Essential Spider Man vol. 2

Grade:

Essentail Spider Man vol. 2 really defines the character of Spider Man. The team of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko were really clicking, for they managed to find a way to bring back favorite enemies they had previously introduced, while still bringing in plenty of new ones. Like vol. 1, many classic characters would be introduced in issues 21-43 and annuals 2 and 3. The most important being Gwen Stacy, Mary Jane , Rhino, and Harry Osborn.

The stories had a careful ballance between the super hero stuff, and Peter doing normal everyday stuff. Peters life was being torn in two direction and that is what made Spiderman so popular, the characterization. This vol. also reveals the origin and identity of the Green Goblin, a very important part of Spider Man history.

The art is amazing. I see the modern renditions of spidey looking like a body builder. The point was Spidey looked like a normal guy but had powers of super strength. Steve Ditko, and John Romita's pencils are detailed but never cluttered. This vol. shows why Spider Man became such a popular character. John Byrne's update of Spider in his Year One miniseries just makes you appreciate the old stories even more. The stories work so well, there is no need to improve them.