Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 5 »

Stan Lee is the former head writer, editorial and art director, publisher, and chairman of Marvel Comics, where he now holds the title of chairman emeritus. Currently chairman and chief creative officer of POW! Entertainment, where he creates motion pictures and television series, he lives in Los Angeles.

Introduction By Stan Lee

Let's face it. Writing an intro to this third volume of Spidey's earliest sagas is like writing an intro to Grimm's Fairy Tales. I mean, what can I write that you don't already know?

However, the Marvel Bullpen left these two pages to be filled, and nobody, but nobody, wants to get the Bullpen mad! So kick off your shoes and get comfortable as we see if we can get in the mood together for the fun and frolic that awaits us on the pages ahead.

We're layin' eleven feature-length Spidey classics on you, all illustrated and co-plotted by the incredibly talented Steve Ditko. And if you want to know just how talented he really is, bear in mind that even today, many years later when styles and tastes have changed incalculably, Steve's unique illustrations, action sequences and sense of pacing are just as breathtakingly impressive now as they were in those halcyon days of yore.

As for the stories themselves, I think you'll find a few unexpected treats among them. For example, in issue #23, Peter grows increasingly jealous of the relationship between Ned Leeds and Betty Brant, though he hasn't too much time to worry about it since he becomes involved in a never-to-be-forgotten battle with the Green Goblin. And let us not forget ex-gang leader Frederick Foswell, formerly known as "The Big Man." Not only is he now out of jail, but Jonah Jameson has hired him as a reporter! Looks like Spidey will have a lot to keep him busy.

As for the subsequent issues, you'll see Spidey turning to a psychiatrist for help after he becomes convinced he may be going mad! And wait'll you learn who the mysterious shrink himself turns out to be. Next, our hero has to battle a seemingly indestructible robot, and if that isn't bad enough, the deadly mechanical marauder is actually controlled by the sneering, leering J. Jonah Jameson himself! You'll also get your first encounter with marvelous Mary Jane, though neither you nor Peter will yet catch a glimpse of her.

The next two issues deal with the fact that both the Crime-Master and the Green Goblin know each other's identities, but Frederick Foswell has one sinister secret of his own! Peter and Flash finally come to blows, and Gobby actually captures our hero. Then the action really starts!

Finally we learn Foswell's secret as well as the secret of the Crime-Master, who dies before our eyes.

But, since Marvel never wants a True Believer to feel he or she has been short-changed, we've added two classic tales to make sure your plate of thrills and action is overflowing. You'll encounter the menace of The Molten Man and see Spidey try to figure out how to defeat a villain who's far stronger than he. He'd better figure it out fast, too, because his life is on the line. Then, our hero finally graduates high school and heads for a new life at Empire State University. But Fate still has surprises up her sleeve. Suddenly, the murderous Scorpion appears and wouldn't you know it, Jameson suspects that Scorpy is Spidey's partner! But you'll get a kick out of seeing what happens to Jolly Jonah as the action accelerates!

You may wonder what Marvel could possibly do to top the bedazzlement we've already placed before you, but leave it to us! For a rollicking, rocketing, riveting bonus we've included a tale from the Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2 entitled "The Wondrous World of Doctor Strange!" And hey, when you consider the fact that our rather unique villain, a nefarious necromancer named Xandu, sends Spidey to an unknown dimension in his battle to recover the mystic Wand of Watoomb, you've got to admit we're in for an adventure that's slightly out the ordinary; especially since Dr. Strange himself joins the battle in one of Steve Ditko's weirdest and wildest fantasy fight-fests!

And, by the time you turn the final page, if you're still panting for more, no-sweat-our next Masterwork will soon be hurtlin' your way!

EXCELSIOR!