Al Milgrom

Collects Avengers Spotlight (1989-1991 Marvel) #26-28, Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) #311-313, Quasar (1989-1994) #5-7, Iron Man (1968-1996 1st Series) #251-252, Avengers West Coast (1985-1994) #553-55, Cloak and Dagger (1988-1991 Marvel 3rd Series) #9 and material from Captain America (1968-1996 1st Series) #365-367, Thor (1962-1996 1st Series Journey Into Mystery) #411-413, Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) Annual #19 and Avengers Spotlight (1989-1991 Marvel) #29. An alliance of evil threatens the Avengers! Doctor Doom, the Red Skull, Kingpin, Magneto and more have banded together to pit Earth's Mightiest Heroes against totally unfamiliar foes! The Avengers take on Freedom Force, the Mole Man, the Wrecker, the Juggernaut, Controller, Absorbing Man and more - and suffer a devastating loss! Plus: Cloak and Dagger lend a hand, the New Warriors make their debut - and Magneto pursues a secret agenda all his own! But who is secretly pulling the vengeful cabal's strings? Can the Avengers take down the true mastermind before his hidden scheme succeeds?

"Wanted for Murder: Spider-Man!" Part 1 of 2. The publisher of the Daily Bugle is in a state of rage following the presumed death of his son last issue! And J. Jonah Jameson puts all the blame on the amazing one! Determined to take aggressive action against the web-slinger, Jonah visits Professor Spencer Smythe and asks him to create another spider slayer! Ironically, Professor Smythe has one standing by all ready to go! But it's a trap for Jonah now...and the Spectacular Spider-Man later! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Betty Brant, Dr. Marla Madison, and Joe Robertson.

"The Wings of the Fearsome Fly!" Peter Parker's life is a train wreck after surviving his recent 24-hour ordeal. In very short order Jonah fires him, Mary Jane dumps him, and Ned Leeds punches him! Oh my, where is a super-villain when Spidey really needs one? Fortunately, there is one flying around town for the web-slinger to vent his frustration upon: the Fearsome Fly! But when the wall-crawler and the Fly collide at Cleopatra's Needle, Spider-Man's day just gets worse. Meanwhile, the original burglar from Amazing Fantasy 15 is back...and still haunting (Aunt) May Parker. Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Betty Brant, and Mysterio (in civilian clothes). (Notes: The Fly appears next in Spider-Woman 30. The plot briefly crosses over with Fantastic Four 207. Other than a cameo appearance in issue 201, Mary Jane Watson exits the Amazing Spider-Man series for the next 4 years.)

Direct Edition. First appearance of the Black Cat in "Never Let The Black Cat Cross Your Path!" Part 1 of 2. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man series! The dazzling debut of the Black Cat! The wall-crawler has spent the first 193 issues of his title chasing super-villains! But tonight he's going to kiss one instead! Wow! Does the web-slinger stand a chance against the beauty and charm of Felicia Hardy? Not when the alluring cat has his tongue! And maybe later his heart! A terrific issue! Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, Mysterio (in civilian clothes), and the burglar. (Notes: The Black Cat is the creative highlight of the Wolfman-Pollard run on the Amazing Spider-Man title. Dave Cockrum designed the cat's costume. The letters page includes an alternate cover (for issue 194) by Keith Pollard. It also includes an alternate cover to Spider-Woman 9 by Carmine Infantino. This two-part story was reprinted in the trade paperback: Spider-Man vs. the Black Cat (2005).

Direct Edition. First appearance of the Black Cat in "Never Let The Black Cat Cross Your Path!" Part 1 of 2. One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man series! The dazzling debut of the Black Cat! The wall-crawler has spent the first 193 issues of his title chasing super-villains! But tonight he's going to kiss one instead! Wow! Does the web-slinger stand a chance against the beauty and charm of Felicia Hardy? Not when the alluring cat has his tongue! And maybe later his heart! A terrific issue! Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, Mysterio (in civilian clothes), and the burglar. (Notes: The Black Cat is the creative highlight of the Wolfman-Pollard run on the Amazing Spider-Man title. Dave Cockrum designed the cat's costume. The letters page includes an alternate cover (for issue 194) by Keith Pollard. It also includes an alternate cover to Spider-Woman 9 by Carmine Infantino. This two-part story was reprinted in the trade paperback: Spider-Man vs. the Black Cat (2005).

"Requiem!" With his world crashing down around him, the wall-crawler rushes to Restwell Nursing Home to see if his dear aunt is indeed dead. Sadly it appears so. A distraught Peter meets with the resident physician on staff, Dr. Ludwig Rinehart, to make final arrangements. The following day after a long talk with Joe Robertson, the web-slinger visits his childhood home in Queens and discovers it a shambles! And then he finally recalls who Dr. Ludwig Rinehart really is! Something is majorly amiss at Restwell Nursing Home! But before Spider-Man can solve the mystery, he must tend to an unscheduled appointment with a rather large NYC crime lord next issue! First appearance of Debra Whitman. Cameo appearances by Anna Watson, Flash Thompson, Sha Shan, Harry Osborn, and the Kingpin.

"...In Love and War!" Part 2 of 2. The crafty Black Cat continues to elude the wondrous wall-crawler! So far Felicia has collected two of the four romantic artifacts she seeks! However it will be much more difficult to grab the last two with a certain web-slinging superhero poised to stop her! At an east side estate, the cat steals her final prize! But the amazing one follows her home! Will Spider-Man and Felicia finally resolve their differences? A surprise ending with a tender hug! (Note: The Black Cat returns in Amazing Spider-Man 226.)

"A Method in His Madness!" For the past few weeks, the devious Dr. Jonas Harrow has tormented J. Jonah Jameson with his Mental Attitude Response Variator (MARV) ray! And after forcing the Daily Bugle's publisher to have a nervous breakdown, the twisted doctor turns his attention to the city editor: Joe Robertson! While blasting Robbie (from afar) with the MARV ray, Dr. Harrow decides to radiate the entire Bugle city room! But the mad scientist is not aware that Spider-Man's alter-ego has stopped by for a visit! One thing leads to another...and the web-slinger, Jonah, and Jonas rendezvous for a meeting of the minds! May the craziest man win! (Note: This is one of only three issues John Byrne penciled for the Amazing Spider-Man title (1st series): issues 189, 190, and 206.)

"To Salvage My Honor!" First appearance of Calypso. The specter of Spider-Man still haunts Kraven the Hunter! But Kraven's new accomplice, Calypso, has a plan to change that! While delivering a herd of exotic animals to the city, Calypso releases them to run wild in the streets! And then blames the web-slinger for setting them free! After Kraven subdues the loose animals, he vows to make the wall-crawler pay for this (alleged) indignity! And the next evening at the Museum of Natural History, the Amazing Spider-Man and Kraven the Hunter clash again! The survival of the fittest! Cameo appearance by Spider-Woman. (Note: Kraven and Calypso appear next in Spectacular Spider-Man 65.

"Night of the Ape!" A quiet night on the Empire State University campus is interrupted by the sudden appearance of the Red Ghost and the Super Apes! Why is the Soviet super-villain visiting the library? Apparently to acquire a special treatise on cosmic radiation! However the web-slinger and his friend, Roger Hochberg, temporarily stop the ghost's quest for knowledge! But the next day the ghost and his gorillas return to the campus to grab Roger! And once again Spider-Man is there! Is the wall-crawler ready for round two in a barrel of monkeys? Cameo appearance by J. Jonah Jameson. Last 50¢ issue. (Note: The Red Ghost previously appeared in Fantastic Four 197 and challenges the web-slinger again in Amazing Spider-Man 255.)

