This volume covers issues 66-89 and Annual #5, years November 68- October 70. The first two issues were covered in the previous volume. Stan Lee continues building a strong plot line that revolves around society's rejection of Spider-Man, Jonah Jameson's persecution, and the breakdown of his private life. PP's private world is occupied by his fragile aunt May, his sentimental girlfriend Gwen Stacey, his declining school grades, and his economic situation. In these issues, Gwen's concerns for Peter's constant disappearances are added to Peter's list of worries. Harry Osborne remains in the background and M.J. has diminished considerably, and it seems that Stan Lee has no plans for her. Along with Harry and MJ, the sense of humor that often was mixed with drama and action in the previous three volumes, is notoriously reduced to Jonah Jameson's obsession to catch Spider-Man. The mood of the stories get darker as it focuses more on PP's existential crisis.Although there is no new evolution in Peter Parker's existential crisis as Spider-Man, the stories continue to earn readers' interest through its fast-paced action and conflicts with villains or heroes. Spider-Man fights against Mysterio, the Lizard, the King Pin, the Shocker, the Prowler (a new foe), the Schemer (who turns out to be the King Pin's son), the Chameleon, the Kangaroo (another strange foe) and a decaying mafia boss called Silvermane. He also fights Quicksilver, a former Avenger, and the Black Widow, who makes a comeback as a heroine in a new costume. Doc Ock makes a spectacular comeback trying to kidnap a Chinese general from American security, and seriously threatening Spidey's life amidst an environmental protest. Each issue is action-packed and filled with adolescent angst. Spider-Man sees his relationship with Gwen threatened and Aunt May's life in danger as he continues battling every foe in NYC. Stan also continues writing stories in small series, so that a plot does not wrap up until 2 or 3 issues later. Outstanding story lines are the story of Peter Parker's parents (in Annual #5) where Spider-Man discovers how and why they die; an Oedipal drama takes place when the Schemer (the King Pin's son) tries to defeat his own father in his own game (April-June 1970) - this story concludes with King Pin being paralyzed in a catatonic state, produced by the shock of discovering that his son was still alive -; and Parker's confession that he is Spider-Man during Gwen's birthday (August 1970).As usual, the stories are well-written and illustrated. The views from the city above and the skyscrapers are quite outstanding.Marvel Comics and Stan Lee certainly got it right when they created Spider-man. Here is a superhero that the average man can easily relate to for Peter Parker has all the same inner turmoils and life woes as the rest of us: whether it be figuring out where he fits into the world, pinching pennies, dealing with the responsibilities of family, or trying to understand the intricacies of wooing the opposite sex. The story of Peter Parker is an interesting one and it keeps the reader hooked. Often Stan Lee is apologizing for keeping the reader from the action (Spider-man battling some foe or other), but it is the back story of Peter Parker that I find the most interesting. The action scenes, as well drawn as they are, are often predictable with similar fight sequences and repetitive dialogue. That said, Spidey sure can fight!I have been reading each volume of Marvel Essentials' The Amazing Spider-man in succession and I am pleased to say that each volume improves on the former. In this edition, the world of Spider-man develops a social conscience and introduces a variety of racially diverse characters. Here, also, the series explores the ever complicated relationships Peter has with former high school rival Flash (now a Vietman War soldier), with roommate Harry Osborne, and his love interests in Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Hudson. Having never read these comics before, I was surprised to discover that Mary Jane is a bit annoying with her airhead persona and groovy 60s lingo, however fun it is to read the dialogue.These paperback editions are well produced with each comic book issue reproduced in its entirety, full-page covers included. Only the book cover itself is in color, but I don't mind the black-and-white at all. If anything, for me the lack of color provides more emphasis on the artwork, which is very good. Spider-man is drawn in every form of acrobatic pose imaginable, delivering witty one-liners to his enemies with careless abandon throughout their many smackdowns. So, whether you're a Spider-man afficianado or a novice like me, these series of books are sure to provide you with hours of enjoyable reading as well as a history lesson on one of America's superhero icons. Go ahead: get caught up in the web!Item was exactly as described, in good condition and well packaged quick delivery. Very happy with purchase thanks!What’re doing reading this review? You see what the others are saying. Add this to your collection now.OkAnother great batch of stories from the creative genius of Stan Lee, brought to life by John Romita, John Buscema and other great artists.This selection sees Peter Parker's roller-coaster relationship with Gwen Stacy continue. He discovers the secret past of his parents and catches flu.Starting with a great 2 part Mysterio tale we then launch into Spider-Man annual 5 with a trip to Algeria to uncover the past of Peter's parents with interference from the Red Skull.There's a 3 part tale with the Kingpin, who is rather touchy about his family, and the first appearance of a mysterious ancient clay tablet. It also brings us The returns of the Shocker, Chameleon and Electro but this selection is memorable for its continuity lines. The Shocker tale has some memorable moments of JJJ letting rip in hospital, still with his cigars.Man Mountain Marko is sent by Maggia chief Silvermane to get the clay tablet and kidnaps Dr. Curt Connors to discover its secret, that of eternal youth. Then, after Spidey sorts out Silverman and the Maggia...you guessed it, the Lizard returns, guesting the Human Torch.The Prowler tale ties in with earlier tales of student unrest on campus and has an openly anti-racism slant which gives good historical witness to the underclasses in the era these tales were written in.The new villain the Kangaroo is so-so, he gets better in later issues.The Kingpin appears again as a newcomer The Schemer is trying to take over the city. There is a connection between the two crime lords which is hinted at early in the tale.It ends with a cliff hanger as Dr. Octopus appears again and Spidey is thrown off the top of a building.....We also get great story lines with Quicksilver and the Black Widow in her slinky new (at that time) outfit.The background characters continue to be well rounded. Peter almost gives his Aunt May a heart attack. Norman Osborne remembers he is the Green Goblin but does not put in a proper appearance as his memory is still hazy. Harry gets a silly moustache and MJ as his girl. Flash has regular visits back from Viet-Nam. Joe Robertson the Bugle's city editor comes more to the front as the human face of journalism, but even JJJ has the odd moment of decency.All in all a very well crafted selection of tales that are an enjoyable read almost 40 years on.Simply loved itDieser Band der Marvel Essential-Reihe enthält die Ausgaben "The Amazing Spider-Man #66 (Nov 1968) bis #89 (Okt 1970) sowie "The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #5" aus dem sogennanten "Silver Age". Neben Stan Lee als Autor waren vor allem John Romita, John Buscema und Jim Mooney für die Illustrationen verantwortlich. Spidey's Gegner sind (neben den bekannten Tücken des Alltags) King Pin, Mysterio, Elektro, The Lizard, The Chameleon und natürlich Doc Ock - um nur Einige zu nennen. Auch Studentenunruhen und soziale Problem rücken allmählich in den Blickwinkel... Kenner und Kennerinnen der Materie wissen, dass nur wenige Ausgaben später die Thematisierung von Drogenmissbrauch dazu führt, das Spider-Man #96 ohne Siegel der Comics-Code-Authority erscheint.Neben den schlüssigen und straff erzählten Geschichten, die sehr gut zeigen, das Comics Action mit Tiefgang und differenzierten Charakterzeichnungen verbinden können, begeistern mich die hervorragenden Zeichnungen. Neben extremen Perspektiven (perfekt für Spider-Man) und beispielhafter Dynamik begeistert mich die Leichtigkeit auf der einen Seite (das ist typisch für John Romita) und der schwere, fast holzschnittartige Stil auf der anderen Seite (ich bin mir nicht sicher, aber ich glaube, das ist Jim Mooney's Anteil). Ganz zu schweigen von der perfekten Anatomie und der dramtischen Aufteilung der Panels (ich denke, hier hatte "Big" John Buscema seine Finger im Spiel). Für mich persönlich kommt dies alles in den schwarz/weissen Reprints besonders gut heraus.Essential Spider-Man vol 4 ist ein echter Tipp! 'Nuff said!Parabens pelo atendimento recebimento do produto no prazo. Leitura de qualidade.So much fun reading these old issues.Arrived promptly and in excellent condition!