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The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998)
Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #81
When the villain known as the Kangaroo steals a vial of experimental bacteria, Spider-Man swings into action to save the day.
- GenresComicsSpider ManMarvel
21 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 1970
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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 10, 2021
Pretty sure this is the first Marvel Australian super-villain! Frank Oliver 'studied' kangaroos while living with them. He ate what they ate and - you guessed it - gained the ability to leap like them! So instead of following in the footsteps of Andrew Bogut he decides to become a petty criminal and throw down with Spidey! Just a fun book!
July 9, 2025
THE COMING of THE KANGAROO
February 1970
Apparently if you live with Kangaroos you are headed on the path of being a Wrestler then Super Villain.
Spider Man crosses patches with Kanga just as he's about to be deported...but then escapes
February 1970
Apparently if you live with Kangaroos you are headed on the path of being a Wrestler then Super Villain.
Spider Man crosses patches with Kanga just as he's about to be deported...but then escapes
March 18, 2025
If you’ve ever wanted to see Spider-Man fight a guy who literally learned how to be a villain by living with kangaroos, then ASM #81 is the issue for you! Enter The Kangaroo, Frank Oliver—Marvel’s first Australian supervillain—who, instead of using his impressive jumping abilities for good, decides to steal a vial of deadly experimental bacteria. Because, of course, that’s the logical next step.
This issue is pure Silver Age fun, leaning into the absurdity of its villain while still delivering a solid Spidey adventure. The stakes are high (biological disaster!), but it’s hard to take The Kangaroo too seriously when his primary skill is... jumping really well. Still, his fight with Spider-Man is entertaining, and Romita Sr.’s artwork makes even the silliest moments look fantastic.
While this isn’t a must-read in the grand scheme of Spidey’s history, it’s an enjoyable, lighthearted romp with a truly bizarre villain. Worth a read if you appreciate the wackier side of Amazing Spider-Man!
This issue is pure Silver Age fun, leaning into the absurdity of its villain while still delivering a solid Spidey adventure. The stakes are high (biological disaster!), but it’s hard to take The Kangaroo too seriously when his primary skill is... jumping really well. Still, his fight with Spider-Man is entertaining, and Romita Sr.’s artwork makes even the silliest moments look fantastic.
While this isn’t a must-read in the grand scheme of Spidey’s history, it’s an enjoyable, lighthearted romp with a truly bizarre villain. Worth a read if you appreciate the wackier side of Amazing Spider-Man!
May 20, 2021
ASM #81 is the “Coming of the Kangaroo”. No comment. Kangaroo explains his origin story: “It’s not my fault I’m stronger than they are – not my fault I can jump and leap like nobody else! Maybe there was something in the air I breathed – the water I drank back in Australia!”. Reading this feels slightly xenophobic in 2021 so ‘nuff said about The Kangaroo.
“In response to readers’ pleas, we managed to do complete-in-one-issue stories, which we did not often do. The Chameleon and Electro, popular longtime foes, and the Kangaroo helped us through. we made those readers happy, but I think we were more at ease with building storylines over more than one issue.” -John Romita Snr.
NB. The credits for ASM #81 has to be one of the worst I’ve seen for readers 'back in the day' trying to work out who did what as it simply says “Story, Art & Lettering” and lists the creative team (Stan Lee at the top – naturally!).
“In response to readers’ pleas, we managed to do complete-in-one-issue stories, which we did not often do. The Chameleon and Electro, popular longtime foes, and the Kangaroo helped us through. we made those readers happy, but I think we were more at ease with building storylines over more than one issue.” -John Romita Snr.
NB. The credits for ASM #81 has to be one of the worst I’ve seen for readers 'back in the day' trying to work out who did what as it simply says “Story, Art & Lettering” and lists the creative team (Stan Lee at the top – naturally!).
April 18, 2022
The Kangaroo was actually fun! I would have like to know more about him.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews