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The Spectacular Spider-Man Omnibus
The Spectacular Spider-man Omnibus, Vol. 1
In honor of 60 years of Spider-Man, the web-slinger's second solo series gets the Omnibus treatment! SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN not only increased the opportunities for Spidey action, it provided a platform to expand upon and explore the world of Peter Parker and his incomparable cast: J. Jonah Jameson, Mary Jane Watson, Flash Thompson and the gang! Of course, there was no shortage of villains - including the Vulture, the Lizard and Doc Ock! SPECTACULAR was also home to Frank Miller's first Daredevil artwork - part of a sprawling saga featuring Carrion, the mysterious rotting horror with hidden ties to Peter Parker's past and a violent desire to punish him for the death of Gwen Stacy! Painstakingly restored, this is an Omnibus for the ages! Collecting SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN (1976) #1-42 and ANNUAL #1, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL (1964) #13 and FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #218.
928 pages, Hardcover
First published February 26, 1980
12 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Bill Mantlo
1,392 books44 followersWilliam Timothy Mantlo is an American comic book writer, primarily at Marvel Comics.
(source: Wikipedia)
(source: Wikipedia)
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 28, 2023
Underrated: Sal Buscema.
Properly rated: Bill Mantlo.
Overrated: Your mom. (Oh, snap!)
Properly rated: Bill Mantlo.
Overrated: Your mom. (Oh, snap!)
June 29, 2023
Spider-man’s third series after Amazing and Marvel Team-Up. This volume has a lot of Bill Mantlo in the second half, and he brings back several characters from his time writing the 1970s Champions, so you may want to read that prior to reading issue 17, but it’s not required. Also, the introductions tend to spoil stuff like the Carrion arc, so read them last. The best stuff is in the Carrion arc with guest stars Moon Knight and Daredevil, and some of the Byrne stuff near the end, though the collection overall is somewhat underwhelming (especially since the Byrne stuff is collected elsewhere). Unfortunately, I’d say this is a collection for Spider-Man completionists only given its mostly average to lackluster adventures. After this, issues 43-61 of Spectacular Spider-Man are collected in the Roger Stern Spider-Man Omnibus along with the rest of his issues, and that is a collection that I’d recommend to any Spider-Fan!
Spectacular Spider-Man #1 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Twice Stings the Tarantula!”
The start here is fairly average. It’s a political conspiracy that ends up making very little sense.
Spectacular Spider-Man #2 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Kraven Is The Hunter!”
Kraven teams up with Tarantula, and the new series already seems like it’s spinning its wheels. I’m just not sure Gerry Conway really had more Spider-man stories at this point. Glory Grant joins the Bugle team is the most relevant thing that occurs here.
Spectacular Spider-Man #3 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “...And there was Lightmaster!”
Lightmaster is the first new villain of Spectacular, and his motivations are stupid and make no sense. His powers are rather cool, but the main series would do a similar thing with a more interesting character in Amazing 167-168 later that year. Archie Goodwin takes over for a few issues here, and I think he just wanted it to end.
Spectacular Spider-Man #4 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Vulture Is a Bird of Prey”
The Vulture on a rampage is kind of cool. Goodwin also lets the series draw more from the other aspects of Peter Parker’s life, which I thought was the goal with this book. It’s also got a returning Captain America gangster villain whose use seems more convenient than anything.
Spectacular Spider-Man #5 ⧫ 3 Stars “Spider-Kill”
Hitman is a new villain introduced here, and he comes off as a less interesting Punisher. Honesty, the idea isn't terrible, but this story is just him interrupting the Vulture’s revenge, making reports, repeat. It’s at least something different.
Spectacular Spider-Man #6 ⧫ – “The Power to Purge!”
This omnibus only reprints the additional two pages added to the reprint of Marvel Team-Up #3 that ran in Spectacular #6. Already behind on the schedule is not a good sign for a new book, but it would shape up.
Spectacular Spider-Man #7 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Cry Mayhem–Cry Morbius!”
The best things about the next batch of episodes are the cutaways to regular Peter Parker stuff. At least the Morbius stuff isn’t standard Morbius stuff, but it is very standard Science FIction stuff, so…
Spectacular Spider-Man #8 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “...And Only One Shall Survive!”
And, it ends like a very standard Science Fiction plot as well. Our new villain is not great. The Flash stuff is really the best part.
Spectacular Spider-Man #9 ⧫ 3 Stars “Like a Tiger in the Night!”
This one really feels like an extended Marvel Team-Up, which isn’t a good thing. It’s cross-promoting their new at the time White Tiger, and it’s fine. The social activism is the thing that remains the most relevant today.
Spectacular Spider-Man #10 ⧫ 3 Stars “Tiger in a Web!”
The classic hero misunderstanding. It’s fine, but nothing special.
Spectacular Spider-Man #11 ⧫ 3 Stars “A Life Too Far”
I like the Inhumans, and I may be alone, but this is a neat fight that’s kind of brought down by the ending. I feeling like more could have been done if this had been given two issues like many of the other stories in this. Maybe explore more about the Inhumans? Ah well, like much of this, it’s fine.
Spectacular Spider-Man #12 ⧫ 3 Stars “Brother Power, Sister Sun!”
The Flash/Sha-shan stuff comes to a head, and I’m very mixed. The cult stuff just doesn’t have much teeth, but I do like how it makes Flash react. Another very mixed issue for me.
Spectacular Spider-Man #13 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “...The Coming of Razorback!”
I was a little annoyed at Razorback showing up out of nowhere, but I rather like the levity he brings to the serious cult storyline. Also, the mastermind is somewhat revealed, and it mostly makes sense. It’s a solid issue. Also, the superhero with a truck thing is soooooo 1970s I can’t really hate it. Marvel would eventually make an entirely truck themed superhero, so at least the reader is spared that.
Spectacular Spider-Man #14 ⧫ 3 Stars “Killing Me Softly... With His Hate!”
Really tempted to give this two stars because of the lame reveal at the end, but honestly, the rest of it is pretty solid, so I’ll save that penalty for the next book.
Spectacular Spider-Man #15 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Final Rage!”
And, it’s just kind of nonsense. I mean, I actually like the Razorback ending, but the rest isn’t very well put together. This is a four issue story, and it feels like the Man-Beast was a late write in because his plan is dumb and doesn’t make any sense. It also feels like Sha-Shan was put through hell just to do very little. It’s a shame because I feel like this should have been three issues with a better, more cosmic villain behind it with Sah-Shan way more involved. Alas…
Spectacular Spider-Man #16 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Beetle and the Badge!”
A very real story that I was not expecting.
Spectacular Spider-Man #17 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Whatever Happened to the Iceman?”
The twist is obvious, but I like the drama and frustration around Angel losing his team. Spider-Man being there is forced, but I feel for Mantlo just wanting to finish his Champions book that got canceled, and the fallout of breaking up a super team provides some solid drama.
Spectacular Spider-Man #18 ⧫ 3 Stars “My Friend, My Foe!”
Definitely weaker than the first issue, but it provides an okay ending amidst the explanations for non-Champions readers. The little epilogue at the end definitely bolsters it with a look at some of the supporting cast.
Spectacular Spider-Man #19 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Again, the Enforcers!”
The enforcers have always felt more of the 1940s, and their 1970s looks are just jarring to me. It’s a classic rumble with some nice recurrences of Spidey’s supporting cast bolstered by a fun cliffhanger.
Spectacular Spider-Man #20 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Where Were You When the Lights Went Out?”
Ugh, not a great returning villain, but the Spectacular world that’s being built is nice. It’s a messy issue.
Spectacular Spider-Man #21 ⧫ 3 Stars “Still Crazy After All These Years”
The Scorpion plot mostly exists to provide some action as a bunch of Spider-Man’s personal life happens, and I’m okay with that.
Spectacular Spider-Man #22 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “By the Light of the Silvery Moon Knight!”
Early Moon Knight with Mike Zeck art? Yes, please. Even if the story is so-so.
Spectacular Spider-Man #23 ⧫ 3 Stars “Guess Who's Buried in Grant's Tomb!”
The end is fine; I feel like it’s the usual mix of Peter Parker’s life and Spider-Man battles, which I’m rather enjoying.
Spectacular Spider-Man #24 ⧫ 2 Stars “Spider-Man Night Fever”
This is a lower stakes and more racist version of Amazing Spider-Man #59, “The Brand of the Brainwasher!” The starting stuff is nice, but it’s very similar to the next issue. Also, Springer cannot draw dynamic action.
Spectacular Spider-Man #25 ⧫ 3 Stars “Carrion, My Wayward Son”
The Carrion plot happens in the background and dovetails with the Maggia stuff from 22-23, also good issues. The Maggia leader and his robot are kind of silly, but I rather like them. Mooney’s art also helps here.
Spectacular Spider-Man #26 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”
I like it any time Spider-Man is incapacitated, so this is a great turn to the story. Also, glad to see Daredevil in the mix as this title continues to layer in Spidey’s college life. Additionally, it’s great to see Betty and Mary Jane make up their differences on their own.
Spectacular Spider-Man #27 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Blind Leading The Blind”
Frank Miller’s first work for Marvel, and it’s pretty cool seeing him do Daredevil and Spider-Man. More blind stuff, more Carrion stuff, great action. The Carrion arc is actually pretty decent.
Spectacular Spider-Man #28 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Ashes to Ashes!”
This is a transition between the Maggia stuff and the main Carrion arc, and it continues to run strong with Daredevil out and the White Tiger in.
Spectacular Spider-Man #29 ⧫ 3 Stars “Dust to Dust!”
Okay, I still like this, but Darter is dumb, and he either needed a more fitting villain theme or just not to exist. I think Carrion’s power should have been enough to take on both Spider-Man and White Tiger. It would make the end better too.
Spectacular Spider-Man #30 ⧫ 3 Stars “Secret As the Grave!”
Darter continues to be unspectacular, but the actual Carrion mystery continues to build nicely.
Spectacular Spider-Man #31 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “"Til Death Do Us Part!”
The big conclusion! It’s good, though at this point I think the alternate reveal would have been cooler, and not just because it would have possibly averted some stuff down the road. That last shot of Spidey is so good.
Spectacular Spider-Man #32 ⧫ 3 Stars “A Zoo Story”
It’s a solid, if a bit standard introduction to the new status quo: Peter Parker, Graduate Student! Dr. Sloan and Marcy Kane are added to the cast along with a returning Dr. Connors and a new Spidey foe. The art is a little rough, but it’s a decent new start.
Spectacular Spider-Man #33 ⧫ 2 Stars “Night Of The Iguana!”
The complicated explanation of the Iguana… It’s a Lizard story.
Spectacular Spider-Man #34 ⧫ 2 Stars “Lizards On A Hot Tin Roof!”
The most interesting stuff here is the hints at future graduate school plots. Otherwise, it’s a Lizard ending.
Spectacular Spider-Man #35 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Labyrinth”
I’m a little iffy on this one. It’s pretty rote stuff until the end, but I suppose the end is nice.
Spectacular Spider-Man #36 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Enter: Swarm!”
More of Peter’s graduate school associates are introduced with a few coming over from issues of Amazing. Swarm is somewhat silly, but as a team level threat, previously to the Champions, Spider-Man’s concerns seem warranted.
Spectacular Spider-Man #37 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Into the Hive!”
There is some incorporation of the new cast, though I am rather missing some of the old cast. The Swarm himself is suitably tough, but I still feel like I just saw this in the Lizard/Iguana ending at the end of issue 34…
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #13 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “And Men Shall Call Him... Octopus!”
John Byrne’s art is a great fit here with some of the atmospheric sections reminding me of classic X-Men issues! The story isn’t too special, but it is a nice change of pace with a boost from the art.
Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #1 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “And Men Shall Call Him... Octopus!”
The second half of the octopus story is more of just a fight issue with some cool images, but it’s nothing new. The art here isn’t nearly as good, but it’s adequate. This is just a letdown because of the moody first part.
Spectacular Spider-Man #38 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Curse of the Living Vampire!”
Morbius is back, he does Morbius stuff, and it all ends rather anticlimactically. Mostly, this begins a few arcs that are much better, and I liked the talk with MJ.
Spectacular Spider-Man #39 ⧫ 3 Stars “Scourge of the Schizoid-Man”
This is mostly good for continuing the build to the next couple stories. The Schizoid-Man just isn’t that interesting and his look is so 70s. I wish the ESU crew were more than standard one issue Spider-Man stock characters. Mantlo just seems more interested in the action.
Spectacular Spider-Man #40 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Terrible Turnabout!”
Okay, this one feels like it should have happened sooner, and I wish the art were better. I feel like John Byrne would have turned this one into a classic. Simple premise, but the ideas are great.
Spectacular Spider-Man #41 ⧫ 2 Stars “Meteor Madness!”
I like the part with Peter turning in a paper. I can relate, though the rest is, well, it’s a Meteor Man story. The worst of the Stan and Steve era returns for another lame adventure.
Spectacular Spider-Man #42 ⧫ 4 Stars “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!”
Mike Zeck returns to art, and the Human Torch is guest starring? Yes! Good villains with a solid plan combine with some solid ESU character stuff at the start to make a very strong end to the Spectacular issues collected here.
Fantastic Four #218 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “When a Spider-Man Comes Calling!”
A good Baxter Building invasion story with Spider-Man guest starring and John Byrne on art! It’s good, though I’d recommend the rest of John Byrne’s run on the Fantastic Four because it gets better.
Other Omnibus Reviews
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Untold Tales of Spider-Man Omnibus
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #2
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #3
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #4
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #5
Spectacular Spider-Man #1 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Twice Stings the Tarantula!”
The start here is fairly average. It’s a political conspiracy that ends up making very little sense.
Spectacular Spider-Man #2 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Kraven Is The Hunter!”
Kraven teams up with Tarantula, and the new series already seems like it’s spinning its wheels. I’m just not sure Gerry Conway really had more Spider-man stories at this point. Glory Grant joins the Bugle team is the most relevant thing that occurs here.
Spectacular Spider-Man #3 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “...And there was Lightmaster!”
Lightmaster is the first new villain of Spectacular, and his motivations are stupid and make no sense. His powers are rather cool, but the main series would do a similar thing with a more interesting character in Amazing 167-168 later that year. Archie Goodwin takes over for a few issues here, and I think he just wanted it to end.
