Featuring: Spider-Man
Release: September 10, 1963
Cover: December 1963
12 cents
Written by: Stan Lee
Illustrated by: Steve Ditko
21 pages
Spider-Man gets his first repeat villain. Stan claims readers demanded his return. But, well, Stan always says that.
Spider-Man is overconfident his same gadget will work, but Vulture had modified his wings to nullify Spider-Man’s gadget. Spider-Man is defeated in their first encounter and sprains his arm. He’ll have to fight Vulture again one-handed.
We learn that Aunt May and Peter live in Forest Hills in Queens. There had been some hints he lived in Manhattan before, but nothing definitive.
Does Vulture not notice Spider-Man taking a picture? Does he not find that odd? Also, he’s present when Peter is trying to sell that exact picture to Jonah. They do note lots of people had been snapping pictures of the Vulture… but this one seems like a pretty unique angle.
I like how Ditko draws the Vulture perched on the flagpole like a vulture.
We get a close call on the secret identity front.
We get a bit of a romantic moment at the end. The relationship forming between Peter and Betty is more organic than any of the other love interests on display. Thing and Alicia have the best relationship so far, but it’s mostly been left to evolve off camera. Everything with Thor/Jane or Iron Man/Pepper is just cheesy. This couple slowly coming together feels natural.
Rating: ★★★½, 63/100
Significance: ★★★☆☆
I read this story in Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection vol. 1: Great Power. You can also find it through Kindle.
Characters:
- Vulture
- Peter Parker/Spider-Man
- Flash Thompson
- Aunt May/May Parker
- Liz Allan
- Betty Brant
- J. Jonah Jameson
Story notes:
- Ending of Amazing Spider-Man #2 recapped.
- Months have passed since their previous encounter.
- Vulture makes flying device in prison and escapes.
- Coach Smith is Midtown High Volleyball coach.
- We learn Aunt May and Peter live in Forest Hills, not Manhattan.
- Vulture’s wings instantly change magnetic poles, which nullifies Spider-Man’s magnetic inverter.
- Spider-Man sprained arm in landing.
- Vulture’s hideout an abandoned farm silo on Staten Island.
- We learn Aunt May’s name is May Parker.
#119 story in reading order
Next: Strange Tales #115
Previous: Sgt. Fury #4
Great cover
It is, indeed. Thanks for reading along, Frank.