Getting Caught in Spidey’s Web
Every great pursuit begins with inspiration, and mine was no exception. I first remember Spider-Man from my childhood; it was the CBS TV Show staring Nicholas Hammond as our Wall Crawler. I watched this show on syndication in the early evenings on TV. I was Amazed, pun intended, on what the character could do. My only other experience with superheroes at this time, was The Incredible Hulk TV show, staring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. Looking back at that Spider-Man TV show, even with the crude special effects for the time; I still have that fondness for Spidey. Then came the Spider-Man Cartoon on Saturday mornings, which then turned into Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. Meeting other heroes, Iceman and Firestar. Even while typing I can hear the theme song in my head. Watching classic villains from Spidey’s rouges’ gallery, like The Green Goblin and The Sandman. Then came the Spider-Man – The Animated Series cartoon from the 90s. One of the best comic book cartoons ever, up there with Batman: The Animated Series and X-Men. These shows were all the building blocks for my love of the Wed Head.
Spider-Man Comics
I didn’t start to seriously get into reading comics till later on in life. I’m sorry to say I didn’t really collect comics as a kid. In adulthood, the first half of my career in the military, I lived on various USS ships, whereas you can image space is very limited. There was no room to collect anything. That would change after a while. I eventually met my MJ, the love of my life Lisa. We lived Temecula, and I now had room and more income. About 15 years ago, I started my first pull list at a Comic Shop, it was Ryan’s Comics. Now it’s the location of Graham Cracker Comics, in Murrieta, CA. A place where I am privileged to work; a dream to say the least.
The more comics I would acquire, the more I wanted. I had that first taste and I loved it. I had to buy a short box, and I soon filled it up. Then I had to buy another, then another. I moved to long boxes as my collection continued to grow. I would buy comic sets off eBay, and go to swap meets, and conventions. My love for the Wall Crawler continued to grow. I read every issue I picked up. These books needed, no wanted, to be read. The more I learned about the history of Peter Parker, the more I had to keep reading.
Setting the Goal
While serving on board the USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD-52), I would talk to young Sailors who also had a love for comic books. I even gave them nicknames, “Wade” for the Deadpool fan, and “Logan” for the Wolverine fan. They gave me the nickname “Uncle Pete”, due to my Senior Chief rank and my love for Peter. We talked comics all the time, we all collected. I can’t remember who said it first, but I remember hearing, “Hey Uncle Pete, you should try and get every single issue of Amazing Spider-Man”. I would also listen to the “Chasing Amazing” podcast, during my commute to work every day. This podcast about two guys who also were collecting every single issue of ASM. That spark I had started to ignite.
Let the Chase Begin
I thought about that chase, and figure why not. Could I do this? If so, how the heck do I do this? I gave it a shot; I created a data base on an excel document to track which issues I had and which I needed. I typed out hundreds of boxes, with all the issue numbers. The tracking helped me not get any doubles. So, my “Amazing Chase” started. I would visit dollar bins at all the comic shops in my city. I’d go to comic conventions and hit all the tables, going through long box after long box. “Need it, Need it, Got it, Need it.” After a few years my collection got bigger and bigger, taking up most of the space in my closet. Having to give up room for clothes for all my long boxes. The current total is 36 Long Boxes and over one dozen short. The chase was amazing, another pun intended.
I remember getting key issues, such as issues #121, and #122. Both of which I have signed by Gerry Conway. The Death of Gwen Stacy and Green Goblin are huge keys in the Spider-Man lore. I had a conversation with him about the blow back he received from fans for killing off Spider-Man’s love of his life. He and his wife told me that they received death threats in the mail! This is decades before e-mail. So, hearing that people took the time to hand write letters, slap and address on them, get a stamp and mail the letter. It shows you how passionate we can take our love for comics.
Comic stores were the backbone of my early collecting. These shops often had bins filled with back issues, and digging through them became a ritual of discovery. I fondly recall the thrill of finding Issue #252, featuring Spider-Man’s first appearance in the black suit, tucked away in a seemingly unremarkable pile.
No great adventure is without its obstacles, and collecting Amazing Spider-Man was no exception. The most significant challenges were financial and condition of the books. As a collector, ensuring authenticity and quality was paramount. Learning to give and take with condition was also important. Should I hold out for a better copy? Should I buy this issue now? They were common questions.
The Silver Age issues, spanning the earliest stories, represented both the holy grail and the most difficult challenges. Issues #1 through #10, featuring iconic battles against villains like Doctor Octopus and the Vulture, were often priced far beyond my initial budget. Saving for these treasures required patience and strategic planning, including trading some non-Spider-Man collectibles, such as Hot Toys, to fund purchases.
Amazing Spider-Man #1
After years of persistence, there came the day when I finally held the one of the last missing pieces of the puzzle in my hands: Amazing Spider-Man #1. It was a surreal moment, one that felt like the culmination of not just a collection but a lifelong passion. The journey had transformed from a simple goal into a celebration of my own dedication to our Friendly Neighborhood Hero. I bought it from a seller on eBay who was enthralled by my Amazing Chase. He allowed me to purchase Amazing Spider-Man #1, on a payment plan. With him shipping the book, once I was 50% done with my installments. I remember my trembling hands when I held it for this first time. Maybe there was a single tear sliding down my cheek as well. Holding that issue; well, I still can get chills thinking about it.
People would often ask me, what was the last issue I needed to complete my chase, aside from the ongoing issues. Well, it was none other than the 1st appearance of The Vulture in Amazing Spider-Man #2. But there was a momentary obstacle. As of right now I had all my issue bagged in boarded, with re-sealable bags. But the only way I could find my last remaining issue was to get a slabbed one. How would I complete my collection. I would own it, but if it didn’t sit right next to all the others, something would not have felt right. So, I did something, and a few of you may gasp as reading this. When I had that last remaining issue I needed, Amazing Spider-Man #2 CGC 4.0 in my hands. I cracked that case open and pulled out the book. Then removing it from the preserved bag, and I am not ashamed to say I breathed in Glory. I smelled the old pages of that book, completing my Amazing Chase. As of writing this we stand at 968 issues of Amazing Spider-Man.
But I didn’t stop there, I have collected all the ASM Annuals, as I felt they were needed to be considered a full set. I also have complete runs of Spectacular Spider-Man, Sensational Spider-Man, Spider-Man, Ultimate Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Marvel Knights Spider-Man, and too many other issues to count.
I’m sorry to say I DO NOT own a copy of Amazing Fantasy #15. I probably never will, so a full complete run of Amazing Spider-Man including Annuals will have to do for now. However, I don’t think Spidey ever gave up on a goal, so why should I? You never know.
Reflections on the Chase
Looking back, the Amazing Chase was about more than just acquiring comics—it was about the relationships forged along the way. Conversations with fellow collectors, learning the history behind each issue, and experiencing the joy of discovery made the journey unforgettable. Each comic in the collection tells a story, not just of Spider-Man but of the people, places, and moments that made it possible.
Advice for Aspiring Collectors
For others embarking on similar collecting journeys, my advice is simple:
- Start Small: Focus on manageable milestones, such as a specific era or storyline.
- Budget Wisely: Set aside funds and remain strategic in your purchases.
- Network: Connect with other collectors, vendors, and experts to share knowledge and resources.
- Enjoy the Process: Remember, the joy is in the journey as much as the destination.
Completing my Amazing Chase, was a labor of love, a testament to the enduring impact of Marvel storytelling. The web-slinger’s adventures have not only entertained generations but also inspired me to pursue all my dreams with passion and determination. As I gaze at all of my comic books items in my Comic Cave, not a Man Cave but a Comic Cave. I am reminded that every “Amazing Chase” is a story worth telling, and Spider-Man will forever be my hero.