Excelent I have not read it yet but I lend it to a friend of mine that said that it was one of the best purchases
Black-and-white reprints of ASM #114-137 This sixth "Essential" volume collects black-and-white reprints of "Amazing Spider-Man" issues #114-137 that Marvel Comics originally published between November 1970 and October 1972. Gerry Conway is the credited writer for all stories and Roy Thomas is the editor-in-chief. John Romita, Sr. provides the penciling for #114-119 and #132 and Gil Kane resumes his run for #120-124. Ross Andru assumed penciling duties for #125, beginning a run that would last until 1978. Issues #114-115 conclude the three-part Hammerhead story that started in the "Essential ASM #5" collection. Stan Lee gets a co-writer credit for the three-issue (#116-118) reworking of Marvel's short-lived 1968 "Spectacular Spider-Man" oversized magazine. These issues feature a popular yet suspicious mayoral candidate Richard Raleigh promising "change" while the sinister Smasher wreaks havoc on New York. Spidey tackles The Hulk in a mediocre two-parter before the highlight of this run of issues comes in #121-122: "The Death of Gwen Stacy and Norman Osborn". Another memorable run is #135-137 "The Green Goblin Lives Again" where Harry assumes his father's villainous mantle. Each of these two plotlines was adapted for key elements of the recent Spider-Man films. #129 features the first appearance of The Punisher and #130-131 features the threat of Aunt May marrying Doctor Octopus. Other appearances include: Luke Cage (#123), Man-Wolf (#124-125), The Kangaroo (#126), The Vulture (#127-128), Molten Man (#132-133) and the Tarantula (#134). Many of these issues were also reprinted as #93-114 of the late 1970s "Marvel Tales" series (and reprinted again in MT #192-193). I prefer the Amazing Spider-Man DVD-ROM for its complete collection of the entire ASM run in full color PDFs. However, the Marvel Essentials series offers convenient, inexpensive access to these 40-year old Spider-Man comics without needing a computer.
It's In Black and White Somehow I missed the part where I was informed the book was in black and white. Major disappointment. The lack of color is a big deal. Be warned. Hey don't get me wrong, I love Spider-Man. He's my favorite but I'm letting people know that the book is not in color. I would think that that would be a good thing to know before anyone buys it.
decay happens. When Stan Lee bowed out, Gerry Conway took over. Then a young talent who struggled to find his place in the marvel universe. His writing was stiff and clunky. Of course the death of Gwen Stacy has some drama but "worm eating scum" is hardly clever writing. John Romita continues with Gil Kane and some others who prove impressive in style. I like Kane quite a bit. While his sketchy style and inability to render a face are problematic, his layouts are brilliant and he really unstiffens John Romita's art. However when Ross Andre took over, it was a serious decay in quality. Andre is a competent artist who tried to maintain the style of John Romita but that's it. Otherwise it's abismal to see both John and Stan leave Spiderman to far less talented people. Storylines are mediocre at best. The death of Gwen could have been handled with much more drama and a long-term storyline but instead Peter is linked to Mary Jane. The reason for the death of Gwen was due to both John Romita and Gerry (and Stan at times) finding Mary Jane far more interesting to work with. Oh if they understood.
Spidey at some of his BEST and worst moments! Once you get past the black & white pages (there is much to be said about how color enhances comicbook artwork), the Marvel Essentials stories really manage to pull you in.
Volume 6 has some of Spidey's best storylines ever in Amazing Spider-Man. The pinacle would have to be the character defining two-parter with the Death of Gwen Stacy at the hands of the Green Goblin. Powerful stuff even 30 years later. Other classic villains make appearances as well from Doc Ock to The Tarantula to the Molten Man and Hammerhead and the introduction of The Punisher and The Jackal. Of course there's also some rough spots in the reading like the plotline that had Doc Ock marrying Aunt May...shudder...silly...but keep reading and you'll find a good time with every turn of the page.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
