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Essential Amazing Spider-Man #8
Essential Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 8
Spider-Man is as amazing as ever against adversarial alumni like the Lizard and the Kingpin, as well as up-and-coming enemies such as Stegron and Jigsaw - with the lesser-known larcenies of the Big Wheel and the Spider-Squad to fill his spare time! Featuring the first appearances of Rocket Racer and Will O' the Wisp! Forgotten chapters from the Green Goblin legacy and the Clone Saga! Spider-Man's origin and Peter Parker's college graduation! And J. Jonah Jameson at his best and worst! Guest-starring the Punisher, Nova the Human Rocket, the Human Torch and the X-Men! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #161-185 and ANNUAL #11, GIANT-SIZE SPIDER-MAN #6, and NOVA (1976) #12.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
10 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
Len Wein
1,581 books153 followersLen Wein was an American comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel superhero team the X-Men (including the co-creation of Nightcrawler, Storm, and Colossus). Additionally, he was the editor for writer Alan Moore and illustrator Dave Gibbons' influential DC miniseries Watchmen.
Wein was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2008.
Wein was inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 11, 2024
More Bronze Age Spider-Man with Len Wein taking over the writing with the then newly appointed regular artist Ross Andru. This period was a bit flat and often had weird characters debuting like Big Wheel, Rocket Racer, Will O' the Wisp and Stegron! All in all a definite drop in quality since the last volume. This is but a Two star, 5 out of 12 pour moi. I read the comic books Amazing Spider-Man #161-185 and Amazing Spider-Man annual #11, which is two comic books less than what was collected in this volume. Note that the Amazing Spider-Man annual #11 has a back-up story that features the debut of super artist of the future John Romita Jr.!
2014 read
2014 read
August 30, 2020
Another Spiderman essential that contains Amazing Spider-man #161-185 & Annual #11, Giant-size Spiderman#6 & Nova #12. Writer mostly Len Wein and some Marv Wolfman and penciler mostly Ross Andru.
This is an nice collection with some nice guests like "he Punisher, the Human Torch, one Nova and the X-men. The collection of baddies are as usual quite amazing and special with another chapter in the Green Goblin stories, Peter Parker having his life lived by his superhero alter ego. And then he is at his graduation from college or isn't he?
This is still the pure Spider-man unadulterated pleasure and not yet weighted down by too much continuity. Aunt May worries about Peter Parker, MJ Watson loves Peter Parker and is still flabergasted about his behaviour and JJ Jameson still dislikes the Spiderham and wants him to be eveil or just dead.
A lot of pleasure reading but still very entertaining. This is not the Spiderman from the Marvel Movie series even if they try it perhaps but a good guy wanting to do good and his karma is not always happy.
This is an nice collection with some nice guests like "he Punisher, the Human Torch, one Nova and the X-men. The collection of baddies are as usual quite amazing and special with another chapter in the Green Goblin stories, Peter Parker having his life lived by his superhero alter ego. And then he is at his graduation from college or isn't he?
This is still the pure Spider-man unadulterated pleasure and not yet weighted down by too much continuity. Aunt May worries about Peter Parker, MJ Watson loves Peter Parker and is still flabergasted about his behaviour and JJ Jameson still dislikes the Spiderham and wants him to be eveil or just dead.
A lot of pleasure reading but still very entertaining. This is not the Spiderman from the Marvel Movie series even if they try it perhaps but a good guy wanting to do good and his karma is not always happy.
April 9, 2024
A rather promising beginning to this collection which collects Amazing Spider-man #161-#185, Annual #11. Giant Sized #6, and Nova #12 has a nice set of stories featuring Kingpin, Punisher, Hitman, The Lizard, Molten Man, Stegron, and a classic Green Goblin set of stories. It dips later with Rocket Racer, Big Wheel, and White Dragon. But overall it was solid drama written by Wein with great line work by Ross Andru who is easily among the top Spider-man artists I feel.
We also get pages of Pete’s graduation of sorts.
We also get pages of Pete’s graduation of sorts.
November 25, 2017
IMHO the early to mid 1970's run of Amazing Spider Man is the best of the medium.
This was really good.
This was really good.