"The Big Question!" Part 1 of 3. With the Hobgoblin saga drawing to a close, things are finally settling down in Peter Parker's life. However there is still something or someone missing. And Aunt May's nephew is determined to fill the void...in his life and more importantly in his heart! But when the wall-crawler arrives at Mary Jane's apartment, he finds the enchanting redhead distressed by a phone call from her estranged family. Oh no, will Peter's proposal go down in flames? Cameo appearances by Aunt May, J. Jonah Jameson, and New York Mayor Ed Koch. Flashback cameo by Uncle Ben. (Notes: This is the second time Peter proposes to Mary Jane -- the first occurred in Amazing Spider-Man 182. The final page of the story features a classic full-page panel of Peter asking Mary Jane to marry him. This issue includes a full-page ad by Klaus Janson for the new Punisher (2nd) series. David Michelinie begins his 7-year run as the primary writer of the Amazing Spider-Man title.)

"Dark Journey!" Part 2 of 3. In disappointing fashion, Mary Jane says "no" to Peter's proposal! Mainly because she has to leave immediately for Pittsburgh after receiving troubling news about her sister! A dejected Peter wonders what to do next, but that question is quickly answered when the spider-slayer attacks! The web-slinger fights off the new and improved slayer and makes plans to follow Mary Jane to the Steel City! Will the amazing one arrive in time to help the woman he loves? Cameo appearance by Gayle Watson Byrnes. (Note: Alistair Smythe previously appeared in Amazing Spider-Man Annual 19.)

"Growing Pains!" Part 3 of 3. At the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers; the Amazing Spider-Man faces a double crisis! Alistar Smythe's spider-slayer roams the streets of Pittsburgh, while Mary Jane's crooked father attempts to steal a famous manuscript! First the wall-crawler and MJ have to smash the spider-slayer! And then turn the tables on the corrupt Philip Watson! If Peter and Mary Jane can score a double victory, they might just live happily ever after...together! Story continues in the landmark Amazing Spider-Man Annual 21. (Notes: In the final panel, Mary Jane accepts Peter's marriage proposal. Alistair Smythe returns in Amazing Spider-Man 368. The back cover features a full-page ad and cover preview of Amazing Spider-Man Annual 21 by John Romita Sr.)

"Growing Pains!" Part 3 of 3. At the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers; the Amazing Spider-Man faces a double crisis! Alistar Smythe's spider-slayer roams the streets of Pittsburgh, while Mary Jane's crooked father attempts to steal a famous manuscript! First the wall-crawler and MJ have to smash the spider-slayer! And then turn the tables on the corrupt Philip Watson! If Peter and Mary Jane can score a double victory, they might just live happily ever after...together! Story continues in the landmark Amazing Spider-Man Annual 21. (Notes: In the final panel, Mary Jane accepts Peter's marriage proposal. Alistair Smythe returns in Amazing Spider-Man 368. The back cover features a full-page ad and cover preview of Amazing Spider-Man Annual 21 by John Romita Sr.)

Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge begins in "When Midnight Strikes!" Part 1 of 6. Guest-starring Darkhawk and the Punisher. The Secret Empire has transformed Midnight (aka Jeff Wilde) into a cyborg! And designated Moon Knight's former sidekick as the empire's first super agent! But the empire wants an army of super agents! So the subversive organization sends Midnight to bust Dr. Eliot Franklin (aka Thunderball) out of the local jail! However Darkhawk and the wall-crawler are in the vicinity and put the new and improved Midnight thru his paces! Meanwhile across town the Punisher hunts the Secret Empire! And that's bad news for the empire...real bad! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson and Aunt May. Flashback cameos by Spider-Man, Moon Knight, and the Punisher to recap their battle vs. the Secret Empire in Marc Spector Moon Knight (1989) issues 19-21. (Notes: Darkhawk and the web-slinger previously teamed up in Darkhawk (1991) 2 & 3. The Amazing Spider-Man title was published bi-monthly for the next 5 issues.)

"Wilde at Heart!" Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge Part 2 of 6. Guest-starring Captain America, Darkhawk, Moon Knight, Night Thrasher, Nova, and the Punisher. After alluding Darkhawk and the wall-crawler, Midnight returns to the Secret Empire's headquarters and begins plotting his revenge! The new cyborg has two objectives: take over the Secret Empire...and destroy his former mentor Moon Knight! In the meantime the Spectacular Spider-Man stops by Avengers Mansion to make contact with the Fist of Khonshu and tell him that Midnight is alive! Several days later when the web-slinger spies Midnight fighting Nova, he alerts Moon Knight! And moments later the hostile teacher-pupil reunion gets underway! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Joe Robertson, Aunt May, Thunderball, and Microchip.

"Total Eclipse of the Moon...Knight!" Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge Part 3 of 6. Guest-starring Moon Knight, Night Thrasher, Nova, and the Punisher. It's a battle royal on the rooftops of Manhattan as the wondrous wall-crawler, Moon Knight, Night Thrasher, and the Punisher rumble with Midnight, Chain, Grasp, Sonic, and a horde of Secret Empire agents! Wow, is there room for any more heroes or villains in this overstuffed tale? Perhaps a few more heroes are necessary as the web-slinger and his allies fail to corral Midnight and the Seekers! The Secret Empire remains elusive! What's next for the good guys? Cameo appearances by Frenchie and Thunderball. (Note: The Seekers previously appeared in Fantastic Four 342.)

The Punisher, Moon Knight, Nova, and Night Thrasher guest star in Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge part 4, "After Midnight!", As the heroes travel in the repaired Moon Copter, Night Thrasher gets the idea to contact Nova over his helmet communicator; After Dr. Franklin finishes his revamp of Midnight, Lynn Church shows the doctors something on her forehead that convinces them to obey her and complete another task; Franklin checks in on Nova and notices that the transmission signal jammer is turned off, allowing the heroes to locate him through the helmet communicator; Leaving the still-shaken Punisher in the Copter, the heroes storm the headquarters; Church tells Midnight that the task she had the doctors perform deactivated his pain-inducer; When Midnight demands Secret Empire leadership in exchange for fighting the heroes, Number 7 tries to use the pain-inducer but the unaffected Midnight murders him

The Punisher, Moon Knight, Nova, Night Thrasher, and Darkhawk guest star in Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge part 5, "A Bagel with Nova!", script by Al Milgrom, layouts by Mark Bagley, finishes by Randy Emberlin; Midnight and the Secret Empire members arrive at their Queens location; The disguised and still-weakened Punisher tries to get a message to Spidey but passes out; The heroes, tired and testy, decide to call it a night. Punisher revives and. as Number 3. frees Nova, who totals the transmission jammer and broadcasts a signal; Punisher then convinces his fellow Empire members to attack Midnight, who quickly defeats them; His cover blown; Punisher flees even as the heroes converge on Nova's signal. Spotting the Moon Copter, Darkhawk follows; The heroes battle Midnight and the Empire's troops joined by Dr. Franklin as a new technology-derived Thunderball who knocks out the arriving Darkhawk.

"Out on a Limb" Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge Part 6 of 6. Guest-starring Moon Knight, Darkhawk, Night Thrasher, Nova, and the Punisher. The Amazing Spider-Man leads the charge in the grand finale of the Sidekick's Revenge storyline! Inside the Secret Empire's hideout, the web-slinger and his five allies fight from cover to cover vs. Midnight, Thunderball, Lynn Church, and the Seekers! Who will be the last man standing? Or perhaps the last cyborg standing? A non-stop battle issue! Last $1.00 issue. (Notes: Midnight and Lynn Church return many years later in Moon Knight (2006 3rd series) 6 & 7. This issue features a wraparound three-part foldout cover depicting all six superheroes in the story.)