Keith Pollard

"Chaos is the Chameleon!" What a happy day for the Amazing Spider-Man! The district attorney clears the web-slinger of all charges in the deaths of Norman Osborn and Captain George Stacy! And now the wall-crawler holds a press conference in Central Park to bask in the glow of his freedom! But an old adversary disrupts Spidey's joyous occasion! Can the spectacular one see through the Chameleon's brilliant disguise? Cameo appearances by Professor Spencer Smythe, Aunt May, Flash Thompson, and Betty Brant. (Notes: The Chameleon formerly appeared in Daredevil 134 and returns a decade later in Amazing Spider-Man 306 & 307. Keith Pollard begins his run (thru issue 205) as the primary artist on the Amazing Spider-Man title.)

"The Power of Electro!" Guest-starring Captain America. It's an overstuffed tale featuring the star-spangled avenger, web-slinger, SHIELD, Electro, and the bubonic plague! When the Daily Bugle receives a tip that authorities have cordoned off the neighborhoods surrounding the Indian Point Power Station, Jonah sends his ace photographer to investigate! The web-slinger easily slips past the SHIELD agents, but runs into a problem after bumping into the Sentinel of Liberty! Cap wants the wall-crawler to leave the area ASAP! But Cap would think differently if he knew that an electrifying encounter awaits! The Amazing Spider-Man and Captain America vs. Electro! Cameo appearances by Dum Dum Dugan, J. Jonah Jameson, and Joe Robertson. (Notes: This is one of only three issues Jim Starlin drew for the Amazing Spider-Man title (1st series): issues 113, 114, and 187. More of Jim Starlin's artwork featuring Spider-Man can be seen in Marvel Two-in-One Annual 2. The web-slinger and Electro previously battled in Marvel Team-Up 56.)

"The Jigsaw is Up!" After laying low for a few months, Jigsaw wants to return to a peaceful life of crime...by avoiding any and all super-heroes! So the disfigured hitman picks an easy target for his next caper: a midnight boat cruise around Manhattan! But poor Jigsaw doesn't know that a group of long-time friends have decided to take the boat ride too! Namely Flash, Sha Shan, Harry, Liz, Mary Jane, Betty, and Peter! Once Jigsaw grabs Harry and Liz at gunpoint, the wondrous wall-crawler swings into action! And Jigsaw's worst nightmare comes true: another clash with the Spectacular Spider-Man! Cameo appearances by John Jameson and Aunt May. (Notes: Jigsaw formerly appeared in Amazing Spiderman 162 and returns in the first issue of the Punisher Limited Series (1986). The letters page includes a lengthy letter from comics writer Kurt Busiek.)

"In Search of the Man-Wolf!" Part 2 of 2. In incredible fashion the Man-Wolf (aka John Jameson) has reappeared in Manhattan and snatched his father! And now the wondrous wall-crawler chases the lupine beast across the city to rescue Jonah! As Spider-Man and the Man-Wolf battle towards the East River, Professor Spence Smythe revels in his victory! The amazing one finally corners the Man-Wolf atop the Brooklyn Bridge! It's a place the web-slinger knows all too well. With John Jameson's life hanging in the balance, can the Amazing Spider-Man prevent history from repeating itself? A powerful two-part story. (Notes: The plot briefly crosses over with the story in Fantastic Four 204. The Man-Wolf returns in Savage She-Hulk 13 & 14; and battles the web-slinger again in Spectacular Spider-Man Annual 3.)

"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.

"24 Hours Till Doomsday!" Part 2 of 2. The dynamic cover says it all! J. Jonah Jameson and the Amazing Spider-Man handcuffed together to a bomb...that's set to explode in 24 hours! Wow, what a revoltin' development! But it's the master plan of the dying Spencer Smythe! With time of the essence, the web-slinger and Jonah visit Dr. Curt Connors; however neither the good doctor nor NYPD's bomb squad can defuse the explosive! And to make matters worse, the Fearsome Fly attacks the desperate duo during their trek across town! With the timer ticking towards zero, the wall-crawler and the Daily Bugle publisher return to Smythe's lab for one final attempt to save themselves! It's now or never for your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Final appearance of Professor Spencer Smythe. Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Betty Brant, Flash Thompson, and Harry Osborn. First 40¢ issue. (Notes: The Fly formerly appeared in Amazing Spider-Man Annual 10. This story was reprinted in Amazing Spider-Man (2nd series) 20.

"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).

Direct Edition. "Nine Lives of the Black Cat!" Part 2 of 2. The Black Cat successfully breaks her father out of prison! And leaves the Spectacular Spider-Man lying in the rubble with a broken arm! What a stroke of bad luck for the web-slinger! However the wondrous wall-crawler is undeterred! And despite his wounded wing, the amazing one tracks down the mischievous cat several hours later! Will Spidey and Felicia end their game of cat & mouse on a friendly note...or a fatal one? Meanwhile, a telegram arrives at Peter Parker's apartment...and with it devastating news for Aunt May's nephew. Brief origin of the Black Cat. Cameo appearances by the Kingpin, Aunt May, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, Mysterio (in civilian clothes), and the burglar. (Notes: The Black Cat returns in Amazing Spider-Man 204. The letters page includes a letter from comics historian Peter Sanderson.)

"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.

"The Kingpin's Midnight Massacre!" One of wall-crawler's best battle issues of the bronze age! The Amazing Spider-Man and the Kingpin of Crime fight from cover to cover and then some! To the web-slinger's chagrin, the Kingpin survived his plunge into the river (at the end of Amazing Spider-Man 164)! And now the over-sized crime boss has only one task left before retiring from his life of crime: destroy his long-time web-slinging foe! However Vanessa Fisk has told her husband to finish the job before midnight! So the Kingpin is working against a deadline, while the wall-crawler is just trying to run out the clock! An outstanding issue! Cameo appearances by Mysterio (in civilian clothes) and the burglar. (Notes: This issue marks a major turning point for the Kingpin. The popular super-villain transitions into Frank Miller's Daredevil title to become a major antagonist of the Man Without Fear beginning in Daredevil 170 & 171.)

"Mysterio is Deadlier by the Dozen!" Part 1 of 2. At last the web-slinger arrives at Restwell Nursing Home to investigate his aunt's "apparent" death! The spectacular one anticipates a hard-hitting clash with his old adversary, but the Master of Illusion is at the top of his game! Spidey can't lay a glove on Mysterio! Perception trumps reality for your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Appearances by Dr. Marla Madison, J. Jonah Jameson, and the burglar. Flashback cameo by the second Mysterio (aka Danny Berkhart). (Notes: Spider-Man previously clashed with the original Mysterio in Amazing Spider-Man 66 & 67. The wall-crawler battled the second Mysterio in Amazing Spider-Man 141 & 142.

"Now You See Me! Now You Die!" Part 2 of 2. The madness of Mysterio plagues the wall-crawler! After escaping from the Master of Illusion's underwater trap at the nursing home, the web-slinger returns to his aunt's former home in Queens...only to find Mysterio! Why are the bad guys so interested in May's old house? The amazing one tackles Mysterio to get the answers, but unfortunately all he gets is another defeat! Will Spider-Man ever find out what happened to his dear Aunt May? Cameo appearances by Harry Osborn, Liz Allan, Flash Thompson, Sha Shan, and the burglar. (Note: The wall-crawler battles Mysterio again in Spectacular Spider-Man 50 & 51.)

"The Spider and the Burglar...A Sequel" It's the bicentennial issue of the Amazing Spider-Man! And the web-slinger is going back, all the way back, to the days of Amazing Fantasy 15 to once again confront the criminal that murdered his Uncle Ben! But this time Peter Parker will have to stop the killer without his spider powers! Given a second chance, can the wall-crawler right the wrongs from the past and save his beloved Aunt May? Emotions run at an all-time high for your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Brief retelling of Spider-Man's origin. Cameo appearance by Anna Watson. Final appearance of the burglar. Flashback cameo by Ben Parker. (Note: Stan Lee scripts the final page of the story.)

"Man-Hunt!" Part 1 of 2. Guest-starring the Punisher. The action starts with a bang as the web-slinger catches a man falling out of a high-rise office building! When Spider-Man swings inside to investigate, he discovers the source of the problem: the Punisher! What has Frank Castle been up to since Spidey last saw him (in Amazing Spider-Man 175)? Oh, just business as usual...terrorizing the underworld! The following day to his surprise, the Punisher sees pictures of his penthouse gun battle in the Daily Globe! Credited to a photographer named Peter Parker! This troubles the Punisher! And that means trouble for Aunt May's nephew! War Journal Entry #519 is coming up next at a particular superhero's Chelsea apartment! Appearances by J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson, Dr. Marla Madison, Aunt May, and Mary Jane Watson. (Notes: The Punisher previously appeared in Captain America 241. Mary Jane appears next in the classic Marvel Team-Up 79 where (as Red Sonja) she battles Kulan Gath alongside the web-slinger. This is one of Mary Jane's very few appearances between 1979 and 1983. She returns to the Amazing Spider-Man title in issue 238. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 218.)

"One for Those Long Gone!" Part 2 of 2. Guest-starring the Punisher. After surviving his nervous encounter with the Punisher, Peter Parker slips on his red and blue costume and joins the gun-toting vigilante's pursuit of the drug lords! Spider-Man wants to capture them. The Punisher wants to kill them. Something has got to give! Will the superhero or the anti-hero win the battle of wills? Cameo appearances by J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson, and Dr. Jonas Harrow. (Notes: Spider-Man and the Punisher tangle again in Amazing Spider-Man Annual 15. This issue includes a sideways full-page ad featuring Batroc the Leaper promoting Crazy Magazine. This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 219.)

"Bewitched, Bothered, and Be-Dazzled!" Guest-starring Dazzler. On the streets of New York City, Marvel's new disco sensation meets the Amazing Spider-Man! But formal introductions will have to wait as the Lightmaster is in hot pursuit of Dazzler! Once the web-slinger's enemy possesses the mutant songstress, Spider-Man learns firsthand about Dazzler's brilliant powers! Can the wall-crawler turn out the light (master) and save his new friend? Second appearance of Dazzler. Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Harry Osborn, and Flash Thompson. (Notes: Spider-Man and Dazzler cross paths again in Marvel Team-Up 109. The Lightmaster previously appeared in Spectacular Spider-Man 20. The first appearance of Dazzler took place in Uncanny X-Men 130. She appears next in Fantastic Four 217 and then in the first issue of her self-titled series: Dazzler (1981). This story was reprinted in Marvel Tales 230.)

"The Black Cat Always Lands on Her Feet!" Part 1 of 2.The web-slinger's favorite feline is back! The Black Cat! Apparently she survived her fall at the end of Amazing Spider-Man 195 and has now developed a new interest in collecting (actually stealing) famous romantic artifacts! The location of her first heist will be Frank Lloyd Wrights architectural masterpiece: the Guggenheim Museum! But that will also be the site of her first reunion with the Spectacular Spider-Man! The (cat) fur is going to fly! Cameo appearances by Dr. Jonas Harrow, J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson, and Flash Thompson. (Notes: This issue completes Marv Wolfman's outstanding 2-year run as the writer of the Amazing Spider-Man title. This two-part story was reprinted in the trade paperback: Spider-Man vs. the Black Cat (2005).

"...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.)