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The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998)
Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #4
When Spider-Man spots three would-be burglars casing a jewelry store, he tries to stop them. Afterward he's called a menace by the police. Later, Spidey sees another opportunity to help law enforcement when he sees the police chasing the Sandman, a criminal at large.
24 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1963
17 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,563 books2,343 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 1, 2024
This 'quad cover' is one of my favorite early ASM covers; Ditko is really using innovative ways to frame his fantastic art. The Sandman (S) is one of the most original Lee/Ditko villians, his ability to control his density really has our hero confused at first. A key ASM that I have rarely seen above Very Good (VG/4.0).
September 7, 2020
These are so corny to read in 2020. But going through the original Spider-Man comics from 1963 feels like I'm experiencing a crucial time in history for fiction and iconic fictional characters.
February 27, 2022
A contender for the worst Marvel cover of all time.
June 23, 2023
Good issue! Sandman never really gets talked about much these days, but he’s one of my favorites. Spider-Man really struggled at first, but he finally figured out how to stop him. So far he has found a way to stop these villains, but he has no way to stop Jonah and his influence on the public. That’s still not enough to make Peter quit doing what he has to do as Spider-Man.
June 14, 2023
INCRÍVEL
December 29, 2024
sandman's character is so cool, i've been looking forward to reading that one.
the fact that he "chose" to lay low at peter's school is kinda funny but also expected with how things are written.
his sandy self getting vacuumed, what a good laugh to have!
the fact that he "chose" to lay low at peter's school is kinda funny but also expected with how things are written.
his sandy self getting vacuumed, what a good laugh to have!
October 8, 2025
[3.5]
Ese 0.5 es por la aspiradora.
Ese 0.5 es por la aspiradora.
September 1, 2025
Bros. He beats the bad guy with a Vacuum.
September 20, 2021
"Ever get any love taps from a guy's rock hard head?"
January 2, 2021
Introducing... Sandman. Also Spidey breaks into Jameson's office to leave webbing on his chair. Two notes here; 1) the webbing is left overnight so this obviously before they thought of the "webbing dissolves within an hour" rule which opens the question of what kind of mess Spidey is leaving all over NYC! And 2) the aftermath of which has the most stilted dialogue yet seen "I'm stuck in this blasted chair! Can't get out! There's a piece of adhesive webbing on the seat!" exclaims Jameson, again proving Lee had never heard of the saying show don't tell. It's almost as is these early issues where written as radio dramas where every character has to narrate out loud. On the plus side we start to see Parker have trouble balancing his secret life as Spidey as he has to turn down a date as it conflicts with his hero duties. Spider-Man is always best when Parker has these kind of issues to contend with.
Firsts: Sandman
NB. A good drinking game is emerging here; take a shot every time someone says "blamed". You'd be passed out by the end of the book.
Firsts: Sandman
NB. A good drinking game is emerging here; take a shot every time someone says "blamed". You'd be passed out by the end of the book.
April 23, 2016
Read as part of 'Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: Great Power'
Holy Hannah!
Holy Hannah!
July 7, 2019
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.
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.
November 21, 2017
I've been reading Jessica Jones. One of the lists I read mentioned that since she was a school chum of Peter Parker, she was just off-panel in one of the shots in this issue. If I had thought about it a little more, I would have realized the silliness of such a statement. Nevertheless . . .
I am happy I read this as I think it's going to answer my question, "What Marvel comic should I begin reading?"
Spiderman fights The Sandman in this issue. I like Sandman. I kept thinking how Spiderman would conquer him. My first thought was to apply heat to change the sand into glass. Instead, Spiderman uses a drill to loosen the sand and then an indistrial vacuum cleaner to suck up the sand into a canvas bag. Not bad.
Peter suffers the indiginanties of of his classmates who call him a bookworm. J. Jonah already despises Spiderman and wrote an editorial as to how the entire episode was Spiderman's fault; he destroyed public property. We also see Peter Parker has to sew his own costume when it ripped.
The letters from fans at the end were a hoot. Loved that and it gives insight to the early days of this comic.
I liked this enough to go back to issue #1 and start the series.
I am happy I read this as I think it's going to answer my question, "What Marvel comic should I begin reading?"
Spiderman fights The Sandman in this issue. I like Sandman. I kept thinking how Spiderman would conquer him. My first thought was to apply heat to change the sand into glass. Instead, Spiderman uses a drill to loosen the sand and then an indistrial vacuum cleaner to suck up the sand into a canvas bag. Not bad.
Peter suffers the indiginanties of of his classmates who call him a bookworm. J. Jonah already despises Spiderman and wrote an editorial as to how the entire episode was Spiderman's fault; he destroyed public property. We also see Peter Parker has to sew his own costume when it ripped.
The letters from fans at the end were a hoot. Loved that and it gives insight to the early days of this comic.
I liked this enough to go back to issue #1 and start the series.
May 19, 2023
Penjahat baru muncul di New York. Ia dijuluki Sandman karena memiliki kemampuan berubah menjadi pasir dan sulit untuk dikalahkan. Bahkan, ketika Spider-Man melawannya, ia dengan mudah mengubah tubuhnya menjadi butiran pasir dan juga bisa mengeras sesuka hati. Sayangnya, Spider-Man terpojok akibat pertarungan yang didominasi Sandman. Topeng yang dipakai Spider-Man pun robek sehingga membuatnya mundur karena takut wajah aslinya terlihat.
Sesampainya di rumah, Peter Parker memperbaiki topeng Spider-Man-nya di dalam kamar. Bibi May menganggapnya sedang sakit panas sehingga ia sangat perhatian kepada keponakannya itu. Di sisi lain, Sandman yang bebas dan merasa berhasil mengalahkan Spider-Man, tetap melakukan aksinya dengan mencuri uang di bank.
Keesokan harinya, tanpa diduga, Sandman bersembunyi di SMA di mana Peter bersekolah. Di sana, akhirnya Spider-Man (yang topengnya sudah diperbaiki) berhasil mengalahkan Sandman memakai penyedot debu milik petugas kebersihan di sekolahnya. Namun, setelah kejadian itu, berita yang muncul di koran malah tetap menyudutkan Spider-Man sebagai sosok yang jahat. Peter pun mulai mempertanyakan eksistensinya.
Sesampainya di rumah, Peter Parker memperbaiki topeng Spider-Man-nya di dalam kamar. Bibi May menganggapnya sedang sakit panas sehingga ia sangat perhatian kepada keponakannya itu. Di sisi lain, Sandman yang bebas dan merasa berhasil mengalahkan Spider-Man, tetap melakukan aksinya dengan mencuri uang di bank.
Keesokan harinya, tanpa diduga, Sandman bersembunyi di SMA di mana Peter bersekolah. Di sana, akhirnya Spider-Man (yang topengnya sudah diperbaiki) berhasil mengalahkan Sandman memakai penyedot debu milik petugas kebersihan di sekolahnya. Namun, setelah kejadian itu, berita yang muncul di koran malah tetap menyudutkan Spider-Man sebagai sosok yang jahat. Peter pun mulai mempertanyakan eksistensinya.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2023
Another great Spiderman story! I really like these longer Spiderman comics.
Here Spiderman meets The Sandman, and has to really think cleverly on how to defeat him! I love that about Spiderman - he uses his powers AND his brain to get the better of his opponents.
He also seems really human and normal; wondering if he actually likes his powers, having to fix his own costume, trying to navigate teen dating life, etc. Definitely a different and more relatable type of superhero for his time!
Here Spiderman meets The Sandman, and has to really think cleverly on how to defeat him! I love that about Spiderman - he uses his powers AND his brain to get the better of his opponents.
He also seems really human and normal; wondering if he actually likes his powers, having to fix his own costume, trying to navigate teen dating life, etc. Definitely a different and more relatable type of superhero for his time!
August 19, 2025
*4.5*
que icónico es sandman, aunque en la peli tiene más profundidad como personaje
ay te quiero mucho tía may :(
LO VENCÍA ASPIRÁNDOLO ESTALLÉ
arrancaron las crisis existenciales, bienvenido peter
I must have been given this great power for a reason! No matter how difficult it is, I must remain as Spider-Man! And I pray that some day the world will understand!
que icónico es sandman, aunque en la peli tiene más profundidad como personaje
ay te quiero mucho tía may :(
LO VENCÍA ASPIRÁNDOLO ESTALLÉ
arrancaron las crisis existenciales, bienvenido peter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2019
Lee and Ditko go all-out with their old-fashioned humor in this issue, especially during a sequence where Peter Parker has to go fetch J. Jonah Jameson some clean pants. The extremely convenient battle with the Sandman (one of Spidey's most grotesque villains) in Peter's high school gym is also a great way to combine Peter's two worlds.
December 1, 2020
Cover komik ini berupa panel-panel pertarungan antara Spider-Man dan Sandman. Dari covernya saja, Stan Lee berusaha menarik perhatian para calon pembaca dengan menunjukkan betapa kuatnya musuh Spider-Man kali ini. Segi lain yang menonjol dalam komik keempat Spider-Man ini adalah citra Peter Parker di mata kawan-kawan sekolahnya dan ketertarikan Peter terhadap teman wanitanya.
December 6, 2020
[4] Peter truly is going through an identity crisis, I hope he'll get over it well. The fight between Spider-Man and Sandman was very exciting, the steady change of the battleground and the strength of Sandman created a lot suspense. Liz also seems to like Peter, even tho she doesn't want to admit it. Or atleast she treats him better then most of the people of his age.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2020
rating: 4.55 because it's the same origin as octopus' one but different. Anyways the rest of it was cool
July 20, 2022
Title: Spider-Man ¿amigo o enemigo?
Stars 5.0
Stars 5.0
August 11, 2022
Sandman's origin is kinda ridiculous.
October 4, 2022
Defeating sandman with a vacuum is the greatest win of all
January 3, 2023
1st App of Sandman. Hard to read when you are used to modern comics, but worth the read even if it’s just to see Spider-Man beat Sandman with a Vacuum.
January 13, 2026
jan/2026
February 17, 2023
Another enjoyable tale, this one introducing The Sandman. Enough said, right? I certainly think so.
December 13, 2018
I love Spider-Man, and with the Sandman, I almost didn't believe that he was going to make it out of this one alive!
I love the characters and the villains and I love that it kind of takes you out of reality and puts you in this place full of action and, yet Peter Parker is still relatable, even if you are in this fantasy world.
I can't wait to read some more!
I love the characters and the villains and I love that it kind of takes you out of reality and puts you in this place full of action and, yet Peter Parker is still relatable, even if you are in this fantasy world.
I can't wait to read some more!
March 3, 2016
February 2016
*Single issue*
J J is such a poo.
*Single issue*
J J is such a poo.
October 4, 2022
sandman is the worst antagonist I've ever read. absolutely boring
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews