Amazing Spider-Man #129 (2025 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

In the 2000 film Coyote Ugly, the lead character's potential love interest secretly buys a comic book while on a date. Viewers are first led to believe that the character played by Adam Garcia, is purchasing something nefarious as the item in question is concealed in a plain brown paper bag. His paramour becomes suspicious of the whole transaction and refuses to be further seen with Garcia's character if he's secretly buying drugs. Reluctantly, the lad reveals the contents of bag: a prestige copy of Amazing Spider-Man #129. The first appearance of the Punisher and in his own words 'The Holy Grail of Comics.'

While it's debatable that Frank Castle's first appearance in comic books is the most sought after comic of them all, it cannot be disputed that that scene in the movie introduced a new phrase in comic book collecting. Social media is filled these days with collectors sharing their grail finds in the wild. Books such as New Mutants #98, Fantastic Four #52 and The House of Secrets #92 have graced my social media feed as grail finds that fans finally found. From what I see on Facebook, The Incredible Hulk #181 is way more coveted than ASM #129. Heck, I posted a grail find post once when I found a mint copy of the first appearance of Lobo, Omega Men #3, for only a buck at a local thrift shop!

With a publication date of February 1974, the world was introduced to not only the Punisher , a paid assassin with a code of honor, but also to the creepy Green Goblin clone known as the Jackal. Gerry Conway, Ross Andru and John Romita Sr. were the creative team behind the scenes. Conway wrote the issue's script. Frank Goacoia and Dave Hunt assisted Andru on the interior art. Romita and Gil Kane crafted the iconic cover that would be recreated ad nauseam on the cover a plethora of other titles from numerous publishers.

The plot of 'The Punisher Strikes Twice' takes place shortly after the deaths of both Peter Parker's girlfriend, Gwen Stacy and the Green Goblin. Spider-Man has been falsely accused once again, this time for Norman Osborne's murder. Seeking a chance to fill the criminal power vacuum in the wake of the Green Goblin's demise, the Jackal hires the Punisher to terminate Spider-Man.

Originally convinced that Spidey is a villain worthy of terminal punishment, the Punisher accepts the hit. The Punisher's mission becomes personal when he finds the wall crawler standing over the body of an associate of his. However, some quick thinking on the part Spider-Man, it's revealed that the assignment the Punisher is a trap on the part of the Jackal, framing the mercenary for the death of his colleague.

Eventually it's revealed that the Jackal is Professor Miles Warren. A mentor to Peter Parker at Empire Stste University, the educator had secretly fallen in love with Gwen Stacy. Blaming Spider-Man for her death, the Jackal unleashed holy hell on the Big Apple. He'll initiate a gang war between Hammerhead and Doctor Octopus, enhance his DNA with that of a real jackal, break the Tarantula out of the slammer and attempt to bomb reporter Ned Leeds into oblivion. Bur perhaps the fiend's most unforgivable crime will come as a result of learning Spider-Man's secret identity. Stealing some of Peter Parker's DNA, the Jackal will create a near identical duplicate; ushering in the God-awful Clone Saga!

As for the Punisher, he'll go on to become one of the most popular characters in Marvel Comics history. His origin will be revealed that his one-man mission on crime was the result of his wife and children being slaughtered by mobsters during a seemingly innocent sunny day in Central Park. PTSD from a tour in Vietnam didn't help matters much. Several series would chronicle the character's war against evil to the extent of death, resurrection and becoming a cosmic hellfire powered caretaker of a baby Thanos. Actors Dolph Lundgren, Thomas Jane and the late Ray Stevenson would portray the Punisher in several live action films. The Walking Dead's Jon Bernthal currently carries the mantle in the Marvel cinematic universe.

A facsimile edition of Amazing Spider-Man #129 was released in April, 2025.

Completing this review completes Task #37 (A Facsimile Edition) of the 2025 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Western Gunfighters #33 (2024 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

Marvel's anthology series Western Gunfighters, which ran from 1970-75, was the second series to be published by that name. From 1956-57, Marvel, when they operated as Atlas, produced a series that spawned only 8 issues. The series began with issue #20, taking over the numbering from another Western title, Apache Kid. With issue #27, two other Western anthologies took over the numbering from Western Gunfighters.

The second volume lasted almost 4 times longer than it's predecessor, going for 33 issues. The first 7 issues contained a mix of all-new material and reprints, before switching entirely to previously published material with issue #8. The cowboy Ghost Rider was the main feature in those first few issues. Other new characters introduced in Western Gunfighters volume 2 included Jerry Siegel's Gunhawk and Roy Thomas and Mike Fredrich's short-lived and seldom remembered Renegades.

Referring back to the title's origins, reprints of the Native American hero Apache Kid were a frequent back-up feature since issue #1. In this issue, the Apache Kid, who poses as a white teenaged cowpuncher in order to infiltrate desperadoes who want to harm his tribe, joins a gang of white men who dress up as Apaches with hopes of causing a war with the US Calvary. Once the Army wipes out the Apaches, the gang hopes to lay claim to the tribe's valuable land and resources. The story featuring art by Werner Roth features two of the fastest quick-changes in the history of comics to a point, they make both Superman and any version of the Flash look slow. 

The cover story reprints a classic tale of Kid Colt. Written by Denny O'Neil, the Kid is given the chance at a pardon after he saves the governor of an unnamed Western state from train robbers. Sadly, Kid Colt must continue to live his days as a wanted man when he traded his chance at freedom in order to save the politician from assassins. Once more, the artwork is by Werner Roth.

Lastly, a loner named Gun-Slinger, along with his dog Lightning come across a prospector with aim to kill the pooch. A pack of wolves caused the prospector to lose a wealthy claim and now he's ready to kill anything that comes his way looking like a lupine. It's a story about redemption and forgiveness featuring art by John Romita, Sr.

Issue #33 would be the final issue of the series. It's demise was brought about by shrinkflation. When the reboot first debuted, it was a 52-page plus special for all of 15 cents. As the page count shrunk and the all-new material disappeared, the price rose to 20 cents and then 25 cents before Marvel let the title out to pasture.

Gil Kane was the cover artist for this issue.

Completing this review completes Task #47 (An Anthology) of the 2024 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Daredevil #31 (2024 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

When law partner Foggy Nelson and secretary Karen Page begin to suspect that attorney Matt Murdock might be the super-powered vigilante, Daredevil, Murdock invents the character of Mike Murdock. Matt's 'twin' brother, Mike is the antithesis of the real deal. He's brash, loud, charming and a bit of a jokester. Everything Matt Murdock has longed to be but keeps bottled up inside is allowed to flow out in the guise of brother Mike. 

In the previous issue, Mr. Hyde and Cobra have re-teamed. Instead of battling Thor, both go up against the Man Without Fear. Hyde concocts a formula that is intended to render Daredevil blind. Unknown to the villains, since Daredevil is already sightless, the chemical strips Matt Murdock of his radar-like abilities. 

Starting from where things left off, Mr. Hyde and his partner in crime are about to strike when the New York Police Department charges into the warehouse doubling as a criminal lair giving Daredevil a chance to escape. However, without his billy-club/white cane hybrid walking device, Daredevil is unable to make his way home. His stumbling attracts the attention of the populace, leading Daredevil to pose as Mike Murdock in order to convince friends Foggy and Karen that any reports of a possibly blind Daredevil is not linked to actual blind person Matt Murdock!

After convincing what has got to be two thirds of the most gullible law firm in all of New York, Daredevil must then fool Mr. Hyde and Cobra into believing that their compound didn't work and that the hero still has sight. With help from Foggy, Daredevil travels a tightrope strung between two buildings rather poorly. Yet the villains interpret the protagonist's clumsiness as showing-off and they retreat from their latest caper. Daredevil thinks he's bought some time and has Nelson escort him home. The chapter ends with Foggy being kidnapped by an unseen force and Cobra now pretending to be Daredevil's assistant. 

Speaking of gullibility, can Matt Murdock, who has been blind since childhood, really be fooled by the voice of Cobra as to being best friend, Foggy Nelson? It remains to be seen and in reality, it's pretty doubtful that he can be tricked. However, it's implied from the cliffhanger that everything is a-okay with Daredevil and fans should be terrified at the prospect of the Man Without Fear helplessly being at the clutches of his foes.

Fans of the Silver Age Daredevil, such as humorist Fred Hembeck, have pointed to issue #8, the first appearance of Stilt-Man, as the most absurd moment in the character's early history. This issue written by Stan Lee could easily be a contender for that distinction. The prospective cliffhanger is laughable. Did Stan the Man really think fans wouldn't expect Daredevil to know when he's being hoodwinked? A more plausible pause that would elicit an elevated heart rate would have a snipe aiming at the now super-powerless Daredevil. Just because Daredevil lost his radar ability, the change should not have diminished the enhanced hearing and other senses Matt Murdock has picked up since losing his sight. 

The artwork by Gene Colan saves this ludicrous issue from being a total lemon. John Tartaglione adds a smoothness to the dynamic artwork with his inks in panels that scream mid-1960s stylish Manhattan. Lettering by Artie Simek. Cover art by Colan with John Romita Sr. and Frank Giacoia.

Completing this review completes Task #17 (A Daredevil Story) of the 2024 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Amazing Spider-Man: Secret Origins

An amazing assortment of Spider-Man tales from Stan Lee, Steve Ditko and John Romita! The first appearance of Spidey, The Lizard, Flash Thompson! The revenge of Electro. The death of Captain Stacy. Plus a modern-day fantasy in which Peter visits the grave of Uncle Ben on a frosty Christmas day.

This collection was released to correspond with 2012's Amazing Spider-Man film. I remember Electro being in the second film but not in the first. So, wasn't it a massive spoiler having that villain appear in this book? 

The art and story work is second to none. While many consider Ditko the original master, I think I'm more partial to Romita's time on the wall-crawler. Arguably, Peter Parker is the biggest sad sack in the Marvel Universe. But Stan Lee was able to make the super hero equivalent of Eeyore a compelling, exciting and fun character. 

These stories have been reprinted at least a dozen times. I've always said that if my wife wasn't so terrified by spiders, Spidey would be my all-time favorite super-hero hands down. That being the case, I would own this issues in some collected treasury. I've worked out a compromise for certain Spider-Man titles with my wife. Thus I don't have those premium collections. So, finding this book for a super deal at Ollie's was a great way for me to enjoy some classics that are old hat for true fans of Peter Parker's alter-ego!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 3

   Today marks the first 40th Anniversary of 2017 that I will explore as a Madman Turns 40. It was on this day in 1977 that the Amazing Spider-man comic strip debuted in newspapers nationwide. 

    The daily comic strip has the distinction of the longest written series by living legend, Stan 'The Man' Lee. When the strip first debuted, seminal Spider-man artist John Romita (SR.) brought the wall-crawler to life. Now, it's co-written and drawn by Stan's little brother, Larry Lieber. 

Promotional image that debuted in Sunday papers on Jan 2, 1977
alerting fans of the new strip that would begin the next day.

     It's kinda fitting that this strip began in 1977. Until I was about 12, Spider-man was a my favorite Marvel character. I remember being thrilled when the live-action series came on TV (It had already aired by the time I saw it, but a local TV station, WPTF-28 (now defunct) aired the very short-lived series in half hour increments during the day when I was 3 or 4. One really cool promotion for the series going into syndication was a meet and greet with Spidey at the Belk's at the Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh. I still have the autographed photo they gave out... somewhere.)
     
    Anyways, before I go, I thought I would share with you what the very first strip looked like and what today's strip morphed into. Sadly, it's not some sort of anniversary strip honoring Stan and Larry.

Jan 3, 1977

Jan 3, 2017

(Many Thanks to David Kolf and the rest of the Back Issue Magazine community for making me aware of this cool anniversary!)

Marvel Illustrated Books: Star Wars, Volume 1

  Last month at a comic book show in Raleigh, NC, I came across something that I never thought existed. It was one of the Marvel Illustrated Books from, you guessed it, Marvel Comics. This tiny pocket-sized paperback from 1981 contains 4 'never before published' comics from the original Marvel Star Wars series. 

    The book is near mint with pristine pages and the going price was $15. But, I managed to talk the dealer down to $10, mostly because he knew next to nothing about it and I promised I would do some research on this book and one day get back with him on it.
   
    I happen to have a complete run of the Marvel comic series under the Dark Horse trade title of 'Star Wars: A Long Time Age' and comparing every story from the adaptation of the first film up to the comic's version of Empire Strikes Back, again, it was confirmed that these are never before published Star Wars comics and perhaps the rarest of the bunch. 

Well, That last statement is partially true. Marvel Illustrated Books: Star Wars is comprised of 4 issues that for one reason or another, never made it into the actual series. They either didn't make a publication deadline or perhaps were rejected by Lucasfilm, who had final say over stories before they could be published by Marvel- IN THE STATES!!! (More on that shortly.)

   The first story called 'The Way of the Wookiee' takes place right before the events of Episode IV. In the prequel story, Han and Chewie pick up a shipment for Jabba the Hutt. However, when Chewbacca comes to the defense on an old Wookiee adversary, the smugglers find themselves betrayed by their spice distributor. 

    Then in another prequel tale, learn of how Princess Leia became adept with a blaster despite that her home planet of Alderaan forbids the use of weapons.

    The remaining two stories take place right after the destruction of the Death Star. First in 'the Day AFTER the Death Star' the Rebel Alliance almost loses their newest hero, when Luke Skywalker recklessly goes on a joyride to unwind from the post-celebration festivities. This was a really awesome story as in it, we learn the REAL reason Chewbacca didn't receive a medal in the final scene of Episode IV. 

    The final adventure is a very short one in which Luke must rescue Leia from Imperial forces on a diplomatic mission to a barren ice planet. I thought the main reason this story didn't see monthly publication status wasn't over length but because of the setting of the ice planet being too much like Hoth and Lucas might have been afraid that this might spoil what he had in store for Empire.
Turns out, I was wrong...

  Of the 4 tales in this book, 3 were published in the UK's Star Wars Weekly. It was common practice that if a story didn't make the cut by Lucasfilm, it wasn't scrapped but sent across the pond as the Marvel UK title wasn't restricted by the rules imposed by 20th Century Fox and George Lucas. The fourth story, about the ice planet, was short because it was the final chapter in a Star Wars serial published in the Marvel magazine Pizzazz, which was cancelled before this final chapter could see print. 

Speaking of rules, if you expect to see Darth Vader here, don't. Lucas was strict that the characters of Luke and Vader were not to met up prior to Episode V. But there is plenty of Imperial nasties and bounty hunters in this elusive Star Wars collection. A very enjoyable read with very good, but not great art, and fairly decent storytelling. As for rarity of this book, I was unable to find a copy at Milehighcomics.com and only one copy was available on eBay. Seller was asking for $55!

      Featuring artwork by Marvel/DC  legends Carmine Infantino, John Romita, Marie Severin, and Dave Cockrum along with being written and edited by Archie Goodwin and Jim Shooter this book is a Who's Who of some of the best talent to fill the bullpen at the House of Ideas in the late 70s. 

    Worth Consuming

     Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.