As Comic book’s go, Amazing Spider-Man #1. is just one of those classic’s that you should read, and not need a comic book review to tell you to.  It is two great stories in one comic book.  As I have been doing, I will review them separately but publish them close to the same time.

The First story in the first issue of Amazing Spider-Man comic book, is named after our hero, Spider-Man.  While Amazing Fantasy #15, Was what introduced us to spider-man, and would be where I would recommend any spider-fan start reading.  our hero was unseen in comic print from then until now.  after a nine month span of time, a good recap to bring everyone up to date is in order. The first story does that and much more!

Story

Synopsis

Our story begins with a frustrated and regretful Peter Parker, before we dive into a simple recap of the events of amazing Fantasy #15.  In less than one page,  they did a good job of reminding everyone what had happened in that fateful issue.

Then we begin to go down the route of something that will be an important part of the ongoing spider-man story, Money.  The ability for him and Aunt May to pay their bill’s will always be on the forefront of Spider-Man.  Much unlike our other hero’s where funding is rarely discussed, Peter Parker knows he needs to help out, and he figures he can do it as spider-man performing again.

at the same time,  the publisher of the Daily Bugle, begins his long running campaign against spider-man; printing the headline “Spider-Man Menace”.

This is but a taste of the first story, how does it continue and wrap up, even if you been reading spider-man for years and you have a good idea, it is well worth reading first hand and finding out.

Comic Review: The story is down to earth

One of the things I like most about this story, is its down to earth.  Peter-Parker easily could be going though all this trouble if he where not spider-man, trying to help his Aunt May pay bills and survive without Uncle Ben.

a teenager looking for a job; but its more than that, it’s also about a hero, and coming to terms with being more than just a teenage boy.  we all grow up at different rates, but Peter Parker already knows he must grow up faster than he ever expected now.

another nice thing about Peter Parker  is seeing inside his head, hearing his thoughts, even the temptation of becoming the Menace that he is accused of being.  He is not a black & white super hero of the past, he is tempted, he does think about wrong doing.

Comic Book Art Review

I feel the art has improved over Amazing Fantasy #15, and that Steve Ditko did a better job on this issue. This Comic book’s art is about on par with what I would expect from a comic of the era, with average regular panels and better large panels between sections.

Originality, Continuity, Characters & Development

Just as I said in Amazing Fantasy #15, I feel Spider-Man is quite original, and this story builds upon that adding the important elements of how society views him and how much money is going to be a factor.

Spider-Man in the public’s eye

J. Jonah Jameson makes his appearance here, and serves as the voice to the public as to what they should and do feel about Spider-Man. In this issue, he guides the public, and the government’s viewpoint of Spider-Man.

his action’s more than anything is what I feel separates spider-man from Ant-Man, Thor, and all the others.  Spider-Man is viewed by some as a hero, and others as a “Menace”.

This, is one of the most important developments and original viewpoints of the issue.   This is all part of what will lead spider-man to be one of the greatest hero’s ever.  J. Jonah Jameson’s editorial and viewpoint of our web-swinging hero is as important to the story and spider-man as Uncle Ben’s death!