Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #1

The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998)

by Stan Lee, Steve Ditko (Artist)

Contains two amazing stories!
Spider-Man: Freak! Public Menace!
Peter Parker tries to continue a show biz career as Spider-Man, yet J. Jonah Jameson's editorials slamming him as a menace makes it hard to find work.

Spider-Man vs. the Chameleon!
The criminal Chameleon breaks into a military building dressed as Spider-Man to steal missile plans. He is confronted by security officers who place the crime on Spider-Man.

Genres: Comics, Spider Man, Marvel, Comic Book, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Fiction

26 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1963

About the author

Stan 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.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eclipsed only by AF #15 - tied with FF #12 as the first crossover post FF #1 - one of the most desirable comics ever - coveted by collectors worldwide. Individual pages of this book (!) go up for auction. The worst/best copy I have ever seen: CGC 0.5/CGC 7.0 - and many that fall in between. Have two friends who have a copy of this book (CGC 1.8/CGC 2.5). Told them both I would KILL THEM if they ever let the book go without letting me know first!

[Eduard Gafton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: Great Power

Who the dickens is Peter Palmer?

[Tiag⊗ the Mutant · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I have a feeling we'll be hearing more from that young man in the future!" - Reed Richards.

[paige turner ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does whatever a spider can...

Spider-Man has been my favourite super hero since I was a kid. He will always be my favourite super hero.

and now I get to read the comics!

Was it always Peter Palmer? When did they switch it to Parker...I thought it was a spelling mistake, but every time they said his name, it was Peter Palmer. I wonder...

I loved every minute of it. The first one was okay, you know, just getting to know Spidey. His uncle died, his aunt has to take care of everything, his life has just turned upside down. He can't ever seem to catch a break either. The Fantastic Four didn't really seem interested in helping him, the newspapers are making him sound like a criminal. He needs to catch a break some how.

But it wasn't in this issue.

When he was dealing with the Chameleon, I was even on the edge of my seat, like how are they going to find the real one? How on earth is Spidey going to prove his innocence. Thank goodness they found the right guy though, but still...they should apologize to Spidey, he's been through enough!

I know that's silly, but my heart really feels for Spider-Man.

I wonder if the Chameleon is going to come back...

Time for the next one

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, I decided it was time to start reading some Spider-Man comics, and the journey begins here with Spider-Man struggling to make money for himself and his Aunt. Hopefully things get better for him soon.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spider-Man finds his reputation questioned by publisher J. Jonah Jameson and seeks to redeem himself by saving Jameson’s son during an accident testing an experimental space orbiter. Spider-Man has different issues when he’s framed for a theft by the Chameleon! Not a good week for Spider-Man!

Readers have seen villains attempt to discredit heroes a few times now in Marvel comics, but it becomes a recurring theme for Spider-Man! Jameson becomes his number one detractor and continues to harrass Spidey throughout the hero’s career. This issue just uses that theme in different ways and Spider-Man just has to do his best to stay on top. One of the things that’s interesting in these early issues is the idea that Peter Parker may give up the idea of being a hero because it’s difficult and doesn’t pay. Not only would he give it up, but he might turn to the other side and become a villain himself. Lee keeps seeding that idea throughout this first issue. It’s kind of a compelling idea and will serve to keep readers interested in how Peter can stop himself from taking the easy way out.

The idea of Spidey meeting the Fantastic Four in this first issue is blatantly one that’s all about sales. The FF have proven popular at this point, and to have them make a guest appearance (on the cover, no less) will definitely generate sales to those who already enjoy the team. We’re treated to a light-hearted encounter of Spidey taking on the group and displaying his various skills against theirs. This will become a staple of superheroes in years to come - the fight first, team up later concept. We get to see a bit of their personalities and abilities, but the book clearly relies on the reader having some idea of who the FF is already. Fun little section of the story.

The Chameleon isn’t a particularly interesting villain in this issue - basically just a master of disguise - but his intelligence and planning set him up to be so much more down the line. We learn almost nothing about him, so he remains mysterious and we never get to see his real face. An intriguing idea that begs for a return in the future.

I’ve always enjoyed Ditko’s rendition of Spider-Man despite the somewhat awkward poses at times. He adds a lot of detail to the costume and generally keeps him thin and small fitting the appearance of a teenager - specifically Peter Parker. The people all have distinct personalities and expressions making them all truly unique - from individual police officers to Jameson himself. Everyone is different and that makes the book very enjoyable.

A fun first issue with some real differences from what we’ve seen from other Marvel books so far. Certainly a great start!

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enter J.J. Jameson, the head of the Daily Bugle and the asshole who single handily attempted to ruin Spider-Man when all he wanted to do was get a little money for his aunt. I’ve watched most of the adaptations of Spider-Man so it was super intriguing to watch the dynamics between Jameson and Peter play out (who is absentmindedly referred to as Peter Palmer the entire issue). While I understand that Peter is a teenager, I had to constantly had to remind myself not to judge him for his naivety and arrogance. I mean he told the man to write a check out to Spider-Man! He should have known no one was going to cash that check. BUT he is a teen that’s trying to figure out the best way to support his family. I could resonate with his frustration. I’m still looking forward to him developing as a character. I can already tell that his arrogance is going to be his demise at some point. The whole fiasco with the FF makes me wonder how reckless he will end up being. Instead of thinking about a lot situations he’s letting his emotions guide him.

I’m still getting used to the writing style. A lot of this comic is based off of telling and not showing which makes some aspects of it a little redundant. That doesn’t take away from its brilliance and creativity though. I’m always fascinated by the level of creativeness Lee had to have to come up with these characters.

The artwork is another thing I’m getting used to. Thinking about the time in which this was written (1963) leads me to believe that there wasn’t a large range of color for inking (I’m still learning about the history of comic book art) but Ditko did an amazing job with what resources he has available. I think about the advantages technology has now provided a lot of comic book artists. There are some scenes where things are drawn at an awkward angle or coloring doesn’t make sense (Spider-Man’s web is always black) but for the most part it guides the story in an interesting way and quite frequently reminds me of some of the popular cartoons of the 60s.


On to issue #2!

[tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Score: 23/30
Grade: A

I love Spider-Man from the movies, especially the recent iteration, but I've always wanted to get into the comics. My first foray into the world of the Amazing Spider-Man was fun and friendly, and all around good on a technical level, but a bit of a personal let down. I love the Spider-Man of today for being funny and quick-witted, eager to prove himself but still insecure, and a teen with a terrible lack of a sense of danger to his well-being. They definitely show you this Peter Parker (or Palmer, as the comic sometimes calls him?) at times, but I want to see so much more! Don't get me wrong, it's a great comic and really captures the "friendly neighborhood Spider-Man" feeling, but I'm eager to Peter develop as a character!

[Oleksandr Zholud · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first issue of Amazing Spider-Man published in March 1963. Unlike DC Comics of the same period, this actively comments on the real life issues. In this (and several other early issues) issue there are two stories.

In the first Spider-Man saves J.J. Jameson’s son, who is an astronaut (or more precisely a test pilot), when his capsule has a malfunction. Note that on April 12, 1961, the USSR surprised the world by launching Yuri Gagarin, and on May 5, 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American in space, launching in a ballistic trajectory on Mercury-Redstone 3. Compare real astronaut’s photo
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And Ditko’s depiction.


The probe is also drawn very like the real Mercury probe.

The second story is about a local American version of Fantomas, called the Chameleon, who has a number of face-masks of different people and can pose as anyone. Note that the popular French comedy film starring Jean Marais Fantômas was released later, on 4 November 1964 and in the US in came only in 1966.

The Chameleon has a lot of masks and even poses as a Spidy
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But it doesn’t help this commie traitor, who tried to sell secret blueprints to a sub with hammer and sickle. I guess it is impossible for modern Spider-Man to face say Chinese spies and call them commies.

[lu ୨୧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Instead of flapping your lips, mister-- just watch and see what I can do!"

me gustó mucho!! me pone re triste que nada le salga bien 😭 todo tu culpa jameson

tía may vendiendo sus joyas :((

Nothing turns out right... *SOB* I wish I had never gotten my super powers!

LLORE MI VIDA 💔

[Mina · Rating 3 out of 5]

now who the hell is peter palmer

[Derek Neveu · Rating 4 out of 5]

You forget what a comedy of errors Parker’s early days as Spider-Man were. I also found it amusing that in the Chameleon arc, Stan Lee wrote Peter Palmer instead of Peter Parker. I know that’s not the only typo to ever make it publication, but it’s weird seeing the man best known for Spider-Man make such a sophomoric goof. I guess it demonstrates how early on in this character’s development this book was and some of the basic specifics at times escaped even the most integral minds of the Spider lore.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a time when Spidey was more money hungry 😂😂😂 Still a fun read!

[scribble · Rating 4 out of 5]

The amazing Peter Palmer.

[Kayra Kaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first ever Spider-Man comic is a blast to read even today. It has 2 stories. The first one focuses on the aftermath of Uncle Ben's death. And it introduces some classic characters like J. Jonah Jameson. I really liked the first story, it feels like the main part.

While the second part introduces the first ever Spider Man villain, Chameleon. And that second story has a big Fantastic Four cameo. While that story didn't make much sense, it felt like a nice side story.

Overall, I LOVED this issue, this is what I expect from a Spider-Man comic book.

[♡ India ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitch it's the first official issue if I gave it anything else it would be discriminatory 🤨

but srsly I loved this so much, have no fucking clue why I got so much nostalgia even though I'm pretty sure I wasn't alive anywhere near 1963 but ain't complaining 🤷‍♀️

[Shane Stanis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread for marvelous year 2: 1963
Spider-Man #1-3 - Ditko, Lee and peter Parker are still finding their way, but a strong start to an “amazing” series.
Read for the introduction of series regulars John Jameson & The Chameleon. Must read for spidey Superfans, FF superfans, and marvel historians.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

wholesome

[Tiagoツ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Início legal. Porém, como é a primeira história do personagem, e o seu universo não está consolidado, acaba por ser um monte de caos.
Porém, por ser a primeira história, tem o meu respeito.

[jayjay · Rating 4 out of 5]

first, he gets misunderstood and seen as a villain by jameson...

then in chameleon.. it's peter palmer instead of peter parker, funny typo but that's what makes it a good comic after all.

[Mars Fargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING FANTASY 15, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 1-10 (Spider-Man's First Arc)

Peter Parker is easily one of the greatest creations in the history of comic books. Even if you threw out every other plot element besides the character himself, you'd still have a character story that deals with so much poignant emotional and psychological conflict.

The dialogue is what really makes this. Stan Lee divides Peter Parker's dialogue into 3 distinct styles: Peter Parker's thoughts, Peter Parker's words, and Spider-Man's words. This structure says a lot about our protagonist; Peter Parker's words are presented in a very introverted and articulate manner. Spider-Man's words, conversely, are presented in a very extroverted and sarcastic manner. This presents the central conflict of the character, in that Spider-Man is a cathartic part of Peter's psychology; he is everything Peter is afraid to be, but can be behind the security blanket of a mask.

The only truth to the character is his thoughts, as he tightly controls the presentation of Peter Parker to hide suspicion he could be Spider-Man. This plays even further into the notion of Spider-Man being a cathartic release for him, in that his thoughts are designed as this fusion of Peter's intellect and Spider-Man's wit. Peter Parker's spoken words lack much of the wit which is present in his own thoughts. Spider-Man presents all of that wit, because he has more freedom to do so; behind the security blanket of a mask, there's less consequence.

And this plays into the deeper theme, of "Great Responsibility" coming with "Great Power." Because there is no physical consequence to himself. But his choice of how he uses this newfound freedom and newfound power has consequences for others... which, as iconic as they are, I won't dare spoil here. These consequences affect his romantic equal Betty Brant, his loyal to a fault Aunt May, the think-tank editor J. Jonah Jameson, or the city of New York as a whole and its perception of him; even if these consequences don't necessarily affect him directly, they still create a whole plate of intimate character conflicts that have nothing to do with spandex villains. The villains simply create a plot of his actions, where these ongoing conflicts resulting from his actions are his character evolution.

[Francesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This issue is a clear example of why Spider-Man immediately won over the audience, far more effectively than the Fantastic Four or Hulk. He is a young boy who suddenly gains powers and does not set out to use them for justice from the start, but instead finds himself in crisis due to a chain of fatal events. Peter Parker, like any teenager, initially enjoys his powers, and only after the death of Uncle Ben does he begin to question what is right and what his responsibility truly is. When financial problems become overwhelming, taking on responsibility becomes both a necessity and a conscious choice. Wondering whether it might be acceptable to use his powers for personal gain, even theft, given his circumstances feels natural and deeply human. This is the core strength of Spider-Man: from the very beginning, he is easy to identify with.

In the first story, the focus is largely on the emotional dimension of his powers and on how Peter tries to use them while also supporting Aunt May financially. We are also introduced to J. Jonah Jameson, the figure who prevents Spider-Man from achieving immediate glory and public recognition, even after saving his son. Here, the true antagonist is Spider-Man’s inability to gain credibility and public trust.

In the second story, Spider-Man asks the Fantastic Four to join their team in order to earn a salary, but also to gain recognition. Implicitly, through Peter’s words after being rejected, it becomes clear that what he truly seeks is a place in the world, something every teenager looks for and often fails to find. The comic shines in portraying the uncertainty that grips Peter Parker, burdened by overwhelming responsibilities and increasingly alienated from society.

The villain, the Chameleon, would go on to become a classic adversary, but here we see his early incarnation through the use of wigs and masks to blend in and deceive. In my opinion, he is an excellent first opponent, fitting perfectly into Peter’s ongoing identity crisis. His actions further distance Spider-Man from being an immediately beloved hero and ultimately push him into a deeper personal crisis, to the point that even the Fantastic Four begin to question whether Spider-Man might become a future threat.

The artwork is outstanding. The early depictions of the protagonist are excellent, as are those of the Fantastic Four, and the superhero clashes are full of dynamism and provide a strong visual representation of superpowers in action. The initial experimentation with Spider-Man’s abilities is particularly successful and already showcases a wide range of creative ideas.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw the vintage feel

Can you imagine? When it started all.. "note: Spider-Man first appeared as a feature in amazing fantasy #15 aug.! so great was your response via letters and postcards, that it was decided to give him his own magazine!"

I'm sorry but how did they expect a steel net the size of a plackat hanging from an air balloon to stop a freaking space capsule?! Lmao of course it didn't work

"Halt! Identify yourself!
No time for that now!" An allegory for how the people feel in need of someone to actually protect them and quickly beyond names and bureaucracy

"This is as good a time as any for me to get off! I'll bet I'm the only living person who ever had a ride like that before! And better make myself scarce now! I'll just be embarrassed if everyone wants to congratulate me and make a big fuss about what I've done!" He's adorable

And our friend Jameson is more afraid of his son's failure than Spiderman so he goes on with his thing ugh

"unfortunately, if something is shouted long enough, that are always those who will believe it..."

"come to you, I certainly hope you find that horrible Spider-Man and lock him up before he can do any harm!
What do I do now? How can I prove I'm not dangerous? how can I convince people that I wasn't responsible for the failure of that capsule? Everything I do as Spider-Man since it or not wrong! What good is my fantastic power if I cannot use it?? Or must I be forced to become what they accuse me of being?? Mostly really become a menace? perhaps-- this is the only course left for me!
I'm so, and lonely boys hit some broods, with the fate of society of state! What will his decision be? What will Spider-Man do next?? Only time will tell!"

And so it begun, ah Peter, if only he knew was coming at him..
We know the story by now but the charm of this issue being the start of it all is way too cute!
The art style is quite nice, I appreciate it given the time it was made , I'd say it's better than some of the modern ones I've seen! And that's classic Peter Parker folks!
The version I read had another part after the capsule story, one with chameleon as the bad guy and "a personal message from Spider-Man!! I'm crying man, that's so cute
I had so much fun reading this

[Agung Wicaksono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ingin mencoba menamatkan komik Spider-Man klasik mulai hari ini. Sebab, baru ada kesempatan untuk membacanya sekarang.

Di volume pertama ini, Peter Parker mulai berpikir tentang tanggung jawab dari kekuatan laba-labanya setelah Ben Parker tewas oleh perampok (secara tidak langsung akibat egoisme Peter Parker yang sengaja membiarkan perampok tersebut lewat begitu saja sebelumnya). Namun, di sisi lain, ada J. Jonah Jamesson yang menganggap bahwa Spider-Man adalah penjahat yang harus disingkirkan dari New York. Padahal, Spider-Man-lah yang telah menyelamatkan nyawa anaknya ketika anaknya mengalami kerusakan mesin saat berada di dalam roket.

Selain itu, penjahat pertama yang ditampilkan di sini adalah Chameleon yang bisa menyamar menjadi siapa saja. Ia berasal dari Uni Soviet dan ingin mencuri dokumen rahasia pertahanan misil dari Amerika Serikat. Mengetahui Spider-Man sedang galau karena keadaan finansial, ia menjebaknya untuk bertemu. Lantas, Chameleon pun menyamar menjadi Spider-Man dan berhasil mencuri dokumen rahasia tersebut. Para polisi menganggap Spider-Man yang menjadi biang keladi pencurian itu. Mengetahui kejadian itu, Spider-Man tidak terima dan akhirnya mengejar Chameleon sehingga ia berhasil ditangkap oleh para polisi.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now that Uncle Ben is dead, Aunt May is on hard times. She is behind on the rent and money is tight. Peter decides to return to entertainment to make money as Spiderman to help out. Unfortunately, the promoter only pays by check for financial reasons. That doesn't work for Spiderman as he is unable to cash the check.

Meanwhile, J. Jonah wrote how Spiderman is a menace. That pissed Peter off.

Peter continues to look for work.

J. Jonah's son is set to blast off into space. Of course, there are problems. And of course, Spiderman saves the day. J. Jonah is still not pleased as he feels Spiderman has ribbed his son of the spotlight. He suggests that Spiderman booby trapped the spaceship just to draw attention to himself.

In the second story, Spiderman attempts to join the Fantastic Four. Yeah, they'll have none of that. The Chameleon is spreading havoc by robbing every place. He is able to change his appearance to fit in easily. He even changes into Spiderman, which is totally not kewl. The real Spiderman finally gets his man as the Chameleon's costume as a policeman rips exposing the Spiderman costume beneath it. Did the Fantastic Four regret their decision?

[Rangga Sukmawijaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Komik ini terdiri dari dua cerita. Cerita pertama adalah awal permusuhan Spiderman dengan Jonah Jameson. Peter Parker sebagai Spiderman berusaha mencari uang dengan mengadakan pertunjukan. Namun Jonah, pemimpin surat kabar Daily Bugle, justru menulis dalam korannya bahwa Spiderman adalah penjahat. Semua usaha yang dilakukan oleh Peter, termasuk menyelamatkan anak Jonah dari kecelakaan peluncuran pesawat luar angkasa, tidak membuat Jonah percaya bahwa Spiderman adalah tokoh yang baik. Spiderman justru dituduh menjadi dalang dalam kecelakaan itu.

Cerita kedua adalah tentang Spiderman yang berusaha untuk bergabung dengan Fantastic Four dengan tujuan mencari uang tambahan dan menunjukkan kepada orang-orang bahwa ia adalah seorang yang baik. Sayang, Fantastic Four menolaknya. Chameleon, seorang penjahat yang pandai menyamar, melihat hal itu sebagai peluang yang bagus untuk menjebak Spiderman. Dengan menyamar sebagai Spiderman, Chameleon mencuri rancangan pertahanan misil dan berniat menjualnya ke pihak Rusia. Jebakan itu berhasil dan Spiderman harus bertarung untuk membersihkan namanya.

[Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This issue we have Peter Parker trying to come up with schemes to make some cash to help Aunt May (who is busy pawning off jewellery) pay the rent now that Uncle Ben has gone (RIP). A plan to join The Fantastic Four fails which helps set Spider-Man up as the solo hero he comes to be. Issue one also introduces arguably the longest running arch nemesis; Jameson! Spidey also gets to save Jameson's astronaut son John.

So much packed into one issue, in modern comics this would be spread over multiple issues and contain a third of the dialogue seen in these vintage comics. There's an odd charm to Lee insisting on narrating every panel of Ditko's art whether it needed it or not (yes Mr Fantastic we know Spidey is on the TV monitor, we too can see that!) so much so now it feels like a test run for audio description you get on TV and Films nowadays for the visually impaired.

Firsts: J Jonah Jameson, Chameleon.

NB. Stan Lee also infamously forgets what he actually named the character and refers to him as Peter Palmer. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it.

NB. If the spider web parachute doesn't make you chuckle you are dead inside.

[Valeria]

Prima storia ufficiale di Spiderman, alterego di Peter PALMER.
Essendo il primo volume, c'è un riassunto delle origini del nostro eroe, dove viene riscritta la morte dello Zio Ben: Spiderman non è riuscito a salvarlo perché era impegnato in uno show televisivo. In questo volume, la sua morte determina dei problemi finanziari per cui Peter vuole lasciare gli studi per lavorare oppure diventare un criminale. Queste due opzioni non fattibili, quindi Peter decide prima di riprendere a fare degli show nella veste di Spiderman e poi di rivolgersi ai F4 per entrare nel gruppo.
Intanto JJJ considera Spiderman come una minaccia, nonostante gli salvi la vita, e lo incolpa di diversi crimini, rendendolo un ricercato. E nella seconda parte arriva il Camaleonte, vero primo cattivo del nostro eroe, che compie dei crimini fingendosi Spiderman.
Il volume termina lasciando allo spettatore il dubbio che si tratti delle origini di un eroe o di un super cattivo.

[David Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chameleon hasn't made his movie debut yet, but this first issue villain deserves a spot on the big screen. Clearly the Mission Impossible style face change bad guy's USSR Communist ties feel dated, but most other aspects of this issue stand the test of time like an enduring rivalry with J.Jonah Jameson. Stan Lee's humor shines as Spider-Man tries to cash a cheque without any ID to give away his secret identity. Maybe someday we will really see Spider-Man meet the Fantastic Four in the MCU, but for now Spider-Man's adventures and adversities are just beginning. A dash of emotion points through on the last page as the misunderstood Peter Parker sobs wishing he had never become Spider-Man.

[Λευτέρης Αναγνωστόπουλος · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to reread the original Amazing Spider-man issues from the 60s all the way up to the 90s. So good luck to me, I guess.

Obviously it's goofy and the dialogue reads like written by a kindergartener, but I can't but LOVE the focus on Peter's morality right from the start of the series. It really seems like the world is against him and he's just one bad advice away from villainy.

P.S. Peter Palmer?