December 22, 2015
Seriously. EVERYONE blames Spider-Man for everything. Gwen died, its his fault. Her dad died, it's his fault. He's fighting robbers, he's robbing them. Literally every other appearance Punisher or Human Torch are either fighting him or helping him. Now Nova? A super-powered galactic warrior is yelling at Spider-Man for killing his uncle. I don't like Peter and MJ always hating each other for no reason, but this is just obnoxious.
December 23, 2024
Len Wein may be the weakest writer so far, but I find myself still giving the volume high marks because while he plays pretty safe hits and keeps the status quo relatively stagnate compared to the momentum of EVERYTHING before, they're still the hits - he gets what works for Spider-Man! It is kind of a testament to the durability of the character and proof there is something substantive there, the ethos of Power and Responsibility pliable writing ground that can keep you entertained. It also helps that Ross Andru really evolves here, so sure Stegron may Just Be The Lizard or Faust A Kingpin Copycat but Andru is out here rendering New York more realistic than a comic ever had up until, the webslinger's weight and position far more considered the horizon lines shifted with Spidey's orientation on walls, the visual language really steps up here in a way that has me researching Ross Andru independently. Wein's 3rd Green Goblin conclusion condenses all the good of his run, stakes familiar but bigger and juicier, backed by Andru''s flair.
And then Marv Wolfman tags in, and suddenly you feel like you're ready for another 100 issues, reinvigorated by the way he returns old characters to the book, challenging elements Wein left in stasis immediately.
And then Marv Wolfman tags in, and suddenly you feel like you're ready for another 100 issues, reinvigorated by the way he returns old characters to the book, challenging elements Wein left in stasis immediately.
May 20, 2021
This collection so far I think is the weakest one. By all means I enjoy every issue, this collection of issues just does the least I think to add to the Mythos. There are notable exceptions to this like the Green Goblin story that caps off Lein Wein's run and the graduation of Peter Parker in the last two issues.
It's all good. It is dated I'll note but that isn't usually a bad thing and can be very charming. Some alarming casual threats of domestic violence which really took me for a whirl and casual sexism all around, so if that will tank your enjoyment then this won't work for you.
Peter Parker has the worst luck and can't seem to catch a break, he is blamed for everything for being Spider-Man. That's classic Spider-Man, his life does not get better because he is Spider-Man and he has a massive guilt complex that's all here.
Not the most impressive villians but old favorites show up often.
These stories are not as good as the ones in previous volumes but this is very entertaining from issue to issue and it will satisfy your Spidey craving.
It's all good. It is dated I'll note but that isn't usually a bad thing and can be very charming. Some alarming casual threats of domestic violence which really took me for a whirl and casual sexism all around, so if that will tank your enjoyment then this won't work for you.
Peter Parker has the worst luck and can't seem to catch a break, he is blamed for everything for being Spider-Man. That's classic Spider-Man, his life does not get better because he is Spider-Man and he has a massive guilt complex that's all here.
Not the most impressive villians but old favorites show up often.
These stories are not as good as the ones in previous volumes but this is very entertaining from issue to issue and it will satisfy your Spidey craving.
March 1, 2017
Aunt May continued to be insufferable in this volume when she became an annoying activist for rent control. Arguably this volume has the most action with lots of interveaving arcs, Liz's return marks a new beginning for Harry Osburn, Mary Jane Watson becomes the love interest after the death of Gwendoline, Flash became mature and got along with Peter. J. J. Jameson was still insufferable too, Betty Brant and Ned Leeds are having problems. Peter graduated from Empire State University, there is new hope for our beloved superhero.
August 10, 2023
Such memories of the 70s and learning to read thanks to Marvel and the Web-head. Always having to deal and fret over personal issues while battling his gallery of super-villains (yes, even Rocket Racer and Big Wheel).
Loved reading this digest during vacation.
Loved reading this digest during vacation.
May 15, 2017
This tells the stories of more of Spider-man's amazing adventures. I think this was kind of boring because it was really old and I liked the movies more.
December 11, 2018
i think this book i like it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2019
Not a big fan of Wein. 3/5.
October 11, 2015
After Stan Lee and Gerry Conway's superb runs on the Amazing Spider-man, it's safe to say that Len Wein's 30 issue run on the title was middling by comparisog n.
This book collects, the final 2/3 of that run from Amazing Spider-man 160-180 along with Issues 181-185, Amazing Spider-man Annual #11 and Nova #12.
The book retreads a lot of old territory with reviving villains such as the Molten Man The Lizard, the Kingpin returning with stories very similar to what's gone before. The same can be said guest appearances by the Punisher. We have the return of the Green Goblin (#176-180) with a story that will give long-time readers deja vu as it is reminiscent of so many other Spider-man stories (though there is a twist but the book makes it too obvious.) We also have a new spider-slayer. The Rocket Racer is Wein's chief contribution to Spidey's rogue's gallery and he isn't that great of character.
There were a few interesting twists in Wein's work including J Jonah Jameson almost discovering Spider-man's secret identity. Still, at this point, Bill Manlo was doing far more interesting stuff on third Spider-man series, Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-man and one of the more interesting stories borrowed the hitman from that book so they could have a battle royale with the Punisher and Jonah atop the Statue of Liberty.
There are also a two part team-up between Spidey and Nova which stangely enough is a whodunit.
Despite its lack of originality, I enjoyed Wein's work. Wein gets all the characters right. This is crucial because in the 1970s there were so many changes to comics (many of which were misguided) that actually knowing your character and having them right was a tough challenge, though at times they did get a little melodramatic. (See Liz in Spider-man #180) Plus Ross Andru's art is really well-done and it's on nearly every page (except for Nova #12, the Annual, and #181.)
To non-Wein material, the Annual was scripted by Bill Manlo from a plot by Archie Goodwin and it's about Spidey taking on a movie role where there's mayhem on the set. It's, of course, not Spidey's first foray into movies even in an Annual (Amazing Spider-man Annual #4), but this one shows some lessons have been learned. For example, Spidey demands cash because he's had difficulty cashing checks made payable to the order of Spider-man. It's a fun story.
Amazing Spider-man #181 was written by Manlo with art by Sal Buscema and it's called (for obvious reasons, 'Flashback') and it's an extended story in which Spidey has a flashback over his whole career, shedding no new light on anything. It's a bit lazy way to come over the transition to the new writer.
Marv Wolfman takes over at Amazing Spider-man #182 and #183 and we're given an origin for the Rocket Racer and introduced to the Big Wheel. It's an okay story though I'm not certain I buy the Rocket Racer as some sort of blackmailer. Spider-man #184 and #185 features a good story of Spider-man battling the White Dragon which feeds into the Martial movie trend of the era. We also get to see Peter graduating (sort of) in Amazing Spider-man #185. Wolfman tries to revive the idea of the "Parker luck," leading to a somewhat downbeat end, but it had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with Peter not keeping track of his stuff.
Overall, a mixed bag but still good enough reading because it may not all be original but its Spider-man.
This book collects, the final 2/3 of that run from Amazing Spider-man 160-180 along with Issues 181-185, Amazing Spider-man Annual #11 and Nova #12.
The book retreads a lot of old territory with reviving villains such as the Molten Man The Lizard, the Kingpin returning with stories very similar to what's gone before. The same can be said guest appearances by the Punisher. We have the return of the Green Goblin (#176-180) with a story that will give long-time readers deja vu as it is reminiscent of so many other Spider-man stories (though there is a twist but the book makes it too obvious.) We also have a new spider-slayer. The Rocket Racer is Wein's chief contribution to Spidey's rogue's gallery and he isn't that great of character.
There were a few interesting twists in Wein's work including J Jonah Jameson almost discovering Spider-man's secret identity. Still, at this point, Bill Manlo was doing far more interesting stuff on third Spider-man series, Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-man and one of the more interesting stories borrowed the hitman from that book so they could have a battle royale with the Punisher and Jonah atop the Statue of Liberty.
There are also a two part team-up between Spidey and Nova which stangely enough is a whodunit.
Despite its lack of originality, I enjoyed Wein's work. Wein gets all the characters right. This is crucial because in the 1970s there were so many changes to comics (many of which were misguided) that actually knowing your character and having them right was a tough challenge, though at times they did get a little melodramatic. (See Liz in Spider-man #180) Plus Ross Andru's art is really well-done and it's on nearly every page (except for Nova #12, the Annual, and #181.)
To non-Wein material, the Annual was scripted by Bill Manlo from a plot by Archie Goodwin and it's about Spidey taking on a movie role where there's mayhem on the set. It's, of course, not Spidey's first foray into movies even in an Annual (Amazing Spider-man Annual #4), but this one shows some lessons have been learned. For example, Spidey demands cash because he's had difficulty cashing checks made payable to the order of Spider-man. It's a fun story.
Amazing Spider-man #181 was written by Manlo with art by Sal Buscema and it's called (for obvious reasons, 'Flashback') and it's an extended story in which Spidey has a flashback over his whole career, shedding no new light on anything. It's a bit lazy way to come over the transition to the new writer.
Marv Wolfman takes over at Amazing Spider-man #182 and #183 and we're given an origin for the Rocket Racer and introduced to the Big Wheel. It's an okay story though I'm not certain I buy the Rocket Racer as some sort of blackmailer. Spider-man #184 and #185 features a good story of Spider-man battling the White Dragon which feeds into the Martial movie trend of the era. We also get to see Peter graduating (sort of) in Amazing Spider-man #185. Wolfman tries to revive the idea of the "Parker luck," leading to a somewhat downbeat end, but it had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with Peter not keeping track of his stuff.
Overall, a mixed bag but still good enough reading because it may not all be original but its Spider-man.
August 30, 2019
This comic book is unquestionably terrific!
April 22, 2011
Len Wein was, I thought, a fairly terrible Spider-Man writer. His take on the relationships was overly melodramatic, his villains (both chosen and created) some of the cheesiest in Spidey's rogues gallery, and his whole run felt more like '60s DC than '70s Marvel.
That said, the Punisher story in this one, despite featuring a Wein-style groaner of a bad guy named "The Hitman," is the highpoint of his run. But I was looking forward to seeing Marv Wolfman (also very hit and miss for me in general) just for the change of pace.
And Wolfman's first story features the return of Wein's Rocket Racer and the first (and for a long time, last) appearance of Big Wheel. Followed by a really weird take on Betty Brant-Leeds, who abandons her happy ending to become the struggling mess that she's been ever since.
As with the previous volume, there's some great artwork by Ross Andru, and I know that after just one more Essential, we'll be getting into the Roger Stern stuff that was my introduction to the character, but with a few exceptions, this Spider-Man volume (and the one before it) are more or less for completists only.
That said, the Punisher story in this one, despite featuring a Wein-style groaner of a bad guy named "The Hitman," is the highpoint of his run. But I was looking forward to seeing Marv Wolfman (also very hit and miss for me in general) just for the change of pace.
And Wolfman's first story features the return of Wein's Rocket Racer and the first (and for a long time, last) appearance of Big Wheel. Followed by a really weird take on Betty Brant-Leeds, who abandons her happy ending to become the struggling mess that she's been ever since.
As with the previous volume, there's some great artwork by Ross Andru, and I know that after just one more Essential, we'll be getting into the Roger Stern stuff that was my introduction to the character, but with a few exceptions, this Spider-Man volume (and the one before it) are more or less for completists only.
June 29, 2012
For the past few months, I've been catching up with my favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-Man for several reasons: (1) I adore the character, as he's my favorite super hero, (2) he's got a new movie coming out and (3) ole Webhead hits the big 50 this year, so this is my way of celebrating. I'd get him a bday cake, but you know. This year, I've read volumes 5, 6, 7, and now 8 of Marvel's "Essential" series that focuses on Spidey's flagship title, "Amazing Spider-Man." I can't remember why I started off at Vol. 5. I suppose because it was sitting on the shelf looking at me when I walked into Big Ben's one day. This volume contains issues 136 to 160, and features many stories. Highlights include: Spidey encountering Nightcrawler, The Punisher, The Green Goblin and more, Aunt May's health issues, a crossover story with Nova, Peter Parker's first(!) marriage proposal to Mary Jane Watson, the introduction of Dr. Marla Madison and Peter Parker's graduation from college! A good volume of stories, although it might help to read the previous volumes first, as the "Essential" series reprints the issues in numerical order. A fun read! -J
June 28, 2012
Some fun stories. One of the highlights is a multi-part Green Goblin story where there is a big mystery as to who the Goblin is. The original (Norman Osborn) is considered dead at this point, and his son, and Peter's friend, Harry Osborn, became the Green Goblin after his father died, but had since given up being the Green Goblin, so the mystery is fun, and there is a nice twist at the end. There are also some great moments with J. Jonah Jameson, being shown at his best and worst. A couple of things I didn't like about this group of issues is that one issue is a recap of earlier Spider-Man stories, including his origin. I guess it was meant to bring new readers up to speed on Spider-Man's background. The other involves a long running subplot where Peter is doing poorly at college because he is spending too much time being Spider-Man instead of studying. I guess they had no idea how to resolve this story, so it is more or less swept under the rug. Nevertheless, it is an entertaining collection and well worth the price if you are interested in Spider-Man.
February 23, 2010
Growing up, I loved "The Amazing Spider-Man" comic books. And this collection comes from the era when I started reading all about Spider-Man and got my hands on any issues my parents or grandparents would buy for me.
Yes, I had a lot of gaps in the collection, but I still have fond memories of enjoying the stories.
I probably should have left them as fond memories because, quite frankly, the stories in here haven't aged well. Outside of one arc with a third incarnation of the Green Goblin, most of Spidey's battles are largely forgettable. Peter Parker does graduate college but even that's not really enough to sustain things for the entire run collected in this volume.
Yes, I had a lot of gaps in the collection, but I still have fond memories of enjoying the stories.
I probably should have left them as fond memories because, quite frankly, the stories in here haven't aged well. Outside of one arc with a third incarnation of the Green Goblin, most of Spidey's battles are largely forgettable. Peter Parker does graduate college but even that's not really enough to sustain things for the entire run collected in this volume.
April 16, 2013
Spider-Man is my favorite superhero, hands down. This compilation does not disappoint. Always balancing his friends and love ones with odd ball supervillains showing up at odd intervals, it's what the Silver Age comics are all about.
There's a decent amount of "Peter Parker life twists" in here that are exciting: Aunt May's health, proposing to Mary Jane, trying to graduate from college, etc.
Plus some cool superhero storylines (Green Goblin returns yet again, the Rocket Racer is amazing). In particular, the crossover with Nova, a fairly shortlived powerbeam shooting teenager, was pretty entertaining and different.
If you like Marvel Comics, get this.
There's a decent amount of "Peter Parker life twists" in here that are exciting: Aunt May's health, proposing to Mary Jane, trying to graduate from college, etc.
Plus some cool superhero storylines (Green Goblin returns yet again, the Rocket Racer is amazing). In particular, the crossover with Nova, a fairly shortlived powerbeam shooting teenager, was pretty entertaining and different.
If you like Marvel Comics, get this.
March 6, 2016
Another very strong volume. Might be one of my favorite ones overall. Peter graduates, we meet the rocket racer, harry defeats the new green goblin, Mary Jane moves past Peter and Spider-Man more or less goes through the same kinda crazy stuff. Really good and very strong volume. Especially loved the bizarre Annual #11. I'm a sucker for Punisher and Lizard stories too. And we see a Wein-written Nightcrawler, which is shocking! Super good, i love this series and am very glad that i've read almost 200 issues of it.
September 25, 2013
A good solid read, but nothing spectacular. This volume includes the end of the original abominable Clone Saga, and the third coming of the Green Goblin. The highlight is that nearly every issue features artwork by Ross Andru, ably inked by Mike Esposito, Tony DeZuniga and Jim Mooney (among others).
July 28, 2008
So far, volume 8 lacks the crazy awesome drama of 7, if only because Peter Parker's life must necessarily become peaceful for a bit with the ebb of the Clone saga. Howevs, I'm sure the next major arc will occur soon-I'm only halfway through!
July 13, 2014
I think I read these stories for Peter Parker more than for Spider-Man. It's fun to see what's progressing in Peter's life and how he and his friends are aging. Nothing in this set stood out, except for the Nova/Spider-Man crossover.
February 24, 2013
It's f-ing Spider-Man, do you really need a review?
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews