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1st app. of Kingpin (Wilson Fisk); Spidey's Origin Retold; John Romita cover/art; COMIC BOOK IMPACT rating of 8 (CBI)
Peter Parker was the first protagonist in the superhero genre to have the "real" problem of a typical American teenager. This classic issue dwells on how a combination of bad grades, J. Jonah Jameson, and Aunt May's health pressures our hero into early retirement. This leads to one of the single most memorable images of the Silver Age of Marvel: the forsaken Spider-suit drooping out of a back-alley garbage pail as a dejected Parker walks away in the rain-soaked background.

Not to fear, though: There's a new threat in town called the Kingpin (in his 1st appearance), and the web-slinger is soon back into action against the massive gang lord. The Kingpin, of course, would become a major figure in both the Spider-Man and Daredevil series, and the introduction of Wilson Fisk makes this book even more of a valued collectible (along with the character's upcoming turn in Disney+'s highly anticipated “Daredevil: Born Again” series).


Artist Information

John Romita was one of the driving forces behind Marvel's Silver Age, first taking up the reins on Amazing Spider-Man following the departure of Steve Ditko with issue #38. Romita's long run on Spider-Man would include the introduction of classic characters such as Mary Jane Watson, the Kingpin and many others. He would be a major contributor to the entire Marvel line throughout the 1970s — including designing the look of The Punisher. Romita's influence has since been felt for decades, including the emergence of John Romita, Jr. as one of the industry's top illustrators.