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The Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus
The Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus, Vol. 4
The adventures of comics' most put-upon super hero, the Amazing Spider-Man, continue! Brought to you by Stan Lee, John Romita Sr., Gerry Conway, Gil Kane and Ross Andru, the saga ahead will captivate you unlike any Marvel comic has before. The Green Goblin is back! Gwen Stacy is missing! And it all leads to a confrontation atop the George Washington Bridge that will leave Peter Parker forever changed! It's the story that cemented the Green Goblin as the definition of evil - and lest you think that's the only milestone in these pages, this Omnibus also features the debut of the Punisher, the wedding of Aunt May and Doc Ock, Harry Osborn's descent into madness, and a new role for Mary Jane Watson! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #105-142, GIANT-SIZE SUPER-HEROES #1 and MARVEL SUPER-HEROES (1967) #14.
976 pages, Hardcover
First published December 10, 1974
21 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,563 books2,342 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 26, 2025
It just was all very, meh. Some well known stories in here. But first time reading a lot of them, and I don't think they hold up at all. I've just read some Frank Miller recently and I get it, different audience, but even still, there is a huge gap between the two collections. This just reads extremely old, and very, very young for the most part. It barely kept my attention at times.
Art is great though, can't fault the art in this book.
Art is great though, can't fault the art in this book.
March 21, 2020
I'm pretty sure I've read most or all of these issues in the past, but certainly not straight through. I have a much better appreciation for Conway's writing now. He deftly plants story seeds that sometimes pay off a couple issues later and sometimes many issues later.
Notably in this volume is the famous "Death of Gwen Stacy" storyline. In a forward written for the Marvel Masterworks collection, Conway states definitively that he intended the "snap" to be present during that pivotal moment. The elimination of that in some collections of the story by Marvel is something I disagree with. To me it adds another layer to Peter's guilt and could have paid off in the future with a multi-part "therapy session" where Peter realizes he was partly responsible and maybe comes to peace with himself. That story's place in history is significant and I think comes off better than the X-Men's Dark Phoenix storyline.
Conway's creation of the Punisher and the misunderstanding of the character is something Conway still tries to make clear (he's not a hero, but a villain and shouldn't be idolized.) I also liked Man-Wolf because it really adds another layer of complexity to Jonah. Not all of Conway's creations are noteworthy though. I think the Tarantula was pretty lame and I'm still not sure how he walks with giant needles on the front of his boots.
I also appreciate Ross Andru's art. By the end of this volume, he's firing on all cylinders and the two part Mysterio story is beautiful to look at. Some of it I think is the inker, but his pencils become much smoother while his layouts were always and continue to be fantastic.
Looking forward to Vol. 5!
Notably in this volume is the famous "Death of Gwen Stacy" storyline. In a forward written for the Marvel Masterworks collection, Conway states definitively that he intended the "snap" to be present during that pivotal moment. The elimination of that in some collections of the story by Marvel is something I disagree with. To me it adds another layer to Peter's guilt and could have paid off in the future with a multi-part "therapy session" where Peter realizes he was partly responsible and maybe comes to peace with himself. That story's place in history is significant and I think comes off better than the X-Men's Dark Phoenix storyline.
Conway's creation of the Punisher and the misunderstanding of the character is something Conway still tries to make clear (he's not a hero, but a villain and shouldn't be idolized.) I also liked Man-Wolf because it really adds another layer of complexity to Jonah. Not all of Conway's creations are noteworthy though. I think the Tarantula was pretty lame and I'm still not sure how he walks with giant needles on the front of his boots.
I also appreciate Ross Andru's art. By the end of this volume, he's firing on all cylinders and the two part Mysterio story is beautiful to look at. Some of it I think is the inker, but his pencils become much smoother while his layouts were always and continue to be fantastic.
Looking forward to Vol. 5!
April 1, 2020
3.5 stars.
