Spider-Variant

The Goblin's face from the first panel and Spider-Man's awkwardness from the fifth panel both have a hint of Ditko's art. Funny, for years I really disliked Ditko's art, because I was comparing him to Romita and Andru. I slowly began to appreciate Steve's early version on Spidey, but it took many years. Every now and again I find Andru panels that remind me of something Ditko could have created.

Original art from ASM 180, page 2. Pencils Andru, Inks Esposito. Hey @Get Marwood & I, looking at the original art page, it feels Ditkoesque to me. What say you?

Happy New Year Everyone!

Great book from a nice little 5 issue run to complete. I actually bought ASM 173 35 cent variant off the stand back in the day, didn't even know I had a variant until nearly 30 years later. The others I got off eBay, some not listed as variants. Loved the hunt.

I too had noticed my Spectacular Spider-man copy had went up to 35 cents when I bought it in Memphis back in the day, but was pleasantly surprised it was back to 30 cents when I bought the next issue in Georgia. It took me 35 years to understand why.

Also up for auction, same place as the page above it. This is a splash where I think Dave Hunt could have really improved it, with more textured inking than Mike Esposito has here. Towards the end of Ross's run, I thought the art wasn't as good it had been previously.

This bad boy is currently up for auction. Love the perspective on this Splash from ASM 182. Ross gets his name first in the credits, but seems like Marv got the better end of the deal.

But I do love that Ross Andru art. Throw in the Queensboro Bridge (ok, well it's close) to boot and you got a page right out of Amazing Spider-Man!

Here is what comic legend John Byrne posted on his website in a thread he started recognizing the 30th anniversary of Ross Anru's passing " The man sure knew and loved his 1970's New York City. 封 At one point, following Ross, I was considered as penciler on AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. "Remember," said the writer, "New York is practically a character in this book." "The way Andru draws it, yes," I said, "but that's not a major element of the title overall." I didn't get the job."

Two months before the publication of Ghost Rider #2, Beware the Claws of the Cat #5 would have hit the stands, had it not been cancelled. Here is Gil Kane's preliminary cover for that book. I see a lot of similarities between the two covers. Perhaps Gil, knowing about the cancellation, repurposed his design for Ghost Rider #2.

A whole lotta lovin' is what we'll be bringin' to these books!

Rest in Peace Mr. Andru. You passed away 30 years ago today (11/9), dying of a brain aneurysm at the young age of 66 years old. This a full year after losing your wife. I never met you, but I think I would have loved to have. You made my childhood joyful with your amazing storytelling and vivid scenes. You were not often photographed, as I suspect you did not enjoy the limelight, but here are my two favorite photos of you. You would have been a superstar today.

Remember that time Ross drew Batman punching Aunt May right in the Kisser.... Damn, that's a nicely drawn Batman.

Must have had nudity on my mind when I posted that. I know my copy was nice but probably in the 8.5 range grade wise.

Issue 175 was the last issue I missed off the stands until 2008 or so. Nice books.

I won't give it away but it happened at 3:54 am on a Monday.

I don't know what the census numbers bare out, but I always thought that ASM 96 was a harder to find book in high grade.

I remember searching for this book when it came out, but not finding it. I ordered it through mail order a few years later. I loved this book.

I've probably posted this before, but this is just so cool. Original art from the original back cover to Superman vs the Amazing Spider-Man. Pencils by Ross Andru, inks by Giordano, and probably some help from Neal Adams.

I remember my older brother grabbing that FF off the stands.

Sorry, I looked the other day but don't recognize it. Good luck though.

Yes, I assumed it was the case.

Nice book. Apparently you were so excited you took a picture while you were driving, .

Oh, I love the cover to ASM 157 >>> than ASM 156. As far as Mr. Andru's interiors, on one hand you have Dr. Ock and on the other, um, Mirage. Easy winner for me, lol.

Ah, got it. I don't follow prices so much anymore. I could see the rarity angle pushing up the price though. Just a kind of unremarkable issue, IMHO.