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The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998)
Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #121
The Green Goblin threatens Gwen Stacy's life and Spider-Man must come to the rescue... But will he get there in time to save her?
21 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 1973
About the author
Gerry Conway
2,117 books90 followersGerard Francis Conway (Gerard F. Conway) was an American writer of comic books and television shows. He was known for co-creating the Marvel Comics' vigilante the Punisher and scripting the death of the character Gwen Stacy during his long run on The Amazing Spider-Man. At DC Comics, he was known for co-creating the superhero Firestorm and others, and for writing the Justice League of America for eight years. Conway wrote the first major, modern-day intercompany crossover, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man.
On April 27, 2026, Marvel Comics announced on its website and social media accounts that Conway had died at the age of 73.
News of Conway's death from Wikipedia
On April 27, 2026, Marvel Comics announced on its website and social media accounts that Conway had died at the age of 73.
News of Conway's death from Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 11, 2018
This issue starts off with a red herring in Harry Osborn, sick from drug abuse. Eventually, the stress of seeing his son in such a bad state, pushes Norman off the edge, making him once again take up the mantle of the Green Goblin! Then in a heart shattering moment, Peter's life is changed forever! I knew what I was getting into but I felt that made it more emotional, knowing what I was going to see on the next page! And the way it happened, it was so much more heart breaking!! I loved that this issue brought me to tears and I can't wait to read what Spidey is going to do next!
February 10, 2026
The definitional ASM story...transcends 'comicdom.' Spidey as you have never seen him before: no joking - no holding back - no mercy. The responsibility part of the equation is nullified: now great power is going to show the Green Goblin (GG) something he has never seen before: what that power can do when all ethical restraints are negated. This is one of the most powerful comics I have ever read - highest recommendation.
July 12, 2021
ASM #121 is one of the most important books in Spidey’s canon; the events of which are still felt in ASM to this day. It’s been adapted into the big screen (Marc Webb’s 2014 film ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’) and continues to be discussed and debated by both fans and critics. So much so that all I have to add is that it easily makes the cut of the top 10 Spidey books to read if you’re doing a greatest hits collection and worth reading even if you’re not a fan.
What happens in ASM #121 is as well known at this point as the status of Bruce Willis’ character in the Sixth Sense; even if you haven’t seen it chances are you know how it ends. However, if you still really have no idea what I’m talking about then consider this a warning of spoilers ahead…
The short story of this issue is as told by Gerry Conway goes like this… “A few months after I started writing Spidey in Marvel Team-Up, Stan decided he no longer had time to write a monthly comic, and with great reluctance, but apparently with some confidence I wouldn’t screw things up too badly, handed me the dream assignment of a lifetime. He gave me the scripting reins of ASM. And I promptly killed off Gwen Stacy.” –Gerry Conway
However, the long story is all that more interesting...
“John felt – we all felt, Stan and Roy Thomas (then editor-in-chief), and yours truly – that Spider-Man’s life had become to placid, too safe, too… normal. Despite some terrific individual stories over the previous few years we had a sense that Peter’s life had settled into a, well, rut. He faced villains; he was misunderstood by society; he had minor problems – but come right down to it, things were going pretty well for our friendly neighbourhood web-slinger. It was time to shake things up. John believed somebody had to die, to remind the reader (and Peter) that the world was a harsh place, heroes couldn’t save everyone, and sometimes death could not be escaped.
Killing Aunt May, John thought, would accomplish all those goals. And he was right: Aunt May was the logical choice, by reason of age, and because her constant near-bouts with death had become a cliché. Killing Aunt May would be unexpected: fans would be surprised we finally pulled the plug on the old lady. Tears would be shed. And life as Peter knew it would go on.
See, that bothered me: killing Aunt May, while upsetting for Peter, wouldn’t shake things up. Peter would still have a fairly normal life. Old people do die, after all. There’s nothing unusual about that. Sad, yes. Tragic, no. And Peter Parker, in my view, was all about the tragedy. So I offered up a different victim, one whose death would be even more unexpected than May Parker’s: Peter’s girlfriend, Gwen Stacy.
Now, this may surprise those of you who assume the firestorm of fan disapproval that followed Gwen’s death was something we anticipated and planned for, but the truth is, nobody-not Stan, not John, not Roy- nobody thought this was a Big Idea. After all, Gwen wasn’t Peter’s first love interest – that was Betty Brant; he’d even had a flirtation with Liz Allen in high school: and Mary Jane Watson was always flouncing around the fringe of Peter’s romantic interest. Unlike say, Lois Lane, Gwen Stacy hadn’t been a fixture in Spider-Man’s life since day one. She appeared three years into the series, and the series was only ten years old. So, killing Gwen Stacy, while certainly an intense emotional experience, didn’t seem to us to be all that radical a notion. The general reaction around the office was editorial equivalent of a shrug; sure, sounds fine, let’s do it.
And maybe, if I’d just let the Goblin throw her off the Brooklyn/ Washington/ Williamsburg/ Queensboro Bridge and put the whole blame on the bad guy, maybe the fans wouldn’t have reacted the way they did. And maybe comics wouldn’t have changed forever.” –Gerry Conway
What happens in ASM #121 is as well known at this point as the status of Bruce Willis’ character in the Sixth Sense; even if you haven’t seen it chances are you know how it ends. However, if you still really have no idea what I’m talking about then consider this a warning of spoilers ahead…
The short story of this issue is as told by Gerry Conway goes like this… “A few months after I started writing Spidey in Marvel Team-Up, Stan decided he no longer had time to write a monthly comic, and with great reluctance, but apparently with some confidence I wouldn’t screw things up too badly, handed me the dream assignment of a lifetime. He gave me the scripting reins of ASM. And I promptly killed off Gwen Stacy.” –Gerry Conway
However, the long story is all that more interesting...
“John felt – we all felt, Stan and Roy Thomas (then editor-in-chief), and yours truly – that Spider-Man’s life had become to placid, too safe, too… normal. Despite some terrific individual stories over the previous few years we had a sense that Peter’s life had settled into a, well, rut. He faced villains; he was misunderstood by society; he had minor problems – but come right down to it, things were going pretty well for our friendly neighbourhood web-slinger. It was time to shake things up. John believed somebody had to die, to remind the reader (and Peter) that the world was a harsh place, heroes couldn’t save everyone, and sometimes death could not be escaped.
Killing Aunt May, John thought, would accomplish all those goals. And he was right: Aunt May was the logical choice, by reason of age, and because her constant near-bouts with death had become a cliché. Killing Aunt May would be unexpected: fans would be surprised we finally pulled the plug on the old lady. Tears would be shed. And life as Peter knew it would go on.
See, that bothered me: killing Aunt May, while upsetting for Peter, wouldn’t shake things up. Peter would still have a fairly normal life. Old people do die, after all. There’s nothing unusual about that. Sad, yes. Tragic, no. And Peter Parker, in my view, was all about the tragedy. So I offered up a different victim, one whose death would be even more unexpected than May Parker’s: Peter’s girlfriend, Gwen Stacy.
Now, this may surprise those of you who assume the firestorm of fan disapproval that followed Gwen’s death was something we anticipated and planned for, but the truth is, nobody-not Stan, not John, not Roy- nobody thought this was a Big Idea. After all, Gwen wasn’t Peter’s first love interest – that was Betty Brant; he’d even had a flirtation with Liz Allen in high school: and Mary Jane Watson was always flouncing around the fringe of Peter’s romantic interest. Unlike say, Lois Lane, Gwen Stacy hadn’t been a fixture in Spider-Man’s life since day one. She appeared three years into the series, and the series was only ten years old. So, killing Gwen Stacy, while certainly an intense emotional experience, didn’t seem to us to be all that radical a notion. The general reaction around the office was editorial equivalent of a shrug; sure, sounds fine, let’s do it.
And maybe, if I’d just let the Goblin throw her off the Brooklyn/ Washington/ Williamsburg/ Queensboro Bridge and put the whole blame on the bad guy, maybe the fans wouldn’t have reacted the way they did. And maybe comics wouldn’t have changed forever.” –Gerry Conway
July 19, 2024
“don’t be dead, gwen - - i don’t want you to be dead!”
