Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998) #88

The Amazing Spider-Man (1963-1998)

by Stan Lee, John Romita Sr. (Illustrator)

Dr. Octopus escapes from prison and decides to take over an airplane! Will Spider-Man get there in time to save everyone?

Genres: Comics, Spider Man, Marvel

20 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 1970

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good issue, besides the beginning part that seemed a little 'we are going to do this because this is the easiest way to achieve what we want to do!' Overall, an alright beginning to an interesting story line that ends with a shockingly sad scene (if no one knows what I'm talking about, look up issue #90 - only if you want to be spoiled though!)

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE ARMS OF DR.OCTOPUS
September 1970

I think Doc. Octopus is my favorite Spider - Man villain..as these next few issues will show.
Doc is in prison but that doesn't stop him being reunited with his arms...hijacking a plane with a visiting politician on it and demanding USD 10 million Ransom.

[Agung Wicaksono · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doctor Octopus is back—and he’s more dangerous than ever! ASM #88 delivers a thrilling prison break, an airplane hijacking, and the shocking “Death of Doc Ock” (don’t get too excited, he’s not staying dead).

While Peter Parker struggles with slipping grades (being Spider-Man doesn’t exactly leave time for studying), Doc Ock orchestrates a psychic prison break—his mechanical arms, stored separately from him, suddenly activate, tear through security, and reunite with their master. It’s a wild, almost sci-fi horror moment that adds to Octavius’s menacing presence.

The issue’s highlight? Doc Ock hijacking an airplane mid-flight, forcing Spider-Man into a desperate race against time. The tension is fantastic, and John Romita Sr.’s artwork brings dynamic movement and weight to every panel—particularly the fight sequences.

This issue sets the stage for bigger battles to come, but even as a standalone, it’s a perfect blend of action, drama, and classic Spidey tension. Another must-read from Lee and Romita!

[Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter’s grades are slipping due to all of the absences from school (friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man isn’t a part time gig after all) and quicker than you can say “Help me Gwen, you’re my only hope” Doc Ock’s arms break lose (prompted via a psychic link with the Doc) and reunite with Octavius in a daring prison break.

“This torrid tale really sets up the right mood by featuring- are you ready for this?- the Death of Dock Ock! However, in the very next ish, to nobody’s surprise, we learn that the terrible tentacled titan still lives-and is about to extract the most horrible vengeance on poor Spidey.” -John Romita Snr.

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a contrived campy issue

[Lilamedusa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doc Ock is back and he has more control over those damn arms than ever!

Also... Peter might lose his scholarship, God forbid.

[Thalles Nobre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jan/2026