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The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998)
Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #3
Atomic scientist Dr. Otto Octavius was was given the name the name Doctor Octopus by his peers due to the four remote-controlled "arms" he had created. During an experiment, an explosion caused the arms to be fused to his body. He could now control the mechanical arms with his mind. Now on the verge of insanity, Dr. Octopus begins his criminal career.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1963
14 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,563 books2,345 followersStan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 25, 2024
One of my favorite Ditko covers - Dr. Octopus (DO) is hidden in the shadows - but he looks like he is about to 'quarter' poor Spidey! Over the years it becomes clear that DO is the evil version of what Peter Parker (PP) wants to become - a scientist who uses his intellect to help mankind. DO has decided to use his intellect in furtherance of crime - and will grow to resent SM more and more through the years. As the relationship evolves the situation will become personal (culminating in ASM #131). This is the beginning of a long and tortuous relationship!
February 7, 2021
This was an interesting installment to the Spider-Man series. I've seen Dr. Octopus in the movies, but it was really intriguing to see his origin story and his first battle with Spiderman. 3.5 Stars
I think as a reader of these older comics, I'm still trying to figure out whether I'm really a fan of Spider-Man or not. I've enjoyed reviewing his origin story through the creations and brilliant mind of Stan Lee; however, I don't think he'll turn out to be my favorite Marvel character. This issue specifically looks at Spider-Man's first encounter with Dr. Octopus. If anything, this issue reminds readers that while Peter Parker is a superhero, he's still a teenager. So far, Dr. Octopus is the most difficult villain that Spider-Man has come into contact with (trying to figure who's more spectacular: Dr. Doom or Dr. Octopus). When he's unable to defeat Dr. Octopus by brute force he's forced to use his mind and a sense of creativity. I appreciated Parker having to deal with self-doubt. It makes him more human and more relatable as a character. And it also leads to an interesting paring between him and the Human Torch. Once again, readers are also exposed to the "three versions" of Peter Parker. There's Peter Parker as Spider-Man, the internal dialogue of Spider-Man/Peter Parker, and then teenage Peter Parker. The differences between the three really do stand out in this issue. One thing that I didn't really enjoy about this issue are closely related to the excess use of internal dialogue. There didn't seem to be a lot of conversation occurring between characters. Most of the "speaking" happened in character minds. Ditko still makes me cackle every time I see the way that he draws faces, but I still think he's done an amazing job. Overall, this was a decent installment. Looking forward to reading some more in this storyline.
I think as a reader of these older comics, I'm still trying to figure out whether I'm really a fan of Spider-Man or not. I've enjoyed reviewing his origin story through the creations and brilliant mind of Stan Lee; however, I don't think he'll turn out to be my favorite Marvel character. This issue specifically looks at Spider-Man's first encounter with Dr. Octopus. If anything, this issue reminds readers that while Peter Parker is a superhero, he's still a teenager. So far, Dr. Octopus is the most difficult villain that Spider-Man has come into contact with (trying to figure who's more spectacular: Dr. Doom or Dr. Octopus). When he's unable to defeat Dr. Octopus by brute force he's forced to use his mind and a sense of creativity. I appreciated Parker having to deal with self-doubt. It makes him more human and more relatable as a character. And it also leads to an interesting paring between him and the Human Torch. Once again, readers are also exposed to the "three versions" of Peter Parker. There's Peter Parker as Spider-Man, the internal dialogue of Spider-Man/Peter Parker, and then teenage Peter Parker. The differences between the three really do stand out in this issue. One thing that I didn't really enjoy about this issue are closely related to the excess use of internal dialogue. There didn't seem to be a lot of conversation occurring between characters. Most of the "speaking" happened in character minds. Ditko still makes me cackle every time I see the way that he draws faces, but I still think he's done an amazing job. Overall, this was a decent installment. Looking forward to reading some more in this storyline.
June 2, 2014
I actually like that it showed Spiderman feeling weak and also this connection I sense between him and the Torch
February 26, 2022
Enter Dr. Otto Octavius, Steve Ditko basically did it all in this first issue, the looks, the combat moves, the personality, and the art still holds up, lots of cool panels in this first comic, it kinda diminishes everything that came after, every other artist is basically mimicking his creation.
June 21, 2023
Such a good issue! Dr. Octopus has been one of my favorite Spider-Man supervillains ever since I seen him, when I was younger, in Spider-Man 2. This was a big moment for Spider-Man because he experienced defeat for the first time and even considered quitting. After hearing some motivating advice from The Human Torch, Peter knew what he needed to do. Overall, I enjoyed seeing where it all began for Doctor Octopus and I can’t wait to see other heroes and villains make an appearance throughout the comic.
December 23, 2025
The origins of Doc Ock. Honestly my favourite panel in this one is Ock holding Spidey's limbs with his robo arms whilst he bitch slaps Pete to put him back in his place. Ditko, you're a genius.
Firsts: Doc Ock. "Now Magazine" is now called the Daily Bugle with no explanation of the switch. Guess that the no prize explanation is that Jameson publishes many different periodicals.
NB. Some of these references sure haven't aged well or I'm an ignoramus as I had no idea who Albert Schweitzer was. I have also never seen wacky spelled whacky before, had to look that up to see its an old way of spelling. You can't say these reviews aren't educational.
Firsts: Doc Ock. "Now Magazine" is now called the Daily Bugle with no explanation of the switch. Guess that the no prize explanation is that Jameson publishes many different periodicals.
NB. Some of these references sure haven't aged well or I'm an ignoramus as I had no idea who Albert Schweitzer was. I have also never seen wacky spelled whacky before, had to look that up to see its an old way of spelling. You can't say these reviews aren't educational.
June 14, 2023
primeira derrota do homem aranha
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January 20, 2026“NOBODY gives anything for nothing!”
- Peter, the Amazing Spider-Man, Issue 2, 1963
By the time we reach Ock’s debut issue (I haven’t read past his opening origin because I have a lot to say/unpack first before I proceed) we’ve been reading a character very different from the Peter we know. Peter Parker here - or Peter Palmer, as he’s sometimes called (lol) - is a survivor far more self-centered and diluted than Peter proper. In other words, he truly IS a teenager.
In typical Stan Lee fashion, his origin doesn’t even tip the iceberg when examining his rationale. These first issues collectively encompass a more well-rounded explanation than a simple spider bite and guilt complex. Even after learning that with great power comes great responsibility, Peter persists in doing things for himself and his aunt rather than use his powers selflessly. Sure, he’s in a financial bind in the beginning, but he’s never thinking about how he can help people. Instead he’s thinking about how HE can gain from any given scenario. Up until the start of this issue, when he FINALLY ties up some thugs out of a sense of duty rather than a sense of pragmatism.
It’s a real person we’re reading, who’s truly bullied and embittered by the world around him at every turn. And as a teenager that’s a hard pill to swallow - shit, even as an adult. It will likely take years for Peter to come into his own, and I find that very realistic and can’t wait to see how it plays out.
- Peter, the Amazing Spider-Man, Issue 2, 1963
By the time we reach Ock’s debut issue (I haven’t read past his opening origin because I have a lot to say/unpack first before I proceed) we’ve been reading a character very different from the Peter we know. Peter Parker here - or Peter Palmer, as he’s sometimes called (lol) - is a survivor far more self-centered and diluted than Peter proper. In other words, he truly IS a teenager.
In typical Stan Lee fashion, his origin doesn’t even tip the iceberg when examining his rationale. These first issues collectively encompass a more well-rounded explanation than a simple spider bite and guilt complex. Even after learning that with great power comes great responsibility, Peter persists in doing things for himself and his aunt rather than use his powers selflessly. Sure, he’s in a financial bind in the beginning, but he’s never thinking about how he can help people. Instead he’s thinking about how HE can gain from any given scenario. Up until the start of this issue, when he FINALLY ties up some thugs out of a sense of duty rather than a sense of pragmatism.
It’s a real person we’re reading, who’s truly bullied and embittered by the world around him at every turn. And as a teenager that’s a hard pill to swallow - shit, even as an adult. It will likely take years for Peter to come into his own, and I find that very realistic and can’t wait to see how it plays out.
July 7, 2024
CLASSIC
December 11, 2022
My favorite issue so far!!
July 7, 2019
AMAZING FANTASY 15, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 1-10 (Spider-Man's First Arc)
Peter Parker is easily one of the greatest creations in the history of comic books. Even if you threw out every other plot element besides the character himself, you'd still have a character story that deals with so much poignant emotional and psychological conflict.
The dialogue is what really makes this. Stan Lee divides Peter Parker's dialogue into 3 distinct styles: Peter Parker's thoughts, Peter Parker's words, and Spider-Man's words. This structure says a lot about our protagonist; Peter Parker's words are presented in a very introverted and articulate manner. Spider-Man's words, conversely, are presented in a very extroverted and sarcastic manner. This presents the central conflict of the character, in that Spider-Man is a cathartic part of Peter's psychology; he is everything Peter is afraid to be, but can be behind the security blanket of a mask.
The only truth to the character is his thoughts, as he tightly controls the presentation of Peter Parker to hide suspicion he could be Spider-Man. This plays even further into the notion of Spider-Man being a cathartic release for him, in that his thoughts are designed as this fusion of Peter's intellect and Spider-Man's wit. Peter Parker's spoken words lack much of the wit which is present in his own thoughts. Spider-Man presents all of that wit, because he has more freedom to do so; behind the security blanket of a mask, there's less consequence.
And this plays into the deeper theme, of "Great Responsibility" coming with "Great Power." Because there is no physical consequence to himself. But his choice of how he uses this newfound freedom and newfound power has consequences for others... which, as iconic as they are, I won't dare spoil here. These consequences affect his romantic equal Betty Brant, his loyal to a fault Aunt May, the think-tank editor J. Jonah Jameson, or the city of New York as a whole and its perception of him; even if these consequences don't necessarily affect him directly, they still create a whole plate of intimate character conflicts that have nothing to do with spandex villains. The villains simply create a plot of his actions, where these ongoing conflicts resulting from his actions are his character evolution.
Peter Parker is easily one of the greatest creations in the history of comic books. Even if you threw out every other plot element besides the character himself, you'd still have a character story that deals with so much poignant emotional and psychological conflict.
The dialogue is what really makes this. Stan Lee divides Peter Parker's dialogue into 3 distinct styles: Peter Parker's thoughts, Peter Parker's words, and Spider-Man's words. This structure says a lot about our protagonist; Peter Parker's words are presented in a very introverted and articulate manner. Spider-Man's words, conversely, are presented in a very extroverted and sarcastic manner. This presents the central conflict of the character, in that Spider-Man is a cathartic part of Peter's psychology; he is everything Peter is afraid to be, but can be behind the security blanket of a mask.
The only truth to the character is his thoughts, as he tightly controls the presentation of Peter Parker to hide suspicion he could be Spider-Man. This plays even further into the notion of Spider-Man being a cathartic release for him, in that his thoughts are designed as this fusion of Peter's intellect and Spider-Man's wit. Peter Parker's spoken words lack much of the wit which is present in his own thoughts. Spider-Man presents all of that wit, because he has more freedom to do so; behind the security blanket of a mask, there's less consequence.
And this plays into the deeper theme, of "Great Responsibility" coming with "Great Power." Because there is no physical consequence to himself. But his choice of how he uses this newfound freedom and newfound power has consequences for others... which, as iconic as they are, I won't dare spoil here. These consequences affect his romantic equal Betty Brant, his loyal to a fault Aunt May, the think-tank editor J. Jonah Jameson, or the city of New York as a whole and its perception of him; even if these consequences don't necessarily affect him directly, they still create a whole plate of intimate character conflicts that have nothing to do with spandex villains. The villains simply create a plot of his actions, where these ongoing conflicts resulting from his actions are his character evolution.
October 2, 2019
The first full-length Spidey story, this issue showcases some of Steve Ditko's most ominous illustrations and gives Spidey another senior citizen to knock out. Even though Doctor Octopus's body is as vulnerable the next crook's, his mind-controlled tentacles turn him into a horrific villain that forces Peter Parker down a dark road of self-doubt. Luckily the Human Torch's inspirational-speech tour through New York's high schools saves the day.
December 13, 2018
I think the Doc is one of the more challenging villains that Spider-Man has to face. Is he really a villain though? I think it's interesting that a lot of the characters have their own backstory so you know that Peter is fighting real people who have had things happen to them, and not just some random thing that just happened to be around to mess everything up.
June 10, 2021
I love how Peter is seeking inspiration from his heroes as much as we seek inspiration from him. It shows you that his self-doubt is crippling him from just trying to do the good thing. I don't care for the mediocre dialogue if the morality of the hero is so strong.
Plus, I love to read the fan-letters from the 60s.
Plus, I love to read the fan-letters from the 60s.
December 18, 2017
Octopus is my favourite vilain so far ! He is so terrifying !!!
October 3, 2020
I would give it a 4.60, the origin of octopus and the motives we're a little bit stupid but still it was awesome.
July 8, 2022
Reread for marvelous year 2: 1963. See amazing Spider-Man #1 review.
Read for the premier of the notorious Doc Ock. Essential for spidey super fans, marvel historians, MCU completionists, human torch superfans.
Read for the premier of the notorious Doc Ock. Essential for spidey super fans, marvel historians, MCU completionists, human torch superfans.
October 28, 2021
Origin story of Doc Ock!
First look of some super villains!
This is getting more and more exciting or should I say amazing?!
First look of some super villains!
This is getting more and more exciting or should I say amazing?!
August 11, 2022
These early issues are banger after banger. Really nailed down what Doc Oc's all about in this first issue, and Sam Raimi was able to pull from this pretty well.
August 15, 2025
esta vez a peter le tocó aprender que una gran arrogancia conlleva una gran piña para bajarte del pony
dr octopus!! nació un ícono
me da tanta risa que tenga una spidey señal, él quería ser batman
dr octopus!! nació un ícono
me da tanta risa que tenga una spidey señal, él quería ser batman
May 18, 2023
Ketika Spider-Man merasa sangat mudah dalam melawan para penjahat, ia berharap bertemu dengan musuh yang lebih kuat. Lantas, harapan itu pun terkabul. Musuh tersebut adalah Dr. Octopus yang memiliki empat tangan robot panjang seperti gurita. Akibat kecelakaan di laboratorium, pikiran Dr. Octopus jadi terkontaminasi dengan radiasi nuklir. Sebelumnya, ia adalah orang yang ramah, tetapi setelah kejadian itu, ia berubah menjadi manusia menyebalkan dan egois. Ia tidak segan menyerang siapa saja yang menghalangi rencananya.
Spider-Man yang mengetahui kekacauan yang diakibatkan Dr. Octopus--sekaligus ingin mengambil foto untuk Daily Bugle--, langsung menuju ke tempat kejadian perkara. Awalnya, Spider-Man menganggap remeh Dr. Octopus dan berpikir kalau ia adalah musuh yang mudah ditaklukan; tetapi saat Dr. Octopus menunjukkan kekuatannya dengan keempat tangan robotnya, Spider-Man malah yang berhasil dikalahkan. Dari kejadian itu, Spider-Man jadi pesimistis dan rendah diri.
Beberapa hari setelah Spider-Man dikalahkan oleh Dr. Octopus, Peter Parker masih meratapi hal menyakitkan itu. Namun, suatu hari Human Torch (salah satu anggota Fantastic Four) mengisi acara di SMA di mana Peter Parker berada, ia menceritakan pengalamannya ketika mengalami kekalahan dalam menaklukan penjahat. Dari sana, Peter jadi menyadari bahwa suatu saat sang pahlawan super pasti mengalami kekalahan; tetapi dari kekalahan tersebut, harus dicari jalan keluarnya dan jangan terus terpuruk. Secara perlahan, optimisme Peter Parker mulai bangkit. Kemudian, ketika semangatnya telah terkumpul kembali, ia dengan kostum Spider-Man-nya menghampiri Dr. Octopus yang sedang mengotak-atik mesin. Dan pada akhirnya, Spider-Man pun bisa mengalahkan Dr. Octopus.
Spider-Man yang mengetahui kekacauan yang diakibatkan Dr. Octopus--sekaligus ingin mengambil foto untuk Daily Bugle--, langsung menuju ke tempat kejadian perkara. Awalnya, Spider-Man menganggap remeh Dr. Octopus dan berpikir kalau ia adalah musuh yang mudah ditaklukan; tetapi saat Dr. Octopus menunjukkan kekuatannya dengan keempat tangan robotnya, Spider-Man malah yang berhasil dikalahkan. Dari kejadian itu, Spider-Man jadi pesimistis dan rendah diri.
Beberapa hari setelah Spider-Man dikalahkan oleh Dr. Octopus, Peter Parker masih meratapi hal menyakitkan itu. Namun, suatu hari Human Torch (salah satu anggota Fantastic Four) mengisi acara di SMA di mana Peter Parker berada, ia menceritakan pengalamannya ketika mengalami kekalahan dalam menaklukan penjahat. Dari sana, Peter jadi menyadari bahwa suatu saat sang pahlawan super pasti mengalami kekalahan; tetapi dari kekalahan tersebut, harus dicari jalan keluarnya dan jangan terus terpuruk. Secara perlahan, optimisme Peter Parker mulai bangkit. Kemudian, ketika semangatnya telah terkumpul kembali, ia dengan kostum Spider-Man-nya menghampiri Dr. Octopus yang sedang mengotak-atik mesin. Dan pada akhirnya, Spider-Man pun bisa mengalahkan Dr. Octopus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2017
Love Doctor Octopus; so endemic of the era. Spider-Man was so full of himself and longed for more of a challenge. While entertaining for the reader, it seems unrealistic for a superhero. He is about eradicating crime, yes?
Nevertheless, fun issue. Spider-Man was ready to quit until Human Torch spoke at Peter's high school. Torch spoke of perseverance and success not being dependent on physical ability. Since Spider-Man got his butt handed to him by Doctor Octopus, this is just what Spider-Man needed.
It was an epic battle, but in the end Spider-Man won. There were no photographs for J. Jonah.
BTW, I loved the letters at the end. Interesting first thoughts. I applaud Lee et al. for publishing negative reviews. One gets the sense of community that existed.
Nevertheless, fun issue. Spider-Man was ready to quit until Human Torch spoke at Peter's high school. Torch spoke of perseverance and success not being dependent on physical ability. Since Spider-Man got his butt handed to him by Doctor Octopus, this is just what Spider-Man needed.
It was an epic battle, but in the end Spider-Man won. There were no photographs for J. Jonah.
BTW, I loved the letters at the end. Interesting first thoughts. I applaud Lee et al. for publishing negative reviews. One gets the sense of community that existed.
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September 20, 2023Storia delle origini di Octopus.
Questo è il primo volume dove troviamo uno Spiderman più simile a quello che conosciamo oggi: si gode i suoi poteri, prende in giro i suoi avversari, è più rilassato e meno arrabbiato con il mondo.
Lo scontro tra l'eroe e il cattivo è molto interessante e per la prima volta le ragnatele vengono strappate e Spiderman viene sconfitto e umiliato.
Lo schiaffo di Octopus manda Peter in crisi mistica, ma per fortuna, il discorso motivazionale della Torcia Umana, lo fa rinsavire. Spiderman sconfigge il cattivo e la Torcia Umana riacquisisce la sua massima potenza e guarisce dalla malattia che si è preso nei volumi precedenti.
Questo è il primo volume dove troviamo uno Spiderman più simile a quello che conosciamo oggi: si gode i suoi poteri, prende in giro i suoi avversari, è più rilassato e meno arrabbiato con il mondo.
Lo scontro tra l'eroe e il cattivo è molto interessante e per la prima volta le ragnatele vengono strappate e Spiderman viene sconfitto e umiliato.
Lo schiaffo di Octopus manda Peter in crisi mistica, ma per fortuna, il discorso motivazionale della Torcia Umana, lo fa rinsavire. Spiderman sconfigge il cattivo e la Torcia Umana riacquisisce la sua massima potenza e guarisce dalla malattia che si è preso nei volumi precedenti.
December 1, 2020
Penjahatnya adalah Doctor Octopus dan aku suka. Stan Lee memberi latar belakang pada tokoh penjahatnya. Salah satu yang menarik dari komik Spiderman adalah bahwa hampir setiap tokohnya "manusiawi". Penjahat menjadi "penjahat" karena ada sejarahnya. Para jagoannya pun tidak selalu "tidak terkalahkan", sebagai manusia mereka mengalami kekalahan. Namun sebagai pahlawan mereka akan mengatasi kegagalan itu dan bangkit lagi untuk menang. Memang itu pesan moralnya, kan?
December 6, 2020
[3,5] Doctor Octopus is a very intimidating and strong villain. He is the first villain who covers an entire issue, too. I liked that Spider-Man experienced failure and how Torch's speech helped him to get his previous courage back. The fight between Doc Oc and Spider-Man was intense. Especially in this issue I noticed that Spider-Man's character is very human and relatable, for example how he got arrogant because of his strength.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2023
Spiderman meets Doc Oc! 🤩 Loved this one! Doc Oc is my favourite villain from the Toby McGuire movies, so seeing his origin story in the comics from 1963 was great for me.
I loved how Spiderman gets beaten for the first time and his emotional response to that. He's human, and a kid! And his ways of beating these villains using not only his powers, but also his mind and ingenuity, is really refreshing 😁
I loved how Spiderman gets beaten for the first time and his emotional response to that. He's human, and a kid! And his ways of beating these villains using not only his powers, but also his mind and ingenuity, is really refreshing 😁
December 29, 2024
he lost to dr. octopus once and it took a toll on him, yet after a good speech he bounced back and decided to fight it off, again.
creativity was needed and it happened.
people are maybe warming up to the thought of him a bit more than in the past comics?
creativity was needed and it happened.
people are maybe warming up to the thought of him a bit more than in the past comics?
July 20, 2022
Title: Retroceder nunca, rendirse jamás.
Stars 5.0
Stars 5.0
July 27, 2022
ohh this was amazing!! like how dr octopus was his first real match
the first letters to stan and steve😭🫶🏾
the first letters to stan and steve😭🫶🏾
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews