This issue kicks off a two-part epic that poses a fascinating premise: the Crime-Master and the Green Goblin know each other’s secret identities. But there’s an added layer of intrigue—what mysterious secret does Frederick Foswell harbor, one that only he knows? Spider-Man swings headfirst into unraveling this puzzle, and we’re along for the ride.

Peter Parker starts the issue distracted by a pressing dilemma: Aunt May has hidden his Spider-Man costume, leaving him scrambling to find it—or a suitable replacement—so he can get back to his crime-fighting ways. Meanwhile, the Green Goblin and the Crime-Master are meeting in secret, with the latter breaking their partnership by scheming to take over New York’s underworld as its “kingpin” (and hey, this happens *24 issues before another, more iconic Kingpin shows up). Goblin, for his part, isn’t thrilled with this betrayal, but he’s got his own concerns—namely, keeping his identity under wraps.

Peter, ever the suspicious one, plants a tracker on Foswell, whom he believes might not be as “reformed” as he seems despite his new gig as a Daily Bugle reporter. On top of all this, Peter’s personal life is its usual chaos. Tensions are high at school between him and Flash Thompson, while Liz Allen’s reaction to meeting Mary Jane Watson (last issue) adds a little extra spice.

Spider-Man, rocking a hilariously ill-fitting substitute costume, tracks Foswell to an encounter with the Crime-Master—only to narrowly avoid being gunned down. Struggling to keep his too-tight suit from falling apart (literally), Spidey barely escapes with his life. But things go from bad to worse when, by the end of the issue, the Green Goblin captures an unconscious Spider-Man and uses his captive as leverage to assert dominance over the Crime-Master. Goblin’s pitch? With Spider-Man in his grasp, he should be the one running New York’s criminal empire.

Characters & Development

Betty Brant wastes no time grilling Peter about the beautiful Mary Jane Watson, amusing in the fact that Peter hasn’t even met MJ yet! (not that she believes him) Adding to the irony, both Betty and Liz Allen have already met her—at Peter’s own house, no less. This thread of romantic tension continues to brew, adding depth to Peter’s social struggles.

The villain vs. villain dynamic between the Crime-Master and Green Goblin is especially compelling. The betrayal from Crime-Master, the Goblin’s cold calculation, and the lessons learned from their interactions all serve to build up the Green Goblin as a more layered and dangerous adversary. While we’ll have to wait until next issue to see how this plays out, the groundwork laid here is solid.

Originality & Continuity

One standout element of this issue is Spider-Man’s substitute costume. Watching him try to fight crime in a cheap store-bought suit that doesn’t fit is both hilarious and ingenious. It adds humor while playing a crucial role in protecting Peter’s identity, as he’s forced to use his webs to keep the costume—and his mask—intact during battle and thus Green-Goblin is unable to demask him later. It’s an original and memorable moment that captures Spider-Man’s improvisational nature perfectly.

Story & Artwork

Steve Ditko’s artwork is at its best, giving the story a seamless flow and bringing the action to life. This might just be the best Green Goblin story so far, with Ditko’s talent shining through in every panel. While the Crime-Master isn’t quite as captivating as his villainous counterpart, he’s intriguing enough to keep the plot moving and leaves readers wondering: who is he? Foswell? Someone else? The mystery lingers, keeping us hooked until next issue.

Overall, Amazing Spider-Man #26 serves up an entertaining mix of action, humor, and intrigue, with just the right amount of personal drama. Between Peter’s antics in his substitute costume and the escalating villain rivalry there is so much to love.