The Amazing Spider-Man (Penguin Classics Marvel Collection)

Penguin Classics’ “The Amazing Spider-Man” collects “Amazing Fantasy” #15, “The Amazing Spider-Man” #1-4, 9-10, 13-14, & 17-19 along with summaries of “Amazing Spider-Man” #5-8, #11-12, #15-16, Annual #1, and material from “Strange Tales” #97, all written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Steve Ditko. These stories detail much of Spidey’s formative first two years, while Ben Saunders’ introduction explains the historical context of the comic book industry at the time as well as the legacy of Lee & Ditko’s work. Jason Reynolds’ foreword describes what Spider-Man – and his teenaged alter ego Peter Parker – meant to Reynolds and his brother as young readers, further helping to contextualize the character. These stories introduce Spider-Man’s friends and family, Aunt May, J. Jonah Jameson, Betty Brant, Liz Allen, and Flash Allen. Spider-Man regularly works with members of the Fantastic Four, developing a friendship with the Human Torch, and even meets the Avengers in these stories. Additionally, classic recurring villains make their first appearances, including the Vulture, Doctor Octopus, Sandman, the Lizard, Electro, Big Man & the Enforcers (Montana, Fancy Dan, & Ox), Mysterio, the Green Goblin, Kraven the Hunter, the Sinister Six, and Mac Gargan (who later become the Scorpion & Venom). The story from “Strange Tales” #97 features a couple named Aunt May and Uncle Ben months before “Amazing Fantasy” #15, though these two have little in common with Peter Parker’s family as their story so thoroughly departs from the May & Ben who appeared later. These formative issues underscore the significance of Spider-Man and lay the groundwork for the hundreds and hundreds of stories that followed. As Stan Lee noted in the end of issue 9, summing up Ol’ Web-head’s appeal, Spider-Man is “the superhero who could be – you!” (pg. 162). In addition to the stunning presentation of this volume with its bold red covers with gilt details and page edges, Penguin added bonus material for fans new and old. This volume includes three appendices, suggestions for further reading, and a notes section as befitting the best of Penguin’s historical collections. The overall presentation makes it a truly lovely volume to gift to any fan.

Such a great gift. My boyfriend is a big fan of Spiderman and every holiday I get him something spiderman themed. And I just so happened to stumble across this Penguin Classics collection (on sale!) And was able to order it for him in time for Christmas. I was a little skeptical even though it was super hyped up but seeing his smile when he unwrapped it made me feel better. The quality is surprisingly amazing. Its a hardcover with a soft, almost velvety feel (but can scratch easily). I love the gold foil text in the cover and pages. And the actual inside, is almost like a vintage comic book with amazing coloring. He loves it so I love it (though I dont really love that he now has it sitting on display in our living room)

Its an amazing read. Getting to read some of the original spiderman comics is pretty cool, its honestly worth the 50 bucks

Beautiful collection of old and classic Spidey comics. Very much worth the price, especially for fans of the universe and character. Great for collectors too.

Really cool

Who doesn't want to own an Amazing Fantasy No. 15?!? But if you had one, it would be hermetically sealed inside its graded case, and probably tucked away inside a climate-controlled vault to avoid any chance of damage. Or enjoyment, if you come right down to it: you'd never dream of touching it or (gasp!) actually reading it. That's why I loved this volume so much. It was wonderful to experience some of the foundational Spider-Man comics as if they had been purchased off the rack in the corner five-and-dime (albeit, as part of this volume, considerably less able to be folded and carried inside one's back pocket). But everything's there in all the original glory: the stories; the artwork; even original fan letters to the editor. Add contemporary essays and interesting historical commentary to the mix, and you better understand why these comics have become an essential part of the zeitgeist and are worthy of such a sumptuous and well-executed volume. Treat yourself!

Collection of the early Spidey books which would be insanely expensive by themselves. Really nice quality. High gloss paper with vibrant colors and beautiful hard cover that’s solid and made to last. Looks as if it would have a slip cover but doesn’t.

Perfect! Great find for a Marvel collector!

This book is very nice, the gold finish makes it look even beautiful and the contents are picked to perfectly display who spider-man is and why he has become so popular. The people packaging and delivering damaged the item however (by presumably cutting something else in the storage room they cut into the spine of this book, and when delivering the corners were damaged). So if you are planning to keep this in perfect shape, this might not be the place to buy it from. Overall, still a pretty good buy but I'd like to request to be a bit more careful with these books!

For people in india , i never had access to Spiderman comics, but this dude Had 10+ OG Spiderman comics 💥💥💥

Ottima panoramica sul nostro amichevole Spider-Man di quartiere. Edizione davvero ben fatta

Absolutely awesome series of comics, great information. Lovely print and great size

Perfeito, muito bem embalado e chegou super rápido