man comics.
September 16, 2015
These books are sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo genderist.
August 2, 2011
#42 the first MJ
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews