Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection, Vol. 3: Spider-Man No More

Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection

by Stan Lee, John Romita Sr. (Illustrator), John Romita Jr. (Illustrator)

John Romita Sr. joins Stan Lee, elevating Spidey’s adventures to new heights — beginning with a Green Goblin epic that establishes him as Spider-Man’s most dangerous enemy! And then the Rhino, a bulldozer on two legs, threatens to make Spidey an endangered species. The action keeps pumping with Spidey’s first meeting with the Avengers, the Shocker, the return of the Lizard, Kraven the Hunter, an all-new Vulture and the first appearance of the Kingpin! But the true heart of the story is young Peter Parker finding his way in the world. He gains new independence as he gets his own pad with Harry Osborn, courts Gwen Stacy — and, in comics’ most unforgettable entrance, meets Miss Mary Jane Watson!

Collects Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #39-52 and Annual #3-4, and material from Not Brand Echh #2.

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

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2018

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

[Sean Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi, my name is Sean and I am an addict.

I have developed a very weird addiction to late 60s Spider-Man, somewhat because I just love watching young Peter Parker grow and develop as a hero as he takes on life’s trials and tribulations, partially because I love how much non-superhero stuff is in here (living with Harry, trying to figure out whether he’s into Mary Jane or Gwen—and whether Gwen is into him, dealing with Aunt May’s health issues, scrounging up money from Jolly Jonah), but mostly because I dig the crazy slang. I am now calling everyone I know “Dad,” and, taking a page from the Aunt May running gag playbook, also calling people “pussywillow” (which is hilarious, of course, because EVERYONE—except for Aunt May—KNOWS you are supposed to call people “pussycat,” even when you’re a frail septuagenarian).

God bless Stan and John Romita; this stuff is just tasty, Dad.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection Volume 3: Spider-Man No More collects Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #39-52 and Annual #3-4, and material from Not Brand Echh #2.

I had a hunger for more Spider-Man after reading the first two Spider-Man masterworks and eventually ordered this. John Romita was on much of the Spider-Man merch I had as a kid so his Spider-Man is iconic to me.

In this volume, Stan Lee and John Romita, among others, send Spidey through the wringer. He battles a cold, a sprained arm, and his love life. Oh, and Rhino, Green Goblin, Shocker, Kraven, the Vulture, and the Kingpin.

I read one of the Rhino issues in a Marvel Tales and the Green Goblin two-parter in a trade eons ago but the rest was new to me. The Spider-Man/Green Goblin tale is iconic, as is the Spider-Man No More moment the collection is named after that was later in one of the Tobey McGuire Spider-Man movies.

Stan Lee's dialogue works well when it works but grates when it doesn't. Jazzy John's slick style reminds me of Russ Manning and Steve Rude at times. His portrayal of Spider-Man is forever tattooed on my brain. He also draws great version of Mary Jane and Gwen Stacye. His villains are top notch as well. That Watson girl is a bad influence on Petey-O.

As much as I love Jazzy John, I think this volume suffers a little by not having Steve Ditko contributing to the plots. I also wonder how Ditko would have portrayed Mary Jane. Other than that, this is an A+ volume of early Spider-Man tales.

[Ray Alvarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this. Spider-Man is one of my all-time favorite heroes (Top 2 with Batman) and I know how influential and legendary Lee and Romita’s Spider-Man No More storyline was and still is.

I think the 3 issues that actually pertain to that storyline are 4-Star material. However, as much as I enjoy Spidey taking on his rogues gallery with the occasional assistance of some Marvel Comics alumni, this collection is 90% filler vs 10% actual Spider-Man No More material.

It’s a fun look at the era of Spidey. We get to see him juggle his feelings for Gwen, MJ and Betty while fighting the likes of Vulture, Kraven, Goblin and so many more. Who doesn’t love the slang of time like “he’s a real pussycat” or “lookin sharp, dad” in reference to a boy your own age?

I just feel like the nostalgia factor is at a 10, while the writing (by today’s standards, of course) doesn’t quite have the strength it used to.

All that said, issues 50-52 (the actual Spider-Man No More storyline) are great. Always nice to do a Fisk story, iconic art and imagery and it’s just one of the best inner conflict angles of Peter’s entire story.

[Mike Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been a huge fan of the early Spider-Man stories. This book has the first run of stories drawn by the legendary John Romita Sr who is probably my favorite Spider-Man artist. You also get the first appearances of villains like the Kingpin, The Shocker & the New Vulture while other villains like Rhino and the Lizard return in New stories. You also get three of Spidey's most classic stories, How Green Was My Goblin, a two parter where The Green Goblin finds out Spidey's secret identity and where the Goblin reveals himself to be Norman Osborne and Spider-Man No More. A great read for a fan of classic Spider-Man & Marvel tales.

[RandomReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

No wonder Spider-man is the most lovable superhero, just as Donald Duck is most lovable Disney character! He's human, with real emotions, real problems, and a real life! And this collection really captured such soul with amazing nostalgic art.





However, I just can't believe such offensive female stereotyping, that with introducing M. J. for the first time, I really hated her!








On the other hand, I can't have enough of my favorite character, Spider-man real nemesis! The man himself: J. Jonah Jamson!









And all that being said, it still would be one of my favourite comic books.

[Harrison Delahunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the quintessential core of the character to me. All of the elements that most exemplify Spider-Man are either introduced or solidified here, and every story is at the very least entertaining.

[Eddie B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's undeniable that the real heart and soul of this book is John Romita. I have read the first five issues by Steve Ditko and I loved them. But Romita simply transcended Spider-Man to a whole new level. His drawings are simply addictive. And his mix of superhero action with teenage romance is another huge reason for the enormous success of his run.


And within the pages of these issues, we gradually see that with great responsibility, comes great depression. And this might be the best thing about this book.



As for the negatives, Let's say that Mary Jane's personality was just plain annoying for me. Sometimes even for Peter Parker himself.


But the worst thing about this book is the way the publishers chose to conclude it. It ends with an annual issue that kept bragging about being 41 pages long, while it completely lacked what made Spider-Man so special. It even lacked John Romita himself. With only 400 pages (the stories really end at page 360 and what follows is some unneeded extras) this is one of the smallest "epic collection" books. And it was not hard at all to include four more issues (80 pages) that feature Doctor Octopus instead of ending such a great collection on such a low note.

[Mr. Stick · Rating 4 out of 5]

"WHO'S BEEN GIVING YOU YOUR BOXING LESSONS LATELY -- WOODY ALLEN?"
- Spidey beating baddies with a VERY dated pop-culture reference.

"QUICK! SOMEONE CALL THE BEAUTY PARLOR! IT'S AN EMERGENCY! A LIVING, BREATHING MALE WALKED IN AND DIDN'T NOTICE ME! I'M A WASHOUT! A HAS-BEEN! IT'S THE UTTER END, FRIEND!"
- Mary Jane feigning dramatic when Peter entered and greeted his Aunt first.

Green Goblin learns Spider-Man's identity. Captures him. Reveals his own identity (because, WHY NOT tell your nemesis EVERYRHING before killing him). The psychotic dialogue (mostly one-sided) that ensues for several pages is absolutely delicious. Soap-opera-in-spandex at its best.
Gwen is slowly warming up to Peter. Mary Jane is finally on Pete's radar after dodging her for months. Her groovy dialog and hip colloquialisms are funny as all get-out and she is such a departure from Betty Brant. Betty was about as interesting as a plain rice cake on a rainy monday bus ride to work (she makes me want to cry loudly in a crowded elavator). Mary Jane is more like a Turkish döner kebab after bar-hopping in Munich (different, refreshing, hits the spot). Gwen reminds me of stracciatella gelato with bailey's poured over the top (so many good things can lead to bad decisions). I feel a relapse coming. My point, Betty was lame, whereas Mary Jane and Gwen are a lot more fun to read about. On a side note, Mary Jane draws so much attention for being so over-the-top that Gwen starts doing it too, and it's kind of obnoxious. Now that I'm (somewhat over) forty, I have to wonder if this is how most young people are at that age (God! I'm so old and out of touch).
Spidey tries out for the Avengers. Cures the Lizard again. Then he tackles a villain who should be called The Vibrator because he... well, vibrates things (but is actually misnamed The Shocker).
I complain about this every time I read 60's comics, but the mind-numbing nine panel pages haven't completely disappeared. Heavy dialog pages are still between six and nine panels, but the action is often just three-to-five and occasionally only one or two. That's right! We finally get full-page action scenes to interrupt our short attention spans, which have been made worse by nine panel nightmares.
Four stars!

[Matisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm gonna call it quits here. The Ditko run ended with the 'Master Planner' saga, followed by some filler stories to send Peter off to college. The Romita era goes for a loooooooooong time...but Romita's early 'Spider-Man No More' arc finishes out this collection, and is a fitting sequel to Ditko's 'Master Planner'.

I also like that, by finishing here, it seems that the legend of Spider-Man is fully-formed. Ditko gave Romita the pieces but largely had a dark, resentful vision for Peter Parker. Through Romita, Peter Parker has a best friend in Harry Osborn, a love-triangle with Gwen and MJ, a full rogues gallery (Venom and Black Cat are the only big two left out of these comics), an affable side-job, and a solid standing in the superhero community. That this epic collection ends with the 'Spider-Man No More' arc and teases an appearance of Doc Ock next issue is comforting: Spider-Man will battle his nemeses until the end of time.

These three epic collections built Spider-Man, but as a reader in 2019, these feel like just another run on the character. Don't get me wrong; epic collections 1-3 are a blast and a half! But there have been so many interpretations of theses characters that the Ditko/Romita Spider-Man doesn't feel definitive. It's a fantastic run, to be sure, but one can easily argue that Bendis' Ultimate Spider-Man and the MCU's Tom Holland Spider-Man rival this interpretation, both in quality and heart.

But then again...this is 60's Spider-Man. The baby boomers' Spidey. Ultimate Spidey is the millennials' hero, of the late 90's-2000's (and the one nearest to my heart), and Tom Holland is the Gen Z Spidey for the 2010-20's.

The strength in all three runs brings a smile to my face. Won't lie.

I'm not done with the 60's Marvelverse (Marvel 60's-verse?) quite yet. It's time for the Fantastic Four and Doctor Strange to make their way to my comics shelf!

[Marcelo Soares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bah, esse foi complicado.
Eu entendo que histórica e cronologicamente é um dos volumes mais importantes do Homem Aranha, um monte de coisa acontece:
- a identidade do Duende Verde é finalmente revelada;
- o Duende Verde descobre quem é o Aranha;
- a primeira aparição do Rino, do Sinistro Shocker e do Novo Abutre;
- Peter Parker compra uma motoca;
- Gwen Stacy começa a dar em cima do Peter que não faz a menos ideia do que tá acontecendo;
- o Duende Verde contrata o Kraven pra matar o Aranha por 20.000 doletas;
- J. Jonah Jameson Junior aparece e vira uma espécie de super herói;
- o Rei do Crime vai pra cima das outras gangues;
- Matt Murdock tem uma crise de ciúme sobre quem é o vilão de quem;
- os Vingadores testam o Aranha deixando ele enfrentar o Hulk sozinho no meio de Nova Iorque;
- Peter Parker desiste de ser o Aranha pela primeira vez, provavelmente o segundo clichê mais repetido na história do personagem; o primeiro, obviamente, clones;
- claro, a primeira aparição de Mary Jane Watson.
Um outra curisosidade, algumas dessas edições são a base do Spider-Man: Blue, uma das melhores histórias do Aranha de todos os tempos.
A arte do Romitão é sensacional, a Gwen Stacy está maravilhosa; porém o texto do Stan Lee é dureza. Putz, é muito chato e repetitivo.
De novo, são edições super importantes na cronologia do personagem, mas é chato.

[Tom Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I've an affinity for classic silver age Spider-Man stories, I've got to admit to being a little underwhelmed with this particular series of stories. I suspect it has to do with the particular period these are drawn from. The first two volumes covered the entire Steve Ditko run on the series. With this volume, we've entered the early John Romita era. As a result, there are natural differences in the storytelling. In his later issues, Ditko was pretty much plotting the stories on his own, so here we've got what is likely a more collaborative effort between Lee and Romita. And, though Romita has a very different style from Ditko, there are signs of him at least initially mimicking elements of Ditko's style and storytelling.

The stories themselves slightly move the characters forward, though the Gwen/MJ rivalry gets a bit tiresome at times. Some classic villains are introduced as well as return, but their motivations are sometimes pretty flimsy. In general, this does show the growing pains of the Lee/Romita team, as they were likely working out a balance in storytelling responsibilities as a result of the Marvel method, where artists generally worked from plots, varying in degrees of detail, with dialogue added to completed pages.

Overall, this volume is notable as the dawn of the Romita era on the book, but ultimately not overly memorable.

[Harry Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta love reading the original comic that introduced MJ. I never realized there was a love triangle between Gwen Stacy, MJ and Peter Parker. For a guy who is supposed to be a square he really does have some gorgeous women around him.

Anyway I loved Romita's artwork. I think it was a vast improvement over Steve Ditko's art, which I think feels too Archie for me.

I like that they moved away from telling stories that wrap up in a single 20 page comic to cliff hangers at the end. It is fun to read about villains that I love like the Green Goblin and the the Kingpin getting two comics to tell a complete story. I also like the super villains teaming up. Before there was a Sinister Six but it was just one story. Now we're getting stories were the Vulture is teaming up with Kraven the Hunter.

[Darik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iconic.

This is where Spider-Man-- a somewhat off-beat, weirdo character up to this point-- really steps up and becomes the standout hero in the entire Marvel roster. John Romita gives the book an exceptional polish, and he and Smilin' Stan Lee pepper Peter Parker's story with new villains and new dynamics to give the webslinger greater dimension. From the reveal of the Green Goblin's identity to "Spider-Man No More", this volume is like listening to a classic Beatles album: one indellible hit after another.

... And also there's an issue of Not Brand Ecch in here, for some reason.

Ah... hmm.

At least they shoved it in the back.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nie przeczytałem całości, ominąłem kilka zeszytów, bo chciałem tylko sprawdzić kilka wątków, które nie zmieściły się w poprzednim Omnibusie.

Green Goblin - odkrycie tożsamości postaci; Peter w końcu poznaje MJ (w komiksie fakt, że się mijają plus nigdy nie widzimy jej twarzy, był wątkiem ciągniętym przez jakieś 2 lata); pierwsze pojawienie się Kingpina.

Przeczytane zeszyty w antologii:
Amazing Spider-Man #39
Amazing Spider-Man #40
Amazing Spider-Man #41
Amazing Spider-Man #42
Amazing Spider-Man #43
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #3
Amazing Spider-Man #50
Amazing Spider-Man #51
Amazing Spider-Man #52

[Ralph Wark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old School, 50 year old Spideys

This compilation is abt 20 issues of Spidey, which of course are quite dated 50 years on, especially Mary Jane's dialogue. Props to Marvel to sending someone off to the Viet Nam war, but the rest isn't a great read. Perhaps it's because the writing is much better these days, and better villains. I was not a big fan of the Rhino,Electro, or the Vulture. It does end with one of the better villains, the King ping, so there's that.

So interesting slice of history, the John Romita years, but difficult to keep going st times.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gems include Spidey & Goblin unmask, Goblin goes amnesiac, Spidey v. Rhino, Spidey refuses to betray Hulk to the Avengers, tiger hits the jackpot, Foggy Nelson bemoans having a Rhino case instead of a tax case, Gwen is jealous of MJ, one-armed Spidey whips snakes & crocs w/ a croc, Spidey v. Shocker, Kraven seeks revenge on Norman Osborn, Vulture mantle passes, Kraven v. Vulture, JJJ chisels a kid for Spdiey’s trashed costume, Spidey v. Kingpin, Foswell sacrifices himself for JJJ, & Wizard allies w/ Mysterio

[Jimbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong bunch of stories. The addition of Romita as artist gave SM more of a grown-up look, and although at times the stories are kind of Archie meets super-hero, these common man stories hit hone for most Americans. The struggle of home and family and doing the c right thing even if cit means you are hated.
Great morals.
I forget that Stan Lee is a talky bastard in his comics. If you look at some pages in each comic all you see are speech bubbles and corny background boxes. Other writers aren't so verbose.

[william purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Spiderman. Lots of milestones and first appearances in this collection. Great classic art and story telling.

If your a Spiderman fan looking for a history lesson about the character and his surroundings as they were written near the beginning of the Vietnam war or just out for classic Spiderman fun this is a good jumping on point.

[Edward Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

We learn the identity of the Green Goblin at the beginning of this volume, Mary Jane makes her first appearance, plus the third and fourth annuals with one hell of a conflict with The Avengers. There's also the first appearance of The Rhino, The Shocker, The New Vulture and, most importantly, The Kingpin!

[Ronald Esporlas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having John Romita in art duties, after Ditko left, is a big improvement. His Spider-Man design is the one I am familiar with that resonates up to this day.

The stories here are remarkable. From the reveal of The Green Goblin identity to the introduction of the Kingpin. I also feel the growth of Peter Parker as a superhero and a character.

[Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there is some absolutely amazing stuff here, very specifically the Lizard storyline as well as Spider-Man: No More/Kingpin story, there's also a few incredibly boring ones here. I very much miss Ditko working on the plotting for the issues, but Lee is still decent enough.

[Robert Leamy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nostalgic collection

This book provided a look back to the golden age. You get to see Peter Parker wrought in problems of friendship,home and finding his place in society. Overall, the moto rings true with great power comes great responsibility.

[Thomas E Baldovin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories

I love the older comics. The stories are shorter and more exciting than current ones. The depictions of teens are a bit silly, particularly that of the girls, but the action scenes are outstanding.

[Doug Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid collection of stories, this one really focuses on Peters relationships with those around him and how his dual identity conflicts with that. I am a big fan of when that is a focus point, and spiderman no more has been my favorite of those so far.

[Christopher Redfern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic J Romita snr

Romitas pencils made parker look a bit too good but it's undeniable the series gets a real boost from the much improved art. The archive style romance is a good counterweight to the fantastic action in every mag

[Federico Kereki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old classic stories! About 50 years old, but still fresh - and excellent art, mostly by John Romita, Sr.

[Bharat Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of fun

[Malum · Rating 3 out of 5]

First appearance of Kingpin, Shocker, and Rhino.

[Username]

This time I read up to ASM #47.

[Bruno Poço · Rating 3 out of 5]

-inicio do romita senior no aranha
- revelação de quem é o duende verde
-estreia do rhino , shocker e kingpin
- a paranoia do jjj começa a enjoar de tao ridicula
-mj finalmente apresentada