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The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #88-92, 121-122
Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys
Spider-Man's career has often been shaped by tragedy, but rarely as much as in the story of the Stacy's. Two of Spider-Man's greatest enemies, Doc Ock and the Green Goblin, made comic-book history by killing the wall-crawler's police officer mentor, Captain Stacy, and his first true love, Gwen.
147 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1973
28 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,566 books2,334 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 - 30 of 104 reviews
November 13, 2018
...and the Marvel Universe was never the same.
This collected edition includes “Amazing Spider-Man” #88-92 and #121-122. Due the spoiling TPB’s title (and chosen cover art) is pointless to avoid mentioning that the deaths of Captain Stacy and Gwen Stacy are featured here.
Creative Team:
Writers: Stan Lee & Gerry Conway
Illustrators: Gil Kane & John Romita, Sr.
DEADLIEST FOES
I was always your superior – mentally – physically – in every way!
Doctor Octopus and Green Goblin.
I grew up in an era when those two characters were the deadliest foes of Spider-Man.
In Costa Rica (my country) there weren’t Marvel comic books when I was a kid, only from DC translated through a Mexican publishing company (Editorial Novaro). So, my knowledge about Spider-Man came from the now classic TV animated series (that one with the catchy music theme!). Therefore, I knew about many classic villains like Vulture, Dr. Lizard, Electro, and even The Fly that I really liked a lot since he was always framing Spider-Man, so I found a more dangerous enemy, of course, how The Fly could survive if Venom just took his basic semblance adding a cool White Spider-symbol and a menacing mouth? No, The Fly resulted pointless after Venom had risen. Rest in Peace, The Fly. Long Live Venom, the deadliest foe of Spider-Man.
However, since I wasn’t able to buy any Marvel comics at that time. To me, the deadliest foes were Doctor Octopus and Green Goblin, and while I do like Venom and recognize why he is so popular between fans, I still have a preference for Doc Ock and The Green Goblin. What hits first, hits twice.
Reading now, this classic storyline was such a treat when I read that quote that I put at the beginning of this block. Superior, that word, in 1970. Priceless, now when we live in an era after the storyline of Superior Spider-Man, where Otto Octavious interchanged minds with Peter Parker, taking control of his body. It wasn’t an adjective chosen by chance. All was part of the plan (sort of, hehe). That’s why I love comic books!
Doctor Octopus wasn’t directly responsible of Captain Stacy’s death, but one of his actions during the battle did contribute to it. And Green Goblin was directly responsible for Gwen’s death.
When villains kill major characters and provoke pain and suffering to the hero, that’s why they clearly become the deadliest foes of that hero. It’s not about how cool the villain looks, it’s not about how powerful is, it’s not about if that villain has some unfair advantage over the hero. No. Pain and suffering to the hero defines the deadliest foes of that hero.
SNAP
...you killed the woman I love... ...and for that you’re going to die!
I guess that Stan Lee hadn’t the heart to kill Gwen (since he left the title a few issues before), so Gerry Conway got in to do it. It wasn’t hard for him, since on the introduction to the collected edition, Conway is quite honest and he confessed that he didn’t like Gwen and that he found her boring and he prefered Mary Jane.
I am unbiasied about it, since (once again) I learned about Spider-Man through the TV animated series, so I grew up thinking that Betty Brant was THE love interest of Peter Parker! What a shock to me later to hear about those girls, Gwen and Mary Jane. (Yes, Mary Jane did appear in late episodes of the TV animated series but seriously, it was when the animation become awful and classic villains weren’t appearing anymore, so I had remembered better the more amazing early episodes).
But, getting back to Conway, he was honest about his feelings about the character and definitely Gwen’s death redefined the whole course of Marvel Universe, but I think that killing off a character just because the writer found it boring and/or just don’t like it, it’s the easy way, too easy. Even the whole scenario was left open to interpretation. Was Gwen already dead? Did she really died while falling? Did the sudden stop due the webbing caused it? There is a craftiness to leave open to interpretation all that, but again, if Conway really dislike Gwen, and he decided to kill her off, he must had some balls (every good writer need them (even if it’s a female writer! (You know what I mean!))) and to write her death, in clear way, just as he designed it on his mind.
For me, I found more adequate the sad possible scenario where Peter killed her by accident due the way that he grabbed her with the webbing. Sad, horrible and unforgivable, but what the story deserved. That’s why Gwen’s death is so impacting. Captain Stacy died by his decision, died as a hero, a great death. But Gwen’s death is so sad, so soon, so unfair, that breaks the heart of anyone with warm blood on the veins.
Writing is not only a job, it’s a “call”, and writers must give to readers what they deserve to “hear”, even if readers don’t like it. And sometimes, leaving open to interpretation isn’t the right choice.
Moreover, I think that a talented writer works with characters that doesn’t like and gets the better out of them and turning to be interesting even for the writer him/herself, Killing is cheap. Living is hard.
However, I meditated about what Conway said in his introduction, exposing that Gwen’s death unchained a darkness factor in the whole Marvel Universe. After her death, the Marvel Universe turned to be a darker place. Original Captain Marvel died. The first son, of Reed and Susan, died. Even Peter Parker’s soul got a darkness inside that makes him more susceptible to... yes... that black suit... ...and Venom had risen.
So, while I think that it could be more challenging for Conway to find a way to work with Gwen’s character and making her an appealing character to him. I have to recognize that certainly her death gave, in 1973, a darkness that Marvel Universe needed to mature, to evolve, to move to the next step of storytelling.
Marvel Universe become a colder place without Gwen Stacy’s warm heart on it anymore. What was her sin? To be sweet and beautiful? Is that really something boring? Sweetness and beauty is what stop us to fall into the madness’ abyss. Did her death helped to make Marvel Universe stronger? Oh, yes. But definitely it was a too high price to pay.
Additional Comment: (November, 12th, 2018)
R.I.P. Stan Lee
Thanks for sharing your brilliance with the world.
This collected edition includes “Amazing Spider-Man” #88-92 and #121-122. Due the spoiling TPB’s title (and chosen cover art) is pointless to avoid mentioning that the deaths of Captain Stacy and Gwen Stacy are featured here.
Creative Team:
Writers: Stan Lee & Gerry Conway
Illustrators: Gil Kane & John Romita, Sr.
DEADLIEST FOES
I was always your superior – mentally – physically – in every way!
Doctor Octopus and Green Goblin.
I grew up in an era when those two characters were the deadliest foes of Spider-Man.
In Costa Rica (my country) there weren’t Marvel comic books when I was a kid, only from DC translated through a Mexican publishing company (Editorial Novaro). So, my knowledge about Spider-Man came from the now classic TV animated series (that one with the catchy music theme!). Therefore, I knew about many classic villains like Vulture, Dr. Lizard, Electro, and even The Fly that I really liked a lot since he was always framing Spider-Man, so I found a more dangerous enemy, of course, how The Fly could survive if Venom just took his basic semblance adding a cool White Spider-symbol and a menacing mouth? No, The Fly resulted pointless after Venom had risen. Rest in Peace, The Fly. Long Live Venom, the deadliest foe of Spider-Man.
However, since I wasn’t able to buy any Marvel comics at that time. To me, the deadliest foes were Doctor Octopus and Green Goblin, and while I do like Venom and recognize why he is so popular between fans, I still have a preference for Doc Ock and The Green Goblin. What hits first, hits twice.
Reading now, this classic storyline was such a treat when I read that quote that I put at the beginning of this block. Superior, that word, in 1970. Priceless, now when we live in an era after the storyline of Superior Spider-Man, where Otto Octavious interchanged minds with Peter Parker, taking control of his body. It wasn’t an adjective chosen by chance. All was part of the plan (sort of, hehe). That’s why I love comic books!
Doctor Octopus wasn’t directly responsible of Captain Stacy’s death, but one of his actions during the battle did contribute to it. And Green Goblin was directly responsible for Gwen’s death.
When villains kill major characters and provoke pain and suffering to the hero, that’s why they clearly become the deadliest foes of that hero. It’s not about how cool the villain looks, it’s not about how powerful is, it’s not about if that villain has some unfair advantage over the hero. No. Pain and suffering to the hero defines the deadliest foes of that hero.
SNAP
...you killed the woman I love... ...and for that you’re going to die!
I guess that Stan Lee hadn’t the heart to kill Gwen (since he left the title a few issues before), so Gerry Conway got in to do it. It wasn’t hard for him, since on the introduction to the collected edition, Conway is quite honest and he confessed that he didn’t like Gwen and that he found her boring and he prefered Mary Jane.
I am unbiasied about it, since (once again) I learned about Spider-Man through the TV animated series, so I grew up thinking that Betty Brant was THE love interest of Peter Parker! What a shock to me later to hear about those girls, Gwen and Mary Jane. (Yes, Mary Jane did appear in late episodes of the TV animated series but seriously, it was when the animation become awful and classic villains weren’t appearing anymore, so I had remembered better the more amazing early episodes).
But, getting back to Conway, he was honest about his feelings about the character and definitely Gwen’s death redefined the whole course of Marvel Universe, but I think that killing off a character just because the writer found it boring and/or just don’t like it, it’s the easy way, too easy. Even the whole scenario was left open to interpretation. Was Gwen already dead? Did she really died while falling? Did the sudden stop due the webbing caused it? There is a craftiness to leave open to interpretation all that, but again, if Conway really dislike Gwen, and he decided to kill her off, he must had some balls (every good writer need them (even if it’s a female writer! (You know what I mean!))) and to write her death, in clear way, just as he designed it on his mind.
For me, I found more adequate the sad possible scenario where Peter killed her by accident due the way that he grabbed her with the webbing. Sad, horrible and unforgivable, but what the story deserved. That’s why Gwen’s death is so impacting. Captain Stacy died by his decision, died as a hero, a great death. But Gwen’s death is so sad, so soon, so unfair, that breaks the heart of anyone with warm blood on the veins.
Writing is not only a job, it’s a “call”, and writers must give to readers what they deserve to “hear”, even if readers don’t like it. And sometimes, leaving open to interpretation isn’t the right choice.
Moreover, I think that a talented writer works with characters that doesn’t like and gets the better out of them and turning to be interesting even for the writer him/herself, Killing is cheap. Living is hard.
However, I meditated about what Conway said in his introduction, exposing that Gwen’s death unchained a darkness factor in the whole Marvel Universe. After her death, the Marvel Universe turned to be a darker place. Original Captain Marvel died. The first son, of Reed and Susan, died. Even Peter Parker’s soul got a darkness inside that makes him more susceptible to... yes... that black suit... ...and Venom had risen.
So, while I think that it could be more challenging for Conway to find a way to work with Gwen’s character and making her an appealing character to him. I have to recognize that certainly her death gave, in 1973, a darkness that Marvel Universe needed to mature, to evolve, to move to the next step of storytelling.
Marvel Universe become a colder place without Gwen Stacy’s warm heart on it anymore. What was her sin? To be sweet and beautiful? Is that really something boring? Sweetness and beauty is what stop us to fall into the madness’ abyss. Did her death helped to make Marvel Universe stronger? Oh, yes. But definitely it was a too high price to pay.
Additional Comment: (November, 12th, 2018)
R.I.P. Stan Lee
Thanks for sharing your brilliance with the world.
September 26, 2016
Warning: If you’ve never read a Spider-Man comic or seen a Spider-Man movie, then spoilers!
You can’t go home again!
You can’t put that magic and wonder of your first comic back in a bottle and re-apply it; especially if you were weaned on Silver Age comics.
This was the very first comic that I remember reading – my first introduction to Spider-Man. I was captivated, thrilled. Spider-Man vs. the Lizard!! And the Astonishing Ant-Man against his arch-nemisis – Egghead. I was five years old and discovered something that would carry me through for many years of excitement and enjoyment.
Antman vs. Egghead = That’s entertainment, baby!!
Now, how does revisiting comics from this era (to be honest, towards the end of the Silver Age) register on the Wow meter now that I have a tendency to review most of these stories from a jaundiced, cynical POV?
Should I embrace my comic book reading inner child?
Let’s parse this volume up, shall we?
Part, the first: Captain Stacy bites the dust.
Nice save, Pops! The kid grows up to run a meth lab…
Five issues of Stan Lee phoning it in and let's face it, his days as a writer were almost behind him – Cheesy dialogue, expositional writing and thought balloons out the wazoo, overall, it’s a comic written down to your average 1st grader.
The first two issues are about Stacy’s death, the other three devoted to Spider-Man going after a crooked politician named Bullitt, all the while being chased by Iceman because of one of those kooky, classic super hero misunderstandings.
It was sorta a reunion of Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends sans the hot babe.
Next: How to rate one of those top 10 watershed comics moments. Gerry Conway, the writer, in an introduction written for this volume, claimed that the dark tone of the book set the stage for other darker comic stories to come (e.g. The Dark Phoenix Saga). He might be overstating his case a bit, but this story still packs somewhat of a punch.
We know it’s not Aunt May, cuz that withered old broad is immortal.
This story is a huge part of the Spider-Man mythos and the death scene(s) were incorporated into both runs of the Spider-Man movies. For starters, Harry Osborn has just dropped acid (I’m not kidding) and this puts Norman Osborn over the edge.
So it’s a fine day to wreak havoc on the Spider-Man, with the target being Gwen Stacy. Sadly, push comes to shove and we get an uncharacteristically vengeful hero.
They don’t build Goblin Gliders like the used to…
Don’t be sad for Norman Osborn, he took his weird, carpet-headed haircut and vacationed in Europe for twenty years of continuity to come back just in time for the “fabulous” Clone Saga.
A little pathos:
Mary Jane steps up and out of her go-go boots.
Bottom line: Skip the Death of Captain Stacy and read the last two issues. Sure they’re over forty years old, but it’s what every Spider-Man fan should read at least once.
And…You can’t go home again. *sigh*
You can’t go home again!
You can’t put that magic and wonder of your first comic back in a bottle and re-apply it; especially if you were weaned on Silver Age comics.
This was the very first comic that I remember reading – my first introduction to Spider-Man. I was captivated, thrilled. Spider-Man vs. the Lizard!! And the Astonishing Ant-Man against his arch-nemisis – Egghead. I was five years old and discovered something that would carry me through for many years of excitement and enjoyment.
Antman vs. Egghead = That’s entertainment, baby!!
Now, how does revisiting comics from this era (to be honest, towards the end of the Silver Age) register on the Wow meter now that I have a tendency to review most of these stories from a jaundiced, cynical POV?
Should I embrace my comic book reading inner child?
Let’s parse this volume up, shall we?
Part, the first: Captain Stacy bites the dust.
Nice save, Pops! The kid grows up to run a meth lab…
Five issues of Stan Lee phoning it in and let's face it, his days as a writer were almost behind him – Cheesy dialogue, expositional writing and thought balloons out the wazoo, overall, it’s a comic written down to your average 1st grader.
The first two issues are about Stacy’s death, the other three devoted to Spider-Man going after a crooked politician named Bullitt, all the while being chased by Iceman because of one of those kooky, classic super hero misunderstandings.
It was sorta a reunion of Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends sans the hot babe.
Next: How to rate one of those top 10 watershed comics moments. Gerry Conway, the writer, in an introduction written for this volume, claimed that the dark tone of the book set the stage for other darker comic stories to come (e.g. The Dark Phoenix Saga). He might be overstating his case a bit, but this story still packs somewhat of a punch.
We know it’s not Aunt May, cuz that withered old broad is immortal.
This story is a huge part of the Spider-Man mythos and the death scene(s) were incorporated into both runs of the Spider-Man movies. For starters, Harry Osborn has just dropped acid (I’m not kidding) and this puts Norman Osborn over the edge.
So it’s a fine day to wreak havoc on the Spider-Man, with the target being Gwen Stacy. Sadly, push comes to shove and we get an uncharacteristically vengeful hero.
They don’t build Goblin Gliders like the used to…
Don’t be sad for Norman Osborn, he took his weird, carpet-headed haircut and vacationed in Europe for twenty years of continuity to come back just in time for the “fabulous” Clone Saga.
A little pathos:
Mary Jane steps up and out of her go-go boots.
Bottom line: Skip the Death of Captain Stacy and read the last two issues. Sure they’re over forty years old, but it’s what every Spider-Man fan should read at least once.
And…You can’t go home again. *sigh*
November 12, 2024
Romanian review: Este prima dată când citesc un volum de benzi desenate scris de Stan Lee. Cu siguranță, Stan Lee este un om cu o creativitate și un spirit de inovație extraordinare- el este părintele universului Marvel și al eroilor săi cei mai faimoși- dar asta nu înseamnă că este cel mai bun scriitor. Mi-a plăcut acest volum și sunt sigur că dacă aș fi citit toate cele 120 de numere- nu doar această colecție- ar fi avut un impact emoțional mai mare, dar am o problemă cu scrierea din benzile desenate. Pur și simplu, mi se pare prea simplă și generică. Poate încă nu am citit eu cele mai bune volume (sper ca în curând să citesc ceva de Alan Moore), însă dialogurile din acest gen de literatură lasă adesea de dorit; aceasta este părerea mea strict personală.
Dacă nu mi-ar fi plăcut atât de mult "Avengers: Infinity War", nu aș fi început să citesc benzi desenate. Cred că cei de la Marvel au dat lovitura pe toate planurile, sunt sigur că benzile lor desenate se vând mai bine ca niciodată.
Per total, a fost o lectură plăcută. Decizia de a o ucide pe Gwen Stacy a influențat cu siguranță poveștile din universul Marvel, fiind un pas înainte pentru Epoca de Argint a benzilor desenate, în care nimeni nu murea niciodată. "Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys" primește de la mine 3.5 stele.
English review: This is my first time reading a comic written by Stan Lee. There’s no doubt that Stan Lee was an incredibly creative and innovative person—he’s the father of the Marvel universe and its most famous heroes—but that doesn’t mean he was the best writer. I enjoyed this volume, and I’m sure if I had read all 120 issues—not just this collection—it would have had more emotional impact. Still, I have some issues with comic book writing in general. It feels too simple and generic to me. Perhaps I haven’t yet read the best volumes (I’m hoping to read something by Alan Moore soon), but in my experience, the dialogue in this genre often leaves something to be desired; this is just my personal view.
If it weren't for how much I loved "Avengers: Infinity War", I might not have started reading comics. I think Marvel has truly hit it big in all areas, and I’m sure their comics are selling better than ever.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The decision to kill off Gwen Stacy was a bold one, marking a significant change in Marvel's storytelling and a step forward for the Silver Age of comics, where no one ever seemed to die. "Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys" gets a solid 3.5 stars from me.
December 17, 2021
This was heartbreaking, knowing Gwen is going to die and seeing Peter struggle to fight and save her just makes the whole thing even sadder. This is one of Spider-Man’s most iconic stories for a reason.
April 4, 2022
crying in the club rn
October 19, 2014
I had already read most of this collection in an Essential book, but I wanted to see how it read put together in a single collection.
This is a very solid book. One of the more enjoyable I read recently. The book deals with the death of both Captain Stacy and Gwen Stacy, but even without those two major Spider-Man events, it would still be an enjoyable read. As a fan of the early days of Spider-Man, I'm a fan of both Doctor Octopus and Green Goblin. A book with them both as the main villains is basically a guaranteed hit with me. Here we get to see why they are both such classic and dangerous foes. Both have taken the life of someone close to Peter. (Although both did it inadvertently)
The art and color are both amazing. I love John Romita. He only draws one issue of the book, but for the rest of it he is inking and you can definitely tell his influence is still very strong. Gil Kane does some great work in here as well. I'm not a huge fan of the way he draws faces, but with the Romita inks it's not a problem. There is also a few pages after Gwen's death where the art really shines. Peter has this look on his face that so perfectly captures his feelings at the time. He looks both overcome with grief and furious with anger. He goes over to Norman Osborn's house, basically expecting to kill the guy, and the way his eyes, forehead, and eyebrows are drawn: Amazing. I also really like the coloring from this period. Just the solid flat colors. It's also cool to see pages where the limited color choices actually make the pages better. You'll get things like all purple buildings, or figures in a crowd colored from head to toe in one color.
This is a pretty important book, and I would say that if you're a fan of Spider-Man this collection is a must read. And even if you aren't you should still check out this book. Nothing was the same in the whole of Marvel Universe after this.
This is a very solid book. One of the more enjoyable I read recently. The book deals with the death of both Captain Stacy and Gwen Stacy, but even without those two major Spider-Man events, it would still be an enjoyable read. As a fan of the early days of Spider-Man, I'm a fan of both Doctor Octopus and Green Goblin. A book with them both as the main villains is basically a guaranteed hit with me. Here we get to see why they are both such classic and dangerous foes. Both have taken the life of someone close to Peter. (Although both did it inadvertently)
The art and color are both amazing. I love John Romita. He only draws one issue of the book, but for the rest of it he is inking and you can definitely tell his influence is still very strong. Gil Kane does some great work in here as well. I'm not a huge fan of the way he draws faces, but with the Romita inks it's not a problem. There is also a few pages after Gwen's death where the art really shines. Peter has this look on his face that so perfectly captures his feelings at the time. He looks both overcome with grief and furious with anger. He goes over to Norman Osborn's house, basically expecting to kill the guy, and the way his eyes, forehead, and eyebrows are drawn: Amazing. I also really like the coloring from this period. Just the solid flat colors. It's also cool to see pages where the limited color choices actually make the pages better. You'll get things like all purple buildings, or figures in a crowd colored from head to toe in one color.
This is a pretty important book, and I would say that if you're a fan of Spider-Man this collection is a must read. And even if you aren't you should still check out this book. Nothing was the same in the whole of Marvel Universe after this.
August 22, 2009
It took me a while to get past the seriously obnoxious commentary in the intro to this book -- Gerry Conway whines about how boring Gwen was, and basically takes credit for anybody being interested in her right now, saying it's only because he decided to kill her --
But once I was done rolling my eyes, I read this and it really is an indisputably great comics story (or, rather, two stories since the first part is a Stan Lee-written Doctor Octopus arc which includes the death of Peter Parker's friend George Stacy, and the second part is the Gerry Conway Green Goblin story about the death of George's daughter/Peter's girlfriend Gwen). The real creative star here isn't Lee or Conway but artist Gil Kane. The packaging on the book is beautiful (I *love* Marvel's premiere hardcovers, and it's a real showcase for Kane's dynamic layouts and expressive faces; the inking, mostly by John Romita, Sr., is no slouch either).
I still find it pretty obnoxious that Gwen hardly even has any dialogue in Conway's issues; also that Norman Osborn's rant about Gwen as he's about to kill her is eerily like what Conway says about her in the introduction. It's a pretty nasty, cold-blooded way to treat a character who deserved better. (Also, better =/= the much later retcon that Gwen and Norman had been lovers). After reading this, I did go to read the final issue of Kurt Busiek's 'Marvels'; this story and the Loeb/Sale work in 'Spider-Man Blue' are largely responsible for my strong affection for Gwen, and while they both stumble a little by viewing her through rather idealized/rose-colored glasses (I'm sure Conway's right that she was only written that way because those writers remembered the brutal nature of her death, but I'm still not convinced that's something to take credit for!) they both do a much better job than this of showing Gwen as a real, human person whose fate is worth caring about.
Critiques aside, though, these are still really engaging, lively, and honestly ground-breaking stories; they also call shenanigans on the argument that good spider-man stories require Peter to be a carefree, immature loser. Not that I'd want all Spidey stories to be this dark, but they're definitely both intense and engaging; and oh yeah, there's even room for an Iceman teamup.
But once I was done rolling my eyes, I read this and it really is an indisputably great comics story (or, rather, two stories since the first part is a Stan Lee-written Doctor Octopus arc which includes the death of Peter Parker's friend George Stacy, and the second part is the Gerry Conway Green Goblin story about the death of George's daughter/Peter's girlfriend Gwen). The real creative star here isn't Lee or Conway but artist Gil Kane. The packaging on the book is beautiful (I *love* Marvel's premiere hardcovers, and it's a real showcase for Kane's dynamic layouts and expressive faces; the inking, mostly by John Romita, Sr., is no slouch either).
I still find it pretty obnoxious that Gwen hardly even has any dialogue in Conway's issues; also that Norman Osborn's rant about Gwen as he's about to kill her is eerily like what Conway says about her in the introduction. It's a pretty nasty, cold-blooded way to treat a character who deserved better. (Also, better =/= the much later retcon that Gwen and Norman had been lovers). After reading this, I did go to read the final issue of Kurt Busiek's 'Marvels'; this story and the Loeb/Sale work in 'Spider-Man Blue' are largely responsible for my strong affection for Gwen, and while they both stumble a little by viewing her through rather idealized/rose-colored glasses (I'm sure Conway's right that she was only written that way because those writers remembered the brutal nature of her death, but I'm still not convinced that's something to take credit for!) they both do a much better job than this of showing Gwen as a real, human person whose fate is worth caring about.
Critiques aside, though, these are still really engaging, lively, and honestly ground-breaking stories; they also call shenanigans on the argument that good spider-man stories require Peter to be a carefree, immature loser. Not that I'd want all Spidey stories to be this dark, but they're definitely both intense and engaging; and oh yeah, there's even room for an Iceman teamup.
June 10, 2013
27th book read in 2013.
Number 61 out of 318 on my all time book list.
Follow the link below to see my video review:
http://youtu.be/ml4xZ25xkRU
Number 61 out of 318 on my all time book list.
Follow the link below to see my video review:
http://youtu.be/ml4xZ25xkRU
December 29, 2017
Still brilliant.
August 24, 2018
Wow, this was probably one of the most intense (Spiderman) comics I've read...
Great work on the story, characters, artwork, well, everything!
Come on Spidey fans, grab hold of this one..
Great work on the story, characters, artwork, well, everything!
Come on Spidey fans, grab hold of this one..
March 14, 2019
13-14 yaşlarımda gaza gelip izlediğim Spider-Man filmlerinden sonra keşke bir de bunun çizgi roman ayağına sarsaymışım Death of Stacies benim için en müthiş 5 çizgi öykü arasına girermiş. Ama benim hatam şu vakte kadar gerek Animated Series'de gerek diğer sinema filmlerinde (MCU hariç) romandaki hikayeyi defalarca izlediğimiz için orijinalinde o kadar etkilenemedim maalesef. Kuşkusuz hikaye güzel, çizimler harika ve o döneme göre süper kahramanların kanunsuz ilan edilmesi, beklenmedik ölümler ve kahramanın içindeki karanlık gibi pek çok ilklere imza atılmış. Bir Batman değilmiş tepesi atınca en baş belası villain'ın ağzını burnunu döken ya da şehrinde istenmeyen adam olan... Ayrıca 2016 baskısı ve edisyondaki kalite için de Marmara Çizgi'nin ellerine sağlık. Şu an için dediğim gibi sarsılmadım ama genel anlamda Spidey'in en iyi maceralarından biri. Hatta en iyisi bile olabilir.
March 21, 2018
Perhaps you are aware that I LOOOOVE Peter Parker.
He's my fave. No matter the writer, no matter the decade, no matter the actor. Spidey is the best.
So this comic was a must. Previously I had read (and was gutted by) Spiderman: Blue (dunno why GR won't let me link it). So reading the story first hand was long time coming.
I feel that, for the time it was written, this comic book is really impressive. Is it weird to say that I feel that if I had read this comic at the time it came out I would have felt that Gwen's death came out of nowhere but, at the same time, was hinted out and layed out for months? Because it sure feels so. This kind of writing in comics was way ahead of its time.
Anyway, I don't know if I'm making any sense. I liked this comic for what it is and taking in consideration the time it was released in. Nowadays perhaps this would had been handled with more space to grief? But I'm not sure that what we got was perfect as it was. Specially the last pages with MJ.
I'm making a mess haha. Bye. PETE I LOVE YOU (?)
He's my fave. No matter the writer, no matter the decade, no matter the actor. Spidey is the best.
So this comic was a must. Previously I had read (and was gutted by) Spiderman: Blue (dunno why GR won't let me link it). So reading the story first hand was long time coming.
I feel that, for the time it was written, this comic book is really impressive. Is it weird to say that I feel that if I had read this comic at the time it came out I would have felt that Gwen's death came out of nowhere but, at the same time, was hinted out and layed out for months? Because it sure feels so. This kind of writing in comics was way ahead of its time.
Anyway, I don't know if I'm making any sense. I liked this comic for what it is and taking in consideration the time it was released in. Nowadays perhaps this would had been handled with more space to grief? But I'm not sure that what we got was perfect as it was. Specially the last pages with MJ.
I'm making a mess haha. Bye. PETE I LOVE YOU (?)
March 27, 2017
I've known about this classic story arc for years but don't think I'd ever read it. You have to like comics from the time period to get into it, but it's got to be one of the best of the era. Great writing and great artwork. It's got all the fun of Spider-Man with a tragic edge.
July 1, 2018
I have heard a lot about Gwen but still dont feel like I know her much. This was pretty saddening to read though.
September 23, 2024
Honestly, for such a famous comic book moment, the second titular event didn't hit me as hard as I expected - maybe because I'd built it up so much in my mind?
January 23, 2014
Reading pre-1980’s comics is a great pastime. The signs of the times on display force nostalgia on the reader, even if he or she hadn’t been around during said era. Death of the Stacys contains fantastic references to the clean-air movement and name-drops Ralph Nader. These types of reads act as cultural barometers in addition to being fine stories. Also, it’s always funny to read the characters commenting on every single action the reader sees them doing. To find a comic that waxes nostalgic, employs wacky dialogue, and manages a story with depth is a great find. Death of the Stacys does just that.
I didn’t know much about the Stacys before this, as I’m not a huge Marvel fan. This book presents the Doctor Octopus storyline that leads to Captain Stacy’s death, and then quickly switches to the Green Goblin storyline that ends in Gwen’s death. Between the two storylines Gwen does some major growing up, starting as a not-to-be-taken-seriously party girl and ending as a serious professional whose life is cut tragically short.
WARNING: START OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS
Of particular interest is the way in which Gwen dies, which is left up to reader interpretation. Was she dead before the Green Goblin dropped her off the bridge? Did the fall cause her to die from shock? Did Spiderman snap her neck when he shot a web at her to stop her fall?
Also interesting is the fact that there’s no real resolution to the psychological impact on Peter Parker. The Green Goblin dies shortly after Gwen, but this fails to bring him comfort. Peter attempts to kick Mary Jane out of his apartment at the end of the story, but she refuses and stays with him, setting up his next love interest. At the time, though, it didn’t seem like Spiderman would ever move beyond this moment.
Pretty heavy stuff for a short volume.
END OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS
The presentation of these deaths is remarkable for the time period. Captain Stacy’s death comes out of nowhere, and Spiderman is viewed as the culprit. Gwen becomes embittered and, in an effort to remove Spiderman from the streets, begins supporting a crime lord for the new mayor. This is not an arc that ends leaving the characters fulfilled. The drama ends, but the death is still there and the characters (Gwen in particular) do not get over it.
Gwen’s death is presented in the same way. Peter returns from fighting with the Hulk in Canada to find Harry Osborn on LSD again (another sign of the times) and the Green Goblin running amuck with knowledge of Spiderman’s true identity. When issue 121 (Gwen’s death) comes along, we are told that a major character will die, but we won’t know until the end of the issue. That’s all the foreshadowing the reader gets. This is a random issue—not a major event—where a main love interest loses her life. It’s easy to see how this would have flipped the comic world on its head, signifying the end of the Silver Age of comics.
There’s a lot to take from this comic. Knowing that the Stacys are going to die does not lessen the impact of the read. Also, fans of the movie franchise (particularly Spiderman and The Amazing Spiderman) will enjoy seeing where some of the major actions were derived from. I haven’t read much Spiderman before this, but this was a good place to start. There’s not a lot of prior knowledge you need to enjoy it. The stories are not convoluted in the slightest, and anything questionable about the storyline is quickly explained.
I didn’t know much about the Stacys before this, as I’m not a huge Marvel fan. This book presents the Doctor Octopus storyline that leads to Captain Stacy’s death, and then quickly switches to the Green Goblin storyline that ends in Gwen’s death. Between the two storylines Gwen does some major growing up, starting as a not-to-be-taken-seriously party girl and ending as a serious professional whose life is cut tragically short.
WARNING: START OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS
Of particular interest is the way in which Gwen dies, which is left up to reader interpretation. Was she dead before the Green Goblin dropped her off the bridge? Did the fall cause her to die from shock? Did Spiderman snap her neck when he shot a web at her to stop her fall?
Also interesting is the fact that there’s no real resolution to the psychological impact on Peter Parker. The Green Goblin dies shortly after Gwen, but this fails to bring him comfort. Peter attempts to kick Mary Jane out of his apartment at the end of the story, but she refuses and stays with him, setting up his next love interest. At the time, though, it didn’t seem like Spiderman would ever move beyond this moment.
Pretty heavy stuff for a short volume.
END OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS
The presentation of these deaths is remarkable for the time period. Captain Stacy’s death comes out of nowhere, and Spiderman is viewed as the culprit. Gwen becomes embittered and, in an effort to remove Spiderman from the streets, begins supporting a crime lord for the new mayor. This is not an arc that ends leaving the characters fulfilled. The drama ends, but the death is still there and the characters (Gwen in particular) do not get over it.
Gwen’s death is presented in the same way. Peter returns from fighting with the Hulk in Canada to find Harry Osborn on LSD again (another sign of the times) and the Green Goblin running amuck with knowledge of Spiderman’s true identity. When issue 121 (Gwen’s death) comes along, we are told that a major character will die, but we won’t know until the end of the issue. That’s all the foreshadowing the reader gets. This is a random issue—not a major event—where a main love interest loses her life. It’s easy to see how this would have flipped the comic world on its head, signifying the end of the Silver Age of comics.
There’s a lot to take from this comic. Knowing that the Stacys are going to die does not lessen the impact of the read. Also, fans of the movie franchise (particularly Spiderman and The Amazing Spiderman) will enjoy seeing where some of the major actions were derived from. I haven’t read much Spiderman before this, but this was a good place to start. There’s not a lot of prior knowledge you need to enjoy it. The stories are not convoluted in the slightest, and anything questionable about the storyline is quickly explained.
April 13, 2016
Iznenadjujuce dobri crtezi sa dosta dobrim pricama pride koje nude dosta dubine za stripove iz tog perioda. Jedino sto kvari utisak je nepotrebna naracija i komentiranje bas svakog poteza plus dosta banalnosti u nekim momentima. I naravno cheese faktor koji je nekada plus a nekada minus.
U svakom slucaju kao isacak stripskog vremena odlican izbor i vredno citanja.
P.S. Dobro su i odradili prevod ali steta sto su se fokusirali samo na govor dok su SFX i pozadinske tekstove ostavili na engleskom.
U svakom slucaju kao isacak stripskog vremena odlican izbor i vredno citanja.
P.S. Dobro su i odradili prevod ali steta sto su se fokusirali samo na govor dok su SFX i pozadinske tekstove ostavili na engleskom.
June 15, 2014
I was 5 when this story line ran the 1st time. But a few years later, after I had gotten "into" Spider-Man, I read landmark issue #121 in a reprint.
While death may seem very much a part of comics now, it was not always the case. This was a landmark storyline, and changed the thinking for comic book writing.
Wondersul artwork, great story. A must read for the comic book and/or Spider-Man fan.
While death may seem very much a part of comics now, it was not always the case. This was a landmark storyline, and changed the thinking for comic book writing.
Wondersul artwork, great story. A must read for the comic book and/or Spider-Man fan.
March 30, 2018
Estaba ansioso por llegar a este volumen porque hace rato lo quería leer. Varias veces leí sobre lo que se trataba pero nunca había tenido la oportunidad de leer la historia completa. De alguna forma me sorprendió lo buena que es la historia, entretenida, con buenos diálogos y villanos memorables.
El arte esta bastante bien también, limpio, preciso y personajes muy expresivos.
El arte esta bastante bien también, limpio, preciso y personajes muy expresivos.
April 18, 2016
Comics books have come a long way from this, and that's a good thing.
February 4, 2021
A major turning point and milestone in the Web-Slinger's history.
It's worth a read.
It's worth a read.
March 2, 2021
Žali Boze vremena na čitanje ovog sranja. Nekoliko sveski povezanih u jednu knjigu. Jedino zadnja gde Goblin ubija Gven vredi nešto. Ostalo očaj živi.
February 14, 2019
A quintessential story line for classic Spider-Man. While battling Doc Ock, Spider-Man is witness to the death of his girlfriend, Gwen Stacy's father, a man whom he cares about deeply and sees as a surrogate for his deceased Uncle Ben. In the second story line, Norman Osborn remembers his true identity as the Green Goblin and kidnaps Gwen, in order to get Spider-Man's attention. During the battle, Gwen is knocked off of the bridge and Spider-Man uses his web to save her...only to discover her dead. There is a lot of controversy over how, in fact, she died as the Green Goblin states that the fall killed her, and yet, when the webbing catching her legs, you can see SNAP punctuated next to the image, suggesting that the act of stopping her abruptly mid-fall snapped her neck/spine. With Gwen dead, Spider-Man decides to end the Green Goblin once and for all, only to come to his senses before actually exacting his revenge, though the Green Goblin does perish at the hands of his glider.
These dark events forever changed comic books, Spider-Man in particular, and I think they both played out perfectly. Do I think that Gwen was dead already? No. I think it is so much more tragically beautiful if, in trying to save her life, Spider-Man was the one to kill his beloved. In more recent comics, it was revealed that Gwen was actually conscious prior to her fall, which lends more credence to the Spider-Man causing her death angle, though whether that fact fits in the original writer's canon or not is not known. I would recommend this graphic novel to any Spider-Man fan, or anyone wanting a darker plot out of a comic.
These dark events forever changed comic books, Spider-Man in particular, and I think they both played out perfectly. Do I think that Gwen was dead already? No. I think it is so much more tragically beautiful if, in trying to save her life, Spider-Man was the one to kill his beloved. In more recent comics, it was revealed that Gwen was actually conscious prior to her fall, which lends more credence to the Spider-Man causing her death angle, though whether that fact fits in the original writer's canon or not is not known. I would recommend this graphic novel to any Spider-Man fan, or anyone wanting a darker plot out of a comic.
June 10, 2025
Integral part of Spider-Man’s story. The Death of the Stacy’s is one of the first books, perhaps the first for a major superhero, to show that being a superhero does not come without personal costs.
The first half focuses on Spiderman trying to apprehend Doc Ock, it’s a classic villain of the week story. Captain Stacy however sacrifices his life to save an innocent boy from debris caused by Spiderman and Docs battle, and dies on Peters arms. Before he dies he leaves a heartfelt message for Peter, revealing he is aware of Peters life as a hero and to always take care of Gwen. Overall the first story arc of the book is the emotional buildup to the third story arc.
The second story is Spiderman and Ice man teaming up to fight a racist mayoral candidate. It’s entertaining but nothing groundbreaking.
The third arc is where the real story happens. Peter is having a moral crisis about being Spiderman and being Gwen’s partner, despite her father’s dying wish being to keep her away from that life. On top of that his friend, Harry Osborn, is extremely ill from drug use.
Norman reverts to the Green Goblin and decides that Spiderman is responsible for all of his misfortune, and kidnaps Gwen (at this point he is the only villain aware of Spider-Man’s identity)
The showdown between the two rivals on the bridge, and the aftermath, will define and Spider-Man’s story forever.
The first half focuses on Spiderman trying to apprehend Doc Ock, it’s a classic villain of the week story. Captain Stacy however sacrifices his life to save an innocent boy from debris caused by Spiderman and Docs battle, and dies on Peters arms. Before he dies he leaves a heartfelt message for Peter, revealing he is aware of Peters life as a hero and to always take care of Gwen. Overall the first story arc of the book is the emotional buildup to the third story arc.
The second story is Spiderman and Ice man teaming up to fight a racist mayoral candidate. It’s entertaining but nothing groundbreaking.
The third arc is where the real story happens. Peter is having a moral crisis about being Spiderman and being Gwen’s partner, despite her father’s dying wish being to keep her away from that life. On top of that his friend, Harry Osborn, is extremely ill from drug use.
Norman reverts to the Green Goblin and decides that Spiderman is responsible for all of his misfortune, and kidnaps Gwen (at this point he is the only villain aware of Spider-Man’s identity)
The showdown between the two rivals on the bridge, and the aftermath, will define and Spider-Man’s story forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2020
This is where Spider-Man comics start to get enjoyable for the modern reader. What came before had its glimpses of brilliance (The Final Chapter, Spider Man No More, etc.), but otherwise it consists of fairly forgettable Silver Age stories that are mildly entertaining at best and annoyingly goofy at worst. The Death of Captain and Gwen Stacy, along with issues 96-98 that broke with the Comics Code, mark Marvel's passage into the Bronze Age where plot-developments finally feel like they have actual weight to them and not just because Stan Lee wrote it so in yellow-colored narration boxes. It would be very cynical to say that only lasting consequences such as the death of important characters could have lead to the maturation of superhero comics. Frankly, if Gwen survived somehow, the story still would have worked because of the skillful storytelling that is finally not condescending and has some semblance of synergy between the visual and textual narrative. The largest surpise for me though was the discovery of Gil Kane. Every old-school Marvel fan is raving about Ditko, Romita Sr., but barely heard any praises for Kane, even though the stories drawn by him were my favorites so far.
May 27, 2024
An important classic for Spidey. In addition to the issues stated on this trade, I also through in #96-98 as well (with the power of Marvel Unlimited, nothing can stop me!).
I can't believe how many plot points were explored here. Racial violence, police brutality, drug abuse, grief, all on top of the expected Green Goblin madness and Peter having the worst luck. And dudebros get mad that there are politics in their comics now?? Their eyeballs might burn off if they read some Stan Lee!
But in a lot of ways, the driving character for this arc was Gwen Stacy, who actually seemed like a genuine portrayal of a young woman coping with the loss of her father (sidenote: seeing women portrayed like this in the 70s makes my despise for Frank Miller and his women in Daredevil increase to unimaginable highs).
There are a few icks to me here, but honestly I expected more things to have aged worse, so overall I'm very happy. Peter's thoughts about Harry being "weak" due to his drug use was actually kind of sad. And I was VERY surprised to see how Peter almost hates Mary Jane during this time? She seems so much more into Pete than he is interested in her, so that was news to me. See what happens when I go back and read the backstory?
I can't believe how many plot points were explored here. Racial violence, police brutality, drug abuse, grief, all on top of the expected Green Goblin madness and Peter having the worst luck. And dudebros get mad that there are politics in their comics now?? Their eyeballs might burn off if they read some Stan Lee!
But in a lot of ways, the driving character for this arc was Gwen Stacy, who actually seemed like a genuine portrayal of a young woman coping with the loss of her father (sidenote: seeing women portrayed like this in the 70s makes my despise for Frank Miller and his women in Daredevil increase to unimaginable highs).
There are a few icks to me here, but honestly I expected more things to have aged worse, so overall I'm very happy. Peter's thoughts about Harry being "weak" due to his drug use was actually kind of sad. And I was VERY surprised to see how Peter almost hates Mary Jane during this time? She seems so much more into Pete than he is interested in her, so that was news to me. See what happens when I go back and read the backstory?
September 21, 2017
Yes, the title is a spoiler and these stories have been revisited countless times and there have been clones, parallel universes and what ifs? However, there is a reason that these tales have such a prominent place in Marvel & Spider-Man's mythos: because they have stood the test of time and are still just a powerful now as they were back in the day. Sure, some of the fashions and "Daddy-o" language have dated, but Stan Lee and Gerry Conway crafted masterful plots with art by Gil Kane and John Romita Sr. so vibrant that it almost leaps out of the pages. Peter's anguish and anger are palpable. J. Jonah Jameson is ever the blowhard, but show moral judgement and nobility, admitting his mistakes and standing up for his friend Robbie Robertson when bigotry raises its ugly head. Doctor Octopus is as arrogantly superior as ever. Norman Osborn is deliciously deranged as the Green Goblin. Captain Stacy is noble and heroic to the last and Gwen, poor Gwen and the snap that echoed around the Marvel Universe. And the last click that marked the beginning of a new chapter. Every bit the classic that broke the mould. Worth reading and revisiting again and again.
May 23, 2021
A pair of classics.
Both of these stories are worth reading with the second story, the more famous Death, being a bit better, but less fun, and having more impact.
The first story by Stan Lee really showcases why he is such a classic comic author, it's fun, silly, exciting, and a great classic comic book. However, the death in this one feels kind of arbitrary despite probably be shocking for the time. 4/5
The second story by Gerry Conway is more impactful and a classic for a reason. It's less fun and more serious but it works a bit better as a story and the death doesn't feel as silly and obviously written in as the first comic. One complaint I do have is that this comic established the trend of comic books using a woman's death as motivation for a man's anger and character development (See Woman in the Refrigerator trope on TVTropes). Additionally, the writer has a clear contempt for the character of Gwen Stacy that seems kind of odd and she ends up a non-character in her most famous story. 4.5/5 with caveats.
Highly recommended as a collection for comic book fans. 4.5/5
Both of these stories are worth reading with the second story, the more famous Death, being a bit better, but less fun, and having more impact.
The first story by Stan Lee really showcases why he is such a classic comic author, it's fun, silly, exciting, and a great classic comic book. However, the death in this one feels kind of arbitrary despite probably be shocking for the time. 4/5
The second story by Gerry Conway is more impactful and a classic for a reason. It's less fun and more serious but it works a bit better as a story and the death doesn't feel as silly and obviously written in as the first comic. One complaint I do have is that this comic established the trend of comic books using a woman's death as motivation for a man's anger and character development (See Woman in the Refrigerator trope on TVTropes). Additionally, the writer has a clear contempt for the character of Gwen Stacy that seems kind of odd and she ends up a non-character in her most famous story. 4.5/5 with caveats.
Highly recommended as a collection for comic book fans. 4.5/5
August 18, 2025
I'm a big fan of the Peter Parker / Gwen Stacy relationship arc, especially as portrayed by Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone in The Amazing Spider-Man series of films. [They are my favorite on-screen superhero couple of all time.] Watching the death of Gwen Stacy in the second film was deeply moving. In fact one of the highlights for me from the "No Way Home" movie is that Andrew's Spidey got a sort of redemption on this aspect amidst all the chaos of the multiverse, a scene that I celebrated a lot. This book is a collection of six Marvel comics that features the death of Captain Stacy (Gwen's father) and then Gwen herself, each while Spider-Man is fighting two of his most diabolical villains - Doctor Octopus and the Green Goblin. I was particularly impressed with the story and plotting of his fight with Doctor Octopus by the OG Stan Lee. Both of these deaths are deeply impacting events that end up changing Spider-Man's character and in fact the whole Marvel universe. Brilliantly done.
August 8, 2017
Collects Amazing Spider-Man issues #88-92 and #121-122
I had previously read the story of Gwen's death, but this was my first time reading the story where her father dies. Lately I've been enjoying reading older comic books more than I did in the past. Maybe they are an aquired taste, but it has been fun to go through some of this older material.
Even though the death of these two Stacys are well-known tales, particularly Gwen's death, the emotional nature of the stories still hit hard.
The writing and storytelling is definitely of its time, feeling very dated, but I think this story still holds up.
In my opinion, the loss of Gwen is the greatest tragedy in Peter's life, even more so than the death of Uncle Ben.
I had previously read the story of Gwen's death, but this was my first time reading the story where her father dies. Lately I've been enjoying reading older comic books more than I did in the past. Maybe they are an aquired taste, but it has been fun to go through some of this older material.
Even though the death of these two Stacys are well-known tales, particularly Gwen's death, the emotional nature of the stories still hit hard.
The writing and storytelling is definitely of its time, feeling very dated, but I think this story still holds up.
In my opinion, the loss of Gwen is the greatest tragedy in Peter's life, even more so than the death of Uncle Ben.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews