The First story in Amazing Spider-Man #2 is Duel To The Death With The Vulture! Also check out our comic book review of the 2nd story titled The Uncanny Threat Of The Terrible Tinkerer!

In March of 1963, Spider-man got off to a good start with his own amazing title, and then two months later, the second issue was released, and Stan Lee and Steve Ditko used two stories to build onto their Amazing Spider-Man.

Unlike the last issue, this one featured no guest spots by another fantastic hero or group, but instead promised the comic book readers two great stories and two great new Super-Villains.

In this, the review of the first story, we watch as spider-man engages against the Vulture.

Story

Synopsis

The story begins by introducing us to the vulture, by letting us witness one of his crimes.  but then quickly moves on to a better understanding of the Super-Villain by giving us a few panels featuring discussions about him, one at J. Jonah Jameson office, the other in peter porkers science class.

It is with this discussion that Parker gets the idea that will help define him and Spider-Man for years to come, That he can do what others have failed, and get the pictures of the vulture.

in the mean time, the vulture continues, having the goal to steal the diamond shipment, he announces his plan to the police and the media, hoping to help guide them right into his trap.

does The vulture get away with stealing the diamond’s? does spider-man get the pictures? does he save the day?  I am sure you have ideas on this already but why not pick up Amazing Spider-Man #2 and thumb though it for yourself.

Review

The story gives us the reader a flowing viewpoint of perspective, as well as the thoughts of both spider-man and the vulture. They are collectively the stars of this story, and we generally know whats on each of their minds. However there is always just enough that we do not yet know to avoid spoiling the next page.

the story also gives us lots of dialog from the by standards of New York. helping to build the scene, and describe the action. I find this an interesting and effective way to do this. Collectively letting everyone have their bit in telling the story.

Art

 Character design of the The Vulture:

It is easy to look back at this classic design now, but then when you try to frame yourself to the issue, this  the vultures first appearance, with little depth given to the character things get even clearer.

The Vulture does look like a vulture. The neck, the wrinkles, it all adds to make him seen, and appear like his namesake bird.

Just look at the picture I included here, and tell me if you feel the same way?

Areal Combat

This is the first spider-man I have seen with areal combat, in fact its the first example I can think of where I have seen where one of the combatants was not able to fly.

This creates an interesting extra dynamic to the art, it is one I feel Steve Ditko handled with quite well. While there are a few points where things just don’t look right, it’s not like we see combat like this every day.

Originality & Continuity

I feel that this comic meets both my standards for Originality, the vulture seems to be like a unique super-villain well suited for spider-man.  he may even be part of a template of what we should expect for spider-mans future.

as for continuity this one builds where the Chameleon story left off.  Spider-Man finding a way to help make ends meet and in doing so, helping save the day, building himself up more and more as the super-hero he is.  I do not yet feel peter Parker fully realizes his destiny yet, but he is coming to get a grasp on it, just as he is with his powers.

Characters & Development

Spider-Man

As I just hinted on above, there is good positive development for the character of spider-man.  He had a few good learning moments in this issue, that will help make him better as he goes on.

In this issue we see that spider-man is the kind of hero who makes mistakes, and he learns from them.  this is part of what makes him great. he is flawed, not perfect.  Spider-Man is as human as a hero comes.

We see little development for the other characters in this work, it is mostly growth for spider-man.

Comic Book Review Summery

the 15 page first story of Amazing Spider-Man #2 titled Duel To The Death With The Vulture! is a classic one, it helps to build the spider-man character as well as peter Parker into what they will be for much of the ongoing series,  while introducing one of spider-mans classic super-villains. While I would not call it a must read issue I do recommend it.