Essential Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 1

Essential Amazing Spider-Man #1

by Stan Lee, Steve Ditko (Illustrator), Jack Kirby (Illustrator)

While attending a demonstration on radiation, high school student Peter Parker was bitten by a spider that had been exposed to radioactive rays. Learning he had gained great arachnid-like abilities, the timid teenager donned a colorful costume of his own design - seeking fame and fortune as the Amazing Spider-Man! But his Uncle Ben's death - tragedy he could have prevented - taught Peter that with great power there must also come great responsibility...and on that day a legend was born!

Volume #1: Reprints Amazing Fantasy #15, Amazing Spider-Man #1-20, and Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1

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

552 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

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

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

You all know the story, Peter Parker bitten by a radioactive spider; wrestling; selfishly letting a bad guy pass; Uncle Ben's fate; so cometh the Spider-Man! But to read and look at the Stan Lee and Steve Dikto collaboration and creativity is amazing indeed. In the space of 22 issues they created the Spider Sense, Aunt May, J Jonah Jameson, John Jameson, Vulture, Doc Octopus, Sandman, Betty Brant, Lizard-Man, Electro, The Enforcers, The Spider Tracer, Mysterio, The Green Goblin, Kraven the Hunter, the Sinister Six and Ned Leeds... 22 issues!

Nearly all the above still plays a key part in the Amazing Spider-Man franchise! As for this opening volume, Peter Parker just cannot catch a break! This is no broody bad-ass, or perfect superhero, it's a teenager on the outs, trying to cope with a murdered uncle, an over protective elderly guardian, school, and the world of Spider-Man, all that and the curse of Jonah and the Daily Bugle.

Although the Fantastic Four started the modern age of Marvel, it was Spidey that was its heart. 7 out of 12. I read the comic books Amazing Fantasy #15 (reprint), Amazing Spider-Man #1-20, and Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1

2014 read

[Zack! Empire · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s amazing about this story is how after 50 years the elements introduced in these first issues are still the ones that are being carried on today. That shows you how powerful and perfect the ideas were. Right from the beginning we have the main cast, from Aunt May to Jolly Jonah himself. Even the villains are classic. There isn’t one villain in here that isn’t still being used today. (A possible exception being the Big Man, but really isn’t Kingpin just the new Big man? Okay, okay, the living brain as well, but I’ll just cheat and say the webhead still fights robots.)
You can sum up every issue of Spider-Man as follows: with power comes great responsibility! Every issue in here deals with that. Peter is always getting the short end of the stick. If you live in the Marvel universe Spider-Man is about the last hero you want showing up to save you. People just think he is a criminal, no better than the people he fights. Even Peter himself is always wondering why he bothers to dress up like Spider-man.
These stories are just super great and fun! Even the corny dialogue and ridiculous plot convenience twits. If Peter goes to the museum you know that Flash and his gang are going to be there too. Maybe there are thousands of other places they could go but then they wouldn’t get to rag on Peter! People get upset over that stuff but they are taking it too seriously! It’s just meant to be fun!
Spider-man is hands down my favorite superhero and the Lee/Ditko stuff is hands down my favorite stories.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

«Da grandi poteri derivano grandi responsabilità»

[Arif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a review for this as I recently reread it. I’ll probably be rereading and reviewing more Spider-Man comics leading up to the film.

Just want to say: Spider-Man is my favourite superhero—probably my favourite fictional character. Okay, let’s move on.

It all started here.

Stan Lee recalled that his publisher rejected his pitch for Spider-Man, Lee stated:

"My publisher said, in his ultimate wisdom, ‘that is the worst idea I have ever heard. First of all, people hate spiders, so you can't call a book Spider-Man. Secondly he can't be a teenager—teenagers can only be sidekicks. And third, he can't have personal problems if he's supposed to be a superhero—don't you know who a superhero is?'"

Thankfully, Lee managed to get Spider-Man into Amazing Fantasy with the help of artist Steve Ditko, and the rest is history.

The twenty-odd issues in the collection really showcase why Spider-Man became so popular. Peter Parker is your average, genius (lol) teenager struggling with money problems, girl trouble, and low popularity. He was relatable and still is. Then, he gets bitten by a radioactive spider, acquires superpowers and (spoiler alert) his Uncle Ben dies.

But even as Spider-Man, he discovers that his problems won’t disappear. He’ll perform heroic acts but is vilified by the public. Saving the day often finds Peter with another bad situation in his personal and heroic lives (coined Parker Luck). But, of course, with great power there must also come—great responsibility, so he perseveres.

Lee’s writing brings all these aspects to life. The dialogue is not easy to read, it is dated and verbose, but he manages to make us truly understand Peter. 1960s wisecracking is also a lot of fun!

Ditko’s art is spectacular and holds up to this day. Not only is his design of Spider-Man perfect, his panels are striking. He captures the movement and flexibility of Spider-Man flawlessly. If you showed someone a blank panel with a simple outline of a Ditko pose, they would easily be able to identify it as Spider-Man. Ditko played an enormous part to make Spider-Man iconic, so don’t forget it!

Many of Spider-Man’s prominent villains make an appearance in these early stories, such as Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Vulture, Electro, Mysterio, Sandman, and Kraven. Although not always the most complex, the groundwork is laid.

Also, Spider-Man refers to Vulture as birdman. I desperately need this in Spider-Man: Homecoming as Michael Keaton (aka Batman, aka Birdman) is portraying Vulture.

All in all, the issues here are not perfect, nor will everyone enjoy them, but they definitely were—and are—essential. For Spider-Man and comic books.

[Helmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Von der ersten Ausgabe an spitze

Das ist der Superheld, der die Comicwelt verändert hat. Spider-Man hat die ganze Gefühls- und Innendarstellung von Superhelden von einem Tag auf den anderen umgekrempelt - plötzlich waren die Helden nicht mehr die strahlenden Supermänner ohne Belastungen, sondern die Probleme der Normalmenschen und das Alltagsleben nehmen Einzug in diese ausschließlich glamouröse Welt. Liebesprobleme, Geldsorgen, Krankheiten und soziale Ausgrenzung finden hier von der ersten Ausgabe an ihren Platz. Spider-Man ist noch heute der Grundstein, auf dem das Marvel-Universum baut.

Neben der geschichtlichen Komponente muss man aber auch sagen, dass diese Geschichten irre Spaß machen. Den Großteil der Stories dieses und auch des zweiten Bandes kann man heute noch genauso lesen wie damals, zu Beginn der 60er, das ist Comicunterhaltung vom allerfeinsten, und immer noch besser, als 90% dessen, was heutzutage produziert wird. Dazu trägt sowohl der einfühlsame und kreative Stil Lees bei, als auch die brillianten Zeichnungen Ditkos, an denen ich mich nicht sattsehen kann. Es wird immer der Lee/Kirby-Run in den Essential Fantastic Four, Vol. 1 gerühmt. Ich finde den auch toll, aber meiner Meinung nach ist der Lee/Ditko-Run von Amazing Spider-Man noch besser.

Uneingeschränkte Kaufempfehlung.

[Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very beginning of Spider-Man! Essential Amazing Spider-Man volume 1 collects the very first issue of Spider-Man from Amazing Fantasy #57, Issue 1-20 of The Amazing Spider-Man and the Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1. It was surprisingly to see Spidey and Human Torch had a little love hate feud going on, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko did a wonderful job creating the one of the most popular superheroes in Marvel Universe. We were introduced to some of his most memorable nemesis such as Sand Man, Chameleon, Vulture, The Green Goblin, etc. The storylines were actually connected rather than as monster of the week, but some of the events seemed trivial thanks to the worst character ever conceived: May Parker. She had 2 surgeries, 3 heart attacks in 22 issues and wouldn't stop being savage to Peter by saying "Don't study so hard, you know how fragile you are", "Peter is so frail, not like that Flash Thompson", "I forbid you to go outside, you know how fragile you are". Otherwise it is a really fun volume even if the characters were becoming stereotypes.

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 amazing how many mainstream spidey villains were invented in the first 20 issues.

[Andrew ✝️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never really read anything Spider-Man before this compilation aside from part of the 'Maximum Carnage' compilation book. Aside from that, anything I knew about this superhero came from the handful of animated episodes I've seen or from the original trilogy staring Tobey Maguire. That's... really not a lot to go on. There's so much about this series that I did not know. I didn't list it all.

J. Jonah Jameson's first appearance was in the comic's debut. He apparently has a son that I've never even heard of. I mean, I always figured the character had a family of some kind, but I don't remember hearing about his astronaut son anywhere. Jameson also apparently used to have 2 newspapers. Along with 'The Daily Bugle', he also had 'Now.'

'Issue #1' does not really have a villain aside from the man who murders Parker's uncle Ben. It's broken into two parts, much like the debut in 'Amazing Fantasy.' In part one, J. Jonah Jameson's son's storyline is introduced. He's an astronaut and the capsule that dislodges from the rest of the ship and son Jameson can't control it. It hurdles back to Earth because the guidance device went with the rest of the ship. It doesn't have a villain until part 3.

'Issue #1, Part 3:' The first villain is "The Chameleon." He's an interesting villain that somehow has the ability to become whoever/whatever he wants to be. First, Spider-Man breaks into the 'Fantastic Four' headquarters to show them what he can do. He has this hair-brained idea that his inclusion could change them to the Fantastic Five. When that doesn't work, the part with the villain comes. The villain morphs himself into looking like Spider-Man and steals missile defense plans. I was a little confused about Peter's approach to them. He was cocky, cocksure, and arrogant. *shrugs*

'Issue #2, Part 1:' "The Vulture." He has the ability to fly with the wings that are not a part of him. They were something he built after studying the science of how birds fly. He's full of himself and his thoughts tend to be self-praising. At one point, he thinks with pride about how no one knows how he can fly. The villain is determined to steal the diamonds being shipped by the 'Park Avenue Jewelry Exchange.'

'Issue #3:' "Dr. Octopus." Later known as 'Doc Oc,' Otto Octavius uses this creepy device that he straps around his middle that has four metal arm-like things that can spread out from him. Attached to these metal arm-like things are individual claws. This was one of the comics about him that inspired 'Spider-Man 2.' He's kind of eerie and the fusing of the device to his body is a bit disturbing (lol). Spider-Man is thinking that he wants a real challenge. He's a bit bored only working on local thugs who are trying to rob convenience stores (just an example). He gets his challenge in the form of 'Doc Oc.'

'Issue #4:' "The Sandman." This villain was a stroke of genius by Stan Lee. A villain made of sand that could do pretty much everything sand can do, up to and including becoming sandstone definitely comes across as a tricky villain to the reader. The villain can't really be hurt if he turns the part of his body about to be attacked into soft sand. The Spider-Man mask gets torn during a fall and he has to flee to fix his mask, lest the villain exposes him.

'Issue #5:' "Dr. Doom." He was one of the most conceited villains in volume 1. Somewhat annoyingly, in fact. Apparently, he fought the 'Fantastic Four' multiple times. The mask of this one makes him look constantly shocked… This is the first comic where Jameson's "Daily Bugle" makes an appearance. Dr. Doom wants to lure Spider-Man out and does so by using spider sensory to activate Spider-Man's tingling Spider-sense. Flash Thompson dresses up as Spider-Man in a rouse to spook Peter Parker. His plan backfires and in a case of mistaken identity, is kidnapped by Dr. Doom. I'm not sure what I really think of Flash, yet. He's a punk, but idk what else to think of him.

'Issue #6:' "The Lizard." A very creative and ambitious, yet admittedly depressing, backstory is that of this villain. A scientist with only one arm strives to find a way to regrow limbs becomes a little too obsessed with the idea of making one of the greatest contributions to medical science. It works on a rabbit without any side effects, but turns the scientist into a lizard man. This isn't so much a story about a villain as much as it is a medical accident. This is the most unique comic in this compilation, I would say. Sometimes you don't need more action to tell a story, and this one is a prime example of that.

'Issue #7:' "The Vulture" (Returns). This one had me scratching my head a bit when somehow Spider-Man inexplicably was able to save himself while falling off of a building. Not very believable. In the rematch with The Vulture, Spider-Man sprains his right arm, which makes it very difficult for the second rematch. It does, however, create a clever cover-up if anyone suspects him of being the superhero. On the 9th page of this comic, I laughed out loud because of the fifth drawing. Parker, in his Spider-Man suit without the mask is using his spider-ability to hang from the ceiling. He had just come home from his first rematch with this issue's villain and his Aunt May hears the noise of him coming in through the bathroom window. Honestly, the part of the drawing with him looks like he's touching himself – if you catch my drift – and it almost looks like the perfect picture for an "almost caught" meme. Yes, I know. I'm horrible (lol).

'Issue #8, part 1:' "The Living Brain." This one gave me black and white corny-ish horror movie vibes. Like I wanted to watch a really, really old alien movie after reading this one, but it wasn't the most entertaining issue. A robot is brought over from the I.C.M. Corporation by Mr. Petty. The robot doesn't talk and causes Spider-Man's thoughts to take the place of dialogue. I got the impression that the robot was just unsafe and was just making movements and walking in a way that could have harmed students more than I did that the robot was acting of its own accord. I will say that I found the part where the teacher tells Flash and Peter to go to the gymnasium to battle out their dislike for each other in a boxing ring that is inexplicably there to be a bit hard to believe. That teacher would be put on a suspension while an investigation would probably, ultimately lead to his dismissal if this were to occur in real life.

'Issue #8 part 2' doesn't have any villains. It's with the 'Fantastic Four'. Honestly, I think this was Lee's way of building on a sort-of feud that Spider-Man has with 'The Human Torch.' I guess this stems from issue #1, part 3. I was kind of scratching my head over this one. I don't really understand the teenage hostility that Spider-Man seems to have for the 'Fantastic Four,' or more directly, to 'The Human Torch.' There's really no backstory for it (or reason, frankly) aside from …maybe he didn't get them to change their name to the 'Fantastic Five' by including him. I guess it's supposed to come off as teenage angst? *shrugs*

'Issue #9' "Electro." Looking at him, I couldn't help but wonder if the makers of the original 150 Pokémon got inspiration from this villain for 'Zapdos.' This was much better than issue #8, part 2. With issue #9, Lee returned to the goodness that was Issues 0 – 8, part 1. Zapdos – excuse me, I meant 'Electro' :p – is something of a scientific anomaly. He has the ability to 'recharge' himself by absorbing electricity and surviving. His first act as new villain is to steal gold from an armored car ("For the luvva Pete!! What's that?" asked one of the guards. Gotta love vintage sayings.) Aunt May has become ill and needs surgery. It's not really said why she needs a blood transfusion or surgery. Peter provides some and worries that he may transfer some of his spider abilities to her. One negative comment is that this was billed as the first time Spider-Man was "defeated."… but that's not true because if you go back to Doc Oc's debut in issue 3, that one was billed as 'the only enemy to ever defeat Spider-Man." *shrugs*

'Issue #10:' "The Enforcers." The first issue to have more than one villain. A team of four. There's 'The Ox,' 'Montana,' 'Fancy Dan,' and 'The Big Man.' The last one doesn't possess any special abilities. He's just the boss. It's a bit un-Spider-Man-like. These four villains aren't exactly villains as much as they are criminals. They're a gang. In a way, this one was a bit of a let-down. In this one, Aunt May goes for a trip with some of their neighbors, and Spider-Man starts to suspect that Jameson's reason for hating him just might be that he's the head of 'The Enforcers.' Peter decides the best way to get them to stop is to brag that he knows who the head of their villain team is, and gets himself kidnapped. It is also announced in this issue why Jameson hates Spider-Man so much.

Issue #11 "Dr. Octopus," returns. By this point, Parker has found himself romantically (and otherwise) interested in Betty, the girl who works for J. Jonah Jameson as his secretary. Peter finds she's got a secret that is very concerning. Doc Oc has returned to enact his revenge on Spider-Man for their last encounter.

'Issue #12' is also with Dr. Octopus. It's billed as the unmasking of Spider-Man, and I admittedly found myself having that child-like curiosity and desire reaction of: "Wait, what? How does that happen?!" Again, I can't really give a synopsis and it's for the same reason given for issue #12.

'Issue #13' has Mysterio. I've heard of him somewhere before, but I can't place my finger on where/when. Spider-Man seems to be committing crimes. This stresses Peter out when he's worrying about his Aunt's bank account. They're still running out of cash to pay for the mortgage. This villain's timing could be deemed as "sadistic." Lee wrote in that citizens thought this villain had a corny name and the corniness of the villain was only increased by his appearance. His appearance looks like someone thought it was a brilliant idea to make a Goth/Emo spaceman suit and give it a cape. The place where this villain's cape may hook on have these rectangles with artwork that looks like eyeballs to me. What's interesting (at least to me) is that Mysterio doesn't seem all that corny. He's a bit theatrical and dramatic, but not corny.

But speaking of corny…ish…

'Issue #14' includes a movie deal for Spider-Man and some villains. Hmm… This one introduces "The Green Goblin." "The Enforcers" return, and the Hulk shows up oddly. The return of 'The Enforcers' is anti-climactic. This one, I felt, made Peter look incredibly stupid. The Hulk's appearance was pretty much random. He appears and assumes that Spider-Man is his new enemy and won't listen to reason. I mean, the Hulk is supposedly hard-headed, so I suppose this is okay… The movie guy's last movie was called 'The Nameless Thing from the Black Lagoon in the Murky Swamp.' Wow...

Issue #15 "Kraven The Hunter," and "The Chameleon" returns. The latter is too scared or lazy to seek revenge himself so he calls upon Kraven, someone who has killed one of every beast and at the Chameleon's suggestion, wants man (Spider-Man) to be the next beast. Honestly, Kraven takes Dr. Doom's place as most annoying and conceited villain, and makes Dr. Doom more likeable. I didn't like Kraven at all.

The annual comic was very enjoyable. Doc Oc has an idea. He's going to have them all draw cards to see where they will go to battle Spider-Man. One by one, Spider-Man will have to defeat them to find the next card to find out where to go next. Matters are complicated when, due to depression, Peter loses his abilities. This is psychologically brilliant in a way. It definitely doesn't help matters that Betty and Aunt May are kidnapped by the sextet.

Issue #16 "The Ringmaster." Daredevil is in this one and going to a circus with his partner Nelson and his wife. At the circus, the villain hypnotizes everyone. Daredevil and Spidey fight because the villain makes him think Daredevil is his enemy. Honestly, the villain himself (Ringmaster) isn't altogether that impressive. He thinks he is "the bee's knees" as they said in the '60s, but his only trick is hypnotism. Then he tells his crew to do the rest. He's got one ability, which makes him more useful than 'The Big Man' of 'The Enforcers,' but not by much.

Issue #17 "The Green Goblin" (returns). While Flash Thompson is starting up a Spider-Man fan club and getting the ball rolling at a dinner club, Peter's Aunt May decides to set him up on a blind date. I really didn't understand his Aunt for this. It's like: he's already dating someone, woman! He is thinking about his future. Let him be!" Spider-Man's image isn't exactly great. He mistook a scene being filmed for a heist. The Green Goblin comes to the dinner club and everyone thinks its just a show.

Issue #18 and 19 "The Sandman" (returns again). Very difficult to not give away spoilers for this one.

And finally, Issue 20. Some "mysterious figure" followed Peter home at the end of the last issue. Jameson decides to pay a scientist to make someone stronger than Spider-Man. This was a bit of a shocking development. Way to go, Lee! This honestly came across as the best one in the series. It feels like the series gets more serious and on a certain vein after this one.

The writing of all of this is a bit fantastical, I noticed. Not too much, necessarily, but there are a lot of pretentious exclamation points. I think I heard that these eventually disappeared along with the contraptions that snapped to Peter's wrist for the web-like substance. Lee also tried calling the main character "Pete" starting in issue 6. That obviously didn't last very long. Peter was also a self-absorbed victim of bullying; meaning that the bullying made him feel a bit overly important just because he was himself. I can empathize with the feelings created by getting bullied, but the egotistical nature needed to go, and I'm glad that it does before the superhero even got his own comic. I'm a bit concerned to find out that the webbing in this version of Spider-Man is asbestos-treated. Especially concerning because researchers began to notice things regarding that stuff in the early 1900s.

I am going to give this 4 stars. It was definitely worth reading.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Ditko's artwork that really shines in these early stories with nearly every panel offering something fresh and new.

There's also a lot of groundwork set down here by Lee and it's impossible to understate the importance of the introduction of a teenage superhero with day to day problems. vilified by society and struggling with his love life. Having read a lot of early Batman stories recently, this really does feel like refreshing stuff. Still, the faults of these early comics are rarely pointed out - they're pretty formulaic villain per week stuff (although many of the villains are so larger than life it's often easy to overlook this) and Lee's in your face writing style can be irritating to the extreme.

So, I'm torn on these. I love them, but they really aren't perfct.

And oh, how can you read these in black and white, really? Ugh.

[Francisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true classic of the genre, it is easy to see why this was so popular. Lee and Ditko play with audience expectations all the time, subvert the comic book genre as it was in the 60s to make one of the great runs. Of course this has dated, too much text clutters the pages, too much exposition and thinking out loud... But all this is forgivable taking into account the historical context of the comics.

[Jamble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, like most of its era, the original Spidey comics really don't hold up at all, visually or story-wise. What is here has its moments however, introducing some of one of the best rogues galleries in comics, some solid character moments for Peter, the obvious historical significance. It's worth a read, or at least a skim, if you really want the knowledge, and it's better than most of its time, but it's still not that great anymore.

[Alec Watkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's interesting to see the very first Spider-man comics, and the story ideas were interesting, but Stan Lee's writing is just sub par. He ends every sentence with one of four options: ..., !, !!, or !? in an attempt to make everything "exciting and action packed" rather than letting the story develop naturally and culminate in something exciting at the end, and that stops me from being able to enjoy most of his comics.

[c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty neat! I think they should make a movie about this guy!

[Benn Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread this book in honor of the memories of the late Steve Ditko and Stan Lee who both passed away earlier this year. Spider-Man has always been one of my favorite comic book characters and going through his earliest adventures again was a pleasure. As the issues go by, you can see Ditko grow ever more comfortable doing a superhero book as he and Stan continued to develop the Peter Parker/Spider-Man character as well as the cast. Ditko's designs for the villains are iconic and some of the best from the Silver Age of Comics.

As for the storytelling, Stan the Man was able to move the story along, writing in a manner that did not talk down to the reader, but rather talk to them. Yes, it's obvious he was writing to a younger audience than superhero comics are today, but reading these issues never feels as embarrassing as reading, say, a Silver Age Batman or Superman book. By adding little every day touches - like Peter Parker needing to work, or go to school or fighting a sprained ankle or 24 hour flu, Stan made the stories a bit more palatable for older readers.

The science is more often than not wonky and the famed Marvel continuity isn't quite there, but ultimately, this is the blueprint (along with the early issues of the "Fantastic Four") for the Marvel Age of Comics. Steve and Stan's work on these issues are important and a game changer. (Prior to Spider-Man, teenagers tended to be regulated to being sidekicks. Spidey was *the* hero rather than, say, a junior imitation of Batman, Green Arrow or the Flash.) I could never afford to buy these individual issues, so having them collected and reprinted in one volume, even if in black and white (but then, it's as close as we'll get to seeing Ditko's original pages) is something special.

So long, Steve, Stan. And thanks for everything.

[Henry Arrambide · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fascinating thing about Spider-man is how functional his drama is right from the start. Amazing Fantasy #15 doesn't even have him fight a villain, playing out more a horror story of a teenager learning the grave cost of greed.

But when it does become a villain of the month rag, it's the best to ever do it. Many heroes had reboots in the 80s, Amazing Spider-Man just piled on plot with arcs like Kraven's Last Hunt and Venom, Marriages and melodrama. All the way here at the start, in the 60s, there are constant character hooks left hanging issue to issue, building and complicating and convoluting the personal lives of these characters. It is invisible here in these first twenty issues, where villains like Doc Ock, Electro, Vulture, Kraven, Sandman, Green Goblin, The Lizard, Chameleon, all steal the show with their iconic looks and legitimate logic challenges to Spidey's skillset, but down the line as you get your lesser known Molten Man or Kangaroo those character hooks will keep you from skipping stories. Tarantula may inspire little curiosity, but you'll be glad you checked in on the JJ subplot, which builds towards a cooler complication in two issues. Camp and all it's just extremely digestible writing, worth study and admiration.

[Jim Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spider-Man is a neurotic mess during the original Steve Ditko run. Grotesque and paranoid melancholy pervades the strip. A strong sense of social claustrophobia hangs over everything. Other people only exist to torment Peter Parker (sometimes Peter Palmer -- oops). In the early days Spider-Man was a true outsider, finding belonging only in the urban landscape. Ditko remains underrated and for many comic book fans the true creator of Spider-Man. In the 1960s this and Kirby's Fantastic Four were in terms of characterisation and art a revolution ahead of anything else at the time.

Here we get classic villain after classic villain. It's staggering to think the majority of Spidey's rogue gallery appear within the first 15 issues. Doc Ock and Sandman get particularly great yarns. It's clear the Raimi films did their best to translate the mood of this era.

[Dan Shonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanna know how Spidey got his start? Wanna know about his high school life? His lousy luck with girls? This tome has all the stories of The Amazing Spiderman. None of the stories are reprinted in color, and that stinks, but it's still very cool watching how Stan Lee and the Marvel-ous artists who worked on these first issues. I really enjoyed seeing the early rather tame villains, but you meet some of serial super-villains that Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman deals with in recurring fashion; Doctor Octopus, and the Green Goblin to name a few. Plus, you'll be a valuable asset to your trivia team should somebody ever ask, "Who was Peter Parker's first girlfriend?"

[Scott Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily one of the best collection of comic stories that I have read. Stan Lee created some of the most iconic and enduring characters. Peter Parker has one of the greatest origin stories. And he has one of the best rogues gallery (I can only think of one better: Batman). In this collection you get the first introductions to the Sinister Six (Vulture, Doctor Octopus, Kraven the Hunter, Sandman, Mysterious, Electro), as well as Green Goblin. There are also appearances by the Fantastic Four and Daredevil. If anyone is looking for the best place to start in reading Marvel Comics, this is it.

[Azriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to see how it all started. Yes, the old comics from 1963 seem a bit dated now. Some parts are almost silly. But Spider-man was supposed to be a different, fun, relatable character. And I really think that the team had a lot of fun making it.
So many things remained the same since then, so many villains are still the most well-known villains ever, though they have more developed stories now. Does this deserve 4 stars? I don't know. But I cannot give less than that, because from these comics my favourite superhero was born.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? It's Spidey! I will say that I forgot how angsty Spider-Man could get. At the the same time, he's funny, he's cool, and you have to like his attitude. I watched Spider-Man cartoons as a kid and read the comic in the daily paper into my teens. This book is a compilation of some of the earliest issues, including the first appearances of Dr. Octopus and the Green Goblin. Reading it feels like reading history.

[Billy B. Yip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sucker here for nostaglia, although it might be cost cutting actually in the case, using newspaper paper to print on and B&W, to make better profits with the margins, almost like dailies. Great way to read comics and stories when the originals are considered alternative investment vehicles by some. If you can find it cheap it’s worth it if you don’t might the possible cons of the paper and ink. Designed not to last btw.

[Nidheya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome introduction to the world of Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Even though it was published in the 1960s, it is thoroughly entertaining, engaging and well paced. The pictures are really captivating, and grabbed my attention instantly.

Really awesome stuff! Can't wait to read more Spidey stuff.

[Carina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read around 100 issues of the original Spiderman run, so I'm just going to say I read this collection of it. The continuity and development of the characters is pretty astounding, and I love the variety of dynamic shots/colors contained within the panels. Didn't dig the comments on women's hysteria that popped up now and again, but I found the depth of storytelling pretty good.

[Chase Aller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after over 60 years of new stories this still holds up to exceptional standards. Reading this can really give a person who knows the general things about Spider-man even more knowledge from the web slingers' very early years. With the great art from Steve Ditko and great stories from the legendary Stan Lee, this is required reading for any fan of the character.

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5!! this was a really great introduction into spider-man and his comics. you can really tell how much love and care went into every issue and it’s cool to see how much the community grew to love the comics issue by issue. some of them seemed kind of slow to me, but i thought it was great overall. excited to read the next one!

[Abby Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for anyone who wants to start at the beginning of the running. Only downside don't come in color:(

[Simon Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one and only comic for a boy. Inimitable

[Perry Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun. It's interesting to see Lee and Ditko evolve their approach, slowly getting more sophisticated.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book, This is my favorite superhero so maybe its just for me but idk thats up to you to decide.

[Lser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spider-man comics are soooo good.