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.
Adrian Toomes (the original Vulture) is very sick in prison when he sends for his cellmate Blackie Drago (the soon to be new Vulture) to tell him where his 'wings' are hidden. Drago breaks out of prison and puts them on - and V2 is born! Fighting a bad cold Spidey must contend with this new and vicious foe atop a sky-high tower of the George Washington Bridge!
even in the 60s companies were trying to revamp their heroes/villains. here..original Vulture lies "dying" in prison hospital and scumbag Blackie Drago cons the old man out of his wings. Peter deals with this...but he has a cold..sorry fever.
The ASM plot is simple, but very nice. I am reading a 1960s mag, so I understand the way writing was different during that time. I can see a lot of good points, but
After ASM #47 Spidey is seeking Kraven the Hunter, though is being hampered by the weather in NY as he notes that “the snowfall is muffling my spidey sense”. I am sure that isn’t the only thing that is being muffled in that cold; that spandex cant be that warm! Adrian “The Vulture” Toomes is laid up in prison hospital after an accident in the workshop and he asks his cellmate, Blackie Drago, to find his hidden wings and continue his legacy as The Vulture & destroy Spider-Man...
Meanwhile Gwen changes her hair “more like the way Mary Jane’s been wearing hers” and Peter comes down with a cold and even considers calling Matt Murdock to send Daredevil after The Vulture.
Romita does a great job creating a snow covered New York here; it feels positively chilly reading this one.
Vulture kembali lagi dan lebih berbahaya sebab ia bukan Vulture yang lama. Blackie Drago adalah teman satu sel Vulture di penjara. Ia lebih muda, lebih kuat, dan lebih licik. Siasatnya berhasil membuat Vulture mengungkapkan rahasia dimana ia menyembunyikan kostum sayapnya. Dengan kostum Vulture-nya, yang ia lengkapi dengan helm, ia menyebarkan teror di kota. Spider-Man yang sedang terkena flu tak kuasa menahannya. Spider-Man kalah! Untuk pertama kalinya dalam cerita Amazing Spider-Man, musuhnya memiliki pewaris.
Small Harry appearance (going to get some Coke). Peter is sick. Again, I think. Not much else to add, other than there’s a new Vulture and this issue ends with a to be continued.
"Amazing Spider-Man #48" delivers another thrilling installment in Peter Parker’s ongoing battle against the odds—this time, with a snowy New York setting that makes the stakes feel even chillier.
The story kicks off with Spider-Man on the hunt for Kraven the Hunter but quickly pivots to a new threat: Blackie Drago, who has taken up the mantle of The Vulture after a chilling betrayal of Adrian Toomes. Drago's rise as a villain offers an intriguing subplot, even if he doesn’t quite have the gravitas of his predecessor.
What makes this issue shine is its atmosphere. John Romita Sr.’s artistry captures the snow-blanketed streets of New York so vividly that you almost feel the frostbite yourself. The muted colors and icy visuals enhance Spidey’s struggles, especially as Peter Parker deals with a bad cold that dampens his abilities—and his mood.
The personal stakes are balanced beautifully with the superhero antics. Gwen Stacy’s subtle shift to mirror Mary Jane’s style adds depth to the simmering romantic tensions, while Peter's musing about calling Daredevil for help underscores his vulnerability. Stan Lee’s dialogue, as always, is full of wit and personality, giving even the quieter moments weight and charm.
While Blackie Drago might not leave as strong an impression as the original Vulture, this issue serves as a great bridge in the series. It’s a testament to how Spider-Man stories weave action, drama, and humor seamlessly. If you’re a fan of winter settings and classic Spidey, this one’s worth bundling up for!