Spectacular Spider-Man #4 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Vulture Is a Bird of Prey”
The Vulture on a rampage is kind of cool. Goodwin also lets the series draw more from the other aspects of Peter Parker’s life, which I thought was the goal with this book. It’s also got a returning Captain America gangster villain whose use seems more convenient than anything.
Spectacular Spider-Man #5 ⧫ 3 Stars “Spider-Kill”
Hitman is a new villain introduced here, and he comes off as a less interesting Punisher. Honesty, the idea isn't terrible, but this story is just him interrupting the Vulture’s revenge, making reports, repeat. It’s at least something different.
Spectacular Spider-Man #6 ⧫ – “The Power to Purge!”
This omnibus only reprints the additional two pages added to the reprint of Marvel Team-Up #3 that ran in Spectacular #6. Already behind on the schedule is not a good sign for a new book, but it would shape up.
Spectacular Spider-Man #7 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Cry Mayhem–Cry Morbius!”
The best things about the next batch of episodes are the cutaways to regular Peter Parker stuff. At least the Morbius stuff isn’t standard Morbius stuff, but it is very standard Science FIction stuff, so…
Spectacular Spider-Man #8 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “...And Only One Shall Survive!”
And, it ends like a very standard Science Fiction plot as well. Our new villain is not great. The Flash stuff is really the best part.
Spectacular Spider-Man #9 ⧫ 3 Stars “Like a Tiger in the Night!”
This one really feels like an extended Marvel Team-Up, which isn’t a good thing. It’s cross-promoting their new at the time White Tiger, and it’s fine. The social activism is the thing that remains the most relevant today.
Spectacular Spider-Man #10 ⧫ 3 Stars “Tiger in a Web!”
The classic hero misunderstanding. It’s fine, but nothing special.
Spectacular Spider-Man #11 ⧫ 3 Stars “A Life Too Far”
I like the Inhumans, and I may be alone, but this is a neat fight that’s kind of brought down by the ending. I feeling like more could have been done if this had been given two issues like many of the other stories in this. Maybe explore more about the Inhumans? Ah well, like much of this, it’s fine.
Spectacular Spider-Man #12 ⧫ 3 Stars “Brother Power, Sister Sun!”
The Flash/Sha-shan stuff comes to a head, and I’m very mixed. The cult stuff just doesn’t have much teeth, but I do like how it makes Flash react. Another very mixed issue for me.
Spectacular Spider-Man #13 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “...The Coming of Razorback!”
I was a little annoyed at Razorback showing up out of nowhere, but I rather like the levity he brings to the serious cult storyline. Also, the mastermind is somewhat revealed, and it mostly makes sense. It’s a solid issue. Also, the superhero with a truck thing is soooooo 1970s I can’t really hate it. Marvel would eventually make an entirely truck themed superhero, so at least the reader is spared that.
Spectacular Spider-Man #14 ⧫ 3 Stars “Killing Me Softly... With His Hate!”
Really tempted to give this two stars because of the lame reveal at the end, but honestly, the rest of it is pretty solid, so I’ll save that penalty for the next book.
Spectacular Spider-Man #15 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Final Rage!”
And, it’s just kind of nonsense. I mean, I actually like the Razorback ending, but the rest isn’t very well put together. This is a four issue story, and it feels like the Man-Beast was a late write in because his plan is dumb and doesn’t make any sense. It also feels like Sha-Shan was put through hell just to do very little. It’s a shame because I feel like this should have been three issues with a better, more cosmic villain behind it with Sah-Shan way more involved. Alas…
Spectacular Spider-Man #16 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Beetle and the Badge!”
A very real story that I was not expecting.
Spectacular Spider-Man #17 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Whatever Happened to the Iceman?”
The twist is obvious, but I like the drama and frustration around Angel losing his team. Spider-Man being there is forced, but I feel for Mantlo just wanting to finish his Champions book that got canceled, and the fallout of breaking up a super team provides some solid drama.
Spectacular Spider-Man #18 ⧫ 3 Stars “My Friend, My Foe!”
Definitely weaker than the first issue, but it provides an okay ending amidst the explanations for non-Champions readers. The little epilogue at the end definitely bolsters it with a look at some of the supporting cast.
Spectacular Spider-Man #19 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Again, the Enforcers!”
The enforcers have always felt more of the 1940s, and their 1970s looks are just jarring to me. It’s a classic rumble with some nice recurrences of Spidey’s supporting cast bolstered by a fun cliffhanger.
Spectacular Spider-Man #20 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Where Were You When the Lights Went Out?”
Ugh, not a great returning villain, but the Spectacular world that’s being built is nice. It’s a messy issue.
Spectacular Spider-Man #21 ⧫ 3 Stars “Still Crazy After All These Years”
The Scorpion plot mostly exists to provide some action as a bunch of Spider-Man’s personal life happens, and I’m okay with that.
Spectacular Spider-Man #22 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “By the Light of the Silvery Moon Knight!”
Early Moon Knight with Mike Zeck art? Yes, please. Even if the story is so-so.
Spectacular Spider-Man #23 ⧫ 3 Stars “Guess Who's Buried in Grant's Tomb!”
The end is fine; I feel like it’s the usual mix of Peter Parker’s life and Spider-Man battles, which I’m rather enjoying.
Spectacular Spider-Man #24 ⧫ 2 Stars “Spider-Man Night Fever”
This is a lower stakes and more racist version of Amazing Spider-Man #59, “The Brand of the Brainwasher!” The starting stuff is nice, but it’s very similar to the next issue. Also, Springer cannot draw dynamic action.
Spectacular Spider-Man #25 ⧫ 3 Stars “Carrion, My Wayward Son”
The Carrion plot happens in the background and dovetails with the Maggia stuff from 22-23, also good issues. The Maggia leader and his robot are kind of silly, but I rather like them. Mooney’s art also helps here.
Spectacular Spider-Man #26 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”
I like it any time Spider-Man is incapacitated, so this is a great turn to the story. Also, glad to see Daredevil in the mix as this title continues to layer in Spidey’s college life. Additionally, it’s great to see Betty and Mary Jane make up their differences on their own.
Spectacular Spider-Man #27 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Blind Leading The Blind”
Frank Miller’s first work for Marvel, and it’s pretty cool seeing him do Daredevil and Spider-Man. More blind stuff, more Carrion stuff, great action. The Carrion arc is actually pretty decent.
Spectacular Spider-Man #28 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Ashes to Ashes!”
This is a transition between the Maggia stuff and the main Carrion arc, and it continues to run strong with Daredevil out and the White Tiger in.
Spectacular Spider-Man #29 ⧫ 3 Stars “Dust to Dust!”
Okay, I still like this, but Darter is dumb, and he either needed a more fitting villain theme or just not to exist. I think Carrion’s power should have been enough to take on both Spider-Man and White Tiger. It would make the end better too.
Spectacular Spider-Man #30 ⧫ 3 Stars “Secret As the Grave!”
Darter continues to be unspectacular, but the actual Carrion mystery continues to build nicely.
Spectacular Spider-Man #31 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “"Til Death Do Us Part!”
The big conclusion! It’s good, though at this point I think the alternate reveal would have been cooler, and not just because it would have possibly averted some stuff down the road. That last shot of Spidey is so good.
Spectacular Spider-Man #32 ⧫ 3 Stars “A Zoo Story”
It’s a solid, if a bit standard introduction to the new status quo: Peter Parker, Graduate Student! Dr. Sloan and Marcy Kane are added to the cast along with a returning Dr. Connors and a new Spidey foe. The art is a little rough, but it’s a decent new start.
Spectacular Spider-Man #33 ⧫ 2 Stars “Night Of The Iguana!”
The complicated explanation of the Iguana… It’s a Lizard story.
Spectacular Spider-Man #34 ⧫ 2 Stars “Lizards On A Hot Tin Roof!”
The most interesting stuff here is the hints at future graduate school plots. Otherwise, it’s a Lizard ending.
Spectacular Spider-Man #35 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Labyrinth”
I’m a little iffy on this one. It’s pretty rote stuff until the end, but I suppose the end is nice.
Spectacular Spider-Man #36 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Enter: Swarm!”
More of Peter’s graduate school associates are introduced with a few coming over from issues of Amazing. Swarm is somewhat silly, but as a team level threat, previously to the Champions, Spider-Man’s concerns seem warranted.
Spectacular Spider-Man #37 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Into the Hive!”
There is some incorporation of the new cast, though I am rather missing some of the old cast. The Swarm himself is suitably tough, but I still feel like I just saw this in the Lizard/Iguana ending at the end of issue 34…
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #13 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “And Men Shall Call Him... Octopus!”
John Byrne’s art is a great fit here with some of the atmospheric sections reminding me of classic X-Men issues! The story isn’t too special, but it is a nice change of pace with a boost from the art.
Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #1 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “And Men Shall Call Him... Octopus!”
The second half of the octopus story is more of just a fight issue with some cool images, but it’s nothing new. The art here isn’t nearly as good, but it’s adequate. This is just a letdown because of the moody first part.
Spectacular Spider-Man #38 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Curse of the Living Vampire!”
Morbius is back, he does Morbius stuff, and it all ends rather anticlimactically. Mostly, this begins a few arcs that are much better, and I liked the talk with MJ.
Spectacular Spider-Man #39 ⧫ 3 Stars “Scourge of the Schizoid-Man”
This is mostly good for continuing the build to the next couple stories. The Schizoid-Man just isn’t that interesting and his look is so 70s. I wish the ESU crew were more than standard one issue Spider-Man stock characters. Mantlo just seems more interested in the action.
Spectacular Spider-Man #40 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Terrible Turnabout!”
Okay, this one feels like it should have happened sooner, and I wish the art were better. I feel like John Byrne would have turned this one into a classic. Simple premise, but the ideas are great.
Spectacular Spider-Man #41 ⧫ 2 Stars “Meteor Madness!”
I like the part with Peter turning in a paper. I can relate, though the rest is, well, it’s a Meteor Man story. The worst of the Stan and Steve era returns for another lame adventure.
Spectacular Spider-Man #42 ⧫ 4 Stars “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!”
Mike Zeck returns to art, and the Human Torch is guest starring? Yes! Good villains with a solid plan combine with some solid ESU character stuff at the start to make a very strong end to the Spectacular issues collected here.
Fantastic Four #218 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “When a Spider-Man Comes Calling!”
A good Baxter Building invasion story with Spider-Man guest starring and John Byrne on art! It’s good, though I’d recommend the rest of John Byrne’s run on the Fantastic Four because it gets better.
Other Omnibus Reviews
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Untold Tales of Spider-Man Omnibus
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #2
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #3
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #4
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #5
November 24, 2025
At first, Spider-Man had a single series: The Amazing Spider-Man. After nearly a decade, they added a second series running at the same time that was canonically happening in the character's life, but which didn't overlap a ton: Marvel Team-Up. (Each issue had Spider-Man teaming up with a different hero.) A bit over five years after that, with Spidey continuing to be their best-selling character by a long shot, they introduced a third ongoing series for Spider-Man running at the same time: Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man.
The Spectacular Spider-Man was ambitious. It starts out with the Marvel creative staff claiming that they are going to keep this book in tight continuity with the two existing series, and that the story of Spider-Man will weave in-and-out of all three books in a neat way that had never been done before. Spectacular, it was claimed, would focus more on Peter's personal life and side cast while the flagship Amazing book would continue focusing mostly on Peter's big epic battles and important life moments. It was a really neat concept because much of the appeal of the Spider-Man story is how Peter relates to his supporting cast and what goes on in the life of civilian his alter-ego!
The coordinated meetings between all three Spider-Man writers do indeed occur and they plan out the Spider-Man storyline's general shape months in advance. However, from the very first issue of Spectacular it becomes very clear that the grand ideas and premise for the book and its interaction with the other two Spider-titles do not come to pass in the way the editorial staff had hoped. For one, the passing off of Spider-Man's supporting cast to Spectacular never happens. In fact, for the first half of the forty-two issues presented in this omnibus, the opposite is true, and The Amazing Spider-Man continues to feature all of the interesting character development with Peter and his peers while Spectacular shows less time with Spider-Man outside of his costume, sometimes never even changing out of it for full issues! By the second half of the book, the Marvel staff realizes that their original grandiose plans are not going to pan out and they tentatively pivot to a new format: Spectacular will focus on Spider-Man's life in college and his connections there while Amazing covers the "rest" of his life. It's a better format and it at least sticks to what it promises, but the experience results in feeling like the reader is observing two separate, parallel lives of Peter Parker: one in which all of these interesting, complex relationships play out with characters he has had in his life for years (Amazing), and another comprised of primarily new characters with sort-of-interesting dynamics that don't run nearly as deep. (Spectacular.) Peter transitions to grad school part way through the book and they introduce a new group cast all at once, but then develop them very unevenly. (Phillip Chang gets an entire arc dedicated to his troubled backstory while Steve Hopkins is introduced at a similar time and given practically nothing to flesh him out. And then they also introduce Chip Martin as one of the gang, but as soon as they reveal his interesting backstory they write him out of the book altogether!)
For the first few issues there is no consistent writer for the book, leading to things kind of progressing in fits and starts, but with issues #9 (and then continuing until the end of this omnibus with #42) Bill Mantlo takes over the writing reigns. (The art kind of bounces around between different people including Sal Buscema and Jim Mooney for extended periods but it's honestly never really noteworthy.) Bill Mantlo is writing at the same time as Len Wein and Marv Wolfman and to be honest... he does not really live up to their greatness. For this entire omnibus, these feel like second-rate Spidey stories. I wouldn't go as far as saying they are bad, but they are far from excellent.
From his very first issue writing, Mantlo brings in Latino hero (from The Bronx) White Tiger/Hector Ayala to Peter's stable of regular friends and the two adventure around together a decent amount, but then around issue #32, when Peter transitions to grad school, Hector suddenly drops off. It seemed like a bit of wasted character development, and I've already given my thoughts on the somewhat lackluster band of grad school characters he is replaced with up at the beginning of this review. Flash Thompson, who has been in the Spider-Man mythos for a long time, shows up a lot throughout all of the Spectacular series but the character development is very surface-level. Once Peter reaches grad school he begins working with Curt Connors regularly, who has been one of Spider-Man's only friends (in his hero persona) for a long time so it is at least cool to see the scientist get more page time. (Even though, again, the relationship is not developed very deeply.)
The introduction of a bumbling Midwestern superhero with Razorback was not received well at the time but I actually kind of liked him in a goofy sort of way. Lightmaster, the Enforcers, and others were... alright villains but not great. I'd say the high points at which the book was truly "good" (again, still not "excellent") were the six-part Carrion storyline, and (ironically) the team-up issues with heroes like Daredevil and Moon Knight.
In all? 3.5 stars. If you're a big Spiderphile you should read this book, and if you're really committed you can do it as I did by reading it in chronological order with how Spidey appears integrated with Amazing Spider-Man and Marvel Team-Up. (Then you get the full, continuous story.) However, for everyone else I would recommend skipping this, it's not worth your time and is not a good introduction to Spider-Man of this era. Go read Amazing Spider-Man instead.
The Spectacular Spider-Man was ambitious. It starts out with the Marvel creative staff claiming that they are going to keep this book in tight continuity with the two existing series, and that the story of Spider-Man will weave in-and-out of all three books in a neat way that had never been done before. Spectacular, it was claimed, would focus more on Peter's personal life and side cast while the flagship Amazing book would continue focusing mostly on Peter's big epic battles and important life moments. It was a really neat concept because much of the appeal of the Spider-Man story is how Peter relates to his supporting cast and what goes on in the life of civilian his alter-ego!
The coordinated meetings between all three Spider-Man writers do indeed occur and they plan out the Spider-Man storyline's general shape months in advance. However, from the very first issue of Spectacular it becomes very clear that the grand ideas and premise for the book and its interaction with the other two Spider-titles do not come to pass in the way the editorial staff had hoped. For one, the passing off of Spider-Man's supporting cast to Spectacular never happens. In fact, for the first half of the forty-two issues presented in this omnibus, the opposite is true, and The Amazing Spider-Man continues to feature all of the interesting character development with Peter and his peers while Spectacular shows less time with Spider-Man outside of his costume, sometimes never even changing out of it for full issues! By the second half of the book, the Marvel staff realizes that their original grandiose plans are not going to pan out and they tentatively pivot to a new format: Spectacular will focus on Spider-Man's life in college and his connections there while Amazing covers the "rest" of his life. It's a better format and it at least sticks to what it promises, but the experience results in feeling like the reader is observing two separate, parallel lives of Peter Parker: one in which all of these interesting, complex relationships play out with characters he has had in his life for years (Amazing), and another comprised of primarily new characters with sort-of-interesting dynamics that don't run nearly as deep. (Spectacular.) Peter transitions to grad school part way through the book and they introduce a new group cast all at once, but then develop them very unevenly. (Phillip Chang gets an entire arc dedicated to his troubled backstory while Steve Hopkins is introduced at a similar time and given practically nothing to flesh him out. And then they also introduce Chip Martin as one of the gang, but as soon as they reveal his interesting backstory they write him out of the book altogether!)
For the first few issues there is no consistent writer for the book, leading to things kind of progressing in fits and starts, but with issues #9 (and then continuing until the end of this omnibus with #42) Bill Mantlo takes over the writing reigns. (The art kind of bounces around between different people including Sal Buscema and Jim Mooney for extended periods but it's honestly never really noteworthy.) Bill Mantlo is writing at the same time as Len Wein and Marv Wolfman and to be honest... he does not really live up to their greatness. For this entire omnibus, these feel like second-rate Spidey stories. I wouldn't go as far as saying they are bad, but they are far from excellent.
From his very first issue writing, Mantlo brings in Latino hero (from The Bronx) White Tiger/Hector Ayala to Peter's stable of regular friends and the two adventure around together a decent amount, but then around issue #32, when Peter transitions to grad school, Hector suddenly drops off. It seemed like a bit of wasted character development, and I've already given my thoughts on the somewhat lackluster band of grad school characters he is replaced with up at the beginning of this review. Flash Thompson, who has been in the Spider-Man mythos for a long time, shows up a lot throughout all of the Spectacular series but the character development is very surface-level. Once Peter reaches grad school he begins working with Curt Connors regularly, who has been one of Spider-Man's only friends (in his hero persona) for a long time so it is at least cool to see the scientist get more page time. (Even though, again, the relationship is not developed very deeply.)
The introduction of a bumbling Midwestern superhero with Razorback was not received well at the time but I actually kind of liked him in a goofy sort of way. Lightmaster, the Enforcers, and others were... alright villains but not great. I'd say the high points at which the book was truly "good" (again, still not "excellent") were the six-part Carrion storyline, and (ironically) the team-up issues with heroes like Daredevil and Moon Knight.
In all? 3.5 stars. If you're a big Spiderphile you should read this book, and if you're really committed you can do it as I did by reading it in chronological order with how Spidey appears integrated with Amazing Spider-Man and Marvel Team-Up. (Then you get the full, continuous story.) However, for everyone else I would recommend skipping this, it's not worth your time and is not a good introduction to Spider-Man of this era. Go read Amazing Spider-Man instead.
December 17, 2025
I can't handle Bronze Age Comics anymore and this volume is no exception.
In 1976 Marvel decided to publish a third monthly Spider-Man series, besides The Amazing Spider-Man and Marvel Team-Up, because money. The problem is, these two magazines have a very clear identity: Amazing Spider-Man is the main Spider-Man book and Team-Up features a rotating cast of guest heroes. Spectacular Spider-Man has no clear identity whatsoever. At first, Marvel claims that the book deals with the every day life of Peter Parker. A few issues into the volume, Marvel ditches this idea and references Amazing Spider-Man whenever something major happens in Peter Parker's life.
As such, the book often feels like an afterthought, featuring stories with no consequences. Fortunately, at some point the magazine uses it's own cast of Supporting characters and even has some meaningful story lines. I did enjoy the stories with Sha Shan and the Maggia.
All of my problems with comics from the 70s are prevalent here, though: Bloated writing, bad artwork, frequent mistakes in both the colouring and lettering, e.g. 'Read Richards'. Female characters exist to be damsels in distress and are treated like garbage by their friends and lovers. Heroes are jerks in their every day life and the villains are 1 dimensional with no clear motivation.
I will admit that a few stories are charming in the way Spider-Man defeats his villains, but those moments get drowned in a wave of meaningless and boring stories in a book that is trying to find it's identity.
As such, I wouldn't recommend this omnibus to anybody. Spider-Man fans should pick up more modern stories and Bronze Age fans should pick up the Amazing Spider-Man from the Bronze Age instead.
In 1976 Marvel decided to publish a third monthly Spider-Man series, besides The Amazing Spider-Man and Marvel Team-Up, because money. The problem is, these two magazines have a very clear identity: Amazing Spider-Man is the main Spider-Man book and Team-Up features a rotating cast of guest heroes. Spectacular Spider-Man has no clear identity whatsoever. At first, Marvel claims that the book deals with the every day life of Peter Parker. A few issues into the volume, Marvel ditches this idea and references Amazing Spider-Man whenever something major happens in Peter Parker's life.
As such, the book often feels like an afterthought, featuring stories with no consequences. Fortunately, at some point the magazine uses it's own cast of Supporting characters and even has some meaningful story lines. I did enjoy the stories with Sha Shan and the Maggia.
All of my problems with comics from the 70s are prevalent here, though: Bloated writing, bad artwork, frequent mistakes in both the colouring and lettering, e.g. 'Read Richards'. Female characters exist to be damsels in distress and are treated like garbage by their friends and lovers. Heroes are jerks in their every day life and the villains are 1 dimensional with no clear motivation.
I will admit that a few stories are charming in the way Spider-Man defeats his villains, but those moments get drowned in a wave of meaningless and boring stories in a book that is trying to find it's identity.
As such, I wouldn't recommend this omnibus to anybody. Spider-Man fans should pick up more modern stories and Bronze Age fans should pick up the Amazing Spider-Man from the Bronze Age instead.
March 5, 2025
This is the best comic book compilation that I now own. That's not to say that the stories are the best. Many of them are ridiculous, even for comics. But we Spider-Man fans understand that that's going to be the case at times.
This is the best because it's a great reproduction of this series. I never understood before why this series existed, but it's made clear that Spider-Man was so popular that Marvel decided to add a THIRD series of comics featuring him as the star. The challenge was to keep it consistent with the other two series that were running simultaneously.
This book is a bit pricey, but the comics are provided in full color on firm paper, and the fan letters that were published in the original comic books are provided! I never saw that before in a compilation book!
If you're a fan who is wavering because of the price, go for it, then enjoy yourself.
This is the best because it's a great reproduction of this series. I never understood before why this series existed, but it's made clear that Spider-Man was so popular that Marvel decided to add a THIRD series of comics featuring him as the star. The challenge was to keep it consistent with the other two series that were running simultaneously.
This book is a bit pricey, but the comics are provided in full color on firm paper, and the fan letters that were published in the original comic books are provided! I never saw that before in a compilation book!
If you're a fan who is wavering because of the price, go for it, then enjoy yourself.
February 10, 2024
I liked this more than I expected. It was just as entertaining (most of the time) as the concurrent Amazing Spider-Man series.
May 5, 2025
Fun and energetic collection that showcases Peter Parker's personal struggles alongside classic superhero action with a unique and sometimes goofy flair.
The stories cover memorable confrontations with villains like Tarantula, Vulture, Hypno-Hustler, and Carrion, while digging into Peter's relationships with his peers and his Aunt May.
It's an enjoyable, character-driven run that balances humor, heart, and drama in equal measure.
The stories cover memorable confrontations with villains like Tarantula, Vulture, Hypno-Hustler, and Carrion, while digging into Peter's relationships with his peers and his Aunt May.
It's an enjoyable, character-driven run that balances humor, heart, and drama in equal measure.
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