By: Stan Lee Publisher: Marvel Comics Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Marvel Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 552 Publication Date: March 29, 2006
Amazing Spider-Man: Essentials Vol. 1 Amazing Spiderman: Essential Vol. 1 shows the beginning of the still ongoing series, from Peter Parker making history and being bit by that radioactive spider, to Spiderman battling The Sinister-Six for the first time. Throughout this book you will definitely find something that will grab your attention.
Although not being a fan of the co-creator's (Steve Ditko) artwork, it symbolizes a sort of landmark in the comic book industry. The style is very cartoonish, but believable. He put's everything in perspective and you will always know what is going on in the story. Ditko's work also includes issues in the Incredible Hulk, Dr. Strange, and Iron Man. With the help of Jack Kirby, there is a nice balance in this collection.
Accompanied by Stan Lee's legendary narration, this comic is one of the many reasons Stan Lee is so influential in the comic book world. Not only being the creator of Spider-Man, but also Daredevil, The X-Men, The Fantastic Four, and Thor.
Personally, I really enjoyed this collection. Being a long time comic book fan myself, I really respect where they came from and where they went with the story. It is very fast paced and moves along quite well. With well deserved villain breaks in between, it gives you time to understand Pater parkers love interests (in this case Betty Brant). This is obviously the beginnings of Spider-Man and takes place in Earth 616 in the Marvel Multiverse. With new remakes slowly coming out, it's always good to know the real story beforehand, and especially to know the differences.
Overall, I would positively give these comics 5 stars. It's entertaining and suspenseful. With crossovers and multi story arcs coming out left and right, it's difficult to get into comic book nowadays. I would definitely recommend this for anyone interested in comic books.
Get over the B&W Yes, it is somewhat of an annoyance that these books arent in color but I think fans should be grateful we have access to so much content for so little money. Marvel Essentials are a HUFE blessing to comic fans. Especially young ones who want to experience comic books from their very first run up until the present. The only thing I can see fans complaining about is that the binding is rather poor, but I've only experienced this a few times considering I have numerous Essentials volumes and DC showcase books. I have about 25 overall and I've only had binding problems with 2 of them.
first-class entertainment This collection of the original 22 magazine appearances of Spider-Man* is awesome. I'm not an experienced Spider-Man fan; I mostly know him from the recent Tobey Maguire films (good, better, bad). Spider-Man is a great character: trying to do the right thing and beat criminals while struggling to make financial ends meet (at one point he tries to convince a sports card manufacturer to make Spider-Man trading cards - to no avail), trying not to lose his temper with kids at school (remember he's just a teenager), and seeking to maintain a relationship while constantly disappearing (to turn into Spider-Man). His adolescent arrogance often gets the better of him and his luck turns sour as often as sweet (except in a fight, in which it turns sour less often :) ).
The dialogue in these comics is hilarious, often because of its clunky exposition. I'd say "unintentionally," but Stan Lee - the writer - seems savvy enough to see the joke. Here are a couple of lines I loved:
Dr Doom, in a thought bubble: "When one is a master of science, as I am, there is nothing which cannot be accomplished!"
Mysterio, in the midst of a battle with Spider-man: "I might as well tell you the whole story - for I shall see to it that you never tell anyone else!" [followed by the whole story**]
The book is full of visits from other superheroes: the Fantastic Four appear most prominently, but we also see the Hulk, and have cameos from the X-Men, Giant-Men, the Wasp, Dr Strange, Iron Man, and many more. The villains are endless and creative: my favorite is the oh-so-dated leopard skin pants-wearing Kraven the Hunter. And there isn't a period in the whole book: all exclamation points and question marks.
This is first-class entertainment.
* Includes Amazing Fantasy #15, The Amazing Spider-Man #1 - 20, and The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1.
** Reminiscent of that scene in The Great Muppet Caper when Miss Piggy asks her new employer why she just told her all about her personal life, to which the employer responds, Exposition!
The origin of one of comic's greatest! If you are interested in the origins of Spider-Man, his friends, Aunt May, and several of his oldest foes then this is a great book. Obviously some might be turned away by the lack of color, but the content of the book makes up for that to me. If you like stories that can be completed in one issue instead of the normal six issues these days, or you just like a good Lee/Kirby story. This is the book for you!
Naive yet sophisticated Even oh so many decades later these stories are still astounding for the complexity of character they have. Sure, some of the portrayal of the teenagers will seem naive now due to cultural changes over the years but the depth of story-telling is really superb.
We see the creation of Spiderman of course, as well as many of his premier rogues gallery, though to be fair we also see some pretty weak villains as well. Montana and Fancy Dan anyone?
What is interesting about the art is, excepting for the Annual, the complete lack of splash pages. This gives a general panel count of 6-9 per page which really allows the depth of story-telling that is the strength of this collection. There is ample room for exposition and character development. The strength of which is Peter Parker dealing with his real life, his relationships with Aunt May, Betty Brandt and the fellow students at his school. This is where the stories are elevated above bam-pow superhero action.
Though the lack of color is unfortunate, you get a really fair number of issues for the price. The lack of color also allows one to see the pencilling and inking better which may or may not be of interest to you.
On the whole a really good run of issues introducing a new archetype of superhero.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
