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Spider-Man: The Death of Gwen Stacy

Spider-Man: The Death of Gwen Stacy

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Essential Spidey
Review: My recent return to Spider-man has been rewarded by a lot of money spent, but with a great return, but none more so than The Death of Gwen Stacy. Not only are this stories vital events in the life of Peter Parker, a.k.a. the Amazing Spider-Man, but the quality of writing and artwork is as high as you will find anywhere.

I admit that I am probably more easy to please than many others (a glance at my other reviews will confirm this) but a classic is a classic. And this is a classic.

Any Spidey fan who doesn't have this in their collection, withe the included postscript, "The Kiss", should do themselves a big favour and remedy the situation immediately.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Green Goblin, undoubtly one of Spidermans greatest foes
Review: Off course everybody who starts reading this trade knows what will be the most important event in the book, even before they start reading. But I do feel the TPB is still very much worth the read. 'The event' is, although the best part, certainly not your ONLY reason for reading this book, the rest is also very enjoyfull for the fan of Spiderman continuity (especially the involvement of Harry Osborn). When the event itself finally takes place it makes you kind of sad (as far as a comic-book gets you there) which is also a result of the very skilled manner in which they portrayed it. Basically the trade is divided in three parts. The first part is the reprinting of Amazing Spiderman #96-98 a.k.a. as the famous 'free of comic-code' drug-issues (written by Stan Lee with art by Gil Kane). In it Peter decides to take the opportunity his room-mate, Harry Osborn, has created for him to take a job at his father's (Norman) company. Norman has a block in his mind and doesn't remember he was once the Green Goblin. Meanwhile Harry is having a hard time trying to cope with MJ, the girl he loves, giving him the cold shoulder and together with the pressure he constantly feels to keep his father happy Harry finally seeks shelter in taking drugs. The most relevance this story has for the trade is that it sets the stage perfectly for what's to come. Norman is shifting in and out Green Goblin-mode again for the first time since he got amnesia and Gwen Stacy returns to New York (after trying to get over her fathers death with her aunt and uncle in London). The second part of the trade is reprinting #121-122 (written by Gerry Conway with art by Gil Kane). When his son Harry is sick of a bad drug experience again (see the relevance ?) and receiving news of business going down the drain on top of it, it's too much for Norman Osborns fragile mind and he turns into Green Goblin once again. Blaming Spiderman/Peter (remember that Green Goblin is the only man who knows Peter is Spiderman !) for all his troubles he kidnaps Gwen Stacy. What happens next is something most of us already know but still when the moment is there it sends a little chill down our spines (mine at least). It's one of the most influential events in superhero-dom up till this very day and you'll be happy to agree with me in saying that once you've been through it. An important thing is that the path for the writers to start evolving Mary-Jane is now clear. The third and final part of the trade is a NEW (little) story by DeMatteis and Romita Sr called "The kiss". A tribute to the character Gwen Stacy about her and Pete's last ever date together. Also a very worthy story to be in the book because it's a very well-written piece about Peter and Gwen's feelings for each other and really adds to the mood. In conclussion I must honestly admit that maybe quality-wise it's not the best TPB ever to see print (certainly not a bad one though !), but for Spiderman fans (like me) that really doesn't matter and they'll remember it as one of the most impact-making TPB's ever. Good stuff.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of the most impacting and emotional comic stories ever
Review: Since Spider-Man was such a gigantic hit at the box office, it seems everyone these days is a Spider-Man fan. Naturally anyone who never before knew anything about the Spider-Man universe or backstory is convinced Mary Jane was Spidey's number one love. Well, those same people should definitely consider checking this TPB out. Collecting Amazing Spider-Man #96-98 and #121-122 from the mid 1960's. Gwen Stacy was Peter Parker's first true love and was a staple of the series for years until this shocking (at the time) story was released. We begin with seeing Harry Osborn succombing to a drug addiction he can no longer control. This segment of the story was groundbreaking at the time considering Stan Lee wrote it without the approval of the Comic Code. Later on we see Harry's father Norman overcome with rage over his son's addictions, and he blames Harry's friends and wants revenge. Thus, the Green Goblin returns to seek his revenge on Peter Parker by taking what Pete holds most dear: Gwen. The story itself is very emotional and in its' day made a huge impact, even though the drug addiction theme may seem hokey today. The art by Gil Kane and John Romita, Sr. is among they're best (and they were and are still industry icons), and all in all this is one of the best stories in the Spider-Man universe and comics in general.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of the most impacting and emotional comic stories ever
Review: Since Spider-Man was such a gigantic hit at the box office, it seems everyone these days is a Spider-Man fan. Naturally anyone who never before knew anything about the Spider-Man universe or backstory is convinced Mary Jane was Spidey's number one love. Well, those same people should definitely consider checking this TPB out. Collecting Amazing Spider-Man #96-98 and #121-122 from the mid 1960's. Gwen Stacy was Peter Parker's first true love and was a staple of the series for years until this shocking (at the time) story was released. We begin with seeing Harry Osborn succombing to a drug addiction he can no longer control. This segment of the story was groundbreaking at the time considering Stan Lee wrote it without the approval of the Comic Code. Later on we see Harry's father Norman overcome with rage over his son's addictions, and he blames Harry's friends and wants revenge. Thus, the Green Goblin returns to seek his revenge on Peter Parker by taking what Pete holds most dear: Gwen. The story itself is very emotional and in its' day made a huge impact, even though the drug addiction theme may seem hokey today. The art by Gil Kane and John Romita, Sr. is among they're best (and they were and are still industry icons), and all in all this is one of the best stories in the Spider-Man universe and comics in general.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: GREAT POWER...AND GREAT RESPONSIBILITY
Review: The Death of Gwen Stacey is one of the greatest comic book stories...EVER! Having been written over 20 years ago, the sheer power of this story still resonates with readers and comic continuity today.

What can be said? We have a powerful villain in the Green Goblin (Norman Osborn). We have a strong side story in the drug addled battles of Peter Parker's best friend, Harry Osborn. And we have what is possbily the finest hero-villain battle ever between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin on top of the George Washington Bridge.

Sure the title tells us that there is "Death". But the way the death unfolds...very powerful story-telling.

Whenever I think of Spider-Man, the motto "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility" always comes to mind. Never more so than with this excellent storyline.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Heartbreak and Loss for Peter Parker
Review: The Death of Gwen Stacy still stands as a contrversial move on Marvel's part. Many readers liked the Peter/Gwen relationship and they went so far as to send writer Gerry Conway, hate messages in the mail after the story came out in 1973. It's a tragic story all right. Gwen dies and it does leave peter heart-broken because he couldn't save her (although he did his best, and that's all one man can hope to do). Still as one relationship dies, another begins. After this story, Peter falls in love with Mary Jane Watson and they eventually face the future together as husband and wife.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A must read for all Spider Man fans
Review: This book tells the tragic story of the death of Gwen Stacey. But it also shows the begining of Mary Jane and Peters realashionship. You begin to see the sensitive side of M.J that she hides so much. But if you love Gwen like me get your tissues out.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Tragedy!
Review: This trade paperback reprints several issues of Amazing Spider-man containing epic battles with the Green Goblin. These issues are classics, and are brought together in one great collection. When you read the title of the book, you know what is going to happen, but you still can't put it down until the end. And to keep up the suspense, Gwen Stacy isn't the only one who dies! This book is another must have. ...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Tragedy!
Review: This trade paperback reprints several issues of Amazing Spider-man containing epic battles with the Green Goblin. These issues are classics, and are brought together in one great collection. When you read the title of the book, you know what is going to happen, but you still can't put it down until the end. And to keep up the suspense, Gwen Stacy isn't the only one who dies! This book is another must have. ...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Quite Possibly Spider-Man's Brightest and Darkest Moment
Review: Who wouldn't know about Gwen Stacy's death? Saddly enough a lot of people. New fans are all convinced Mary Jane was #1, but those who've been around or well educated on backstories remember a knockout blonde who went from out of range to the first love of Peter Parker's life. This book doesn't really show the greatness of their relationship but how it all came to an end. 5 issues dealing with the Green Goblin's 1st return are reprinted here, plus a story drawn by John Romita Sr. from the Webspinner's Tales called "The Kiss". And while the 5 Amazing Spider-Man issues are quite "amazing" it's "The Kiss" that sold me on the whole thing. Never have I seen so much emotion and so much insight in a superhero. It's quite exceptional in my book. Definatly get this book. It's essential.


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