“i saved you, honey… don’t you see? i saved you…”
😭😭😭😭😭
“i saved you, honey… don’t you see? i saved you…”
😭😭😭😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2023
insane.
i can’t even begin to imagine how insane this was to read and experience for the first time when it hit the stands. an absolute triumph in risky storytelling. quite possibly the most impactful comic this character has ever been attached to.
i can’t even begin to imagine how insane this was to read and experience for the first time when it hit the stands. an absolute triumph in risky storytelling. quite possibly the most impactful comic this character has ever been attached to.
April 25, 2021
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #121-126 (The Title is a Spoiler)
Oh, you read that correctly. I will not deny you new readers the privilege of going into this one blind, the way readers in 1973 originally did. In the same sense people can now take it for granted that everybody knows what the Matrix is — despite the fact you’re not actually supposed to know that going into it — by that same token, people can now take it for granted that everybody knows the title of this storyline — despite the fact the fact you’re not actually supposed to know that going into it.
I am not kidding. The first panel of the first issue of this story LITERALLY TELLS YOU that you’re not going to know what the title is; not until the end, it says. Because the title spoils the massive impact and permanent changes to continuity this story causes. Needless to say, I won’t tell you what those are.
I really can’t say why this story is so great; I can only tell you that it is. It is so great, in fact, that it has been adapted multiple times. The overarching premise became the basis of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 , and it’s inciting incident became the finale of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 . So when I say this storyline has received universal acclaim to the point of a lasting legacy, you know I’m telling the truth.
Read it; you’ll thank me later.
Oh, you read that correctly. I will not deny you new readers the privilege of going into this one blind, the way readers in 1973 originally did. In the same sense people can now take it for granted that everybody knows what the Matrix is — despite the fact you’re not actually supposed to know that going into it — by that same token, people can now take it for granted that everybody knows the title of this storyline — despite the fact the fact you’re not actually supposed to know that going into it.
I am not kidding. The first panel of the first issue of this story LITERALLY TELLS YOU that you’re not going to know what the title is; not until the end, it says. Because the title spoils the massive impact and permanent changes to continuity this story causes. Needless to say, I won’t tell you what those are.
I really can’t say why this story is so great; I can only tell you that it is. It is so great, in fact, that it has been adapted multiple times. The overarching premise became the basis of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 , and it’s inciting incident became the finale of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 . So when I say this storyline has received universal acclaim to the point of a lasting legacy, you know I’m telling the truth.
Read it; you’ll thank me later.
January 1, 2023
This marks “the end” of my Gwen Stacey read. Having finished all her backstory it’s honestly off putting how much her death is glossed over. Last issue we were battling the Hulk and now Gwen is dead with very little dialogue from her. Ultimately I understand that this was an editorial move to prevent Peter from needed to “get serious” but Gwen as a character was a lot of fun and had a ton of unexplored potential, it would’ve been nice to see her evolve over the years. (Ps would this count as fridging? Time to look up discussions about that.)
March 14, 2018
Sad. Iconic issue. Poor Gwen.
July 23, 2019
This is how you write a comic. The entire series led up to this point and it was amazing.
October 20, 2020
Gwen Stacy dies. Nuff said!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2021
siempre duele 💔
June 20, 2025
This isn’t just a comic book. ASM #121 is a seismic event in superhero storytelling.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a lifelong reader, this issue stands as one of the most defining moments in Spider-Man’s history, if not all of Marvel Comics. Known simply as “The Night Gwen Stacy Died,” this issue shattered the illusion of superhero invincibility and forever changed what readers could expect from the medium.
Gerry Conway’s script, Gil Kane’s expressive and kinetic pencils, and John Romita Sr.’s powerful storytelling all combine to deliver a gut-punch of a story. The tension builds with Norman Osborn’s full descent back into the Green Goblin persona, the kidnapping of Gwen, and the climactic battle atop the George Washington Bridge (though it’s referred to generically). And then… that panel — the snap — the moment that comic book innocence died. It's still debated to this day whether Gwen was killed by the fall, or by Spider-Man’s web catching her too late. Either way, Peter doesn’t save her. And he will never fully forgive himself.
Beyond the heartbreak, this issue is also a masterclass in pacing and structure. Peter’s desperation is palpable. The Goblin is at his most deranged. And by the final page, everything has changed. This is the moment where Spider-Man stopped being just a teenager with powers and became something more: a man defined not just by tragedy, but by the failure of power.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a lifelong reader, this issue stands as one of the most defining moments in Spider-Man’s history, if not all of Marvel Comics. Known simply as “The Night Gwen Stacy Died,” this issue shattered the illusion of superhero invincibility and forever changed what readers could expect from the medium.
Gerry Conway’s script, Gil Kane’s expressive and kinetic pencils, and John Romita Sr.’s powerful storytelling all combine to deliver a gut-punch of a story. The tension builds with Norman Osborn’s full descent back into the Green Goblin persona, the kidnapping of Gwen, and the climactic battle atop the George Washington Bridge (though it’s referred to generically). And then… that panel — the snap — the moment that comic book innocence died. It's still debated to this day whether Gwen was killed by the fall, or by Spider-Man’s web catching her too late. Either way, Peter doesn’t save her. And he will never fully forgive himself.
Beyond the heartbreak, this issue is also a masterclass in pacing and structure. Peter’s desperation is palpable. The Goblin is at his most deranged. And by the final page, everything has changed. This is the moment where Spider-Man stopped being just a teenager with powers and became something more: a man defined not just by tragedy, but by the failure of power.
May 19, 2025
Well.. that was.. unexpected..
February 21, 2024
This is one of the legendary ones! The Night When Gwen Stacy Died! I don't to hide it as spoiler since it is probably the most famous piece of Spidey's story. I used to prefer Gwen instead MJ as Peter's girlfriend, but let's see what the following issues will bring to change my mind about it. MJ was always been like somekind of "lustful" girl, argh. -.-
April 19, 2024
Befoee we got to the climax i had 2 thoughts. 1) Love the green goblin as a villain 2) why is Peter Parker sick again, is there any hero who gets sick or injured as often, has it been done with him a few times too many now?
But the ending is fantastic and sad. Can't wait for the next one.
But the ending is fantastic and sad. Can't wait for the next one.
April 10, 2026
[4.5]
Has some shaky depictions of addiction in it with Harry, but the singular most iconic storyline in all of comic books for me, and Spider-Man's defining moment happens here. Conway knew what he was doing. PEAK
Has some shaky depictions of addiction in it with Harry, but the singular most iconic storyline in all of comic books for me, and Spider-Man's defining moment happens here. Conway knew what he was doing. PEAK
October 28, 2020
Lo cabreado que me puso el final... Qué duro, joder. Puto Duende Verde.
Read
January 1, 2022Down bad
January 2, 2022
The reason for Spidey’s ongoing popularity throughout the years. Gerry Conway and John Romita Sr are hero’s to the comic book industry.
January 19, 2022
rip gwen stacy, you were a real one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 11, 2023That was Powerful!!!
Absolutely just powerful. I'd recommend this to every Spider-Man fan it's an absolute favorite for me. It is a essential story
Absolutely just powerful. I'd recommend this to every Spider-Man fan it's an absolute favorite for me. It is a essential story
June 15, 2023
Amazing. The art, the colours, the story and the script is all so good.
June 23, 2023
OMG GWEN NO😟😟😟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
This one you just gonna have read it for yourself.
January 7, 2024
Re-read
April 3, 2024
Plus the sequel #122
April 18, 2024
my truest enemy is norman osborn for killing my girl
January 23, 2025
"I saved you honey, don't you see? I saved you." 😓
March 15, 2025
hard to read
For those who want to know how Gwen Stacy died, this comic is for you.
For those who like the relationship between Peter and Gwen, this’ll be a hard read.
For those who want to know how Gwen Stacy died, this comic is for you.
For those who like the relationship between Peter and Gwen, this’ll be a hard read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews