Description

Amazing Fantasy starring Spider-Man (1995) {#16,17,18}             Comics Lot
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artists: Paul Lee, Terese Nielsen, Alexi Taylor, Greg Loudon & Ken Meyer Jr.
Letterer: Comicraft’s Richard Starkings
Editors: Sarra Mossoff & Bob Budiansky
All Covers by: Paul Lee

During the fifties, Marvel Comics was largely a publisher of monster and science-fiction stories. Super-heroes had largely been a phenomenon of the war years and had since fallen into disuse. The early sixties saw them beginning to make a come-back. Companies began mass-producing gimmick super-heroes based on various animals: apes, cheetahs, flies—whatever hadn’t been done already. In 1961, Marvel’s Stan Lee decided he wanted to make his next super-hero a shy boy who lived with his aunt and got beat up at school. Lee figured those readers would identify more with such a character than the stereotypically perfect heroes. Since Amazing Fantasy (formerly Amazing Adult Fantasy) was already slated for cancellation, there was no risk in using it to introduce the character. That character was Peter Parker, the Amazing Spider-Man. When sales results came in months later, it was clear they had a hit. Today, Spider-Man is Marvel’s most popular character.

Amazing Fantasy #15, the final issue of a short-lived anthology series, introduced the world to a new and unique superhero: the amazing Spider-Man! Months later, by popular demand, Amazing Spider-Man #1, the first issue of the wall-crawling wonder’s own ongoing series, hit the stands, beginning a long and successful career for the young web-slinger. Here now, for the first time, you will learn what happened in between those two landmark issues… and experience the seminal events that shaped a guilt-ridden young man into a true hero.

Story/Spoilers
In issue #16, “An Amazing World”, The story starts with Peter re-capping his very short career at this time including his origin and then a visit to his Uncle Ben’s grave with his Aunt May. A crooked furniture salesman trying to make a deal with May claimed that Ben ordered some furniture as a surprise to her. Later, as Spider-Man, Peter views the same salesman trying out the same scam on another potential victim. Spider-Man then follows the man to a warehouse where he finds a group of men targeting widows and widowers for financial gain. The group is led by a man named the Undertaker whom Spider-Man confronts. The group of men are soon called upon, armed at this point, and the very first use of his Spider-Sense aids Spider-Man in dodging the gunfire. Confused as to what just happens, Spider-Man begins to attack the group of men with his newly found Spider-Sense. The men are caught and tied up in a neat little package for the police. On his way home, Spider-Man helps out a couple in his first breakup of a hold-up or mugging. The story ends with Aunt May viewing the news of the events on television as a mysterious woman telekinetically moves a tractor upon the top of a construction site seemingly amused at her newly realized powers setting the stage for next issue.

Next in issue #17, “Amazing Adventures”, Continued from last issue, the mysterious female at the beginning and end of Amazing Fantasy #16 comes more into focus as we learn that she is named Joey Pulaski who has the ability to fly and use telekinetic powers to move objects. Her and Spider-Man have a good talk together. Before this meeting we see Spider-Man have a talk to Maxie Shiffman, his agent, and takes responsibility over fame and fortune in leaving him. We then turn to a figure in a high rise building who is none other than The Kingpin who wants to take control over a construction company and its management firm and will use an “agent” against the possibility that Spider-Man interferes. Another villain makes his intro as he attempts to talk to Maxie Shiffman in his office and we learn much more about him next issue. Spider-Man next has some trouble with his new friend, Ms. Pulaski as she goes on to destroy parts of the city to free herself from boredom. She offers Spider-Man a job to make some money in protecting a building that The Kingpin has an interest in and is even given a choice in the matter when surrounded by a ball of energy from Joey. He breaks free from the ball, but Joey is ordered to kill Spider-Man and nearly does so! He breaks free to knock Joey out which impresses The Kingpin very much as he stands in the window of a building (like he usually does). Peter is left pondering at the end telling himself I did the right thing”.

Finally in issue #18, “The Amazing Spider-Man”, Concluding the fully painted look at the secret origin of Spider-Man! The turning point that decided Spider-Man’s career–he has the power, but will he accept the responsibility? The good old days leap to life!

Comics lot contains: Amazing Fantasy (1995-1996) Issues #16-18.  Marvel Comics

Comics are bagged & boarded and will be carefully / securely packaged then shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure that it arrives to you perfectly and quickly.

All First Printings
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Publication Date: 1995 – 1996
Format per comic: FC, 32 pages, Comic, 10.25″ x 6.5″
UPC: 759606042906

Collectible Entertainment note: Comics 16,17,18 are in Very Fine condition.  Beautiful Set!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious Spider-Man collector and/or enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Recommended.

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