November 30, 2020
these are probably the most definitive spider-man stories outside of the original lee and ditko run, in that they define the emotional stakes for spider-man in a way that don't exist for other heroes in the marvel or dc universe. this is the chunk of issues in which gwen stacy dies, followed by the green goblins death and harry's discover of peter's identity concurrent with his father's (the goblin) death and his losing bits of his mind to psychedelic drugs and inherited schizophrenia. it also shows the rise of parker's relationship with MJ, which ultimately becomes on of the longest lasting and emotionally fulfilling relationships in comics. this is essential, if you're interested in the world. there's also a diversity of villain and a growing rogues gallery that makes spider books better than probably any other book in that way outside of maybe batman or the x-men (though my preference is spidey).
February 24, 2024
Another great collection of Spider-man. What else can I say? People who didn't grow up with these stories may find them odd, or silly. Perhaps not, because I wasn't even alive when these stories were published. Yet, I enjoyed them for what they were, fun, simple stories.
There are also a lot of "earth-shaking" events in this volume. I won't go into them here, but anyone familiar with Spidey's history will have some idea what these stories contain.
There are also a lot of "earth-shaking" events in this volume. I won't go into them here, but anyone familiar with Spidey's history will have some idea what these stories contain.
June 29, 2023
This volume is a very mixed bag as Gerry Conway gets used to writing. He does increase the new villain count: Gibbon, Hammerhead, Man-Wolf, Punisher, Jackal, Tarantula, Mindworm, and Grizzly. Many of these are popular and well-known today. However, outside of a few big stories, like the Hulk in Canada, the Death of Gwen Stacy, the Punisher’s Introduction, and Aunt May’s Wedding, there are a lot of mediocre and boring stories. I do want to shout out the Man Wolf stories, which I enjoyed. Also, new artist Ross Andru also begins his long term art duties on Spider-man, which last through the whole next Omnibus. He starts a bit flat, but he gets better quickly. Having his Mysterio story right next to his first outing (placed at the end of this Omnibus) really highlights his growth. All in all, this has some major events, but I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it. Get a smaller trade for the Gwen Stacy stuff or the Punisher stuff, but this omnibus is probably largely for collectors or people who just need to have everything.
Amazing Spider-Man #105 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Spider Slayer!”
The protests continue, though their goal seems less focused and designed to get Spider-man to fight with Jameson. Then, there’s the Spider-Slayer… I suppose it’s at least different, but I’m still not a fan.
Amazing Spider-Man #106 ⧫ 3 Stars “Squash Goes the Spider!”
Marvel Team-Up #1 came out the same month as this, in case someone wants to read all the Spider-man together. Also, Stan Lee and John Romita return! Temporarily. It’s more meh Spider Slayer; Smythe’s plan makes no sense. However, Peter’s trick is good, and I like building up the stuff with his friends.
Amazing Spider-Man #107 ⧫ 2 Stars “Spidey Smashes Thru!”
And the Spider Slayer plan ends stupidly. The Flash plot has an interesting hook.
Amazing Spider-Man #108 ⧫ 2 Stars “Vengeance from Vietnam!”
Another one with a great ending, but the Vietnam stuff was pretty meh.
Amazing Spider-Man #109 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Enter Dr. Strange!”
I’ll give a small boost for Strange and a finally named Sha Shan, but overall, Stan can’t write Strange well. Dr. Strange screaming Bible verses at Vietnamese people is just… wrong.
Amazing Spider-Man #110 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Birth Of… The Gibbon!”
It’s kind of funny how much the Gibbon’s backstory matches up with the Electro one from the Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie, though it’s definitely more played down. I think the biggest problem is how little of a threat the Gibbon is from the beginning and how weird Peter has to act to set him on his path. I will say that this kicks off a lot more new villains over the next forty or so issues, certainly more than the five or six from the last fifty issues.
Amazing Spider-Man #111 ⧫ 2 Stars “To Stalk A Spider!”
Just a weird, weird turn for the Gibbon and Kraven. Stan Lee’s off again with Gerry Conway coming on for his first of thirty-eight issues, though I think he co-plotted these first ones with John Romita. He was pretty young, and I think it shows. How many days does this take place over? What are Kraven’s powers now? I think the biggest problem is that I don’t know if I care.
Amazing Spider-Man #112 ⧫ 2 Stars “Spidey Cops Out!”
This issue has a clear drop in art quality. It’s incredibly scratchy, and I still don’t know if I buy Peter’s frenzy over Aunt May until Anna Watson actually makes it more credible.
Amazing Spider-Man #113 ⧫ 3 Stars “They Call The Doctor...Octopus!”
This one’s alright. I really do think Romita was overtaxed in the last issue because he gets an art assist here (one of the assistants is Jim Starlin who would dominate Marvel Cosmic later). This is a mix of previous things with Spidey ill and Ock getting involved in a new gang war. It is pretty good, though, with a villain that lasts showing up at the end.
Amazing Spider-Man #114 ⧫ 3 Stars “Gang War, Schmang War! What I Want to know is ...who the Heck is Hammerhead?”
Some good action, though I feel like punching a guy named Hammerhead in the head is a pretty stupid move. I’m not sure about the gang war part;it all seems a little rushed. The end is pretty funny, though.
Amazing Spider-Man #115 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Last Battle!”
Most of it is a battle issue, and it’s not exactly innovative. It does have a heck of an ending.
Amazing Spider-Man #116 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Suddenly...The Smasher!”
A reworking of Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #1, which feels less out of place here, though MJ and Harry are back together, and it repeats a few story beats. Though they don’t mention Amazing Spider-Man #91 here, it does get a brief mention next time. The art’s great, but this story really didn’t need to be in canon.
Amazing Spider-Man #117 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Deadly Designs Of The Disruptor”
This is a very “middle issue” with cliffhanger resolution, checking in on everybody, and a rather lackluster second round. I’m beginning to remember why I disliked the original.
Amazing Spider-Man #118 ⧫ 1.5 Stars “Countdown to Chaos!”
There’s the nonsense ending I didn’t really remember, but just disliked enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth. Ugh, what a waste of three issues before we lose someone.
Amazing Spider-Man #119 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Gentleman's Name Is The Hulk!”
After the abysmal retread of the Spider-man Magazine, the Hulk storyline is quite good. It’s nice to see Peter doing some journalism in a new setting. I’m not even a huge fan of the Hulk, but he’s good here.
Amazing Spider-Man #120 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Fight and The Fury!”
A solid finish. My only complaint is that the next issue gets basically no build up.
Amazing Spider-Man #121 ⧫ 5 Stars “The Night Gwen Stacy Died”
Okay, this really comes out of nowhere, but the issue is actually handled pretty well as it sets up all the different problems and then comes to its crazy climax.
Amazing Spider-Man #122 ⧫ 5 Stars “The Goblin’s Last Stand!”
Spider-man on a rampage. This issue gives the series such a shot in the arm that it’s kind of crazy. Suddenly the stakes are high and anything goes!
Amazing Spider-Man #123 ⧫ 4 Stars “...Just A Man Called CAGE!”
This has a bunch of typical Spider-man stuff, like Jameson hiring someone to kill Spider-man and Spidey fighting a hero. However, the residual anger and remorse over Gwen’s death adds some much needed feeling. Also, despite the questionable 70s characterization of Luke Cage, the resolution of their fight is quite good.
Amazing Spider-Man #124 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Mark of the Man-Wolf”
The 70s resurgence of horror returns to Spider-man with the intro of the Man-Wolf! I actually like Man-Wolf quite a bit as he brings John Jameson into the spotlight and puts pressure on both Jonah and Spidey.
Amazing Spider-Man #125 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Wolfhunt!”
This is a decent conclusion, though I do think the moonstone is a bit of a clumsy gimmick. I also wish Jameson’s fiance was more than just a scream queen. Still, I think he’s neat and hope we’ll see him on a Disney+ show eventually.
Amazing Spider-Man #126 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Kangaroo Bounces Back!”
It’s a decent Kangaroo story with some ideas to enhance the Australian villain, but he never really rises to the challenge.
Amazing Spider-Man #127 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Dark Wings Of Death!”
What starts as a potentially cool murder mystery quickly gets more and more nonsensical.
Amazing Spider-Man #128 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Vulture Hangs High!”
The ending and wrap up to this are insane with the reveals being exceptionally silly. Spider-man makes some huge leaps in logic.
Amazing Spider-Man #129 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Punisher Strikes Twice!”
