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The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998)
Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #72
The Shocker's on a crime spree and Spider-Man better be up to the task to stop him. Plus, Peter's relationship with Gwen Stacy gets further strained as the stress from his Spider-Man life seeps over to his personal life.
- GenresComicsSpider ManMarvel
21 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 1969
2 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,581 books2,362 followersStan 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 5, 2025
ROCKED BY THE SHOCKER!
that priceless ancient tablet that Kingpin wanted..won't go away!.Now The Shocker returns and steals it right under CPT.Staceys nose!
Flash is back...and in Peters mind giving a little too much attention to Gwen
that priceless ancient tablet that Kingpin wanted..won't go away!.Now The Shocker returns and steals it right under CPT.Staceys nose!
Flash is back...and in Peters mind giving a little too much attention to Gwen
January 26, 2022
Starts off as a tense, action-packed thriller, then takes several detours that slow the momentum a good deal. I’d also have liked to see the final confrontation relate to the Shocker’s goal of selling the tablet off, rather than a random truck robbery. That’d make a real arc for the story rather than two seemingly separate conflicts.
It’s nice to see the casual flirting that occurs with these kids finally start to annoy Peter like it’s been annoying me. It makes sense, having just gotten back on good terms with Gwen.
It’s nice to see the casual flirting that occurs with these kids finally start to annoy Peter like it’s been annoying me. It makes sense, having just gotten back on good terms with Gwen.
May 19, 2021
As you can guess by the cover (one of those black covers that show up every little mark which makes it a nightmare for collectors to get a high grade copy) Shocker is back and he wastes no time breaking into Captain Stacy’s office to steal The Tablet from his safe.
“I’ll give you a hint, man --- it’s not Aretha Franklin!” - Spidey
Elsewhere Flash returns for some shore leave, Peter sends Aunt May heads off to Florida where she can’t worry and Jameson remains in hospital for “rest” (whilst continuing to smoke cigars!).
John Buscema makes an appearance on art duties this issue, over to Romita to explain:
“To add to our problems, Stan needed me on other things for a while, and we called on Big John Buscema for pencilling help. I would co-plot with Stan for continuity, and then phone John B. with the plot when ready. This put me in line to hear John’s reactions. To be frank, John did not enjoy pencilling Spider-Man, and it took all the diplomatic skill I could muster to get him to do it. I was worried the whole time he was working. I should have known better. When the pages came in, they were so beautiful, and the characters so sensitive and true, that I was giddy. I learned to disregard Big John’s gruff claims that he shouldn’t be doing those “dumb” characters. The beauty and skill that John Buscema brought to all the books he worked on is well known, but the subtlety and storytelling is often overlooked. He was one of my idols, and John influenced me more than I can describe.” – John Romita Snr.
“I’ll give you a hint, man --- it’s not Aretha Franklin!” - Spidey
Elsewhere Flash returns for some shore leave, Peter sends Aunt May heads off to Florida where she can’t worry and Jameson remains in hospital for “rest” (whilst continuing to smoke cigars!).
John Buscema makes an appearance on art duties this issue, over to Romita to explain:
“To add to our problems, Stan needed me on other things for a while, and we called on Big John Buscema for pencilling help. I would co-plot with Stan for continuity, and then phone John B. with the plot when ready. This put me in line to hear John’s reactions. To be frank, John did not enjoy pencilling Spider-Man, and it took all the diplomatic skill I could muster to get him to do it. I was worried the whole time he was working. I should have known better. When the pages came in, they were so beautiful, and the characters so sensitive and true, that I was giddy. I learned to disregard Big John’s gruff claims that he shouldn’t be doing those “dumb” characters. The beauty and skill that John Buscema brought to all the books he worked on is well known, but the subtlety and storytelling is often overlooked. He was one of my idols, and John influenced me more than I can describe.” – John Romita Snr.
February 19, 2025
Shocker is back on the scene, and while his crime spree is central to this issue, ASM #72 feels more like a character-driven story focusing on Peter Parker’s personal struggles. Between his strained relationship with Gwen, Aunt May heading off to Florida (finally giving Peter some peace of mind), and Flash Thompson’s return on shore leave, this issue leans heavily into the drama of Peter’s everyday life.
Shocker’s break-in at Captain Stacy’s office to steal The Tablet kicks the action into gear, but oddly, his prison escape isn’t shown at all. While his return adds some excitement, the real weight of this issue comes from the way Peter’s Spider-Man life continues to interfere with his personal relationships—especially with Gwen.
Overall, this is a solid but quieter entry in the series, balancing crime-fighting with Peter’s ever-growing personal struggles. Not the most action-packed, but still a worthwhile read!
Shocker’s break-in at Captain Stacy’s office to steal The Tablet kicks the action into gear, but oddly, his prison escape isn’t shown at all. While his return adds some excitement, the real weight of this issue comes from the way Peter’s Spider-Man life continues to interfere with his personal relationships—especially with Gwen.
Overall, this is a solid but quieter entry in the series, balancing crime-fighting with Peter’s ever-growing personal struggles. Not the most action-packed, but still a worthwhile read!
February 24, 2026
7/10 - The not so much Socking Shocker and the Shockingly Healthy Aunt May
It's just an average, generic one-issue storyline with general character development, but it's so well done and appealing that even so, it's better than most issues from other series.
The Shocker is no big deal, but the fighting scenes were nicely executed. Even with his inconsistencies and powers' incoherences, he properly fulfilled his duty as a regular everyday villain.
Parker's daily issues with Gwen, Flash, and the others are enjoyable, maintaining interest in Peter's daily life. There's also the usual humor with the shockingly healthy Aunt May and, of course, with J.J. Jameson's over-the-top reactions. I laughed out loud at his bad temper scene on page 12 at the hospital.
Lastly, there's probably a coming storyline with The Lizard, and the Lifeline Tablet keeps passing from hand to hand.
It's just an average, generic one-issue storyline with general character development, but it's so well done and appealing that even so, it's better than most issues from other series.
The Shocker is no big deal, but the fighting scenes were nicely executed. Even with his inconsistencies and powers' incoherences, he properly fulfilled his duty as a regular everyday villain.
Parker's daily issues with Gwen, Flash, and the others are enjoyable, maintaining interest in Peter's daily life. There's also the usual humor with the shockingly healthy Aunt May and, of course, with J.J. Jameson's over-the-top reactions. I laughed out loud at his bad temper scene on page 12 at the hospital.
Lastly, there's probably a coming storyline with The Lizard, and the Lifeline Tablet keeps passing from hand to hand.
September 16, 2021
Urusan lempeng kuno misterius itu ternyata belum selesai karena The Shocker datang ke rumah Kapten Stacy dan mengambilnya. Tidak banyak aksi Spider-Man versus The Shocker dalam nomor ini. Bahkan bagaimana cara the Shocker kabur dari penjara pun tidak mendapatkan jatah gambar. Barangkali yang ingin disampaikan oleh Stan Lee sebagai penulis justru tentang kehidupan Peter Parker sendiri, bukan sebagai Spider-Man, karena mayoritas cerita di dalam nomor yang ini justru tentang kehidupan pribadi Peter Parker.
January 5, 2025
Not sure if I read this issue years ago, so now I am going to put it on my comic shelf. This is a great 'fight' issue between Spider-Man (SM) and the Shocker (S). Romita is one of my favorite artists; this issue is a great example of how he captured the 'rooftop' fights SM is so well known for. S goes blow for blow with SM in a very exciting story with great art!
June 9, 2023
"And know, for the benefit of aunt May's countless fans, we happily present one of the few scenes which doesn't show her at death's door..."
THEY KNEW!!!!
It's so funny!!
They knew what they were doing and they still kept doing it!!!!!
THEY KNEW!!!!
It's so funny!!
They knew what they were doing and they still kept doing it!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews