Marvel Masterworks, Volume 001: The Amazing Spider-Man Volume 1 [#1-10 + Amazing Fantasy #15]

Although rough and still overly bombastic, as was his style at the time, the thing that sets the first ten or so issues of The Amazing Spider-Man apart is a combination of how Stan Lee introduced complexity to the super-hero story, not from the dangers of super-powered villains, although there are plenty of those, but from the dangers of Peter Parker’s home and school life. In one issue, his Aunt May needs an operation and Peter is asked to donate blood, so he worries that something in his bloodstream might give him away—not to mention what it might do to his aunt. At school, he is constantly picked on by Flash Thompson, and even enters into a boxing ring with him, but has to be careful not to throw too hard of a punch, given his show more spider-strength. It was these everyday challenges that made this comic interesting, and in contrast with the Avengers volume, a lot more engaging. The other thing that this comic had going for it is the constant dialogue from Spider-Man, a banter that would prove to also set him apart in the crowded comic marketplace. show less

I have thought a fair amount about what I am going to rate this. Spider-Man is my favorite super hero. The primary reason that many relate to him is that much of the story is based upon the life of Peter Parker. These first issues establish "the life of Peter Parker" as how the story will be told.

The art was top notch for the time, and still looks good. The writing is gonzo, which some people just can't tolerate. I find it fun, if silly and sometimes convoluted. The establishment of super powers and their extensions are leaps of logic and illogic, but the sheer fun of it all trumps that for me.

If we measure this book by modern standards, it looks pretty ordinary, and even garish. However, this is the establishment of a long lasting show more story. It was received very well, and resonates with many people. It resonates with me, so I give it top marks. show less

Its hard to remember how ground breaking these comics were, now that we're fifty years past their original publication. But they are strong comics, some of the best Marvel was doing at this time...Steve Ditko's art is rarely better than on Spider-Man and it was obvious that Stan Lee was enjoying this comic. An incredibly solid start to one of the most iconic comics characters ever created.

When I was a kid, l loved Spider-Man. I collected Spider-Man comics and read everything I could get my hands on with Spider-Man in it. I looked forward to rereading these classic issues in this beautiful hardback reprint edition. As always, Steve Ditko's art amazed me; his work was unique and singular. But some of the storylines were pretty lame and the Fantastic Four appearances were mediocre and unnecessary. Overall, this was a fun read and the epilogue at the end about the original artwork for Amazing Fantasy #15 anonymously being donated to the Library of Congress was a cool addition.

"Amazing" is right. Such was the opposition to Stan Lee's concept of a hung-up, teenage superhero, he had to resort to introducing the character via a one-off story in the final issue of a magazine due to be cancelled. By way of contrast, The Mighty Thor debuted in his own series the same month as Spider-Man snuck in under everyone's guard.
Handing his outline to Jack Kirby, Lee soon realised that Kirby's heroic style wasn't what the strip required and reassigned it to the quirkier Steve Ditko who gave Peter Parker the required nerdy look. In the end Kirby's contribution would be limited to the first 2 covers although he has been credited with creating Spidey's famous red and blue costume.
But it was Ditko who gave the strip its show more uncharacteristic look and apart from a run in with alien invaders in issue 2 the Spider-Man approach would eschew the scifi stylings Kirby was exploring with the Fantastic Four.
Here Ditko and Lee create some of the enduring characters of comics: J Jonah Jameson, Aunt May, The Vulture, The Sandman, The Lizard and of course Dr Octopus. With supporting characters like Betty Brant, Flash Thompson and Liz Allen the groundwork was laid for one of the great superhero soap operas ever. show less

Such a joy in life it is to have a son who will take one of my books to the WizardWorld Convention, where Stan Lee is among the honorees, and stand in line for 2 hours to get it signed. Of course he knows he'll inherit my collection one day, but I was still touched. My original review follows:

In my opinion, "The Amazing Spider-Man" was the best of Marvel Comics' groundbreaking new wave of "real" superheroes. I certainly remember being heartbroken, and not just for pecuniary reasons, when my Mom threw this (and other classics) out while I was at college. I'll forgive her someday, but I will never forget. Spider-Man was the hero most imbued with honor and responsibility, a lesson Peter Parker learned the hard way when a fleeing criminal show more he declined to stop later killed his beloved Uncle Ben. Thus was Spider-Man born, and the classic motto, "With great power there must also come - great responsibility". This book is beautifully reproduced, and includes the origin story in Amazing Fantasy #15. It also introduces some of the most memorable villains in comic book history, such as the Chameleon, the Vulture, Doctor Octopus, The Sandman, the Lizard and Electro. show less

This is where it all began! Classic work by Stan "the man" Lee! Nearly every sentence of dialog ends with an exclamation! Or with...a couple question marks?? But that's OK! This stuff is classic!