Okay, I’m neither a Punisher nor a Jackal fan, but I think their first two-parter actually works. The Punisher is more enigmatic, but he still comes off as a threat. The Jackal does sort of come off as knock-off Green Goblin, but his willingness to ally with and use others does give him some uniqueness. This is also a story that builds off of Gwen Stacy’s death fairly well as it drives the Punisher’s motivations and still works.
Amazing Spider-Man #130 ⧫ 4 Stars “Betrayed!”
It’s kind of funny that the Jackal’s plan actually makes more sense in hindsight. Here, it comes off as a bit of random, convenient betrayal, but given who the Jackal is and the Punisher’s motivation, it actually makes a lot of sense. It’s a bit clumsy, but a fine finish to the first outing of two important characters.
Amazing Spider-Man #131 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “My Uncle… My Enemy?”
Another fairly effective Jackal story, even if it is one of the most hilarious Doctor Octopus Stories! I dunno, it has an incredibly silly ending, but I can’t hate it.
Amazing Spider-Man #132 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Master Plan of the Molten Man!”
I guess he has a plan… I don’t know how “masterful” it is as it can be derailed by a nosy landlady. It’s nice to see Ned Leeds in the forefront, but I don’t know that a major newspaper would just follow a random burglary tip…
Amazing Spider-Man #133 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Molten Man Breaks Out!”
The reveal is fine, but the ending is silly and forgettable.
Giant-Size Super-Heroes #1 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Man-Wolf at Midnight!”
After not liking the previous Morbius outing, I do like his team-up with Man-Wolf. I think that John Jameson’s relationship with his girlfriend should have been a larger part of the story, but the resolution was fairly clever, and Man-Wolf’s strengths are still relevant.
Amazing Spider-Man #134 ⧫ 3 Stars “Danger is a Man named… Tarantula”
The Tarantula arrives, and he’s at least got a somewhat new scheme that causes complications for Spider-Man. The Tarantula gets more interesting later; his death, actually. However, here, he’s more of a prop for the surprise guest!
Amazing Spider-Man #135 ⧫ 3 Stars “Shoot-Out In Central Park!”
Unlike his first appearance, I think the Punisher comes off as really dumb here, but it is nice to see him. The idea of Spidey having to run around the city to grab something is one Conway will use a few times, but it works well enough here. It’s a fine end to the two-parter.
Amazing Spider-Man #136 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Green Goblin Lives Again!”
I actually think this first one ramps up well enough, if a bit fast. It’s a shame about the nex part.
Amazing Spider-Man #137 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Green Goblin Strikes!”
Too big, too fast. The Goblin’s plan is meant to be an expansion on the original Goblin’s last hurrah. Unfortunately, it’s dumb and complicated and over far too quickly. Conrad needed to go for the Jackal/Goblin War here, not shuffle the new Goblin off quickly. Shame.
Amazing Spider-Man #138 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Madness Means… The Mindworm!”
The Mindworm is threatening, but generic. Easy come, easy go.
Amazing Spider-Man #139 ⧫ 3 Stars “Day Of The Grizzly!”
THE GRIZZLY! I’ll admit. I’m bringing some love for the character forward from the future, but he’s a good threat here with a better connection to Jameson.
Amazing Spider-Man #140 ⧫ 3 Stars “...And One Will Fall”
The Grizzly’s first arc ends fine. Nothing special, but it leaves room for him to be a henchman more in the future.
Amazing Spider-Man #141 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Man's Name Appears to Be… Mysterio!”
The issues of the main title round out with this great two part Mysterio story. It mixes a few things that could annoy me, but I think the new angle works well. Also, Andru has gotten so much better by this one that it really helps. It also helps that there’s more ongoing story with Peter Parker and friends here.
Amazing Spider-Man #142 ⧫ 4 Stars “Dead Man's Bluff!”
Look at that cover.Magnificent, and it continues inside the book!
Marvel Super-Heroes #14 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Reprehensible Riddle of... the Sorcerer!”
The final issue is Ross Andru’s first story, and it’s clunky and the art is rough. It’s mostly included as a curiosity, and I think the art comparison is the most interesting part of it.
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 #5
Spectacular Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Amazing Spider-Man #105 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Spider Slayer!”
The protests continue, though their goal seems less focused and designed to get Spider-man to fight with Jameson. Then, there’s the Spider-Slayer… I suppose it’s at least different, but I’m still not a fan.
Amazing Spider-Man #106 ⧫ 3 Stars “Squash Goes the Spider!”
Marvel Team-Up #1 came out the same month as this, in case someone wants to read all the Spider-man together. Also, Stan Lee and John Romita return! Temporarily. It’s more meh Spider Slayer; Smythe’s plan makes no sense. However, Peter’s trick is good, and I like building up the stuff with his friends.
Amazing Spider-Man #107 ⧫ 2 Stars “Spidey Smashes Thru!”
And the Spider Slayer plan ends stupidly. The Flash plot has an interesting hook.
Amazing Spider-Man #108 ⧫ 2 Stars “Vengeance from Vietnam!”
Another one with a great ending, but the Vietnam stuff was pretty meh.
Amazing Spider-Man #109 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Enter Dr. Strange!”
I’ll give a small boost for Strange and a finally named Sha Shan, but overall, Stan can’t write Strange well. Dr. Strange screaming Bible verses at Vietnamese people is just… wrong.
Amazing Spider-Man #110 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Birth Of… The Gibbon!”
It’s kind of funny how much the Gibbon’s backstory matches up with the Electro one from the Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie, though it’s definitely more played down. I think the biggest problem is how little of a threat the Gibbon is from the beginning and how weird Peter has to act to set him on his path. I will say that this kicks off a lot more new villains over the next forty or so issues, certainly more than the five or six from the last fifty issues.
Amazing Spider-Man #111 ⧫ 2 Stars “To Stalk A Spider!”
Just a weird, weird turn for the Gibbon and Kraven. Stan Lee’s off again with Gerry Conway coming on for his first of thirty-eight issues, though I think he co-plotted these first ones with John Romita. He was pretty young, and I think it shows. How many days does this take place over? What are Kraven’s powers now? I think the biggest problem is that I don’t know if I care.
Amazing Spider-Man #112 ⧫ 2 Stars “Spidey Cops Out!”
This issue has a clear drop in art quality. It’s incredibly scratchy, and I still don’t know if I buy Peter’s frenzy over Aunt May until Anna Watson actually makes it more credible.
Amazing Spider-Man #113 ⧫ 3 Stars “They Call The Doctor...Octopus!”
This one’s alright. I really do think Romita was overtaxed in the last issue because he gets an art assist here (one of the assistants is Jim Starlin who would dominate Marvel Cosmic later). This is a mix of previous things with Spidey ill and Ock getting involved in a new gang war. It is pretty good, though, with a villain that lasts showing up at the end.
Amazing Spider-Man #114 ⧫ 3 Stars “Gang War, Schmang War! What I Want to know is ...who the Heck is Hammerhead?”
Some good action, though I feel like punching a guy named Hammerhead in the head is a pretty stupid move. I’m not sure about the gang war part;it all seems a little rushed. The end is pretty funny, though.
Amazing Spider-Man #115 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Last Battle!”
Most of it is a battle issue, and it’s not exactly innovative. It does have a heck of an ending.
Amazing Spider-Man #116 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Suddenly...The Smasher!”
A reworking of Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #1, which feels less out of place here, though MJ and Harry are back together, and it repeats a few story beats. Though they don’t mention Amazing Spider-Man #91 here, it does get a brief mention next time. The art’s great, but this story really didn’t need to be in canon.
Amazing Spider-Man #117 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Deadly Designs Of The Disruptor”
This is a very “middle issue” with cliffhanger resolution, checking in on everybody, and a rather lackluster second round. I’m beginning to remember why I disliked the original.
Amazing Spider-Man #118 ⧫ 1.5 Stars “Countdown to Chaos!”
There’s the nonsense ending I didn’t really remember, but just disliked enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth. Ugh, what a waste of three issues before we lose someone.
Amazing Spider-Man #119 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Gentleman's Name Is The Hulk!”
After the abysmal retread of the Spider-man Magazine, the Hulk storyline is quite good. It’s nice to see Peter doing some journalism in a new setting. I’m not even a huge fan of the Hulk, but he’s good here.
Amazing Spider-Man #120 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Fight and The Fury!”
A solid finish. My only complaint is that the next issue gets basically no build up.
Amazing Spider-Man #121 ⧫ 5 Stars “The Night Gwen Stacy Died”
Okay, this really comes out of nowhere, but the issue is actually handled pretty well as it sets up all the different problems and then comes to its crazy climax.
Amazing Spider-Man #122 ⧫ 5 Stars “The Goblin’s Last Stand!”
Spider-man on a rampage. This issue gives the series such a shot in the arm that it’s kind of crazy. Suddenly the stakes are high and anything goes!
Amazing Spider-Man #123 ⧫ 4 Stars “...Just A Man Called CAGE!”
This has a bunch of typical Spider-man stuff, like Jameson hiring someone to kill Spider-man and Spidey fighting a hero. However, the residual anger and remorse over Gwen’s death adds some much needed feeling. Also, despite the questionable 70s characterization of Luke Cage, the resolution of their fight is quite good.
Amazing Spider-Man #124 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Mark of the Man-Wolf”
The 70s resurgence of horror returns to Spider-man with the intro of the Man-Wolf! I actually like Man-Wolf quite a bit as he brings John Jameson into the spotlight and puts pressure on both Jonah and Spidey.
Amazing Spider-Man #125 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Wolfhunt!”
This is a decent conclusion, though I do think the moonstone is a bit of a clumsy gimmick. I also wish Jameson’s fiance was more than just a scream queen. Still, I think he’s neat and hope we’ll see him on a Disney+ show eventually.
Amazing Spider-Man #126 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Kangaroo Bounces Back!”
It’s a decent Kangaroo story with some ideas to enhance the Australian villain, but he never really rises to the challenge.
Amazing Spider-Man #127 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Dark Wings Of Death!”
What starts as a potentially cool murder mystery quickly gets more and more nonsensical.
Amazing Spider-Man #128 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Vulture Hangs High!”
The ending and wrap up to this are insane with the reveals being exceptionally silly. Spider-man makes some huge leaps in logic.
Amazing Spider-Man #129 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Punisher Strikes Twice!”
Okay, I’m neither a Punisher nor a Jackal fan, but I think their first two-parter actually works. The Punisher is more enigmatic, but he still comes off as a threat. The Jackal does sort of come off as knock-off Green Goblin, but his willingness to ally with and use others does give him some uniqueness. This is also a story that builds off of Gwen Stacy’s death fairly well as it drives the Punisher’s motivations and still works.
Amazing Spider-Man #130 ⧫ 4 Stars “Betrayed!”
It’s kind of funny that the Jackal’s plan actually makes more sense in hindsight. Here, it comes off as a bit of random, convenient betrayal, but given who the Jackal is and the Punisher’s motivation, it actually makes a lot of sense. It’s a bit clumsy, but a fine finish to the first outing of two important characters.
Amazing Spider-Man #131 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “My Uncle… My Enemy?”
Another fairly effective Jackal story, even if it is one of the most hilarious Doctor Octopus Stories! I dunno, it has an incredibly silly ending, but I can’t hate it.
Amazing Spider-Man #132 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Master Plan of the Molten Man!”
I guess he has a plan… I don’t know how “masterful” it is as it can be derailed by a nosy landlady. It’s nice to see Ned Leeds in the forefront, but I don’t know that a major newspaper would just follow a random burglary tip…
Amazing Spider-Man #133 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Molten Man Breaks Out!”
The reveal is fine, but the ending is silly and forgettable.
Giant-Size Super-Heroes #1 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Man-Wolf at Midnight!”
After not liking the previous Morbius outing, I do like his team-up with Man-Wolf. I think that John Jameson’s relationship with his girlfriend should have been a larger part of the story, but the resolution was fairly clever, and Man-Wolf’s strengths are still relevant.
Amazing Spider-Man #134 ⧫ 3 Stars “Danger is a Man named… Tarantula”
The Tarantula arrives, and he’s at least got a somewhat new scheme that causes complications for Spider-Man. The Tarantula gets more interesting later; his death, actually. However, here, he’s more of a prop for the surprise guest!
Amazing Spider-Man #135 ⧫ 3 Stars “Shoot-Out In Central Park!”
Unlike his first appearance, I think the Punisher comes off as really dumb here, but it is nice to see him. The idea of Spidey having to run around the city to grab something is one Conway will use a few times, but it works well enough here. It’s a fine end to the two-parter.
Amazing Spider-Man #136 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Green Goblin Lives Again!”
I actually think this first one ramps up well enough, if a bit fast. It’s a shame about the nex part.
Amazing Spider-Man #137 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Green Goblin Strikes!”
Too big, too fast. The Goblin’s plan is meant to be an expansion on the original Goblin’s last hurrah. Unfortunately, it’s dumb and complicated and over far too quickly. Conrad needed to go for the Jackal/Goblin War here, not shuffle the new Goblin off quickly. Shame.
Amazing Spider-Man #138 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Madness Means… The Mindworm!”
The Mindworm is threatening, but generic. Easy come, easy go.
Amazing Spider-Man #139 ⧫ 3 Stars “Day Of The Grizzly!”
THE GRIZZLY! I’ll admit. I’m bringing some love for the character forward from the future, but he’s a good threat here with a better connection to Jameson.
Amazing Spider-Man #140 ⧫ 3 Stars “...And One Will Fall”
The Grizzly’s first arc ends fine. Nothing special, but it leaves room for him to be a henchman more in the future.
Amazing Spider-Man #141 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Man's Name Appears to Be… Mysterio!”
The issues of the main title round out with this great two part Mysterio story. It mixes a few things that could annoy me, but I think the new angle works well. Also, Andru has gotten so much better by this one that it really helps. It also helps that there’s more ongoing story with Peter Parker and friends here.
Amazing Spider-Man #142 ⧫ 4 Stars “Dead Man's Bluff!”
Look at that cover.Magnificent, and it continues inside the book!
Marvel Super-Heroes #14 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Reprehensible Riddle of... the Sorcerer!”
The final issue is Ross Andru’s first story, and it’s clunky and the art is rough. It’s mostly included as a curiosity, and I think the art comparison is the most interesting part of it.
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 #5
Spectacular Spider-Man Omnibus #1
April 14, 2024
Too young to have appreciated the Spidey comics collected in this Omnibus when they were first published, I did read some of them in reprinted editions especially the iconic Death of Gwen Stacy two-parter. The death of Peter Parker's girlfriend was for me shocking because of that infamous 'snap' of her neck as Spidey tried to save her. And Green Goblin's death in the next issue was just vengefully satisfying. Too bad Marvel brought Norman Osborn back from the dead in the 2000s.
The other stories in this volume are forgettable though not bad in of themselves. Of course, there's the introduction of the Punisher, the Jackal and the funniest...Aunt May working as Doctor Octopus' maid and later agreeing to marry him!
A rollercoaster ride between heartbreaking pathos to campy bathos! All in one 892-page volume!
The other stories in this volume are forgettable though not bad in of themselves. Of course, there's the introduction of the Punisher, the Jackal and the funniest...Aunt May working as Doctor Octopus' maid and later agreeing to marry him!
A rollercoaster ride between heartbreaking pathos to campy bathos! All in one 892-page volume!
June 4, 2021
- começa com a recuperação de Harry Osborn, novo robô esmaga aranha e a descoberta da identidade do HA por um vilao , retorno de flash com problemas
- aparição de dr.estranho, gibbon (gibão) e kraven
- #111 nova dupla criativa , sai stan lee entra gerry Conway e romita
- doc ok , cabeça de martelo
- #116-118 smasher (o golpeador) e disruptor (o desintegrador) (reescrita a edição de spectacular Spider-Man magazine que era a preto e Branco , agora a cores , actualizado para canónico)
- enfrenta o Hulk
-#121 (Conway e Gil Kane) no momento que mudou a vida do aranha para sempre , envolvendo duende verde e Gwen ( realço o momento final com Mary Jane brilhante)
- surge Luke cage , origem do homem lobo (ross Andru no traço) , retorno do canguru , abutre
- #129 estreia do justiceiro e chacal
-#130 o aranha-móvel feito pelo aranha e o tocha humana, e o casamento de tia may com doc ok
- magma , origem do tarântula, a volta do duende verde (Harry), o verme mental , o urso , mistério
- aparição de dr.estranho, gibbon (gibão) e kraven
- #111 nova dupla criativa , sai stan lee entra gerry Conway e romita
- doc ok , cabeça de martelo
- #116-118 smasher (o golpeador) e disruptor (o desintegrador) (reescrita a edição de spectacular Spider-Man magazine que era a preto e Branco , agora a cores , actualizado para canónico)
- enfrenta o Hulk
-#121 (Conway e Gil Kane) no momento que mudou a vida do aranha para sempre , envolvendo duende verde e Gwen ( realço o momento final com Mary Jane brilhante)
- surge Luke cage , origem do homem lobo (ross Andru no traço) , retorno do canguru , abutre
- #129 estreia do justiceiro e chacal
-#130 o aranha-móvel feito pelo aranha e o tocha humana, e o casamento de tia may com doc ok
- magma , origem do tarântula, a volta do duende verde (Harry), o verme mental , o urso , mistério
May 27, 2021
Original Punisher is kind of nutty. I was way, way, way too old before I realized that mercy bullets weren't actually a thing.
Also nutty: the Doc Ock / Aunt May romance. Now that he lives in a clone of Peter Parker body, isn't it kind of icky that he used to bump uglies with Aunt May? Don't @ me saying it was always icky. Aunt Mays have needs too.
Also nutty: the Doc Ock / Aunt May romance. Now that he lives in a clone of Peter Parker body, isn't it kind of icky that he used to bump uglies with Aunt May? Don't @ me saying it was always icky. Aunt Mays have needs too.
November 3, 2025
Some up and downs but there is some really great stuff in here. Good fun and deepens the lore of spider-man. At the same time outside of the death of gwen stacy none of it drastically changes Peter. I will say that I don't like how they kill Gwen before she even finds out that Peter is Spider-Man. Its very disappointing to be robbed of that.
January 13, 2019
That's almost the first 150 issues of Spider-Man I have read now. It was great to see how everything started, but now that the Lee run is up I'm looking forward to skipping around and getting more current.
December 13, 2022
This is an excellent run of issues, covering some classic storyline which are still recreated in films today. The death of Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborne as the Green Goblin, etc. - really well written in general and very solid art
December 29, 2024
As with all of the Spider-Man omnibus volumes, they all are fantastic, bringing to life captivating artwork and storytelling from the 1960s and 70s.
This volume is different in that it takes the comic and the heroic stories into the realm of tragedy. The murder of Gwen Stacy by the Green Goblin and its aftermath is one of the most important points of not Spider-Man comics, but comic books in general.
Spider-Man persevered, but at a very high personal cost.
This volume is different in that it takes the comic and the heroic stories into the realm of tragedy. The murder of Gwen Stacy by the Green Goblin and its aftermath is one of the most important points of not Spider-Man comics, but comic books in general.
Spider-Man persevered, but at a very high personal cost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2020
I've been reading these stories with my 10 year old daughter who has become a HUGE Spiderman fan. It just doesn't get any better than this collection (well maybe it does....i personally love the 80s stuff the best). This contains a massive run of 70s spiderman issues which include tons of classic villains and storylines. Some of the 70s lingo and references confused my 10 year old a bit (for example...why does Mary Jane call Peter "Dad" so much in these issues lol..I didn't have an answer for her) but it's a lot of fun watching these characters develop and reading these classic adventures. Easy five stars for me.
May 1, 2024
Conway elevates the character far beyond Lee’s standard, while some of the book’s all-time best artists (Romita, Kane, and Andru) knock it out of the park every issue.
January 9, 2024
Pros:
- Jhon Romita's sr. Spiderman
- It tells one of the most important stories of Spider-Man
- It has two hulk issues
- Not a boring story in all the book
Cons:
- No awesome story
- Jhon Romita's sr. Spiderman
- It tells one of the most important stories of Spider-Man
- It has two hulk issues
- Not a boring story in all the book
Cons:
- No awesome story
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews