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 Annual #3 "...TO BECOME AN AVENGER! " (1966)

Synopsis

The Mighty Avengers want Spider-Man to join their swinging ranks. His test is a "simple" one: find the Hulk and bring him back to the Avengers.

While fighting Hulk though, Spidey discovers the terrible fate of Dr. Bruce Banner/Hulk. He can't bring himself to turn Hulk over to the Avengers, thinking that they plan to imprison him. 

Spider-Man doesn't join the Avengers, which ends up being good anyway.

Notes

• The Wasp mentions several times that she doesn't want to allow Spidey into the Avengers due to her "natural wasp aversion to spiders." Um....Janet honey? You're not a wasp, your powers don't derive from wasps, and shut-up.

Credits

Script by: Smilin' Stan Lee

Layouts by: Jazzy Johnny Romita

Pencilin' by: Dashin' Donnie Heck

Inkin' by: Mirthful Mickey Demeo

Letterin' by: Adorable Artie Simek

Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2 "THE WONDROUS WORLD OF DR. STRANGE! " (1965)

Synopsis

By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth! Spidey and Dr. Strange team-up to tackle Xandu, and you just know that the Wand of Watoomb makes an appearance. In fact it makes more than an appearance, it's the object of note in this lame Annual!

Notes

• This is Spider-Man and Doc Strange's first meeting

Credits

Written and Edited by the toast of Marvel: Stan Lee

Plotted and Drawn by the boast of Marvel: Steve Ditko

Lettered and Bordered by the ghost of Marvel: Sam Rosen

Amazing Spider-Man ANNUAL #1 "THE SINISTER SIX! " (1964)

Synopsis

Chronologically speaking, this issue takes place before Aunt May's heart attack in issue #17. Six of Spidey's most dangerous villains team up to beat him. Peter sees Aunt May mourning Uncle Ben and begins to reminisce about his origin. So lost in the past is he, in his own feelings of sorrow, that he psychosomatically blocks out his powers and thinks that he's lost them.

Naturally, the villains kidnap Betty Brant (and get Aunt May in the bargain) forcing Spidey to tackle them, now "power-less". Each one gets his own splash page showing off Steve Ditko's inability to draw feet. The Web-Slinger saves the day, defeats each villain in turn, and learns a little something along the way. He "gets his powers back" quickly when he realizes that he never really lost them.

Notes

• The origin story is re-told for the first time...but don't fret frantic ones, they'll be telling it again...and again
• Aunt May meets Dr. Octopus for the first time, setting the stage for the ludicrous plot-line in the future when they get engaged
• Every single Marvel hero shows up at some point to give Stan a chance to plug his growing empire--say what you will, the man knows how to promote
• This is the first time Doc Ock controls his arms from a distance via his mental control

Credits

Written by: Stan Lee

Drawn by: Steve Ditko

Lettered by: Sam Rosen