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Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection
Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection, Vol. 2: Great Responsibility
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created an unabashed cultural phenomenon in The Amazing Spider-Man. Their pitch-perfect blend of Peter Parker's everyday woes and Spider-Man's never-say-die adventures was something undeniably special. And after years of perfecting that formula, they unleashed the definitive Spider-Man masterpiece - the Master Planner saga. Putting Spider-Man through the most wrenching experience of his career, Lee and Ditko defined the spirit of a hero that has inspired millions. This Epic Collection has that and so much more in store: the fi rst appearance of Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker's high school graduation and landmark fights with the Green Goblin COLLECTING: VOL. 2; AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) 18-38, ANNUAL (1964) 2
504 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2017
54 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,564 books2,349 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.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 14, 2019
Ditko takes over plotting (though Stan makes up for it by packing in even more words per page) and Spidey continues to get run through the ringer in stories that, if not quite as packed with iconic villains as the first 20 issues or so, continue to lay the groundwork for decades’ worth of tales to come.
You probably need a deep appreciation for comics history and Spider-Man in particular to truly derive pleasure from reading these early issues, but if you have those things (and an overwhelming tendency to get high off nostalgia), you’ll enjoy watching poor Peter Parker become a social misfit as it graduates from high school and moves onto college, all while battling a bevy of baddies and dealing with Jolly Jonah Jameson, who might be the worst human being that has ever lived (seriously—early JJJ doesn’t have a single redeeming quality; I mean, even ol’ Joe Stalin was a voracious reader and enjoyed putting tomatoes on the seats of Politburo members as a practical joke).
You probably need a deep appreciation for comics history and Spider-Man in particular to truly derive pleasure from reading these early issues, but if you have those things (and an overwhelming tendency to get high off nostalgia), you’ll enjoy watching poor Peter Parker become a social misfit as it graduates from high school and moves onto college, all while battling a bevy of baddies and dealing with Jolly Jonah Jameson, who might be the worst human being that has ever lived (seriously—early JJJ doesn’t have a single redeeming quality; I mean, even ol’ Joe Stalin was a voracious reader and enjoyed putting tomatoes on the seats of Politburo members as a practical joke).
December 6, 2022
While the first Epic Collection introduced us to what would become some of the most famous comic book villains of all time, that creative juice wasn't flowing as strong here as we get villains like the Cat Burglar, the Looter, and Joe Smith. We do get a few winners, though, as we meet the Scorpion and Smythe and his Spider Slayer robot for the first time. We also meet Gwen Stacy and Harry Osborne, too.
The shift into more modern comic storytelling is still happening, though, as we get more complex stories and character arcs, like Peter graduating high school and entering college, his relationship with weepy Betty Brant falling apart (can we seriously get that girl some therapy? She falls into a sobbing mess at the slightest provocation), and a couple multi-volume "Oh no! Aunt May is sick!" story arcs.
Overall, the storytelling was better in this Epic Collection but the villains were more interesting in the previous volume. This is a good read for Spider-Man fans wanting a deep dive into Spidey history.
The shift into more modern comic storytelling is still happening, though, as we get more complex stories and character arcs, like Peter graduating high school and entering college, his relationship with weepy Betty Brant falling apart (can we seriously get that girl some therapy? She falls into a sobbing mess at the slightest provocation), and a couple multi-volume "Oh no! Aunt May is sick!" story arcs.
Overall, the storytelling was better in this Epic Collection but the villains were more interesting in the previous volume. This is a good read for Spider-Man fans wanting a deep dive into Spidey history.
September 30, 2019
And so ends the Ditko era.
Like everyone and their mother says, it's remarkable how much of Spidey was created in these early issues; although they might not resemble their modern incarnations, a solid 90% of the cast has been introduced.
I'm sad to see Ditko leave. His frosty relationship with Stan Lee saw the last few issues drawn and plotted entirely without Lee's input. Combined with Ditko's sour demeanor, we ended up with a Peter Parker that was as resentful and bitter toward the world as he was a selfless hero. I recall the backstory for Spider-Gwen, where Gwen got the spider-bite instead, and so a fed-up-with-the-world Peter became a supervillain. Re-read, in the context of the 2010's and rampant school shootings, Ditko's Peter Parker becomes chilling. Indeed, this young man could have become something awful, if fate hadn't intervened. That kind of characterization is so alien to modern Peter--especially the MCU's Tom Holland version--that Ditko's work becomes unique.
I'm following for one more epic collection, just to get a feel for how Romita took these pieces and turned them into the classic webslinger we all know.
Like everyone and their mother says, it's remarkable how much of Spidey was created in these early issues; although they might not resemble their modern incarnations, a solid 90% of the cast has been introduced.
I'm sad to see Ditko leave. His frosty relationship with Stan Lee saw the last few issues drawn and plotted entirely without Lee's input. Combined with Ditko's sour demeanor, we ended up with a Peter Parker that was as resentful and bitter toward the world as he was a selfless hero. I recall the backstory for Spider-Gwen, where Gwen got the spider-bite instead, and so a fed-up-with-the-world Peter became a supervillain. Re-read, in the context of the 2010's and rampant school shootings, Ditko's Peter Parker becomes chilling. Indeed, this young man could have become something awful, if fate hadn't intervened. That kind of characterization is so alien to modern Peter--especially the MCU's Tom Holland version--that Ditko's work becomes unique.
I'm following for one more epic collection, just to get a feel for how Romita took these pieces and turned them into the classic webslinger we all know.
March 26, 2020
First appearances aplenty in this collection, including many near-miss encounters with Mary Jane Watson. The Scorpion shows up to fight Spidey, as does The Molten Man. Spidey was close to hitting his stride at this point in history, with no less than three appearances by The Green Goblin! We're also introduced to Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn AND Miles Warren, who later becomes incredibly important to the Spider-Man mythos. Plus we meet Harry's father, Norman Osborn. A very important collection for Spidey fans!
July 11, 2025
I feel sad because this is the last run of Steve Ditko in his Spider-Man, I'm starting to like his art. So many great stories here especially the "If this be my destiny" storyline.
June 20, 2017
Steve Ditko was a part of the creation of Spider-Man, but for me his drawing style doesn't cut it... I very much prefer John Romita's take on the character. However, these stories are interesting, introducing several characters such as Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson, apart from several villains.
May 8, 2025
Que bueno que es el Spider-Man de Lee y Ditko. Sacando por las parrafadas de texto es muy divertido. En este volumen Ditko pasa a encargarse de los plots y eso pone el foco 100% en Peter Parker, sus problemas amorosos, la tía May que se enferma, el paso de la secundaria a la universidad muchas cosas más. Crecen los personajes secundarios alrededor de Peter y es donde está lo realmente bueno. Podría ser un slice of life y bancarsela a full.
Por otro lado, como claramente a Ditko no le interesa mucho la parte superheroica, los villanos nuevos son bastante simples y olvidadizos, apenas una excusa para que pasen cosas. Pero nos regalan unas páginas de acciones descomunales, on fire está Ditko, sobre todo porque acá se da el paso de la grilla de 9 paneles a la de 6.
Excelente lectura si te aguantás el ritmo Silver Age
Por otro lado, como claramente a Ditko no le interesa mucho la parte superheroica, los villanos nuevos son bastante simples y olvidadizos, apenas una excusa para que pasen cosas. Pero nos regalan unas páginas de acciones descomunales, on fire está Ditko, sobre todo porque acá se da el paso de la grilla de 9 paneles a la de 6.
Excelente lectura si te aguantás el ritmo Silver Age
January 5, 2026
As always, Stan Lee's writing is lengthy and his dialogue is unnatural sounding (even by comic book standards).
BUT it's hard not to love classic Spidey! Especially since this collection houses one of the best stories the character ever appeared in.
Issue #33. "If This Be My Destiny." The story that truly establishes Peter's indomitable will; a vitally important aspect of the character that has endured across his many adaptations, defining the hero to this very day.
Oh yeah. That's that good shit.
4/5, love it!
P.S. Goodbye, Mr. Ditko! Thanks for bringing my all time favorite fictional character to life!
That protest scene was fucking weird though. Kinda glad Stan pushed back on your ideas here and there.
BUT it's hard not to love classic Spidey! Especially since this collection houses one of the best stories the character ever appeared in.
Issue #33. "If This Be My Destiny." The story that truly establishes Peter's indomitable will; a vitally important aspect of the character that has endured across his many adaptations, defining the hero to this very day.
Oh yeah. That's that good shit.
4/5, love it!
P.S. Goodbye, Mr. Ditko! Thanks for bringing my all time favorite fictional character to life!
That protest scene was fucking weird though. Kinda glad Stan pushed back on your ideas here and there.
June 30, 2021
The Ditko era of Spider-Man ends with Peter acting as bitter and world-weary as Ditko himself always seemed. Some good stuff in this collection, including the introductions of Harry and Gwen to the supporting cast, as well as closing out the romantic arc of Betty and Peter. I also think the story with Aunt May being poisoned by Peter’s blood is really interesting (and a great way to bring Dr. Conners back!) but the execution was a bit muddled. I’m looking forward to seeing what changes come with Romita Sr coming on as the artist.
January 20, 2024
Gems include JJJ’s rictus grin, Sandman extinguishes Torch, Spidey v. Scorpey & Beetle, Circus of Crime robs JJJ’s mod art show, Goblin raids Lucky Lobo, Spidey v. psychoanalysis, Spider Slayer, & Crime-Master, Goblin v. Crime-Master, Spidey v. Molten Man & Xandu, Ned Leeds advises Spidey on fighting Scorpey, Spidey v. Cat, Harry Osborn & Gwen Stacy are unimpressed by Peter Parker, Spidey & Curt Connors do labwork, Spidey takes a rest by taking a beating, Kraven stalks JJJ, & Spidey v. Looter, Robot Master, & student protesters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2021
Honestly jampacked with some of both Ditko and Lee's best work, Spider-man the final chapter is a story I've always held in high regard. So much so that I'd ignore all the incredibly dumb plotting of a guy thinking so hard he can't hear people in ear shot distance or how terribly most of the leading women in the cast have been written.
December 11, 2022
Love this old Spider Man stories! Ditko taking over the plot while polishing his traces. This one is a must for comic lovers. This volume set the road for some mayor characters like a new gal in Parker’s life called Mary Jane Watson, other Peter detractor named Harry Osborn and his mysterious father, we almost found the true identity of the Green Goblin… reading bring back a lot of memories
January 11, 2023
Lee and Ditko have perfected the balance of Spider-Man action with Peter Parker personal drama, especially in the latter half of this collection. We've met Gwen, Harry and Mary Jane is just around the corner! Excitement!
August 26, 2025
Onions
October 24, 2025
JJJ is a generational hater, and issue 34 is elite Spider-man
August 13, 2023
I read this with my seven-year-old twins, who seemed to enjoy it very much. For me, this volume is good--especially the classic 3-parter in issues #31-33--but Peter's college scenes are so reminiscent of his dynamic in high school that they are fairly uninteresting and repetitive, with Gwen just an early-run Liz Allen at this point. Still, Ditko's artwork is masterful, and the introduction of Norman Osborn is extremely well done. We're looking forward to the next volume.
April 26, 2024
Some more classic Spider-Man stories here, I don't think I enjoyed it as much as the first one but still of similar quality.
October 30, 2021
Some of the better stories in this volume include Issues 18 and 19 featuring Spider-Man giving up before regaining his confidence against the Sandman. Issue 20 has JJJ creating the Scorpion to defeat Spider-man (Is JJJ really Spider-man's biggest rival?). Before coming back for a rematch in Issue 28. The Green Goblin returns in Issues 23, 26 and 27 in an excellent storyline involving the crime master while the Liz Allan / Betty Brandt rivalry seems just as heated as ever. The real story that you need to curl up with is the 31-33 run. Often rated online as the 2nd best Spider-Man story line ever, I admit it was as stressful and emotional a read for me as reading any other book (not just a comic) or movie or television show. I read all these titles with my friend, as it is great to have someone to share with. Especially with some of the not so great issues (36, 38, Annual 2...) If you want to join to our two person book club. Our podcast "Let's Read Spider-man" is available wherever you get your podcast and should enhance your enjoyment of this already excellent book. https://letsreadspiderman.podbean.com/
May 5, 2024
This book’s an absolute slam dunk if you stop immediately after finishing ASM 33. It’s the peak of Ditko’s run, and is the quintessential Spider-Man story.
The remaining issues of the book thereafter are really dull and at times somewhat mean-spirited. Everything leading up to 33, though, ranges from solid to great.
The remaining issues of the book thereafter are really dull and at times somewhat mean-spirited. Everything leading up to 33, though, ranges from solid to great.
July 4, 2023
The stories in this volume were even better!
It was cool seeing Gwen Stacy, Harry and Norman Osborn, and evening the silhouette of Mary Jane for the very first time.
I’m officially a Spider-Man comic book fan.
It was cool seeing Gwen Stacy, Harry and Norman Osborn, and evening the silhouette of Mary Jane for the very first time.
I’m officially a Spider-Man comic book fan.
November 9, 2022
Great if you want a simple dose of nostalgia. No complex plotlines, just spider-man, doing awesome spidey things. (:
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews