Marvel Masterworks: Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2

Rating:
Summary: Inaugural appearance of Spider-man in this masterwork HC...
Review: "Marvel Masterworks vol. 1: Spider-man HC", essentially the birth of Spider-man saga. His first appearances are collected in this book. The inaugural appearance of Spidey can be traced through comic issue "Amazing Fantasy #15", which was published on 1962. The issues extracted from the original comicbook form into this exquisite hardcover version were Amazing Fantasy #15 & Amazing Spider-man(vol.1) #1-10.

Significantly, the historical importance of this book is about chronicling the birth of Peter Parker & his alter-ego Spider-man. All issues are masterpieces, but particularly notable among them is Amazing Fantasy #15, aside from his first appearance, it also tells his original(& still is), complete origin. This issue also introduces to the world for the first time Peter's woorywart Aunt May & his Uncle Ben. Also in this inaugural issue you will see the death of Uncle Ben. Whom because of the cause of his death help shaped Peter to become a better hero & thus, learned the popular adage "with great power, comes great responsibility". That doctrine, still sustain and popular up to the present & one of the foremost reasons made Spider-man very popular around the world.

Amazing Spider-man #1. The historical significance of this issue is finding a new,long-running home(& still is) for this title. It also commemorate the momentous introduction of other Spidey supporting characters-- like Flash Thompson & the gruff & loud publisher of the Daily Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson.

Amazing Spider-man # 4. This issue introduces us to Betty Brant, the personal secretary of J. Jonah Jameson & ultimately, Peter's paramour. This issue also introduces us to Spidey other rogue gallery-- the Sandman.

Spider-man battles the Sandman relentlessly inside his high school compound. Only through his use of his ingenious wits did he found a narrow way to defeat his persistent foe.

Issue #6. Vs. the Lizard. This issue showed us even a supervillain like the Lizard can be an unwitting victim of fortuitious circumstances. Spidey desperately finds a way to cure the Lizard, to trnsform to his old self back as Curt Connors, a scientist. This issue had a myriad of high points. A poignant story. A pitiful tragedy, as Spidey learned from his teary-eyed wife & son the plight of Dr. Connors had became. The intense and exciting duel between Spidey and the Lizard. And the concluding repartee of the cured and well Dr. Connors wrong & skewed perceptions of how happy and fortunate of Spidey and his civilian identity living his life.

Issue # 8 vs the Big Brain(a giant computer robot)also is a memorable issue. Akwardly Peter Parker finally confronted his his constant bully, Flash Thompson into a boxing match, & knocking him out in the process with one, small Spidey-strenght punch. Peter forgot in a minute to restrain himself using his superpowers, especially against an ordinary people. Also Peter experienced a major scare, as the infallible robot nearly synthesized the secret identity of Spider-man. Only again, using his wits did he outsmarted everybody including the robot.

The popularity of Spider-man is due mainly as most people stated, to being an accessible hero. People can relate to Spider-man & Peter Parker for various reasons. He, as Peter Parker is feeble whereas Spider-man is very strong. He is also burdened with varied problems-- his Aunt May failing health, money difficulties, constant harrassment from his school bully, Flash Thompson. The dual identity problem ironically created by Spider-man which suppose to make him a hero, popular & above everybody else. For example, the good deeds of Spidey aiding people were always misjudged and misconceived as frivolous & callous in his actions; the resulting injuries he perpetually received from the beating being a Spider-man, becomes a major hazard to his health, his cover of his secret identity to his Aunt May & to his schoolmates; the time spent being Spidey frequently crosses his time to spend as Peter Parker. For example, his inability to study his lessons well because Spidey is needed in actions. The resulting lack of quality time to spend with his doting Aunt. And by being Spidey in general make his schedules very busy & tight. Some or all of these characteristics are what made Spider-man a household name, famous & most of all endearing to all kinds of people.In fact because of these reasons, people can mirror themselves as Peter Parker & sometimes as Spider-man as a release of their pent-up hostilities & negative emotions.

Stan Lee, the creator of Spider-man & the writer of the first 100 issues, obviously deserves every accolades & adulations he received from ectastic fans for his works. Spider-man is a household name. And a legend. An immemorial. If not for Stan Lee, Spider-man will never be conceived. Also kudos to Spider-man initial artist(penciler) Steve Ditko, whose works can be found in this volume.

However, in my opinions, John Romita Sr. will always be the best artist of all of comics, not only his Spider-man efforts. Alex Saviuk, another favorite of mine, is not too far off as one of the better artists in Spider-man history. Also worth mentioning about is J.M. DeMatteis. J.M. DeMatteis should at least, be commended properly as one of the very best writers of all of comics, not only his ran on Spectacular Spider-man & Amazing Spider-man. He is one of my favorite comic writer and he is very talented.

Please buy it, as this book is very important memory of Spider-man.

Most highly recommended !

Rating:
Summary: Recomended as a historical collection of Spidey vol.2; HC
Review: "Marvel masterworks vol. 2: Spider-man HC" comprises compilation culled from Amazing Spider-man issue #11-20. This volume, generally feels extremely distinctive for it's lack of vigor & soundness in-comparison to the earlier-released volume 1. Those issues encompassed here were considerably repetitive, in terms of, the number of times an appearance of a particular super-villain such as -- Green Goblin thrice, Dr. Octopus twice, & the enforcers twice, in this hardcover volume. Also, the tales in this book did not offer apparent extraordinary nor did not offer something novel in regards to concepts & approaches. But still, some issues are more than worthwhile and memorable.

As we all know, Spider-man is one of the most popular superheroes in comics. Not bad for someone who never had an encouraging inception. Spider-man's maiden appearance is in the last issue of Amazing Fantasy. It was a comic magazine that had a very short lifespan. Any other hero would have emerged from the dawning of time, taken his bows & eventually submerged alongside the magazine. However not Spider-man. This eccentric character is different. Comic readers were so enamored with him, that not too long, he re-appeared again in his own magazine.

Better issues included here are: firstly, issue #11. This issue is not good, but has a momentous significant relevance.The featured villain is Dr. Octopus, somehow he indirectly causes the death of Bennett Brant, the brother of Betty Brant. Betty adamantly & perpetually implicates Spidey of this unfortunate incident & subsequently,she placed on Spidey's shoulder the culpability of the death of Bennett. This episode, sadly become the turning point of the ill-fated romance between Peter & Betty, as Peter could not foreverly burdened unto himself the misfortune plight of Bennett which Betty perseverely points to Spidey as it's cause. The Shadow of Spider-man standing between the two, just could not endure their relationship.

Amazing Spider-man issue # 13. The introduction of Mysterio.This issue turned out to be a memorable & enjoyable read. The challenge imposed by Mysterio gives the wallcrawler more than he could handle -- initially. But, after realizing his mistakes and groping back to his old form, Spidey rigorously, defeated his foe in the end.

Amazing Spider-man issue #14. The introduction of the Green Goblin. Green Goblin endured the tests of time & is widely considered as Spidey principal adversary. This issue offer nothing special, in terms of memorability and significant history, other than glimpsing a prototype Green Goblin from his very first comic appearance.

Amazing Spider-man issue #15. The introduction of Kraven the hunter. this issue, like issue #13, in my opinion, is one of most memorable and cherished comic book issue ever produced from Amazing Spider-man comics. In fact, I consider this issue the second best issue of this hardcover volume, after issue #18 vs. the sandman.

Kraven the hunter, curiously, match-up well vs. Spider-man. They both uncannily possess the same size, same strenght, both non-flyers and both possesses an adequate amount of athletic abilities & acrobatic abilities. But in their own rights, the comparison reasonably stops there,as their powers, fighting abilities , personalities still differ and distinctive to one another. The high point of this issue, aside from the introduction of Kraven, is the action/fight scenes between the two almost identical nemesis.

Amazing Spider-man issue #18 vs. the Sandman. This issue is simply, the best of the bunch. The flower of the flock. It is not about Sandman first appearance, which is not, but about Spidey & Peter abdicating & thus, fleeing in a combat situation & from his responsibilites in the middle of the bout, vs the GG, though, he did it because of a greater need tending to even a greater responsibility which he can never turn his back off -- his Aunt May. His infirm Aunt May fell sick again, this time in a major, serious condition, thus Peter needs to flee and being branded as a coward.

Generally, this issue is often widely considered in the comic business as one of the very best issue ever! It is in the same league with other notable and historically memorable and acclaimed Spider-man comic issue such as #31-33(the master planner saga); #36(Looter); #39-40(Green Goblin/Norman Osborne);#41-43(Mary Jane & Rhino); #44-45(lizard); #50(I quit), and etc. This issue is simply very touching, squeezes a lot of emotions, tensive in a fight vs. the Sandman,pitiful concerning Peter's situation, as he simply bears a plenty of insults and humiliations, good chracterization on Peter's supporting cast, notably Flash Thompson as he is given a big chunk of role and space in this issue, & also his other friends and classmates.

My opinions regarding Spider-man. The popularity surges of Spider-man is due mainly, as most people perceived, to being an accessible hero.Majority of comic reader loves Spidey, because he is relatable. He, as Peter Parker is feeble whereas in contrast,Spidey seems very strong.Peter Parker is burdened with varied problems--his Aunt May failing health, money difficulties,the constant harrassment received from a bully, Flash Thompson in particular. His dual identity, ironically created problems to Peter Parker, such as the good deeds aiding people in needs pulled by Spider-man uncharacteristically & ironically misjudged and misunderstood his good intentions. He, instead is seen as free-spirited and callous; the resulting injuries from being Spider-man, produces a major hazard to Peter as he tries to conceal them to his Aunt May and his friends; the time spent being Spidey, compromises his time as Peter Parker. For ex., inability to study his lessons or unable to attend classes because Spidey is needed or called to action; the effect of spidey causes a lack of time towards Aunt May; & generally, by being Spidey causes his schedule to be tight. These characteristics are what made Spidey endearing and popular. In fact, most people can mirror themselves as Peter Parker & Spider-man as being a release of their pent-up hostilities & negative actions.

Stan Lee, the creator of Spider-man & the writer of it's first 100 issues,certainly more than deserves the acclaims and glorifications he ever gotten accorded with.His creation, Spider-man, became made(a household name) & became a legend. An immemorial. Without him, Spidey will never be conceived. Stan Lee is one of comic greatest writers, if not the greatest.Also, kudos to Stve Ditko and John Romita Sr.

Highest possible recommendation. An excellent buy, alongside other timeless masterworks.

Rating:
Summary: The genius of Steve Ditko
Review: Stan Lee once described Steve Ditko as "the most unique genius".As a long time fan of Spiderman,(and everything else illustrated by Steve Ditko),I feel those words describe the man to a T. While I would not deny the quality of the artwork of all the other comic book artists that have tried their hand at drawing Spiderman,in particular,Frank Miller,the hand of Steve Ditko made us all believe that Peter Parker really was the SPIDER MAN.(with the emphasis on both words).

Rating:
Summary: The genius of Steve Ditko
Review: Stan Lee once described Steve Ditko as "the most unique genius".As a long time fan of Spiderman,(and everything else illustrated by Steve Ditko),I feel those words describe the man to a T. While I would not deny the quality of the artwork of all the other comic book artists that have tried their hand at drawing Spiderman,in particular,Frank Miller,the hand of Steve Ditko made us all believe that Peter Parker really was the SPIDER MAN.(with the emphasis on both words).

Rating:
Summary: Ugh! Bad Colors, bad!
Review: Surely this is an important historical volume, along with the others comprising the first 100 issues of Spider-Man.

But the restoration is suspect. Especially BAD is the coloring job. It's not just that the different technology creates more-saturated colors; it's that the new colorists changed the colors. Sometimes they think they are "improving" upon the original, by using colors that blend subtly, and using more tones than were available to Marie Severin and the original Marvel colorists. But these effects put Steve Ditko's linework at a disadvantage: Ditko is well-known as a fastidious, thoughtful artist, and his line work in his Marvel era usually was done with the colors in mind. The very subtlety of the modern color work makes the linework here seem crude by comparison, which is certainly NOT the case in the original printing process.

It gets worse: the colorists here did a bad job. A brunette shows up as a redhead in a page or two, and she's a major character. A villain is colored as though his bare hands were gloves. And so on.

"The Essential Spider-Man" volumes, much cheaper, are in black and white, and do not contain these ugly, ill-chosen colors.

Rating:
Summary: Lee and Ditko make Spider-Man's life much more complicated
Review: The second ten issues collected in "Marvel Masterworks: Amazing Spider-Man Volume 2" are better than the first ten issues collected in Volume 1. Of course, you cannot appreciate the second ten issues without having read the first ten issues, so do not think that you should begin your appreciation of Spider-Man with this second volume. Unlike the "Essential Spider-Man, Volume 1," which combines all of the aforementioned comic book stories in a single volume, these reprints are in color. Either way one of the things that stands out in these issues is the outstanding artwork of Steve Ditko. I was never really a fan of the way Ditko drew people, but his compositional skills are absolutely first rate.

In these ten issues Stan Lee and Ditko consistently work in all of the familiar elements that made Spider-Man the most popular comic book superhero of the 1960s. Peter Parker loves Betty Bryant, but when her brother is shot during a fight she ends up blaming Spider-Man (#11), showing that when it comes to the romance department our hero rarely has any good luck. To add to his troubles Spider-Man is "Unmasked by Dr. Octopus" (#12), has to tangle with both the Green Goblin and the Incredible Hulk (#14), teams up with Daredevil to battle the Ringmaster (#16), has to deal with a supervillain created specifically by J. Jonah Jameson ("The Coming of the Scorpion," #20), has to worry about poor old frail Aunt May (#17), and even ends up seeing a psychiatrist because Mysterio is driving him crazy (#13). For Spider-Man, being a superhero is not all it is cracked up to be.

One of the improvements in this second collection is that we are dealing with the best of Spider-Man's villains: Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, and the Scorpion, with Dr. Octopus and the Green Goblin appearing in two issues apiece. This is a big improvement over the Terrible Tinkerer and crossover bad guys like Dr. Doom. Stan Lee is writing better stories about both Spider-Man and his secret identity, creating a situation that is more and more complex. The predictability of these stories is getting less and less as Lee goes out of his way to keep taking things in new directions. But keep in mind: this is not the best of �The Amazing Spider-Man� by Lee and Ditko; that is yet to come (that would be the Master Planner/Doctor Octopus trilogy in issues #31-33, which means you have to wait for Masterworks Volume 4).

Rating:
Summary: Lee and Ditko make Spider-Man's life much more complicated
Review: The second ten issues collected in "Marvel Masterworks: Amazing Spider-Man Volume 2" are better than the first ten issues collected in Volume 1. Of course, you cannot appreciate the second ten issues without having read the first ten issues, so do not think that you should begin your appreciation of Spider-Man with this second volume. Unlike the "Essential Spider-Man, Volume 1," which combines all of the aforementioned comic book stories in a single volume, these reprints are in color. Either way one of the things that stands out in these issues is the outstanding artwork of Steve Ditko. I was never really a fan of the way Ditko drew people, but his compositional skills are absolutely first rate.

In these ten issues Stan Lee and Ditko consistently work in all of the familiar elements that made Spider-Man the most popular comic book superhero of the 1960s. Peter Parker loves Betty Bryant, but when her brother is shot during a fight she ends up blaming Spider-Man (#11), showing that when it comes to the romance department our hero rarely has any good luck. To add to his troubles Spider-Man is "Unmasked by Dr. Octopus" (#12), has to tangle with both the Green Goblin and the Incredible Hulk (#14), teams up with Daredevil to battle the Ringmaster (#16), has to deal with a supervillain created specifically by J. Jonah Jameson ("The Coming of the Scorpion," #20), has to worry about poor old frail Aunt May (#17), and even ends up seeing a psychiatrist because Mysterio is driving him crazy (#13). For Spider-Man, being a superhero is not all it is cracked up to be.

One of the improvements in this second collection is that we are dealing with the best of Spider-Man's villains: Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, and the Scorpion, with Dr. Octopus and the Green Goblin appearing in two issues apiece. This is a big improvement over the Terrible Tinkerer and crossover bad guys like Dr. Doom. Stan Lee is writing better stories about both Spider-Man and his secret identity, creating a situation that is more and more complex. The predictability of these stories is getting less and less as Lee goes out of his way to keep taking things in new directions. But keep in mind: this is not the best of 'The Amazing Spider-Man' by Lee and Ditko; that is yet to come (that would be the Master Planner/Doctor Octopus trilogy in issues #31-33, which means you have to wait for Masterworks Volume 4).

Rating:
Summary: Ditko and Lee Hit Their Stride
Review: This is where Ditko (who must have been the driving force in much of the early series) and Lee really hit their stride. Yes, the colors are brighter than when originally printed on cheap comic paper, but you can see great storytelling and great art combined. Any of these comics, if produced today, would span numerous issues because the art would dominate. Not so here in the mid-60's Marvels. It's a beautiful blend.