Written by Stan Lee
Art by Steve Ditko; Art Simek, & Andy Yanchus
Cover Art by Steve Ditko
SUMMARY:
Released for June 1983, Marvel Comics reprints The Amazing Spider-Man # 14 (July 1964). Notably, it features the Green Goblin’s first appearance. Entitled “The Grotesque Adventure of the Green Goblin,” the initial Spidey-Goblin showdown guest-stars The Hulk and the original Enforcers: Ox, Montana, & Fancy Dan. The Goblin seeks instant infamy by conning witless Hollywood movie producer B.J. Cosmos and a naïve Spider-Man into making a live-action blockbuster starring the real Spider-Man.
On location in New Mexico, an outnumbered Spidey finally realizes that the enthusiastic Goblin and the three Enforcer look-a-likes aren’t just actors fresh from the wardrobe department. Even worse yet, a still-rookie Spider-Man is also about to have his first close encounter with The Incredible Hulk.
Notes: 1. The cover mostly replicates the original version. Curiously, Marvel Tales reverses the Spidey-Goblin image and removes the Hulk. 2. On page 2, Lee goofs: Green Goblin miscounts the Enforcers as four. The Goblin is the actual fourth villain in that panel. 3. Marvel Tales inserts one contemporary change: a misspelled ‘Tom Sellick’ is substituted in from the original comic’s “Tony Curtis or maybe one of the Beatles” as B.J. Cosmos’ casting choice for playing Spider-Man.
REVIEW:
Though the ink has faded, this can’t-miss dose of 60’s Marvel magic hasn’t lost its witty charm. Reading this entertaining issue, one could make a convincing argument why DC’s Silver Age heroes might seem stale in comparison. For Spidey fans of any age, Marvel Tales # 152 is an ideal package of action, witty humor, and two Marvel milestones: the Goblin’s debut and the first Spider-Man/Hulk encounter. Consider this reprint definitely well-played!
Note: To see the Amazing Spider-Man # 11-19, full-page covers, and Annual # 1 reprinted in full color, there is Marvel Masterworks Present The Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 2.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
A full-page “Marvel Mails” letters-and-answers column reveals the cover for Marvel Tales # 153: reprinting Kraven the Hunter’s debut. Also in a full-page format is Jim Shooter’s “….Bullpen Bulletins” column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
