(Cover Date: February, 1965)

I feel like every time that an issue features a super hero guest star, that the issue itself is going to be very low on actual development for Spider-Man and his cast, while trying to drum up interest in the other hero. And I guess that's fine sometimes, but it really does curtail my interest a bit.

I was finally caught back up on this re-read and very excited about that, but then this issue came along. I've never really enjoyed this issue (or the next one, but we'll get there... tonight, hopefully.), and I feel like it's an obstacle for me whenever I attempt a re-read like this. This isn't my first attempt at re-reading ASM. Every so often you get an issue of modern Spidey that hits on his expansive history in such a way that you just feel compelled to give it all another look over. In this specific case, it's the Last Remains arc that has gotten me to want to try, try again. The main obstacles for me all lie in the early days. It's either the very first few issues, or the issues in the early 20s. Issue 20, issue 21 and issue 22 specifically. I don't know why, but they just kind of grind things to a halt for me.

Let's focus on this specific issue now. It doesn't start out too bad. I was afraid that we were going to get a sneak Strange Tales issue here (and we kind of do), but there's enough Spidey to keep me out of my depression. And it's fun, you know? Seeing Peter interact with Doris Evans was a genuinely nice change of pace than what I'm used to here. But of course, we get more of Betty doubting Peter. A few issues back, I said that the real shit is the interpersonal drama of Peter's life, including his many romances, and that's true. I stand by that, but I didn't necessarily remember just how often Betty decides that Peter either hates her or is cheating on her. It's a plot point in almost every single issue. It's maddening, and I know Stan Lee can write women better than this. The characterization is played out, and I'm starting to long for the Gwen and MJ days. But haha, we're still 10 issues out from meeting Gwen and technically 21 issues out from meeting MJ. I like what Betty Brant becomes as a character, but right now, she's starting to get frustrating.

The villain here is the Beetle, who is a very... bland villain. I don't care for the Beetle. Not until Nick Spencer introduces a new female version in Superior Foes in 2014. That's a while from 1965. But I'm hopeful that we'll get there eventually!

I'm really struggling to write this review because there's pretty much nothing here. This feels like a filler issue/an advertisement for Strange Tales. We don't even get enough JJJ. I'm the guy picking up ASM for Jameson, Stan!

Quote of the issue: "Why Must I Be a Costumed, Super-Powered Sad Sack??" more

Why every time human torch shows up story fucking sucks