Amazing Spider-Man #63 "WINGS IN THE NIGHT!" (August, 1968)

Synopsis

I bet most of you Spider-Fans were bummed to find out that Vulture died in ish 48 even though Blackie Drago took over his mantle as "New Vulture." Fret not, turns out Adrian Toomes is alive and well.

Now if you want to make your comeback as the high-flying Vulture what would be your first move? Would you break-0ut from prison the guy who tried to replace you so that you can beat him up? Vulchy would.

Our issue closes with the original Vulture soundly beating the new one, and then turning to face Spider-Man!

Notes

• yes, more of "Norman is gaining back his memory!"
• also more of "I wish Peter would try to explain!" "How can I ever explain to Gwen?"
• Check out what the Vulture thinks about copyright law in the above pic

Credits

Stan (The Man) Lee/John (Ring-A-Ding) Romita

Don (Hero) Heck

Mickey Demeo

Sam Rosen

Amazing Spider-Man #62 "MAKE WAY FOR MEDUSA!" (July, 1968)

Synopsis

Spidey is swinging above the city, thinking about how to make up with Gwen--when suddenly Medusa appears! Not the mythological creature but the Inhuman with living hair. She's come to New York to see if mankind is ready to accept the Inhumans living among them. 

Naturally she is immediately confronted by an advertising executive who thinks she'd be a great spokesmodel for hairspray. 

Meanwhile...

Norman Osborn is still struggling with his returning memories about the Green Goblin...

Does anyone else notice how often Marvel uses the idea of a foreign dignitary (Ka-Zar, Namor, Inhumans, etc.) coming to New York and inadvertently causing mayhem due to culture clash?

Well here we go again, Medusa, unsuprisingly, gets bored with the hairspray ads and walks out after trashing the place. The ad exec hails Spider-Man and tricks him into going after Medusa.

Oy.

The ensuing battle is mostly a complete misunderstanding, I sure wish Spidey would use his words before his fists. It really doesn't help though that Medusa is so taken with her status as Queen of the Inhumans that she refuses to discuss anything.

Fear not, once the snafu is cleared up, Medusa goes back the Inhumans and the corrupt ad-man is fired. Justice reigns!

Notes

• JJJ's thoughts in the above pic are just....so linear. We don't think like that!

Credits

Smilin' Stan Lee/Jazzy John Romita

Delineated by: Dashing Don Heck

Inking: Mighty Mickey Demeo

Lettering: Swingin' Sammy Rosen

Amazing Spider-Man #61 "WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE..!" (June, 1968)

Synopsis

Gwen and Captain Stacy go on the run but are soon apprehended by Kingpin's men. Spider-Man saves the day, and with the help of Norman Osborn shuts down the brainwashing plan permanently.

Notes

• Norman is starting to remember his alter ego, the Green Goblin

Credits

Stan Lee/John Romita

Don Heck

Mickey Demeo

Sam Rosen

Amazing Spider-Man #60 "O, BITTER VICTORY!" (May, 1968)

Synopsis

Peter loves Gwen! Yup, this issue is all hearts and flowers because they get married and live happily ever after. The End.

Nah, just kidding.

We've all been there, you're visiting the woman you love and her father who's been brainwashed by a mobster attacks you. I know, I know--it's happened to us all. You raise an arm merely in self-defense and you end up hurting him because of your radioactively enhanced strength. 

Long story short, Gwen is heart-broken and furious at Peter. In an effort to clear things up, Pete follows Captain Stacy hoping he'll find the Kingpin, but instead sees the Captain stealing private police files. Of course, Spidey knows that it's only because George is brainwashed, so in an attempt to help him, Spidey takes photographs and gives them to the Bugle. 

I guess the rationale is that by bringing attention to George, the Kingpin will have to play his hand and then Spider-Man could capture him and thus exonerate George. Sure sucks for Gwen though who has to see "photos by Peter Parker" in the newspaper the next day....CONTINUED NEXT ISH

Notes

Credits

Stan (the man) Lee/Johnny (ring-a-ding) Romita

Dashing Donnie Heck

Mighty Mickey Demeo

Swingin' Sammy Rosen

Amazing Spider-Man #59 " THE BRAND OF THE BRAINWASHER!" (April, 1968)

Synopsis

Okay here's the skinny. Peter's memory fully returned, he heads to the hospital to ease Aunt May's concerns. He then settles things with the police and explains that he was kidnapped by Spider-Man but only because Spider-Man had lost his memory and mistook him for an enemy.

Finally, he squares things away with the gang which includes an impassioned embrace with Gwen. Her father shares some of his thoughts on Spider-Man with Peter. He may even have hinted that he knows about Peter's dual life.

Meanwhile...

A mysterious figure has hired MJ at a club called Gloom Room A-Go-Go. Her job is to dance and entertain people then take their photos because "no one ever turns down a chance to get a free photo of himself. It can't miss!"

Brilliant plan, right? Well the flashbulbs contain a "hypnotic quality" that makes the patrons want to return to the club at which point the villain will brainwash them.

Seriously, great plan.

That night at the club, MJ snaps a photo of Captain Stacy sending him right into the clutches of the Brainwasher. The issue ends with Spidey confronting this nefarious villain only to discover that it's the Kingpin!

Notes

• despite the Brainwasher saying that his plan involves tricking the hypnotized patrons into returning to the club for brainwashing, he brainwashes them the first time they visit!
• I realize that I keep putting up pictures of Gwen, and I'm fully aware that I'm editorializing. I'm choosing to highlight the Gwen/Peter aspects of his life. Deal with it, I'll give Mary-Jane her fair share later.

Credits

Stan (The Man) Lee/Jonny (Ring-A-Ding) Romita

Enchantment by Don Heck

Embellishment by Mickey Demeo

Lettering by Artie Simek

Peter's Wardrobe by Forbush Fashions, Inc.

Amazing Spider-Man #58 "TO KILL A SPIDER-MAN!" (March, 1968)

Synopsis

Spider-Man wasn't dead! Okay, you may now return from the edge of your seat. I know that many of you were nervous. Remember he lives for another 500 issues or so, (I don't want any of you nay-sayers pointing out that he dies a few times along the way).

Not only did he survive his encounter with Ka-Zar, but his amnesia is gone! Apparently being knocked unconscious due to lack of oxygen is a great cure for amnesia. 

Meanwhile...JJJ receives a phone call from Dr. Smythe who has a new Spider-Slayer. Naturally Jonah can't pass up this opportunity and he immediately sets the new robot after Spidey.

The Spider-Slayer chases Peter all over the city but when they arrive at Professor Smythe's lab, it gets overloaded by all the "spider-impulses" there. Which was Spidey's plan all along of course.

Notes

• Stan establishes George Stacy's interest and curiosity for Spider-Man
• Ned Leeds and Betty STILL haven't gotten married--yeesh, what the heck is taking them so long?
• re: the pic above--you'd think Spidey wouldn't freak out about that

Credits

Spectacular Script - Smilin' Stan Lee

Brilliant Breakdown - Jazzy Johnny Romita

Fabulous Finalizing - Dashin' Donny Heck

Exotic Embellishment - Mighty Mickey Demeo

Luscious Lettering - Swingin' Sammy Rosen

Amazing Spider-Man #57 "THE COMING OF KA-ZAR!" (February, 1968)

Synopsis

Spider-Man still has no memory of who he is. While his friends and family are worried sick, Harry finds a spider-tracer in the apartment. This leads him, and soon the entire city, to believe that Spider-Man kidnapped Peter Parker!

Meanwhile, Ka-Zar is in town on business and JJJ convinces him to apprehend our memory-addled hero. Their epic battles ends with a limp Spider-Man in the arms of Ka-Zar....STAY TUNED.

Notes

• Captain Stacy's name is misspelled "Stacey"
• See! Even with amnesia Peter loves Gwen

Credits

Smilin' Stan Lee/Jazzy John Romita

Dashin' Don Heck - Additional Penciller

Mickey Demeo - Embellisher

Sam Rosen - Letterer

Amazing Spider-Man #56 "DISASTER!" (January, 1968)

Synopsis

1968! An important year in American History. Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. are killed, massive protests break out on college campuses about Vietnam, and Nixon is elected.

Will there be as much significance in the Spider-Verse? Let's find out!

Spider-Man, besotted with amnesia has been duped by Dr. Octopus into believing that they're partners. Somehow though (probably due to his spider-sense) Spidey knows that everything isn't what it seems.

Meanwhile, the gang is missing Peter. Aunt May of course, is upset both that Peter is missing and that everyone is telling lies about poor misunderstood Dr. Octopus.

Colonel Jameson is determined to get back the nullifier and is aided by Police Captain George Stacy. Yes, that's right: Stacy. Gwen's father! I'm sure all of you've been wondering where the heck her family was. Well her surprisingly old father is a widower, and he's raised gorgeous Gwendolyne all by his lonesome.

When the army eventually shows up, Ock is defeated by the very weapon he stole. Spider-Man refuses to fight the army, now convinced that he's not a criminal but the issue ends with him still being unsure of who he actually is!

Notes

• First appearance of George Stacy

Credits

Smilin' Stan Lee/Jazzy John Romita

Inked by: Mickey Demeo

Lettering by: Sam Rosen 

Ignored by: Those of Little Faith

Amazing Spider-Man #55 "DOC OCK WINS!" (December, 1967)

Synopsis

Remember the Nullifier that Ock tried to steal way back in ish 53? Well he finally gets it despite the best efforts of Colonel Jameson. 

He uses it on Spider-Man which afflicts him with a well known plot-device....AMNESIA!!

Notes

• the juxtaposition between "party-girl" MJ and more thoughtful Gwen continues
• Harry is again annoyed at his missing roomate
• that cover? awesome.

Credits

Stan (the man) Lee/John (ring-a-ding) Romita

Mickey Demeo - Inking

Sam Rosen - Lettering

Amazing Spider-Man Annual #4 "THE WEB AND THE FLAME! " (1967)

Synopsis

Another year, another annual. Am I the only who thinks these are stupid, hokey, and just a way to sell a comic for 25 cents? Probably not, the stories aren't better--just more ridiculous in their story-telling. Human Torch and Spidey get tricked into fighting each other by the Wizard and Mysterio. It'd be mildly interesting if we hadn't already seen the idea of a movie set being a trap back in ish 14. 

Notes

• this issue had a "surprise penciller." We find out at the end that it was Larry Lieber, although Stan neglects to mention that Larry is his younger brother. 
• The continuity of when this issue is supposed to take place isn't totally clear. Aunt May is on some sort of vacation, but in ish 55, she was being treated by Dr. Bromwell. Maybe she just dashed off for a quick pick-me-up. Or maybe Stan just doesn't read his own comics?

Credits

Stan Lee - Writer

Mickey Demeo - Inker

Larry Lieber - Penciller

Jerry Feldman - Letterer

Amazing Spider-Man #54 "THE TENTACLES AND THE TRAP!" (November, 1967)

Synopsis

Okay Faithful Followers! Reach back into your brains all the way to Annual #1. Remember when Doc Ock kidnapped Aunt May and Betty Brant? Did you think that ol' Stan was going to let a good plot like that go to waste? Heck no!

Doctor Octopus is boarding with Aunt May and Anna Watson, and you know that can only mean one thing. Trouble! With eight capital T's.

Aunt May is just so hilariously naïve. She completely trusts this man despite the fact that the newspapers, the radio, and the television have all talked about his being a nefarious criminal. She still treats Peter like a child, and lives with the delusion that he's a 'frail and fragile boy.'

Ridiculous.

Anyway, Peter desperately tries to find a way to confront Ock without terrifying actually frail and fragile Aunt May. Ultimately, he fails. She has another heart attack type of thing and faints when she sees Spidey and Ock tussling. The good Doctor escapes leaving Peter to deal with his Aunt.

Notes

• If you think that over time Aunt May would "get it" that Dr. Octopus is not a nice person, you're wrong. She won't find out for another 35 years or so (real time, not Marvel Time)
• I love John Romita but I can still admit when he goofs. Check out Pete's pupils in the above pic when he sees who's living with Aunt May.

Credits

Stan Lee, John Romita, Mickey Demeo, Sam Rosen

Amazing Spider-Man #53 "ENTER DR. OCTOPUS!" (October, 1967)

Synopsis

Harry is peeved at Peter because he's never around. Harry doesn't like feeling like a glorified answering machine. To make matters worse, Pete takes Gwen to a "Science Expo" blowing off Harry and Flash who recently returned from Vietnam. 

Professor Warren goes with the budding couple and he displays some delightfully creepy affection for Gwen. I doubt that Stan intended at this point for Prof. Warren to end up as horribly creepy as he does, but the groundwork certainly was laid here.

At the Expo, wouldn't you just know that Dr. Octopus would show up and start a big ol' fight. Spidey beats him soundly and Ock decides to lay low for a while.

Aunt May and Anna decide to take in a boarder to make some extra cash...guess who moves in?

Notes

Credits

Stan Lee, John Romita, Mickey Demeo, Artie Simek

Amazing Spider-Man #52 "TO DIE A HERO!" (September, 1967)

Synopsis

In classic Super-Villain fashion, the Kingpin does not simply shoot JJJ and Spider-Man. He locks them in a room with a rising water level, simply leaving them to die. Do you think they escape? You bet your bippy they do. 

Meanwhile Flash returns from Vietnam earlier than everyone expected. 

Back at the his penthouse, the Kingpin manages to escape before Spider-Man can defeat him. While JJJ is escaping, a henchman tries to gun him down and Frederick Foswell takes the bullet. Foswell is remembered as a hero by all. 

Notes

Credits

Stan Lee, John Romita, Mickey Demeo, Sam Rosen

Amazing Spider-Man #51 "IN THE CLUTCHES OF THE KINGPIN!" (August, 1967)

Synopsis

Spidey is back in full swing since last ish. First item on his agenda: take out the newly organized mob under the reign of the Kingpin!

Meanwhile, Mary-Jane and Gwen both have the hots for Peter. Everyone seems to know it except for poor Harry, who thinks Gwen is digging him. Seeds are being planted!

Spider-Man, along with JJJ, is captured by the Kingpin in a thrilling cliffhanger.

Notes

• First appearance of Joseph "Robbie" Robertson
• In a rare display of integrity, Jonah refuses to alter the content of his paper to suit the Kingpin's needs

Credits

Stan Lee, John Romita, Mickey Demeo, Sam Rosen

Amazing Spider-Man #50 "SPIDER-MAN NO MORE!" (July, 1967)

Synopsis

Here we are folks at another landmark issue. What was meant to be mere filler for a soon-to-be-canceled comic, "Amazing Fantasy" has somehow stretched into a 50 issue run.  Well I'll tell you how! It's because of issues like this. 

Peter Parker is such a relatable character. He's faced with problems, in this issue:

• Aunt May has another attack
• he is spurned by the public he protects
• he has no time for a job doing what he loves
• his grades are slipping
• he doesn't have time to spend with Gwen or MJ

That he hasn't quit before shows his perseverance, and is a testament to his strength. Eventually though, enough is enough and he quits. Parts of the 2nd Spider-Man movie are an homage to this issue. 

It is when Peter is driving home one night, and hears a night watchman attacked that he bursts back into action. He saves the watchman's life without a costume, taking out two burglars. Peter realizes with a shock that the man reminds him of Uncle Ben, and Romita gets a chance to re-draw the origin. Peter renews his vows to Superherodom.

Notes

• Kingpin's first appearance
• Gwen begins to show strong interest in Peter

Credits

Stan (the man) Lee and John (ring-a-ding) Romita invite you to join the capricious company of

Mickey Dimeo: Inker

Sam Rosen: Letterer

Amazing Spider-Man #49 "FROM THE DEPTHS OF DEFEAT!" (June, 1967)

Synopsis

When we last left our intrepid hero, he was unconscious in the snow and the new Vulture was feeling cocksure. It turns out the cold revived Spidey and he limps home to lick his wounds. Meanwhile Kraven is upset that the Vulture is getting all the attention as a menace. (Remember he's still on the lam from ish # 47?)

Kraven plans to bring down the Vulture but just when he finds him, Spider-Man shows up to defeat them both. Hooray!

Notes

Credits

A Stan Lee and John Romita Action Epic

Lettered by: Sam Rosen