Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.
With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.
Spidey must fight a 'giant' Mysterio (M) and avoid the traps in a miniature amusement park...but is everything really as it seems? M has always been (in my opinion) the most underrated ASM villain from the Lee/Ditko run: not withstanding the Scarecrow by Bill Finger and Bob Kane being the first 'hallucinogenic' villain. M is still a character that has a lot of potential - in the mean time enjoy this classic ASM from 12/68.
The art looks better with Jim Mooney's inking lines getting finer and richer with details. And speaking of lines, for the first time in Spider-man comics I've noticed the use of some unconventional panel layouts.
Mysterio takes center stage in ASM #67, proving why he’s one of Spider-Man’s most creative and unpredictable foes. This time, he traps Spidey in a seemingly miniature amusement park, turning a classic Hall of Mirrors into a deadly battleground. The illusion-based setup is a refreshing change from the usual brute-force villain fights, forcing Peter to rely on his intellect as much as his agility.
John Romita Sr.’s art is spectacular, capturing the surreal, disorienting nature of Mysterio’s tricks while keeping the action fluid and engaging. Stan Lee’s script also gives Peter some great problem-solving moments, showcasing his intelligence rather than just his strength.
This issue is a fantastic display of what makes Mysterio such a fun villain—mind games, illusionary madness, and an unpredictable challenge for Spidey. A unique, visually stunning, and thoroughly entertaining read!
8/10 - Mysterio Solved It's a cool issue and a nice conclusion arc, if you forget about all Mysterio trouble to carry out its intricate plan when he could has finished Spidey easily.
I liked how Stan portrayed Mysterio's illusion, keeping the suspense, despite the fact that you know it was fake and that it that he needed a real abandoned amusement park.
I don't know how I love so much Mysterio, maybe it's his Wizard of Oz way.
The subplots were also interesting. Aunt May's doctor concerns about Peter suitability as a nephew add realism to the story.
Amazing Spider-Man #67 “To Squash A Spider!” as a seemingly miniaturised Spidey takes on a full sized Mysterio and his carnival of tricks. Romita Snr. does a wonderful job depicting this face-off.
In a bit of foreshadowing of Disney buying Marvel and Star Wars it’s revealed that Aunt May has the force: “I must have been having a bad dream! I seemed to feel that Peter was in some terrible danger!”
ASM #67 is also the first appearance of Robbie Robertson’s son Randy.
This issue really allows Mysterio to shine and show what he is capable of. It also shows Peter's brain to good use rather than just webbing and fighting his way out of every situation. A nice unique change of pace from other Spider-Man villains and one of the reasons I like Mysterio so much!
Nomor yang ini memang dikhususkan untuk pertempuran antara Spider-Man dan Mysterio. Stan Lee menyiapkan konsep cerita dan skenarionya sementara Romita menata panggung pertunjukannya. Hasilnya: 20-an halaman komik yang enak dibaca dan dipandang.