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The Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus
The Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus, Vol. 5
Spider-Man’s amazingly popular Omnibus line continues with the storyline that shocked the comics world: Peter Parker’s deceased beloved, Gwen Stacy, shows up on his doorstep — kicking off a mind-bending clone saga that would last for decades! The scheming Jackal lines up a murderer’s row of foes to take on Spider-Man: Tarantula, Scorpion and Spidey himself! The Punisher sets his sights on Spidey in an adventure guest-starring the X-Men’s Nightcrawler! J. Jonah Jameson finally gets the goods on Spider-Man’s secret identity! Doc Ock, Hammerhead, Kingpin and the Molten Man are on hand to menace Spidey, but it’s not all bad guys for our hero — as romance blooms between Peter and Mary Jane, and Nova teams up with Spider-Man!
COLLECTING: Amazing Spider-Man (1963) 143-180, Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1964) 10-11, Nova (1976) 12; material from Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) 14, Marvel Special Edition (1975) 1
COLLECTING: Amazing Spider-Man (1963) 143-180, Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1964) 10-11, Nova (1976) 12; material from Marvel Treasury Edition (1974) 14, Marvel Special Edition (1975) 1
880 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 1978
9 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Gerry Conway
2,064 books89 followersGerard Francis Conway (Gerard F. Conway) is an American writer of comic books and television shows. He is known for co-creating the Marvel Comics' vigilante the Punisher and scripting the death of the character Gwen Stacy during his long run on The Amazing Spider-Man. At DC Comics, he is known for co-creating the superhero Firestorm and others, and for writing the Justice League of America for eight years. Conway wrote the first major, modern-day intercompany crossover, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 27, 2021
Ross Andru is an underrated all-time Spidey artist. Great stuff.
There are some ups and downs here, but it's a delight on the whole, and the concluding Green Goblin stuff is outstanding.
There are some ups and downs here, but it's a delight on the whole, and the concluding Green Goblin stuff is outstanding.
October 4, 2022
This volume contains some pivotal moments, namely the original clone saga, which I get why Conway did it, but there are bits that I felt could have been fleshed out a little more or handled differently. Some minor hallmarks in Spidey's history: you see Aunt May protesting, something that Slott used in his run; the beginning of Harry Osborn and Liz Allen's relationship; the debut of a couple of Spidey's D-List rogue's gallery. I appreciated Andru's art too. While everything wasn't top notch some of his panel and pinups were pretty nice.
June 29, 2023
This omnibus starts with the end of the Gerry Conway run, which will read better after the Mysterio issues from the end of the previous omnibus. It’s followed by Len Wein’s, creator of Swamp Thing, complete run from 151 to 180. Ross Andru is the artist for most of it, and his smooth, cartoonish style really comes together for these issues. The stories themselves are uneven with the original Clone Saga, the return of Doctor Octopus, new villain Will o’ the Wisp, and a few Punisher stories being the standouts here. This omnibus also crosses over more with Spider-Man’s other two titles Marvel Team-Up and Spectacular. Not directly, but more with villains premiering elsewhere before moving to the main title. Uneven, but still fun.
Amazing Spider-Man #143 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “..And The Wind Cries: Cyclone!”
Another new enemy! Though, the Cyclone is lame. Fortunately, the advancement with Mary Jane, the fallout from the Mysterio issues, and the new plotline’s hints are the best parts.
Amazing Spider-Man #144 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Delusion Conspiracy”
Spidey abroad stories are usually lame mysteries with the set dressing of other countries.This is no exception. It’s saved by the ending and that amazing cover!
Amazing Spider-Man #145 ⧫ 4 Stars “Gwen Stacy Is Alive...and Well...?!”
This issue really exemplifies the drama of the original Clone Saga with Peter’s anguish leading to his issues with the Scorpion. I feel like it gets some crap due to the 1990s insanity, but the original arc is actually quite well written, extending from the death of Gwen Stacy and the aforementioned Mysterio issues. This issue also has all of Marvel Team-Up #33 take place during it, which is kind of fun. Great ideas, great issue.
Amazing Spider-Man #146 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Scorpion......Where Is Thy Sting?”
The return of the Jackal leads to some fun with Aunt May and the Scorpion. It is a little silly, but I can’t hate it.
Amazing Spider-Man #147 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Tarantula is a Very Deadly Beast!”
This issue picks up after Giant-Size Spider-Man #5, which will be collected whenever they release the Marvel Team-Up omnibus. It involves the Tarantula who apparently hasn’t heard about how the Jackal treats his allies. It has a great Aunt May and Mary Jane scene, which has consequences in the next few issues. It also features a sillier Jackal bus sequence that rather works for the character!
Amazing Spider-Man #148 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Jackal, Jackal...Who's Got the Jackal?”
This is definitely a middle issue with all the issues that brings. There is the shocking reveal of the Jackal’s identity and the “in the dark” battle with the Tarantula that Andru delivers to bolster this issue. However, Mary Jane comes on really hot, which seems weird given her knowledge of Peter and Gwen’s relationship; this is also the closest it’s come to going against the Mary Jane Parallel Lives retcon in awhile, though it still doesn’t contradict that story. It’s above average despite the flaws, though.
Amazing Spider-Man #149 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Even if I live, I die!”
The epic conclusion to Conway’s run brings together both the Jackal and the Gwen story together. While it could have used maybe one more issue to expand on the backstory, it is a great ending to a solid final series of issues.
Amazing Spider-Man #150 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Spider-Man.... Or Spider-Clone?”
This is a very mediocre issue with a really great ending. The villain is among my least favorite, but the title question and how the answer is arrived at elevate it quite a bit. It’s a fill-in by Archie Goodwin with some somewhat rushed looking Gil Kane art.
Amazing Spider-Man #151 ⧫ 4 Stars “Skirmish Beneath the Streets!”
Len Wein’s run begins, and it’s quite impressive! Honestly, Andru’s art is off the chain for this and the following issue, and that floats a fairly decent plot. I do like the return villain who has his best outing so far.
Amazing Spider-Man #152 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Shattered by the Shocker!”
A solid ending to a great two-parter.
Amazing Spider-Man #153 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Longest Hundred Yards!”
This is a very average issue that introduces a group of enemies who far outstay their welcome. It has a very simple set up and pay off that I found boring and formulaic.
Amazing Spider-Man #154 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Sandman Always Strikes Twice”
This is a bad return for a villain that deserves better. More random laser guys…
Amazing Spider-Man #155 ⧫ 1 Stars “Whodunit!”
Very dumb. One issue isn’t enough time for an effective mystery, and this one settles for a lame pun… It also continues the lame criminal syndicate plot from issue 153, which is not my favorite.
Amazing Spider-Man #156 ⧫ 3 Stars “On a Clear Day You Can See... The Mirage!”
The wedding of Ned Leeds and Betty Brant creates a fun set of interactions for the Spider-Cast; unfortunately, the Mirage is very lame. I think it’s positive overall, but yeah.
Amazing Spider-Man #157 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Ghost That Haunted Octopus!”
Okay, it’s silly, but I rather enjoy this episode. It works with Spider-man’s cast, and the arc for Doctor Octopus is pretty refreshing.
Amazing Spider-Man #158 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Hammerhead is Out!”
Still silly, but still enjoyable. Explanations for the nuclear bullshit in this issue? None needed.
Amazing Spider-Man #159 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Arm-In-Arm-In-Arm-In-Arm-In-Arm-In-Arm with Doctor Octopus”
A decent end to Wein’s Octopus run. It’s a fun ride.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #10 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Step Into My Parlor...' Said The Spider To The Fly!”
The Fly is the Scorpion, but lamer. Also, I feel like Gil Kane was very rushed.
Amazing Spider-Man #160 ⧫ 3 Stars “My Killer, The Car!”
This is such a stupid, silly, and infamous issue, but I can’t hate it. It features the return of a classic villain and good retcon. However, the entire conceit is just crazy: Spider-Man vs. Spider-Mobile!
Amazing Spider-Man #161 ⧫ 4 Stars “..And the Nightcrawler Came Prowling, Prowling...”
I really enjoyed this crossover as it’s a great way to have three heroes collide while trying to deal with a threat. The biggest issue is Mary Jane’s continuing snippiness, which seems a little more understandable here, but still seems a bit cruel, especially given what he’s been through.
Amazing Spider-Man #162 ⧫ 4 Stars “Let the Punisher Fit the Crime!”
This continues the story and introduces Jigsaw, one of the Punisher’s classic foes, and I think, his first supervillain. Jigsaw’s motivation actually adds a nice level to the story, though it isn’t examined that much.
*Spidey’s third title, The Spectacular Spider-Man, starts at this time.*
Amazing Spider-Man #163 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “All the Kingpin's Men!”
This storyline tries to wrap up the issue 153-155 mystery goons, and it doesn’t do a great job. The more interesting part is the Kingpin and his reasons for capturing Spider-man.
Amazing Spider-Man #164 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Final Hour!”
And, the story gets really dumb… Peter and Doctor Connors seem really sure that their “life plunder” *ugh* is going to work. And, it does! No hard choices here! It’s just really silly. I rather like Vanessa Fisk still, but man, after seeming to recover, the silly goons arc stumbles again!
Amazing Spider-Man #165 ⧫ 3 Stars “Stegron Stalks the City!”
Okay, this is also really dumb, but I kind of can’t hate the dinosaur action. Stegron is a holdover from Marvel Team-Up, Spider-man’s second spin-off that gets mentioned occasionally. Spider-man vs. dinosaur skeletons. I mean. C’mon.
Amazing Spider-Man #166 ⧫ 3 Stars “War of the Reptile-Men!”
Spider-man vs. alive dinosaurs, sort of. It’s essentially another basic lizard plot with dinosaurs. I dunno, I can’t be too mad.
Amazing Spider-Man #167 ⧫ 4 Stars “Stalked by the Spider-Slayer!”
Honestly, I really liked these Will o’ the Wisp intro stories. His powers are cool, and he’s more morally complicated, which seems to define some of the best of this era. Marla Madison, who has been appearing since issue 162 also brings a fresh vibe to the stale Spider-Slayer gimmick as Jonah gets a romantic interest. (Yes, I know where it goes, but I’m trying not to let legacy influence this too much.)
Amazing Spider-Man #168 ⧫ 4 Stars “Warfare on the Great White Way!”
I’m not sure what it is about this and the previous issue, but the art is also fantastic. Andru, Esposito, and Wein really let the new Will o’ the Wisp powers and abilities open up the art into dynamic places. Also, the Wisp’s end is pretty great.
Amazing Spider-Man #169 ⧫ 2 Stars “Confrontation”
Generally, this is a weak “identity reveal” moment. Captain America Villain Doctor Faustus shows up to do a lamer Mysterio routine. It just didn’t do it for me.
Amazing Spider-Man #170 ⧫ 2 Stars “Madness is All in the Mind!”
A continuation of the previous issue. The Liz Allen/MJ dress stuff is the best part.
Nova #12 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Man Called Photon?”
Another Whodunnit! Unfortunately, there’s only one worthwhile clue! What is it? Find out next issue! It’s dumb! Also, Nova, the Spider-man of the 70s (like Darkhawk in the 90s and Kamala in the 10s), gets to fight the original Marvel teen hero. It’s nothing.
Amazing Spider-Man #171 ⧫ 2 Stars “Photon is Another Name for...?”
The mystery is bad. Surprise. Also, Photon is just a lame, lame villain.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #11 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Spawn of the Spider”
It’s fine. This ends up being kind of a weird blend of Spider-Slayer and Mysterio plots.
“Chaos at the Coffee Bean!” 2.5 Stars
Notable as the first John Romita Jr. Art! It’s kind of a nothing story and the second time that the whole Mary Jane knows Peter is Spider-man is called into question.
Amazing Spider-Man #172 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Fiend from the Fire”
I know Rocket Racer is a silly villain, but I would’ve rather stayed with him. This episode is more of a Peter Parker life update issue than a plot issue, so it’s fine until… We had a wedding way too recently, so Molten Man is here to delay the Allan-Osborn wedding! Hurray.
Amazing Spider-Man #173 ⧫ 2 Stars “If You Can't Stand the Heat...!”
Standard Molten Man story with a slight deviation to try and make it more sad. It didn’t work for me.
Amazing Spider-Man #174 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Hitman's Back in Town!”
The Hitman, another character who debuted in Spectacular Spider-Man, shows up alongside the Punisher. I have read the Hitman’s debut, and it’s kind of diet Punisher; however, the pair work well here, drawing together much of the supporting cast into a solid story.
Amazing Spider-Man #175 ⧫ 4 Stars “Big Apple Battleground!”
The second half of the Punisher-Hitman story makes a good story better! It develops the pair and adds some stakes. It all amounts to a pretty strong action story, complete with big final scene.
Amazing Spider-Man #176 ⧫ 3 Stars “He Who Laughs Last...!”
This begins a five part Green Goblin story that’s not bad, but it is one part too long.
Amazing Spider-Man #177 ⧫ 3 Stars “Goblin in the Middle”
The story escalates by doing some very Goblin things and adding an Aunt May illness.
Amazing Spider-Man #178 ⧫ 3 Stars “Green Grows the Goblin”
A classic gotta get to the hospital, but the villain won’t let me. It’s nothing new, but it is tried and true.
Amazing Spider-Man #179 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Goblin's Always Greener...!”
Like I said, one issue too long, and this one’s probably it. A lot of running around and the obvious reveal is revealed! It’s fine.
Amazing Spider-Man #180 ⧫ 3 Stars “Who Was that Goblin I Saw You With?”
The big fight issue! It ends well, even though it’s still a little standard.
Other Omnibus Reviews
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Untold Tales of Spider-Man Omnibus
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #2
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #3
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #4
Spectacular Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Amazing Spider-Man #143 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “..And The Wind Cries: Cyclone!”
Another new enemy! Though, the Cyclone is lame. Fortunately, the advancement with Mary Jane, the fallout from the Mysterio issues, and the new plotline’s hints are the best parts.
Amazing Spider-Man #144 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Delusion Conspiracy”
Spidey abroad stories are usually lame mysteries with the set dressing of other countries.This is no exception. It’s saved by the ending and that amazing cover!
Amazing Spider-Man #145 ⧫ 4 Stars “Gwen Stacy Is Alive...and Well...?!”
This issue really exemplifies the drama of the original Clone Saga with Peter’s anguish leading to his issues with the Scorpion. I feel like it gets some crap due to the 1990s insanity, but the original arc is actually quite well written, extending from the death of Gwen Stacy and the aforementioned Mysterio issues. This issue also has all of Marvel Team-Up #33 take place during it, which is kind of fun. Great ideas, great issue.
Amazing Spider-Man #146 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Scorpion......Where Is Thy Sting?”
The return of the Jackal leads to some fun with Aunt May and the Scorpion. It is a little silly, but I can’t hate it.
Amazing Spider-Man #147 ⧫ 4 Stars “The Tarantula is a Very Deadly Beast!”
This issue picks up after Giant-Size Spider-Man #5, which will be collected whenever they release the Marvel Team-Up omnibus. It involves the Tarantula who apparently hasn’t heard about how the Jackal treats his allies. It has a great Aunt May and Mary Jane scene, which has consequences in the next few issues. It also features a sillier Jackal bus sequence that rather works for the character!
Amazing Spider-Man #148 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Jackal, Jackal...Who's Got the Jackal?”
This is definitely a middle issue with all the issues that brings. There is the shocking reveal of the Jackal’s identity and the “in the dark” battle with the Tarantula that Andru delivers to bolster this issue. However, Mary Jane comes on really hot, which seems weird given her knowledge of Peter and Gwen’s relationship; this is also the closest it’s come to going against the Mary Jane Parallel Lives retcon in awhile, though it still doesn’t contradict that story. It’s above average despite the flaws, though.
Amazing Spider-Man #149 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Even if I live, I die!”
The epic conclusion to Conway’s run brings together both the Jackal and the Gwen story together. While it could have used maybe one more issue to expand on the backstory, it is a great ending to a solid final series of issues.
Amazing Spider-Man #150 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Spider-Man.... Or Spider-Clone?”
This is a very mediocre issue with a really great ending. The villain is among my least favorite, but the title question and how the answer is arrived at elevate it quite a bit. It’s a fill-in by Archie Goodwin with some somewhat rushed looking Gil Kane art.
Amazing Spider-Man #151 ⧫ 4 Stars “Skirmish Beneath the Streets!”
Len Wein’s run begins, and it’s quite impressive! Honestly, Andru’s art is off the chain for this and the following issue, and that floats a fairly decent plot. I do like the return villain who has his best outing so far.
Amazing Spider-Man #152 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Shattered by the Shocker!”
A solid ending to a great two-parter.
Amazing Spider-Man #153 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Longest Hundred Yards!”
This is a very average issue that introduces a group of enemies who far outstay their welcome. It has a very simple set up and pay off that I found boring and formulaic.
Amazing Spider-Man #154 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Sandman Always Strikes Twice”
This is a bad return for a villain that deserves better. More random laser guys…
Amazing Spider-Man #155 ⧫ 1 Stars “Whodunit!”
Very dumb. One issue isn’t enough time for an effective mystery, and this one settles for a lame pun… It also continues the lame criminal syndicate plot from issue 153, which is not my favorite.
Amazing Spider-Man #156 ⧫ 3 Stars “On a Clear Day You Can See... The Mirage!”
The wedding of Ned Leeds and Betty Brant creates a fun set of interactions for the Spider-Cast; unfortunately, the Mirage is very lame. I think it’s positive overall, but yeah.
Amazing Spider-Man #157 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Ghost That Haunted Octopus!”
Okay, it’s silly, but I rather enjoy this episode. It works with Spider-man’s cast, and the arc for Doctor Octopus is pretty refreshing.
Amazing Spider-Man #158 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Hammerhead is Out!”
Still silly, but still enjoyable. Explanations for the nuclear bullshit in this issue? None needed.
Amazing Spider-Man #159 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Arm-In-Arm-In-Arm-In-Arm-In-Arm-In-Arm with Doctor Octopus”
A decent end to Wein’s Octopus run. It’s a fun ride.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #10 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Step Into My Parlor...' Said The Spider To The Fly!”
The Fly is the Scorpion, but lamer. Also, I feel like Gil Kane was very rushed.
Amazing Spider-Man #160 ⧫ 3 Stars “My Killer, The Car!”
This is such a stupid, silly, and infamous issue, but I can’t hate it. It features the return of a classic villain and good retcon. However, the entire conceit is just crazy: Spider-Man vs. Spider-Mobile!
Amazing Spider-Man #161 ⧫ 4 Stars “..And the Nightcrawler Came Prowling, Prowling...”
I really enjoyed this crossover as it’s a great way to have three heroes collide while trying to deal with a threat. The biggest issue is Mary Jane’s continuing snippiness, which seems a little more understandable here, but still seems a bit cruel, especially given what he’s been through.
Amazing Spider-Man #162 ⧫ 4 Stars “Let the Punisher Fit the Crime!”
This continues the story and introduces Jigsaw, one of the Punisher’s classic foes, and I think, his first supervillain. Jigsaw’s motivation actually adds a nice level to the story, though it isn’t examined that much.
*Spidey’s third title, The Spectacular Spider-Man, starts at this time.*
Amazing Spider-Man #163 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “All the Kingpin's Men!”
This storyline tries to wrap up the issue 153-155 mystery goons, and it doesn’t do a great job. The more interesting part is the Kingpin and his reasons for capturing Spider-man.
Amazing Spider-Man #164 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Final Hour!”
And, the story gets really dumb… Peter and Doctor Connors seem really sure that their “life plunder” *ugh* is going to work. And, it does! No hard choices here! It’s just really silly. I rather like Vanessa Fisk still, but man, after seeming to recover, the silly goons arc stumbles again!
Amazing Spider-Man #165 ⧫ 3 Stars “Stegron Stalks the City!”
Okay, this is also really dumb, but I kind of can’t hate the dinosaur action. Stegron is a holdover from Marvel Team-Up, Spider-man’s second spin-off that gets mentioned occasionally. Spider-man vs. dinosaur skeletons. I mean. C’mon.
Amazing Spider-Man #166 ⧫ 3 Stars “War of the Reptile-Men!”
Spider-man vs. alive dinosaurs, sort of. It’s essentially another basic lizard plot with dinosaurs. I dunno, I can’t be too mad.
Amazing Spider-Man #167 ⧫ 4 Stars “Stalked by the Spider-Slayer!”
Honestly, I really liked these Will o’ the Wisp intro stories. His powers are cool, and he’s more morally complicated, which seems to define some of the best of this era. Marla Madison, who has been appearing since issue 162 also brings a fresh vibe to the stale Spider-Slayer gimmick as Jonah gets a romantic interest. (Yes, I know where it goes, but I’m trying not to let legacy influence this too much.)
Amazing Spider-Man #168 ⧫ 4 Stars “Warfare on the Great White Way!”
I’m not sure what it is about this and the previous issue, but the art is also fantastic. Andru, Esposito, and Wein really let the new Will o’ the Wisp powers and abilities open up the art into dynamic places. Also, the Wisp’s end is pretty great.
Amazing Spider-Man #169 ⧫ 2 Stars “Confrontation”
Generally, this is a weak “identity reveal” moment. Captain America Villain Doctor Faustus shows up to do a lamer Mysterio routine. It just didn’t do it for me.
Amazing Spider-Man #170 ⧫ 2 Stars “Madness is All in the Mind!”
A continuation of the previous issue. The Liz Allen/MJ dress stuff is the best part.
Nova #12 ⧫ 2 Stars “The Man Called Photon?”
Another Whodunnit! Unfortunately, there’s only one worthwhile clue! What is it? Find out next issue! It’s dumb! Also, Nova, the Spider-man of the 70s (like Darkhawk in the 90s and Kamala in the 10s), gets to fight the original Marvel teen hero. It’s nothing.
Amazing Spider-Man #171 ⧫ 2 Stars “Photon is Another Name for...?”
The mystery is bad. Surprise. Also, Photon is just a lame, lame villain.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #11 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “Spawn of the Spider”
It’s fine. This ends up being kind of a weird blend of Spider-Slayer and Mysterio plots.
“Chaos at the Coffee Bean!” 2.5 Stars
Notable as the first John Romita Jr. Art! It’s kind of a nothing story and the second time that the whole Mary Jane knows Peter is Spider-man is called into question.
Amazing Spider-Man #172 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Fiend from the Fire”
I know Rocket Racer is a silly villain, but I would’ve rather stayed with him. This episode is more of a Peter Parker life update issue than a plot issue, so it’s fine until… We had a wedding way too recently, so Molten Man is here to delay the Allan-Osborn wedding! Hurray.
Amazing Spider-Man #173 ⧫ 2 Stars “If You Can't Stand the Heat...!”
Standard Molten Man story with a slight deviation to try and make it more sad. It didn’t work for me.
Amazing Spider-Man #174 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “The Hitman's Back in Town!”
The Hitman, another character who debuted in Spectacular Spider-Man, shows up alongside the Punisher. I have read the Hitman’s debut, and it’s kind of diet Punisher; however, the pair work well here, drawing together much of the supporting cast into a solid story.
Amazing Spider-Man #175 ⧫ 4 Stars “Big Apple Battleground!”
The second half of the Punisher-Hitman story makes a good story better! It develops the pair and adds some stakes. It all amounts to a pretty strong action story, complete with big final scene.
Amazing Spider-Man #176 ⧫ 3 Stars “He Who Laughs Last...!”
This begins a five part Green Goblin story that’s not bad, but it is one part too long.
Amazing Spider-Man #177 ⧫ 3 Stars “Goblin in the Middle”
The story escalates by doing some very Goblin things and adding an Aunt May illness.
Amazing Spider-Man #178 ⧫ 3 Stars “Green Grows the Goblin”
A classic gotta get to the hospital, but the villain won’t let me. It’s nothing new, but it is tried and true.
Amazing Spider-Man #179 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “The Goblin's Always Greener...!”
Like I said, one issue too long, and this one’s probably it. A lot of running around and the obvious reveal is revealed! It’s fine.
Amazing Spider-Man #180 ⧫ 3 Stars “Who Was that Goblin I Saw You With?”
The big fight issue! It ends well, even though it’s still a little standard.
Other Omnibus Reviews
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #1
Untold Tales of Spider-Man Omnibus
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #2
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #3
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus #4
Spectacular Spider-Man Omnibus #1
November 1, 2025
Wow, I haven't read these issues of The Amazing Spider-Man since I was an elementary school kid getting pushed around in my mom's shopping cart, reading them in black-and-white via the Marvel Essentials collections! This ombnibus collects issues #143-180 (plus a smattering of others), and I have to say, they were a lot better than I remembered!
I really warmed up to Gerry Conway and thought he did a great job handling Peter Parker, especially making the supporting cast of the book interesting. Therefore, I was very skeptical of Len Wein when he took over starting at issue #151 in this collection. But honestly, by the end, he was great! Particularly, I think his return of the Green Goblin was one of my favorite Spidey stories of all time. All of his villains and side characters had so much life to them and felt like real people instead of just generic, one-dimensional cartoon characters. Based on the letters pages from the time, it looks like readers in the '70s agreed. (They particularly seemed fond of the fleshed-out yet mysterious Will-o'-the-Wisp character.) He actually moved Peter and Mary Jane's relationship along (at first), and I really enjoyed the amount of time spent featuring Peter at his apartment. (Furnished in issue #163 during a surprise party by his friends, a great touch.) In general, it was also just nice to see Peter's life going "okay" for once (going well might be too strong a word) rather than a perpetual train wreck for the poor guy. Probably all this focus on side characters and increased time of Spidey outside his costume was what bored me a bit as a kid, but was what really made me love the book now as an adult.
Also, reading this book in New York City felt particularly special. It becomes clear when reading these issues here just how much these original writers really knew the city. There are tons of very specific references to particular streets, building, parks, etc. that only someone intimately acquainted with the city would know. And then many times over the past two months have I been accidentally running into these locations in real life and thinking to myself "I know what this place is! I just saw this referenced in Spider-Man a couple of days ago!". (My wife hates that these are now my cultural touchstones throughout the city.) Not only that, Len Wein essentially turns this book into a greatest hits of NYC during his run, featuring tons of iconic locations including Radio City Music Hall, the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the 59th St. Overhead Tramway, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and on and on. It's fantastic that the book feels so grounded in its setting, and I'm a huge fan of Ross Andru's art.
Overall, super pleased with this era of Spider-Man, I will definitely come back to read it a third time one day, at very least with my own kids.
I really warmed up to Gerry Conway and thought he did a great job handling Peter Parker, especially making the supporting cast of the book interesting. Therefore, I was very skeptical of Len Wein when he took over starting at issue #151 in this collection. But honestly, by the end, he was great! Particularly, I think his return of the Green Goblin was one of my favorite Spidey stories of all time. All of his villains and side characters had so much life to them and felt like real people instead of just generic, one-dimensional cartoon characters. Based on the letters pages from the time, it looks like readers in the '70s agreed. (They particularly seemed fond of the fleshed-out yet mysterious Will-o'-the-Wisp character.) He actually moved Peter and Mary Jane's relationship along (at first), and I really enjoyed the amount of time spent featuring Peter at his apartment. (Furnished in issue #163 during a surprise party by his friends, a great touch.) In general, it was also just nice to see Peter's life going "okay" for once (going well might be too strong a word) rather than a perpetual train wreck for the poor guy. Probably all this focus on side characters and increased time of Spidey outside his costume was what bored me a bit as a kid, but was what really made me love the book now as an adult.
Also, reading this book in New York City felt particularly special. It becomes clear when reading these issues here just how much these original writers really knew the city. There are tons of very specific references to particular streets, building, parks, etc. that only someone intimately acquainted with the city would know. And then many times over the past two months have I been accidentally running into these locations in real life and thinking to myself "I know what this place is! I just saw this referenced in Spider-Man a couple of days ago!". (My wife hates that these are now my cultural touchstones throughout the city.) Not only that, Len Wein essentially turns this book into a greatest hits of NYC during his run, featuring tons of iconic locations including Radio City Music Hall, the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the 59th St. Overhead Tramway, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and on and on. It's fantastic that the book feels so grounded in its setting, and I'm a huge fan of Ross Andru's art.
Overall, super pleased with this era of Spider-Man, I will definitely come back to read it a third time one day, at very least with my own kids.
February 27, 2022
The Amazing Spider-Man omnibus vol 5
What started with Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, then Lee and Romita, and then then, Lee, Romita, Buscema and Kane, and after that the underated Ross Andru, this marks the first material with no Stan Lee. In the fourth omnibus he was already almost done with Spidey, but its weird not to see him on the spine because he wrote this run for 11 years. But its great to have some new blood with the excellent Gerry Conway, Len Wein and the said Ross Andru who is again very underated! This book begins with a controversial story that rippled through the legacy of Spidey for many years to come. A certain Gwen Stacy is back. After so much backlash and even threats, Stan the man decided that they needed to redo her dead and that was the beginning of the so called and much hated Clone Saga. This book has many villains and is a joy so far, what to think of the classic Jackal, The Shocker, The Sandman and Doc. Ock, and the ghost of Hammerhead, it has Peter Parkers first kiss with Mary Jane, it has The Punisher and X-Men's Nightcrawler, and J. Jonah Jameson finding out who spidey is! It also has the return of the super duper classic Spidey villain The Green Goblin, this truly is peak Marvel and a blast to read.
3.5 stars
What started with Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, then Lee and Romita, and then then, Lee, Romita, Buscema and Kane, and after that the underated Ross Andru, this marks the first material with no Stan Lee. In the fourth omnibus he was already almost done with Spidey, but its weird not to see him on the spine because he wrote this run for 11 years. But its great to have some new blood with the excellent Gerry Conway, Len Wein and the said Ross Andru who is again very underated! This book begins with a controversial story that rippled through the legacy of Spidey for many years to come. A certain Gwen Stacy is back. After so much backlash and even threats, Stan the man decided that they needed to redo her dead and that was the beginning of the so called and much hated Clone Saga. This book has many villains and is a joy so far, what to think of the classic Jackal, The Shocker, The Sandman and Doc. Ock, and the ghost of Hammerhead, it has Peter Parkers first kiss with Mary Jane, it has The Punisher and X-Men's Nightcrawler, and J. Jonah Jameson finding out who spidey is! It also has the return of the super duper classic Spidey villain The Green Goblin, this truly is peak Marvel and a blast to read.
3.5 stars
June 18, 2021
#143-149 (conray e andru) início do romance mj e peter ,surge um novo vilao de nome ciclone, o milagre de gwen stacy , retorno do escorpião, o chacal , tarântula,a revelação da identidade do chacal, aranha vs aranha
#150 (archie goodwin e Gil kane )ameaça do esmaga aranha
#151-153/156-180 (len Wein e andru) retorno de shocker, o miragem, doc okc e o cabeça de martelo , o aranha-móvel, o consertador, noturno , justiceiro , o vilao retalho , rei do crime , stegron o homem dinossauro, o lagarto , novo robô esmaga aranha ,o fogo fátuo, doutor faustus, novo vilao foton e o herói nova(ligado a nova #12) rocket Racers , o magma , o matador (the hitman) , o retorno do duende verde e cabelo de prata
#154-155 (len wein e sal buscema) homem areia
Annual #10 (wein e bill mantlo com Gil kane) o mosca 🪰
Annual #11 ( bill mantlo e don perlin ) o esquadrão aranha 🕷(muito fraco,segunda história 6 páginas, traço parecido com andru)
O (-) todos teem super força , super agilidade e super resistência
O (+) o traço de andru
#150 (archie goodwin e Gil kane )ameaça do esmaga aranha
#151-153/156-180 (len Wein e andru) retorno de shocker, o miragem, doc okc e o cabeça de martelo , o aranha-móvel, o consertador, noturno , justiceiro , o vilao retalho , rei do crime , stegron o homem dinossauro, o lagarto , novo robô esmaga aranha ,o fogo fátuo, doutor faustus, novo vilao foton e o herói nova(ligado a nova #12) rocket Racers , o magma , o matador (the hitman) , o retorno do duende verde e cabelo de prata
#154-155 (len wein e sal buscema) homem areia
Annual #10 (wein e bill mantlo com Gil kane) o mosca 🪰
Annual #11 ( bill mantlo e don perlin ) o esquadrão aranha 🕷(muito fraco,segunda história 6 páginas, traço parecido com andru)
O (-) todos teem super força , super agilidade e super resistência
O (+) o traço de andru
May 27, 2021
Oh Spider-Man, you and your clones. The weird thing is how clone Gwen Stacy is brushed off. Definitely more of a plot device than an actual character. Still, reading these now, it's surprising at how legit shitty Peter Parker sometimes is.
December 13, 2022
Fairly standard Spider-Man fare - there are a couple of good stories but a lot of these late 70s issues just don't stand up to the earlier Stan Lee etc. work.
April 15, 2023
Yep. Loved it. Highlights include Aunt May becoming a Gray Panther fighting THE MAN, Nuclear ghost Hammerhead and a bonkers beginning to what will one day become the wacky clone saga. Good stuff.
December 20, 2024
One of the most unjustly underrated periods in the ASM run. Ross Andru's artwork is outstanding and there are some great storylines. The Green Goblin saga that concludes this book is a knockout.
February 16, 2025
Jvolume just reproves, fantastic storytelling and artistry in this magazine.
August 13, 2025
Great read the only dumb over the top is JJ in a spider slayer suit that last two issues lol
June 4, 2024
The end of Conway’s run is all truly fantastic. Andru knocks it out of the park every issue. Wein has a lot of good moments, but is mostly average in terms of writing; his best work doesn’t go much higher than the floor of Conway’s run. There are also some really dull issues here, like the whodunnit story.
Overall though, it’s good to see different takes and developments, and the art is consistently top-notch.
Original review, Nov 17, 2021 to May 14, 2022, 3 stars
Some decent, solid Spider-Man stuff with some highlights nearer the head and tail ends.
For the most part this is pretty standard Spider-Man fare, thankfully with MJ as a consistent player to liven things up in general. The real highlights are the Original Clone Saga at the omnibus’s beginning, and the Green Goblin arc that ends the book (but is interwoven throughout the entire omnibus if you know what to look for).
Overall though, it’s good to see different takes and developments, and the art is consistently top-notch.
Original review, Nov 17, 2021 to May 14, 2022, 3 stars
Some decent, solid Spider-Man stuff with some highlights nearer the head and tail ends.
For the most part this is pretty standard Spider-Man fare, thankfully with MJ as a consistent player to liven things up in general. The real highlights are the Original Clone Saga at the omnibus’s beginning, and the Green Goblin arc that ends the book (but is interwoven throughout the entire omnibus if you know what to look for).
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