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Spider-Man takes on the boys in the big house in "The Impossible Escape!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Green Goblin cameo. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 48.

First appearance of Randy Robertson in "To Squash a Spider!" Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 50.

The Kingpin appears in "Crisis on the Campus." Script by Stan Lee, art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 51.

Kingpin puts the squeeze on Spider-Man in "Mission: Crush the Kingpin!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Letter to the editor from comics artist Kerry Gammill. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 52.

Kingpin appearance in "Spider-Man Wanted!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 53.

Cover art by John Romita. The Speedster and the Spider!, script by John Romita (plot) and Stan Lee (script), pencils by John Romita (layouts) and Jim Mooney (pencils), inks by Jim Mooney; With Jonah down for the count, Robbie publishes Peter's pictures in the Bugle showing Kingpin, and not Spider-Man, to be the real crook in the case of the golden tablet; Trying to redeem himself after his recent career with Magneto, Quicksilver decides to bring in the menace known as Spider-Man but discovers he isn't the villain the Bugle has painted him to be. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Cover art by John Romita. The Speedster and the Spider!, script by John Romita (plot) and Stan Lee (script), pencils by John Romita (layouts) and Jim Mooney (pencils), inks by Jim Mooney; With Jonah down for the count, Robbie publishes Peter's pictures in the Bugle showing Kingpin, and not Spider-Man, to be the real crook in the case of the golden tablet; Trying to redeem himself after his recent career with Magneto, Quicksilver decides to bring in the menace known as Spider-Man but discovers he isn't the villain the Bugle has painted him to be. 36 pgs. $0.12.

Sparks fly as Spider-Man goes toe-to-toe with the Shocker in "Rocked by the Shocker!" Script by Stan Lee; layouts by John Buscema; finished art by John Romita Sr.; and inks by Jim Mooney. Romita cover.

Spider-Man faces more than a molehill when he meets Man-Mountain Marko in "The Web Closes!" Script by Stan Lee; layouts by John Buscema; pencils by John Romita Sr.; inks by Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 54.

Dr. Curt Conners, AKA the Lizard, gets up on the wrong side of the bed as usual in "If this be Bedlam!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Last 12-cent cover price. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 55.

Cover art by John Romita. In the Blaze of Battle!, script by John Buscema (plot) and Stan Lee (script), pencils by John Buscema (layouts) and Jim Mooney (pencils), inks by Jim Mooney; The Human Torch complicates Spider-Man's plan to catch the Lizard without hurting him. Letter from Don McGregor. 36 pgs. $0.15.

First appearance of The Prowler in "Night of the Prowler!" Story by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr.; art by John Buscema and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 59.

The Prowler returns in "The Prowler No More!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Buscema and Jim Mooney. John Romita Sr. cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 60.

The Chameleon comes to town in "On the Trail of the Chameleon!" Script by Stan Lee; art by John Romita Sr., John Buscema, and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 61.

The Kangaroo keeps things hopping in "The Coming of the Kangaroo!" Story by Stan Lee; art by John Buscema , John Romita Sr., and Jim Mooney. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 62.

Electro vs. Spider-Man in "And Then Came Electro." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Jim Mooney. Marie Severin cover. Cameo appearance by Merv Griffin. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 63.

Cover art by John Romita. First appearances of the Schemer (Kingpin's son) and Vanessa (Kingpin's wife) in The Schemer!, script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita, inks by Mike Esposito [as Mickey Demeo]; The Schemer tries to become the new King of Crime in New York, and starts a war with the Kingpin; Flash Thompson goes to war in Vietnam and Gwen Stacy is injured in a traffic accident. Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation; Total Paid Circulation 12 month average: 372,352. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 64. 36 pgs. $0.15.

Spider-Man is "Unmasked at Last!" (well, the first time since issue 12) in a story written by Stan Lee with art by John Romita Sr. and Jim Mooney. Letters to the editor from comics writer Doug Moench (Master of Kung Fu, Batman) and comics artist Alan Kupperberg (Howard the Duck). Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 68.

Sleazy politician Sam Bullitt targets Spider-Man in "To Smash the Spider." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by John Romita Sr. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 72.

Spider-Man origin retold; Green Goblin, Kingpin, Doctor Octopus, Vulture, Rhino, Sandman, and Lizard cameos in "On Wings of Death." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Sal Buscema. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 75.

This classic issue is the second of three that were not approved by the Comics Code Authority because of the (anti-)drug themed story. (See notes on issue 96 for more information.) The Green Goblin tries to get his mitts on Spidey in "In the Grip of the Goblin." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. John Romita Sr. cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 78 and 191.

This classic issue is the third of three that were not approved by the Comics Code Authority because of the (anti-)drug themed story. (See notes on issue 96 for more information.) The Green Goblin guest stars in "The Goblin's Last Gasp." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 79 and 191.

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. A Day in the Life of, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane and Tony Mortellaro (backgrounds, signed), inks by Frank Giacoia; Peter gets an assignment to snap some pics of a prison riot and swings in as Spidey to get the inside scoop; Once the situation is resolved, Spider-Man appears on the Tonight Show and gives a speech on the rights of prisoners. Guest appearances by Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 80. 36 pgs. $0.15.

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. A Day in the Life of, script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane and Tony Mortellaro (backgrounds, signed), inks by Frank Giacoia; Peter gets an assignment to snap some pics of a prison riot and swings in as Spidey to get the inside scoop; Once the situation is resolved, Spider-Man appears on the Tonight Show and gives a speech on the rights of prisoners. Guest appearances by Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 80. 36 pgs. $0.15.

Last 15-cent cover price issue. Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by John Romita. First appearance of Morbius the vampire in A Monster Called... Morbius!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia; The six-armed Spider-Man versus Morbius. Guest appearance by Dr. Curtis Connors (the Lizard). 36 pgs. $0.15.

52-page giant. Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. Origin and second appearance of Morbius in Vampire at Large!, script by Roy Thomas, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia; Spider-Man versus Morbius versus the Lizard and we learn the origin of Morbius; Plus, Doc Connors prepares a serum that cures Spidey of his six-arm problem. The Morbius story continues in Marvel Team-Up 3. 52 pgs. $0.25.

First appearance of the Spider Slayer robot in "The Spider Slayer." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by Gil Kane, inks by Frank Giacoia. Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 84.

"Spidey Smashes Thru." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr., inks by Frank Giacoia. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 86.

"Vengeance from Vietnam." Script by Stan Lee, pencils by John Romita Sr, inks by Romita and Tony Mortellaro. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 87. Letter to the editor from David Michelinie, who would later write Spider-Man himself.

"The Deadly Designs of the Disruptor" continues reprinting pages from "Lo, This Monster" in Spectacular Spider-Man #1 (1968)--see comments on Amazing Spider-Man 116 for details. However, there is quite a bit of new material here by scripter Gerry Conway, penciller John Romita Sr., and inkers Romita, Jim Mooney, and Tony Mortellaro. New cover by Romita. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 117.

The Green Goblin kills Gwen Stacy in "The Night Gwen Stacy Died," a story that fans still talk about. It was the first big shocking death in comics (perhaps even ushering in the bronze age!). Script writer Gerry Conway is remembered by many as "the writer who killed Gwen" (even though obviously Stan Lee himself okayed a story of this significance). Gil Kane provides the unforgettable pencils, with inks by John Romita Sr. and Tony Mortellaro. Romita cover. The story continues in issue #122. (Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 98 and 192.)

The Green Goblin kills Gwen Stacy in "The Night Gwen Stacy Died," a story that fans still talk about. It was the first big shocking death in comics (perhaps even ushering in the bronze age!). Script writer Gerry Conway is remembered by many as "the writer who killed Gwen" (even though obviously Stan Lee himself okayed a story of this significance). Gil Kane provides the unforgettable pencils, with inks by John Romita Sr. and Tony Mortellaro. Romita cover. The story continues in issue #122. (Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 98 and 192.)

In the previous issue, the Green Goblin kills Gwen Stacy, so in this issue, Spider-Man is out for blood! "The Goblin's Last Stand" has a script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Gil Kane, and inks by John Romita Sr. and Tony Mortellaro. The death scene of the Green Goblin (Norman Osborn) is stunning and inspired a similar moment in the 2002 Spider-Man movie. Romita cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 99 and 192.

Cover pencils by Gil Kane, inks by John Romita. First appearances of the Punisher and the Jackal in The Punisher Strikes Twice, script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt; The Jackal convinces the Punisher that Spider-Man is evil and sends the deadly assassin to kill the web-slinger. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 106 and 209. Ralph Macchio letter to the editor. Next Punisher in ASM #134 (Cameo) and #135. 36 pgs. $0.20.

Second full appearance of the Punisher in "Shoot-Out in Central Park." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia. John Romita Sr. cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 112 and 211. Letter to the editor from Steve Saffel. The letters page also has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 4: Thing (of the Fantastic Four).

First appearance of Harry Osborn as the Green Goblin in "The Green Goblin Lives Again." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. John Romita Sr. cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 113. The letters page has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 95: Mole Man.

Harry Osborn's second appearance as the Green Goblin in "Death-Trap Times Three." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. Gil Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 114. Letter to the editor from writer Charles Hoffman. The letters page also has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 99: Sandman.

First appearance of the Mindworm in "Madness Means the Mindworm." Script by Gerry Conway, pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Frank Giacoia and Dave Hunt. Gil Kane cover. Reprinted in Marvel Tales # 115. The letters page has Marvel Value Stamp series A # 41: The Gladiator.

First appearance of the Black Cat in "Never Let The Black Cat Cross Your Path!" Part 1 of 2. Script by Marv Wolfman. Art by Keith Pollard (breakdowns) and Frank Giacoia (finishes). Cover by Al Milgrom. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man series! The dazzling debut of the Black Cat! The wall-crawler has spent the first 193 issues of his title chasing super-villains! But tonight he's going to kiss one instead! Wow! Does the web-slinger stand a chance against the beauty and charm of Felicia Hardy? Not when the alluring cat has his tongue! And maybe later his heart! A terrific issue! Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, Mysterio (in civilian clothes), and the burglar. (Notes: The Black Cat is the creative highlight of the Wolfman-Pollard run on the Amazing Spider-Man title. Dave Cockrum designed the cat's costume. The letters page includes an alternate cover (for issue 194) by Keith Pollard. It also includes an alternate cover to Spider-Woman 9 by Carmine Infantino. This two-part story was reprinted in the trade paperback: Spider-Man vs. the Black Cat (2005).) 32 pages.

IMPORTANT: Issue 238B DOES NOT come with Lakeside Skin Tattooz insert. First appearance of the Hobgoblin in "Shadow of Evils Past!" Script by Roger Stern. Art by John Romita Jr. (breakdowns) and John Romita Sr. (finishes). Cover by John Romita Jr. and John Romita Sr. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man! And the beginning of the long secret identity mystery of the Hobgoblin! After escaping from the web-slinger, a bank robber stumbles upon an underground hideout of the (deceased) Green Goblin! Not knowing what to do with his discovery, the small-time hood shows the secret lair to an underworld associate! Unfortunately for the wondrous wall-crawler, the devious associate knows exactly what to do: resurrect the Green Goblin...with a twist! And a short time later a new super-villain is born! The Hobgoblin! Cameo appearance by Mary Jane Watson. Flashback cameo by Norman Osborn (aka the Green Goblin). (Notes: The secret identity of the original Hobgoblin takes many twists and turns over the next decade. Who actually operates as the Hobgoblin in this issue is revealed in the Spider-Man: Hobgoblin Lives (1997) Limited Series (written by Roger Stern). This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales 257 and also in the 1992 trade paperback: the Amazing Spider-Man -- Origin of the Hobgoblin.) 32 pages.

"Now Strikes the Hobgoblin!" Second appearance of the Hobgoblin. Script by Roger Stern. Art by John Romita Jr. (breakdowns) and Frank Giacoia (finishes). Cover by John Romita Jr. and Al Milgrom. It's the first fight between the Hobgoblin and the Amazing Spider-Man! And the all-out action begins after the web-slinger bumps into the new goblin at one of Norman Osborn's old hideouts! Spidey is very familiar with the goblin's bag of tricks! But the overmatched Hobgoblin doesn't have any idea about the wall-crawler's speed, strength, and agility! Is the Hobgoblin's criminal career going to be over before it even starts? An outstanding issue! Cameo appearances by Harry Osborn, Madame Web, Captain DeWolff, and the Black Cat. (Notes: The Hobgoblin returns in Amazing Spider-Man 244. This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales 258.) 32 pages.

First appearance of Spider-Man's new black (alien symbiote) costume in "Homecoming!" Plot by Roger Stern. Script by Tom DeFalco. Pencils by Ron Frenz (breakdowns) and Brett Breeding (finishes). Cover by Ron Frenz and Klaus Janson. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man! With a brilliant flash of light in Central Park, the wondrous wall-crawler is back! And he looks a whole lot different! Wow, a new costume! What happened during the Secret Wars on the Beyonder's world? The ominous truth will be revealed to both the readers and the web-slinger in the days and weeks ahead! Cameo appearances by the Black Cat, Dr. Curt Connors, J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson , Aunt May, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Thor, and the Wasp. (Notes: Marvel Age 12 contained sketches of the new costume two months prior to the publication of this issue. Spidey's new costume was also unveiled in Marvel Team-Up 141 and Spectacular Spider-Man 90. The first issue of the (1984) Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Limited Series was published the same month as Amazing Spider-Man 252. The web-slinger discovers his new costume in issue 8 of the limited series. The Frenz-Janson cover is a tribute to the iconic cover of Amazing Fantasy 15. The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 470,527; average paid circulation: 241,762. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 266.) 32 pages.

First appearance of Spider-Man's new black (alien symbiote) costume in "Homecoming!" Plot by Roger Stern. Script by Tom DeFalco. Pencils by Ron Frenz (breakdowns) and Brett Breeding (finishes). Cover by Ron Frenz and Klaus Janson. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man! With a brilliant flash of light in Central Park, the wondrous wall-crawler is back! And he looks a whole lot different! Wow, a new costume! What happened during the Secret Wars on the Beyonder's world? The ominous truth will be revealed to both the readers and the web-slinger in the days and weeks ahead! Cameo appearances by the Black Cat, Dr. Curt Connors, J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson , Aunt May, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Thor, and the Wasp. (Notes: Marvel Age 12 contained sketches of the new costume two months prior to the publication of this issue. Spidey's new costume was also unveiled in Marvel Team-Up 141 and Spectacular Spider-Man 90. The first issue of the (1984) Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Limited Series was published the same month as Amazing Spider-Man 252. The web-slinger discovers his new costume in issue 8 of the limited series. The Frenz-Janson cover is a tribute to the iconic cover of Amazing Fantasy 15. The letters page contains a statement of ownership: average print run 470,527; average paid circulation: 241,762. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 266.) 32 pages.

"Unmasked!" Part 2 of 2. Script by Tom DeFalco. Pencils by Ron Frenz. Inks by Brett Breeding. Cover by Tom Morgan and Joe Rubinstein. After rescuing Sha Shan, the wondrous wall-crawler roughs up the Hobgoblin! And sends the crazy villain gliding away to lick his wounds! However the goblin makes good use of his downtime and develops a new scheme...to win by losing! When Spider-Man and the Hobgoblin clash again, an explosion knocks the goblin unconscious! And it appears that the web-slinger has finally won! The wall-crawler can't wait to unmask the goblin! But once he does...he gets the shock of his life! Is the Hobgoblin really one of his best friends? Appearances by the Rose, Human Fly (aka Fearsome Fly), the Scourge of the Underworld, Mary Jane Watson, and Flash Thompson. (Note: This issue was reprinted in Marvel Tales 284.) 32 pages

Spider-Man versus Chance in "Chance Encounter!" Script by David Michelinie, pencils by Todd McFarlane (begins as regular artist), inks by Bob McLeod. First appearance of Eddie Brock (Venom)--cameo on last page. McFarlane cover.

Spider-Man versus Chance in "Chance Encounter!" Script by David Michelinie, pencils by Todd McFarlane (begins as regular artist), inks by Bob McLeod. First appearance of Eddie Brock (Venom)--cameo on last page. McFarlane cover.

Last 75-cent issue. First appearance of Venom (cameo) in "Survival of the Hittist!" Script by David Michelinie, pencils by Todd McFarlane, inks by Bob McLeod. Spidey and Chance team up. McFarlane cover.

Giant-sized 25th anniversary issue. First full appearance of Venom in "Venom!" Script by David Michelinie, art by Todd McFarlane. This is the last issue in which Spider-Man appears in his black costume. Thing (of the Fantastic Four) cameo. McFarlane cover. In place of the letters page, there is a full-page column by Stan Lee.

Giant-sized 25th anniversary issue. First full appearance of Venom in "Venom!" Script by David Michelinie, art by Todd McFarlane. This is the last issue in which Spider-Man appears in his black costume. Thing (of the Fantastic Four) cameo. McFarlane cover. In place of the letters page, there is a full-page column by Stan Lee.

Giant-sized 25th anniversary issue. First full appearance of Venom in "Venom!" Script by David Michelinie, art by Todd McFarlane. This is the last issue in which Spider-Man appears in his black costume. Thing (of the Fantastic Four) cameo. McFarlane cover. In place of the letters page, there is a full-page column by Stan Lee.