For this comic book review I read Amazing Spider-Man #12, and the story contained within is titled “Unmasked By Dr. Octopus!”  along with the promise on the cover that  it is “not a dream!! not an imaginary Tale!”  but as I flip open the comic and I look at the cover, I could not help but wonder, how our authors hoped to deal with such a defining moment; not only how this would play out in this volume, but how they would make sure its effect has at least some lasting effect.

Artwork

I feel the work of Steve Ditko is ether improving or growing on me, this issue was  a fine piece of work, offering great depth to the fight between Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus. in-depth I mean the art offered both depth to the story and characters as well as good use of the third dimension.  often giving us a wonderful view of spider-man dodging the octopus’  attacks from all angles.

if you take a look at the panel i included you get just a small taste of what I am talking about. Also the action in this issue, helps to define, or continues to define spider-man’s fighting style,  I feel more than many of the other early stories so far.

Characters & Development

In this issue, Spider-Man is unmasked by Dr. Octopus, and not just seen by a bunch of strangers, but by Betty Brant and J. Jonah, Jameson.  However, everyone, even Dr. Octopus; believe that he is not the ‘real’ spider-man,  Thus his secret identity is safe, at least for now.

Normally I would call this a non-event, but it does seem to have a lasting effect, more in the view-point of one of his classmates, Liz Allan taking note of him now and developing an interest due to his act of heroism.   This is one repercussion I suspect will last, and helps make up for everyone ignorance.   But how do they not realize he is the real spider-man you ask? well you will have to read this issue for yourself to see.

Originality & Continuity

This issue builds upon what we seen in Spider-Man #11 quite well, and offering us a conclusion to the Dr. Octopus being freed in that issue that is satisfying.  what one has to ask themselves is, how does Peter Parker full everyone so well, that even when he is caught red-handed, he is not discovered?

The Story

This I feel is a classic spider-man tale that everyone should read, offering us a great bet of character growth as well as building upon what we had hoped for.   The story as a whole left me with no way but to review this comic book favorably.