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The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #88-92
Spider-Man: The Death of Captain Stacy
The tragic death of Captain Stacy brings changes to the life of Peter Parker and has a drastic effect on his relationship with his first love, Gwen Stacy.
The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #88-92
The Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #88-92
112 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1970
3 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,567 books2,336 followersStan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 29, 2023
Classic Spider-Man stories from the early days. I was a teenager in high school when these stories were first published. Onto the death of Gwen next!
July 21, 2018
Ehh...it was alright. Captain Stacy's death was rather rushed. It just happens in one moments and just ends all of the sudden.
The aftermath of this death is that all of New York blames Spider-Man for being a supposed murderer, and so they all go on to hate him because of it. An interesting development takes place where Gwen Stacy believes that Spider-Man actually was responsible for her father's murder, so this dynamic between her and Peter Parker is especially significant. What is Peter to do now that his girlfriend thinks his alter-ego is a killer – and of her father, no less? It made his life much harder from there on out, especially since he had always wanted to reveal his identity to her, but obviously could not at that moment.
Though some elements of The Death of Captain Stacy were cool, not enough of it was that next-level great that I was expecting. Unfortunately for the main story, I actually ended up being more invested in the side villain plot centering around Bullit being taken down for being a corrupt racist; this subplot managed to be far more enjoyable and worthy of investment.
I would give a better review due to its significance to the Spidey universe and being linked to the Death of Gwen Stacy shortly thereafter, but it's pretty forgettable on its own merits. If more time were devoted to Spider-Man's emotional fragility after Captain Stacy's death and Gwen's subsequent reaction to Spider-Man's true identity, then perhaps this storyline could be salvaged for attempting to flesh out the narrative in a more deep and complex manner. But any attempt at focusing on the psychological and emotional ramifications of the death was ruined when this graphic novel instead opted to forego any such impactful aspects in favor of other, frankly uninteresting components of the main story.
The aftermath of this death is that all of New York blames Spider-Man for being a supposed murderer, and so they all go on to hate him because of it. An interesting development takes place where Gwen Stacy believes that Spider-Man actually was responsible for her father's murder, so this dynamic between her and Peter Parker is especially significant. What is Peter to do now that his girlfriend thinks his alter-ego is a killer – and of her father, no less? It made his life much harder from there on out, especially since he had always wanted to reveal his identity to her, but obviously could not at that moment.
Though some elements of The Death of Captain Stacy were cool, not enough of it was that next-level great that I was expecting. Unfortunately for the main story, I actually ended up being more invested in the side villain plot centering around Bullit being taken down for being a corrupt racist; this subplot managed to be far more enjoyable and worthy of investment.
I would give a better review due to its significance to the Spidey universe and being linked to the Death of Gwen Stacy shortly thereafter, but it's pretty forgettable on its own merits. If more time were devoted to Spider-Man's emotional fragility after Captain Stacy's death and Gwen's subsequent reaction to Spider-Man's true identity, then perhaps this storyline could be salvaged for attempting to flesh out the narrative in a more deep and complex manner. But any attempt at focusing on the psychological and emotional ramifications of the death was ruined when this graphic novel instead opted to forego any such impactful aspects in favor of other, frankly uninteresting components of the main story.
May 22, 2025
I mean, Silver Age comics and especially Silver Age Spider-Man are always an enjoyable romp. This is interesting from a historical perspective to read, even if it’s not the most memorable of stories.
The death of Captain Stacy doesn’t carry the kind of emotional weight one would think it would. In fact, the 3 issues leading up to it are basically just a series of long fight scenes between Spidey and Doc Ock — which, to be clear, are awesome because they’re drawn by John Romita and Gil Kane, but not much in terms of plot.
After that, the remaining two issues focus mostly on a new villain in the form Bullit, a hard-right candidate for D.A. It’s interesting to see such an overtly political stance taken in a 1970 comic book, especially when viewed from a 2025 lens.
The overall cartoonishness of these issues stands in sharp contrast to the turn taken just a few issues later as we start to introduce the famous “drug issues,” which ultimately lead to one of the defining events of the Bronze Age: the death of Gwen Stacy.
At the end of the day, these 5 issues are still a fun read and interesting for historical context, even if they’re not the most memorable Spidey adventure.
The death of Captain Stacy doesn’t carry the kind of emotional weight one would think it would. In fact, the 3 issues leading up to it are basically just a series of long fight scenes between Spidey and Doc Ock — which, to be clear, are awesome because they’re drawn by John Romita and Gil Kane, but not much in terms of plot.
After that, the remaining two issues focus mostly on a new villain in the form Bullit, a hard-right candidate for D.A. It’s interesting to see such an overtly political stance taken in a 1970 comic book, especially when viewed from a 2025 lens.
The overall cartoonishness of these issues stands in sharp contrast to the turn taken just a few issues later as we start to introduce the famous “drug issues,” which ultimately lead to one of the defining events of the Bronze Age: the death of Gwen Stacy.
At the end of the day, these 5 issues are still a fun read and interesting for historical context, even if they’re not the most memorable Spidey adventure.
November 18, 2023
I was intrigued by this story for a few reasons. I remember liking Doctor Octopus as a kid, so now that I'm getting back into Spider-Man, I'm looking for his stories more than others. Then, in the current run by Zeb Wells, Gwen Stacy shows up in an issue, and Marvel reprinted the issue where she dies. When I went to look for that, I found "The Death of Gwen Stacy" TPB, and saw this next to it, and figured I should get it, too.
The art is pretty solid throughout, and I enjoyed the slight campiness of it. Captain Stacy's death was an indirect result of Dr. Octopus and Spider-Man's fight, which wasn't what I was expecting.
I really have only known Mary Jane Watson as Spider-Man's love interest, so it's good to get background on one of the most important characters of his backstory.
The art is pretty solid throughout, and I enjoyed the slight campiness of it. Captain Stacy's death was an indirect result of Dr. Octopus and Spider-Man's fight, which wasn't what I was expecting.
I really have only known Mary Jane Watson as Spider-Man's love interest, so it's good to get background on one of the most important characters of his backstory.
March 17, 2020
It's a nicely interconnected arc or stories despite Captain Stacey's death actually taking up very few pages across the whole thing.
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April 17, 2025John Romita Sr. 🙌🏼
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July 30, 2011Spiderman is forced to say goodbye the girl he loved.
October 29, 2017
The Amazing Spiderman
The Death of Captain Stacy (Issue 86-93)
This is a review for Marvel Pocketbook that covers The amazing Spiderman from 86-93. WOW! These Pocketbooks are just wow and they are so less in price and they contains much much details about Spiderman. Years ago I got them from a shop in just 250 RS each but for no reason I never read any of them. So, this is me starting to read all of them one by one. They really worth the time.
You know why Stan Lee is called the Legend because his stories aren't just gripping but its all about like you are living with Spiderman on all these pages. He's not only a web shooting, wall crawling, always caught up in between action kinda man, but he's also emotional and try to live a normal life which is in jeopardy because of his role as Spiderman. Even after having all these mighty superior powers he loses so much. Always wonders what makes these Superheroes so strong? So strong that they can even lose their dreams just to set the right things up.
Recently I read some latest (not so latest) comics and I must say that this old one is far more superior than the modern one. That's why we have a saying 'old is gold.' This is true gold.
The action is like you are watching a live action movie. While reading all these things by myself it was better experience than a movie. That's the best thing about comics.. you read all the dialogues by yourself and sometimes it just feels like these characters aren't just any comic character anymore.. you can feel their anger, their emotions, their frustration, their guilt, their loses and everything.
The main villain in the comic is Doc Ock. The genius man with living tentacles has proved many times that he is a worthy opponent to Spiderman than any other. All the action among these tentacles reminded me of Spiderman 2 of Tobey's. Ice man and Prowler are just icing on the cake for the action freaks.
Relationship between Parker and Gwen is so beautiful. Gwen is so devoted and cares for Peter so much but Parker really sometimes acts like an A-hole. But I don't think he can really help this out as Spiderman's actions are more important than Peter's. It's like a never ending fight for Peter Parker, not only against his deadliest foes but also against himself. As Joker says something like that, 'a man manage to find a way to win but everybody still loses.'
It's a great read. It really it with not a single dull moment in all 168 pages. Go get it and read it if you haven't.
The Death of Captain Stacy (Issue 86-93)
This is a review for Marvel Pocketbook that covers The amazing Spiderman from 86-93. WOW! These Pocketbooks are just wow and they are so less in price and they contains much much details about Spiderman. Years ago I got them from a shop in just 250 RS each but for no reason I never read any of them. So, this is me starting to read all of them one by one. They really worth the time.
You know why Stan Lee is called the Legend because his stories aren't just gripping but its all about like you are living with Spiderman on all these pages. He's not only a web shooting, wall crawling, always caught up in between action kinda man, but he's also emotional and try to live a normal life which is in jeopardy because of his role as Spiderman. Even after having all these mighty superior powers he loses so much. Always wonders what makes these Superheroes so strong? So strong that they can even lose their dreams just to set the right things up.
Recently I read some latest (not so latest) comics and I must say that this old one is far more superior than the modern one. That's why we have a saying 'old is gold.' This is true gold.
The action is like you are watching a live action movie. While reading all these things by myself it was better experience than a movie. That's the best thing about comics.. you read all the dialogues by yourself and sometimes it just feels like these characters aren't just any comic character anymore.. you can feel their anger, their emotions, their frustration, their guilt, their loses and everything.
The main villain in the comic is Doc Ock. The genius man with living tentacles has proved many times that he is a worthy opponent to Spiderman than any other. All the action among these tentacles reminded me of Spiderman 2 of Tobey's. Ice man and Prowler are just icing on the cake for the action freaks.
Relationship between Parker and Gwen is so beautiful. Gwen is so devoted and cares for Peter so much but Parker really sometimes acts like an A-hole. But I don't think he can really help this out as Spiderman's actions are more important than Peter's. It's like a never ending fight for Peter Parker, not only against his deadliest foes but also against himself. As Joker says something like that, 'a man manage to find a way to win but everybody still loses.'
It's a great read. It really it with not a single dull moment in all 168 pages. Go get it and read it if you haven't.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews