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Issue: The Essential Spider-Man #4 [Third Edition]
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Title:
Variant: unnamed
Rating: [no rating]
Publisher: FlagMarvel
Brand:
Indicia Publisher: Marvel Worldwide Inc.
On Sale Date: 09/21/2011
Volume: none
Pages: 620
ISBN: 9780785118657
UPC/EAN: 978078511865751999
Price: $21.99 CAD
$19.99 USD
Indicia Frequency:
Content Items: 68 (29 stories, 1 cover)
Editor(s):  
Disclose Notes: Although listed in its indicia as "Second edition, first printing," this 2011 volume is actually the third edition. The first edition reprints Amazing Spider-Man (1963 series) #69-#89 and Annuals #4-5. The 2005 volume reprints Amazing Spider-Man (1963 series) #66-#89 & Annual #5 and is the true second edition. This 2011 volume adds The Spectacular Spider-Man (1968 series) #2 to the material reprinted in the 2005 second edition.

On sale date from https://www.previewsworld.com/Catalog/JUL110767.
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Publication Type: Trade Paperback
Color: color cover; black and white interior
Dimensions: standard Modern Age US
Paper Stock: cardstock cover; newsprint interior
Binding: trade paperback
Publishing Format: collected editions
Format Notes:  
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[untitled]

Illustration  on  Cover, Front
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker] (also as Peter Parker); Mary Jane Watson; Harry Osborn; Captain George Stacy; Gwen Stacy
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
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Collected Editions

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
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typeset
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Miscellaneous
1
Inside front cover has a promotional advertisement for other Essential Amazing Spider-Man collected editions and the indicia.
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Essential the Amazing Spider-Man Volume 4

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
typeset
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1
Title page reprints in black and white the image used on the cover in a slightly enlarged form with tighter cropping and revised trade dress.
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[untitled]

Credits  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
typeset
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Miscellaneous
2
The credits pages in the front matter of the book list Artie Simek as Art Simek and identify Mike Esposito by name rather than his pen name Mickey Demeo. Credits in the reprinted stories themselves retain the original credits.
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The Madness of Mysterio!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Mysterio [Quentin Beck]
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Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
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The Madness of Mysterio!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Mysterio [Quentin Beck]; Anna May Watson; Aunt May Parker; Betty Brant; Captain George Stacy; Gwen Stacy; Harry Osborn; J. Jonah Jameson; Ned Leeds; Robbie Robertson; Green Goblin [Norman Osborn] (cameo)
The stage is set--the plan is completed--the time has come!
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Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Joke credit: Special Effects: I, Fearless Forbush
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[untitled]

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Mysterio [Quentin Beck]
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Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
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To Squash a Spider!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; May Parker; Anna Watson; Gwen Stacy; George Stacy; J. Jonah Jameson; Robbie Robertson; Betty Brant; Ned Leeds; Randy Robertson; Mysterio [Quentin Beck]
Trapped by the madly murderous Mysterio, our hapless web-spinner suddenly regains consciousness, only to find that he has become--six inches tall!
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20
Originally presented in color.
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[untitled]

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Green Goblin [Norman Osborn]
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Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
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The Spider-Man Saga

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Ben Parker; May Parker; Flash Thompson; Harry Osborn; Liz Allan
Brief retelling of Spider-man's origin story.
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Miscellaneous
1
As can be seen from the credits and from the notes below, it is difficult to reconcile the printed credits for this comic, Romita's recollections, and the opinions of experienced art spotters.

According to John Romita, Sr. Larry Lieber penciled the "Spider-man Saga" origin recap, even though Lieber's name doesn't appear on the contents page credits. Lieber is credited, however for penciling the origin story in Spectacular Spider-man #1. John Romita, Sr. stated that he did the inks, recalling that during this period he and Lieber were working in the same office on several issues simultaneously, including the Spectacular Spider-man 1 and 2, the Amazing Spider-man monthly issues and Amazing Spider-man Annual #5.

Nick Caputo suspects that Romita was in error and the inking is actually the work of Frank Giacoia. Giacoia is given credit under layout and illustration on the table of contents, and his hand is evident as inker on several pages of the story. Romita likely laid out the page and provided corrections.

Charles Underwood believes that Romita's contributions are larger, perhaps executing the entire piece, perhaps with Jim Mooney's inks.

Originally presented in color.
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The Goblin Lives

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Captain George Stacy; Green Goblin [Norman Osborn]; Harry Osborn; J. Jonah Jameson; May Parker; Gwen Stacy; Mary Jane Watson
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Miscellaneous
58
Romita layouts, Jim Mooney pencils and Frank Giacoia inking per Nick Caputo, November 2013. Previous indexer credited Romita with full pencils.

Originally presented in color.
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[untitled]

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]
Next Issue: The Mystery of the TV Terror!
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Miscellaneous
1
Coming attraction for the unpublished next issue.
Originally presented in color.
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At Long Last -- the Parents of Peter Parker!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
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superhero
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1
Originally presented in color.
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The Parents of Peter Parker

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
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Miscellaneous
40
Originally presented in color. John Romita is credited in the reprinted story as "chaotic consultant." John Romita is also credited with the plot for the story in the annual on the credits pages of this book. John Romita wrote that he worked very closely, page by page, with Larry Lieber, in laying out the story and assisting with the pencils.
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[untitled]

Blank Page(s)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
The Amazing Spider-Man
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Otherwise blank page with the Amazing Spider-Man logo on it.
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A Day at the Daily Bugle

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Peter Parker, the Super Sports Star!

Illustration  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Peter Parker
Imagine an athlete who has the power of Spider-Man!
Peter Parker as various athletes.
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
2
John Romita has indicated that he worked very closely with Larry Lieber on this annual, page by page, including the pin-up feature "Peter Parker, the Super Sports Star!" Originally presented in color.
Disclose
[untitled]

Blank Page(s)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
The Amazing Spider-Man
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Miscellaneous
1
Otherwise blank page with the Amazing Spider-Man logo on it.
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Where It's At!

Illustration  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Harry Osborne; Peter Parker; J. Jonah Jameson; Aunt May Parker; Gwen Stacy; Mary Jane Parker
A slightly garbled guide to help you locate some of Spidey's most familiar havens and haunts!
A slightly garbled guide to some of Spider-Man's most familiar locations.
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Miscellaneous
1
John Romita has indicated that he worked very closely with Larry Lieber on this annual, page by page, including the pin-up feature "Where It's At!" Originally presented in color.
Disclose
This Is Spidey as We Know Him, But--

Illustration  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Spider-Man
Spider-Man as if drawn by other artists for other publications. Parodies include Spider-Man depicted in the style of Chester Gould's Dick Tracy, Al Capp's Li'l Abner, Mickey Mouse, Superman, Archie Andrews, and Charles Shultz's Charlie Brown.
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Miscellaneous
2
John Romita has indicated that he worked very closely with Larry Lieber on this annual, page by page, including the pin-up feature Spidey as drawn by other artists. Originally presented in color.
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Here We Go-a-Plotting

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
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Miscellaneous
3
Originally presented in color.
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Crisis on Campus!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]
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Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
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Crisis on the Campus!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Kingpin (villain); Gwen Stacy; J. Jonah Jameson; Joe Robertson; Anna Watson; Aunt May Parker; Crusher; Louis Wilson (introduction); Randy Robertson; Martha Robertson (introduction, in a photograph only); Josh Kittling (introduction)
So that's what the newly-discovered petrified clay tablet looks like!
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Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
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Mission: Crush the Kingpin!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
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Subject Matter
superhero
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Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
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Mission: Crush The Kingpin!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
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Spider-Man Wanted!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
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superhero
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1
Disclose
Spider-Man Wanted!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
And Now... Quicksilver!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Speedster and the Spider!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Rocked by the Shocker!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
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Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
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Rocked by the Shocker!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Web Closes!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Web Closes!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Man-Mountain Marko; the Maggia; Caesar Cicero; Silvermane; George Stacy; Gwen Stacy; Randy Robertson; Robbie Robertson; J. Jonah Jameson; Wilson; Curt Connors
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Fantastic Secret of the Petrified Tablet!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Silvermane
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
If This Be Bedlam!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Lizard [Dr. Connors]; Martha Connors; Billy Connors; Harry Osborn; Gwen Stacy; Maggia (villain); Silvermane (villain); Caeser Cicero (villain); Man-Mountain Marko (villain)
Curt Conners decyphers an ancient tablet rumored to contain the formula for rejuvination.
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Death Without Warning!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Death Without Warning!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Lizard; Man-Mountain Marko; Silvermane; Caeser Cicero; Martha Connors; Billy Connors
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Lizard Lives!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Lizard
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Lizard Lives!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Lizard; Billy Connors; Martha Connors; May Parker; Harry Osborn; Gwen Stacy; Robbie Robertson; Captain George Stacy; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Spider-Man tries to defeat the Lizard without harming him.
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
In the Blaze of Battle!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Lizard; Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
In the Blaze of Battle!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color. John Romita is credited as "consultant emeritus in residence" in the reprinted story and for the plot on the credits pages in the front matter of the book.
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The Night of the Prowler!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Prowler [Hobie Brown]
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Night of the Prowler!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Gwen Stacy; Flash Thompson; J. Jonah Jameson; Robbie Robertson; Prowler [Hobie Brown]
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color. Script: Although uncredited in the reprinted story, John Romita is credited for plot assists in the credits pages in the front matter of the book. Thanks are given in the reprinted story to John Romita, Jr. for suggesting the Prowler.
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To Prowl No More!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Peter Parker; Prowler [Hobie Brown]; J. Jonah Jameson
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Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
To Prowl No More!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Prowler [Hobie Brown]; J. Jonah Jameson; Robbie Robertson; Gwen Stacy
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
On the Trail of the Chameleon!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
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?
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
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On The Trail of...the Chameleon!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Harry Osborne; Flash Thompson; Gwen Stacy; Capt. Stacy; J. Jonah Jameson; Robbie Robertson; the Chameleon
The Chameleon disguises himself as familiar figures in his crime spree.
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color. John Romita is credited as "art consolidator" in the reprinted story and as "storyteller" in the credits in the front matter of the book.
Disclose
The Coming of the Kangaroo!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Kangaroo
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Coming of the Kangaroo!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
And Then Came Electro!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
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?
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superhero
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Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
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And Then Came Electro!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Coming of the Schemer!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Schemer!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
20
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Kingpin Strikes Back!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Kingpin Strikes Back!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
19
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
[untitled]

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
The Schemer; Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Kingpin; Vanessa Fisk
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Secret of the Schemer!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
The Schemer; Vanessa Fisk; Kingpin; Spider-Man [Peter Parker];Captain George Stacy; Gwen Stacy
The Kingpin's confrontation with the Schemer reveals a shocking secret.
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
19
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Beware the Black Widow!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Black Widow [Natasha Romanoff] (shadow)
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Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Beware the Black Widow!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Black Widow [Natasha Romanoff]; Gwen Stacy; Captain George Stacy; Harry Osborn; J. Jonah Jameson; May Parker; Anna Watson; Hawkeye [Clint Barton] (cameo flashback); Iron Man [Tony Stark] (cameo flashback); Crimson Dynamo (cameo flashback); Red Guardian [Alexei Shostakov](cameo flashback); Nick Fury (cameo flashback)
Black Widow tests her mettle against Spider-Man.
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
19
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Unmasked at Last!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Unmasked at Last!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Gwen Stacy; Mary Jane Watson; Harry Osborn; Captain George Stacy; Randy Robertson; Josh (Randy's friend); Prowler [Hobie Brown]
Hobie Brown helps Spider-Man preserve his secret identity.
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
19
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Arms of Doctor Octopus!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
The Arms of Doctor Octopus!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Gwen Stacy; Miles Warren; J. Jonah Jameson; John Jameson; Robbie Robertson; Betty Brant; Captain George Stacy; Doctor Octopus [Otto Octavius]
From his prison cell, Doc Ock calls to his mechanical arms and even Spidey can't stop the inevitable reunion. Ock hijacks a plane and holds an Asian general hostage for ten million bucks but Spidey foils his plans.
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
19
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Doc Ock Lives!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Doctor Octopus [Otto Octavius]
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Doc Ock Lives!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
superhero
Spider-Man [Peter Parker]; Randy Robertson; J. Jonah Jameson; Robbie Robertson; Doctor Octopus [Otto Octavius]
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
19
Originally presented in color.
Disclose
Special Bonus

Illustration  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
typeset
Subject Matter
Peter Parker; Prowler [Hobie Brown]; J. Jonah Jameson
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
2
Cover rough for Amazing Spider-Man (1963 series) #79 and character designs for Prowler by John Romita.
Disclose
Collected Editions

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
?
?
typeset
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Inside back cover has information about other trade paperback and hardcover collections of titles featuring Spider-Man.
Disclose
Back Cover

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
typeset
Subject Matter
Kingpin; Dr. Octopus [Otto Octavius]; Shocker; Vanessa; Quicksilver; Black Widow [Natasha Romanoff; Chameleon; Human Torch [Johnny Storm]; Prowler [Hobie Brown]; Electro [Max Dillon]; Lizard; Peter Parker; Gwen Stacy
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
Back cover

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