Essential Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 6 (Marvel Essentials)

This book sees us swing fully into the Gerry Conway era on Amazing Spider-man and for many, it includes the event that many say launched the Bronze Age of Comics. This book collects Amazing Spider-man #114-137, Giant Sized Superheroes #1, and Giant Sized Spider-man #1 and #2.The book kicks off with #114 and #115 which continues a previous story arc about a gang war between Doctor Octopus and Hammerhead. The book also establishes a long time problem of Aunt May staying on as Doc Ock's housekeeper much to Peter's distress.Issues #116-118 reprints and revamps a story from the magazine size Spectacular Spider-man #1 featuring the story of a reform mayoral candidate and a strange man-monster pursuing him. The action is a good and the story is decent as far as it goes. The story creates a minor continuity issue since the name of the candidate wasn't changed. Still, the result isn't bad.Issues #119 and #120 have Peter Parker going to Canada to investigate a strange letter sent to Aunt May that may tie into the reason for Doc Ock's interest in her. While in Canada, he fights the Hulk. The story is good and a nice crossover that takes Spider-man out of his element and allows him to meet up with General Ross. The action is good and my only problem with it is that Spidey's attitude is a bit inconsistent with what was betrayed in Annual #3 when he chose to let the Hulk go out of compassion even though it cost him his first chance to join the Avengers.Issue #121 is the big one. It's, "The Night that Gwen Stacy Died." which is one of the seminal events in Spider-man history and the history of comics in general with many saying that Spider-man #121 marked the start of the more serious Bronze Age of comics. Clearly, the biggest reason for the death of Gwen Stacy is that the author didn't know what else to do with her. Dating back to Issue 111, Conway had done very little with this relationship, so her death was necessary.However, Conway goes beyond necessity and creates a masterful story that acknowledges the real impact of what happened when she perished as a result of Spider-man's fight with the Green Goblin. The reaction is realistic and completely believable. The emotions are handled appropriately and with great sensitivity, adding depth to Spider-man character.The one unrealistic part was Gwen dying before Spidey's web hit her. This was retconned to her dying as a result of her spine snapping when the web grabbed her close to the ground.At any rate, Issue #122 has the follow up death of Norman Osborne and also begins to see the development of Mary Jane Watson as a character which Conway also does in a very subtle intelligent way throughout the book.Issue #123 has J Jonah hiring Luke Cage to go after Spider-man and is really a showcase for that character that works pretty well. Issues 124 and 125 are another great concept as J Jonah own son has become one of the "freaks" he raves against as a new Man-wolf. Issue 126 features the return of the Kangaroo. Issues #127 make up a nice two parter about the apparent return of the Vulture with some great plot twists along the way.Issue #129 is the first story featuring the Punisher. It's pretty basic but gives a good outline of the character. Issue #130 has the return of Hammerhead and leads into Issue #131 where Peter has to prevent Aunt May from marrying Doctor Octopus. It's a fun story, but you just have to avoid thinking about why Doc Ock is wanting to marry Aunt May because it breaks down. Issues 132 and 133 have Conway revamp yet another previously introduced villain into a major menace and he does a great job with the Molten Man.Giant Sized Spider-man #1 features a team up between Morbius the living Vampire and John Jameson as Man-wolf. The story is probably one of the weakest in the book but still okay.Giant Sized Spider-man #1 was written by Len Wein and has Spider-man and Dracula in it, though the two don't do battle although Peter Parker bumps into her in the hall. This is a decent story of murder and fear on a cruise boat with Spider-man needing to find a scientist to get them back to New York to save Aunt May. Issue #134 has Spider-man fighting the Tarantula with the Punisher joining in Issue #135 after initially believing Spider-man was in league with the Tarantula (hmm, the Punisher must read the Daily Bugle.) The Punisher is pretty reasonable in this story and suprisingly so given how the character developed as he's okay with Spider-man catching Tarantula and turning him over to the police.Giant Sized Spider-man #2 (also by Len Wein) has Spidey teaming up with the Master of Kung Fu with both men beginning the adventure thinking the other is a villain. This was a nice change of pace and just a fun team up that took Spidey out of his element.Issues #136 and #137 feature the reveal of the new Green Goblin as Harry Osborn in a truly epic story.Overall, this is a book that lives up to his title as these are truly essential tales. Several issues are much-read including the first Punisher stories, the Night Gwen Stacy died, and the last two stories featuring Harry Osborn. That which isn't actually essential is very well written and pretty darn interesting. Conway doesn't redo the Spider-man mythos but builds on it and the results are amazing. The book has a variety of artists including John Romita, Gil Kane, and Ross Andru, and all do an equally great job of capturing the classic feel of Spider-man.

These issues cover Nov. 1972 to Oct. 1974, the first Giant-Size Superheroes, and the first two Giant-Size Spider-Man issues. Contrary to what it says above, the only writers in this edition are Gerry Conway and Len Wein (GSSM 1&2). John Romita, Ross Andru, and Gil Kane share credits for the art work. Stan Lee has a hand in the stories about the Smasher and the Disruptor.This volume will be unforgettable because Gwen Stacy dies ("The Night Gwen Stacy Died"), the Green Goblin, a.k.a. Norman Osborne dies ("The Green Goblin's Last Stand"), Doc Oc almost marries Aunt May, and he gets killed along with Hammerhead in the same issue ("My Uncle...My Enemy") Jonah Jameson's son becomes a werewolf ("The Mark of the Man-Wolf" and "The Man-Wolf Strikes Again"), a new vulture tries to kill off MJ (in "The Dark Wings of Death" and "The Shadow of the Vulture"), Liz Allen returns and the Molten Man returns to meet his death ("The Master Plan of the Molten Man" and "The Molten Man Breaks Out"), and finally Harry Osborne picks up where his father left off, becoming the Green Goblin ("The Green Goblin Lives Again" and "The Green Goblin Strikes"). Thus Conway offers SM readers a superhero epic which combines action and melodrama quite adroitly even though some plot elements may be far-fetched, or left unexplained. Gwen Stacy's death is the most pivotal event here because Peter Parker's sentimental life revolved around her, and it is a source for internal conflict because Spidey has to deal with feelings of revenge as well as with depression. The Green Goblin defines himself as a major player in Spidey's life since he's the one who kills Gwen; and when he gets himself killed (just like it happened in the movie), NYPD has a new motive to get him arrested, not to mention that it gives fuel to JJJ's anti-Spider-Man obsession. And then,of course, Harry Osborne overcomes his sense of futility and unhappiness by picking up where his father left. Also, MJ recovers some status in Petey's life by being a friend and confidant, but there is no promise of being a sentimental partner.On the other hand, the story where Doc Oc almost marries Aunt May is quite ludicrous. First of all, where does Aunt May get her inheritance of a uranium plant? It is also awkward that during Spidey's persecution of Doc Ock, Aunt May is passive most of the time. She's not only an instrument to Doc Ock's plans, but she becomes a mere plot device that helps Conway write this incredible story. Besides this, what happened to the Spider-mobile and the money Spider-Man was going to receive for it? Readers know that Hammerhead smashed into it. But Spidey doesn't mention the Spider-mobile afterwards or the money he will miss for not turning the car in. And how does he get to fly an airplane to save him and his aunt's hide (By the way, Spidey flies once more in his "team-up" with Dracula)? Rereading this story, one gets the impression that Conway's speed writing them parallels Hammerhead's own desperate desire to get to the island where Doc Oc is, without knowing what he's after. The ending is the most disappointing part of all; both foes were so interesting, that they didn't deserve this fate.Albeit the melodrama involving Stacy's death, and the sudden death of Doc Ock and Hammerhead, Lee makes a comeback to write, in collaboration with Conway, what I consider to be the true gem of this volume's collection: those are the stories involving the Smasher, the Disruptor, and the liberal reformist mayoral candidate Richard Raleigh. This text is action packed, starting with the Smasher smashing through a Richard Raleigh poster board and attacking Spider-Man, getting us to know the charismatic politician in person and see his support (particularly from Gwen, MJ, and Harry), and having us watch Peter Parker try to hold the ceiling of the East Side Hotel as it crumbles upon an audience of 200 people. In the next two issues we are introduced to the Disruptor, the Smasher's creator and his master plan of killing off Richard Raleigh. Each villain and the charismatic Raleigh turn out to be quite interesting: they are as mad or obsessed as most of Spidey's villains. The conclusion to this great story is a surprise, and Romita's inclusion of an electronic banner announcing poll results in favor of Raleigh, while SM faces the Smasher and the Disruptor, is quite unique, and it helps build tension toward the end of this story. This definitely is one of the best in Spider-man's lore and perhaps the best in this volume.Also, in these issues we see some new villains (the ones just mentioned above, Lucas Cage, the Jackal, the Scorpion, a Dr. Jonas Harrow, creator of Hammerhead, and the Man-Wolf). Morbius, the vampire returns in the GSSH #1 to confront the Man-Wolf. The stories in the giant-size issues are team-ups with Dracula and The Master of Kung-Fu, for those who are fans of horror character or karate flicks (these are not among my favorite stories). Readers also get to see the first appearances of the Punisher in "The Punisher Strikes Twice" and "Shoot-out in Central Park." The return of the Green Goblin, this time through Harry Osborn tops them all.I do wonder, however, whether with all these deaths, Doc Ock and Hammerhead, the Green Goblin, and more importantly Gwen Stacy, Conway the young writer is in an oedipal conflict with Lee (son killing the father in a literary sense: someone called this once an anxiety of influence. This is an author's desire to distance himself from his literary mentor). This was just a thought.In sum, most of these issues were quite dramatic and intense. If you enjoy reading comic books with good plots, these Essential Collections are a good source, although not every story can be satisfying to every reader.

This volume starts with Spider-Man being shot at, which serves as a fitting beginning for such a danger-filled volume. The art, action, excellent use of the supporting cast and character development are as good as ever with back issues of Amazing Spider-Man, and features the debuts of villains such as The Jackal, Vulture III, The Tarantula, Man-Wolf, The Disbelief-Inducing Spider-Mobile, and The friggin' Punisher!However, both you and I know why you are might be considering this volume, The tragic two-parter that changed everything, via the death of a major supporting character It is the perfect amount of emotion, violence, and action, ending masterfully in a bittersweet final scene between Mary Jane and Peter. But trust me, there are other gems as well such as finishing up the Hammerhead/Doc Ock Feud from last time, The Molten Man literally and metaphorically falling apart, an excellent battle w/ Luke Cage, and the most bizarre comic book wedding of all time. Just read it for the horrifying reveal, trust me on this.Even though the best story (121-122) is in the middle, the action and story just builds and builds upon itself and carries steam into the next volume. If you love Spider-Man, particularly from this era, this is the volume for you. I didn't even mention some of the other excellent moments scattered throughout because I hope people discover it and are surprised like myself. Read it for yourself and enjoy this celebration of Spider-Man!

Book arrived in excellent condition and was just as described. It's great to have all these comics in one collection. Even though they are not in color the stories are fun to read and and a good deal.

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Starting with the completion of the Dr. Octopus V Hammerhead cliffhanger from Essential Vol. 5 ending with Aunt May talked into becoming Ock's housekeeper. It kicks in proper with the Disruptor using a genetically modified 10' tall thug, the Smasher to further his political ends, the villain's identity comes as no surprise but the ending does and starts a new chain of deaths in Spidey's life.A trip to Canada leads to a clash with the Hulk and the death of the lawyer who Peter Parker is seeking, and the weirdness of Aunt May's legacy. This is all but a taster for what is to come as Norman Osborn's memory returns and he once again becomes the schizophrenic Green Goblin and remembers Spider-Man's secret identity, this time with tragic results for Gwen Stacy who is flung to her death from the George Washington Bridge. That moment captured in the single sound effect 'SNAP' as Spidey thinks he has saved her. In the scene that inspired the Goblin's death in the first big Spider-Man movie the Goblin is impaled on his own jet-flyer. At the end we see Osborn's costume being taken away by someone to cover his identity, the second felon in this volume to have their deeds hidden and Spider-Man taking the fall.Luke Cage, Marvel's latest hero is hired by JJJ to capture Spidey but after pummeling each other they come to an understanding. Then Jameson's astronaut son John turns into the Man-Wolf and even though Spider-Man seems to lift the curse..(?) JJJ still cannot find it in him to stop persecuting him. The Kangaroo makes a brief and again tragic, for him, appearance as he is modified by Dr. Jonas Harrow to steal some isotopes he needs, the Human Torch guest-stars. The superb Vulture returns, sort of, in a two part tale stalking Mary Jane who witnessed a murder, there is a nice twist to this tale.A new villain appears, The Jackal, persuading another new Marvel character, The Punisher to track Spider-Man down and kill him, the Jackal meanwhile is busy framing The Punisher who catches on that he has been tricked later in the story. Spider-Man is now a suspect in the murders of Gwen Stacy and Norman Osborn so is an easy target for vigilantes. In a almost surreal tale Dock Ock seeks to marry Aunt May to get her inheritance but his arch-enemy Hammerhead intervenes and as the pair fight they spark an explosion, both seemingly dying at the end.The Molten Man makes a memorable re-appearance before seemingly falling to his doom.Then a couple of monster tales as first Morbius the Living Vampire turns John Jameson into the Man-Wolf again: and an ocean voyage is interrupted by Count Dracula as he and a group of felons seek the same doctor Parker is looking for to get a cure for Aunt May.Back at sea, a day-trip is interrupted by a South American gangster The Tarantula and his two cohorts and The Punisher puts in a untimely appearance, once again getting the wrong end of the stick, not all heroes start off smart.....Shang-Chi, The Master of Kung Fu, and Spidey are tricked into fighting each other before joining together to fight Fu Manchu, yes,that one!,the forerunner of Marvel's own evil orientals The Mandarin and The Yellow Claw.The last tale is a real stormer as the manic Harry Osborn, who has been undergoing several changes during this time is revealed as the mystery figure who stole his father's, the Green Goblin's costume earlier. The double page spread as he appears is superb. Harry has discovered Peter Parker's secret identity which is only kept safe by the Goblin's defeat and Harry's descent into madness.The scripts, largely by Gerry Conway are superb with both a brilliant series of inter-connected tales with great set-piece fights and a darker edge to the stories combined with the use of many supporting characters to further future story developments. There are even a few nods towards DC comics star creations thrown in. The artwork by John Romita, Gil Kane and latterly Ross Andru is once again superb even in black and white.There's even the Spider-mobile, Ok so forget that one.....

Dass Spider-Man der menschlichste aller Superhelden ist, beweisen ganz besonders die alten Hefte der Serie, in denen es neben Superschurkenprobleme auch Probleme mit dem Geld, Freunden und in der Familie (Da ist nur Tante May, aber egal) gibt. Das macht die Hefte durchgehend spannend und zieht einen roten Faden durch die Serie, der einen zum weiterlesen animiert. "Doc Oc ist besiegt, aber was wird aus Mary Jane, Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn und Co?" denkt man sich am Ende einer Story und will natürlich wissen wie es weitergeht. Die neuen Hefte nach "One more day" sind sehr gut mit den alten zu vergleichen und schaffen es tatsächlich einen genauso zu packen.Die Essential-Bände sind für Sammler wie mich Gold wert. Gute Qualität, toller Preis, schwarzweiß, aber bei der Menge an Heften und dem Preis will man nicht meckern. Kaufen!!!

When you wer a kid growing up in the 1970s, Marvel comics were cool. The first comic book I bought was a Superman comic but my grade 1 & 2 classmates all thought that Spider-Man was way cooler than Superman (besides that, Batman is the cool superhero in the DC comics roster, but how is a 6-7 year-old kid supposed to know that?).Many of these issues printed in this volume I read later on when they were reprinted in Marvel Tales but a few of these issues I remember reading, generally at a friend's place where his older brother would let us read his stacks of DC and Marvel comics (but not the B&W Warren and Marvel groundlevel horror and fantasy titles).Roy Thomas briefly succeeeded Stan Leee as the writer on The Amazing Spider-Man but Stan's ultimate replacement was Gerry Conway. Between 1972 and 1974, Conway scripted ASM. He introduced Hamerhead and had a gangwar between Hammerhead and Doctor Octopus and introduced a subplot revolving arount Peter Parker's Aunt May and an inheritance that pit Hammerhead and Doc Ock against one another (this subplot takes a year to unfold, they do not have subplots like that anymore in comics); he had Norman Osborn become the Green Goblin again, kill Peter/Spidey's lover Gwen Stacy, and then killed the Green Goblin off when an attempt to murder Spidey backfired (and this set up two major seperate subplots involving the new Green Goblin and the Jackal); he turned poor John Jameson into the Man-Wolf; brought Liz Allen back into Peter Parker's circle of friends and ressurected her brother, the Molten Man; he introduced Luke Cage Power Man and the Punisher; had another Green Goblin appear; and introduced his greatest Villian, the Jackal. All these stories are included here in this volume.The early issues in this volume are pencilled by the great John Romita or by Gil Kane (with a superb inking job by Romita) but soon Ross Andru became the regular artist on ASM and his superb pencilling set the look that Spidey would have during the 1970s.Also reprinted here are three Giant-Sized editions (Giant-Sized Superheroes and Giant-Sized Spider-Man). Of note is the story in GSSM #1 that pits Spider-Man against Dracula (from Marvel's superb Tomb Of Dracula series). Well sort-of, Spidey and Drac never actually meet in the story, which is just as well. Spidey's adventures at the time were somewhat grim. Its a great story nonetheless. Spidey had his hands full with Morbius the living vampire and the Man-Wolf during this period.Oh, I almost forgot, Spidey travelled to Montreal Canada and took on the Hulk. Like I said, these comics were a really great read in the day and stand up very well today.

Some classic Spidey stories done by some legends.Great comics that are sadly no longer being done today.Must own to any Spidey fans.