Welcome again, Marvelites!
It’s Friday, and that means another installment of our Spider-Man chronology series, titled “The Indispensable Spider-Man”, comes your way. In this series, we list the most important issues of a particular era of the Spider-Man chronology. Once we’re done, together these lists will give you a complete Spider-Man reading order, pared down to the essentials. This includes what is considered the best issues, as well as issues containing important changes to the status quo. We’ve also provided two “levels” of importance, with the most important issues are marked with two asterisks (**), while less important issues that included minor changes not occupying a large portion of the book, or a less essential continuing story from a more important issue are marked with a single asterisk.
Follow us, now, as we take you down memory lane (or, for you first-time readers, maybe time-travel). With the Silver Age winding down, we explore the Spider-Man chronology occupying mostly issues from 1966 to 1971
Spider-Man Chronology from 1966-1971 Features
What makes the cut of the indispensable 1966-1971 Spider-Man Chronology
Naturally Spider-Man big showdown with the Green Goblin makes the cut, as does pretty much every other issue in this era. We see the introduction of Kingpin and the love triangle between MJ, Peter and Gwen. We see Peter choose Gwen, bond with her Father only to have him die during a battle between Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus. Issues focusing on his relationship with Gwen are all featured, such as her (now important) exile in London to her return, which is followed by Peter growing four extra arms. This is an exciting time for the Spider-Man chronology. It acts today almost as a very long origin story, as the fates of the Stacys play nearly as important a role as the death of Uncle Ben for modern-day Peter Parker.
Creators of the 1966-1971 Spider-Man Chronology era
This era of the Spider-Man chronology is marked by being the tail-end of Stan Lee’s great run on his creation. It is well known that the artist did much of the plotting, which clearly makes his time with Ditko and and his time with Romita Sr distinct. John Buscema also fills in occasionally here, and Gil Kane begins his run. Ross Andru, with writers Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway, also appear in this era, though none of his issues make the cut this time.
Titles of the 1966-1971 Spider-Man Chronology era
The Amazing Spider-Man remains the core of the Spider-Man chronology of this era, though Marvel Team-Up is launched at the tail end of this era, just as Stan Lee makes his exit. Still, most of the Marvel Team-Up issues are unimportant to the Spider-Man chronology, though with a few later exceptions.
Events of the 1966-1971 Spider-Man Chronology era
The most important events occurring during this period, which have long-ranging consequences, are many. First among them is the Green Goblin and Spider-Man learning each others identity. Also, Doctor Octopus creates a friendship with Aunt May. The iconic “Spider-Man No More!” story takes place here as the Kingpin is introduced. Peter and Gwen begin to date as Captain Stacy is introduced, and then unfortunately meets his demise.
Collections of the 1966-1971 Spider-Man Chronology era
These early runs that contain so many essential issues get great treatment in terms of reprints, with many formats to choose from. This is the last good run of easy reprint access before the ever increasing number of Spider-Man titles. It’s only until the trade boom of the new millenium that we see this kind of coverage in reprints of the Spider-Man chronology. Here are a few of the most popular trades collecting this era of the Spider-Man chronology :
:Essential Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 2 (Marvel Essentials) (v. 2)
Essential Spider-Man Vol. 3
Essential Spider-Man, Vol. 4 (Marvel Essentials) (v. 4)
Essential Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 5 (Marvel Essentials) (v. 5)
Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 4 (Marvel Masterworks)
Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 5 (Marvel Masterworks)
Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man – Volume 6
Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man – Volume 7
Marvel Masterworks: Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 8 (v. 8)
Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man – Volume 9
Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man – Volume 10
Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man – Volume 11
Spider-Man Chronology in Hardcover
The Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus – Volume 2
The Indispensable Spider-Man Chronology 1963-1966
| Order | Year | Age | Issue | Creators | Details | ** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39.01 | 1966 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #39 ES2 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! Spider-Man Unmasked, Revealed! to Green Goblin | ** |
| 40.01 | 1966 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #40 ES2 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! Spider-Man Unmasked, Green Goblin | ** |
| 41.01 | 1966 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #41 ES2 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! 1st Rhino, Peter buys a Motorcycle | ** |
| 42.01 | 1966 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #42 ES2 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! 1st MJ Watson | ** |
| 43.01 | 1966 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #43 ES2 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! 1st Full MJ Watson, Rhino, Connors | ** |
| 44.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #44 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Lizard, Connors | * |
| 45.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #45 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Lizard, Connors | * |
| 46.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #46 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | 1st Shocker, Peter Moves In with Harry, May with Anna | ** |
| 47.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #47 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | 1st MJ and Peter date, Kraven, Green Goblin, Flash leaves for the Army | * |
| 48.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #48 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Kraven, Vulture | * |
| 49.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #49 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Kraven, Vulture | * |
| 50.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #50 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! Quits! Spider-Man No More, 1st Kingpin | ** |
| 51.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #51 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Kingpin | ** |
| 52.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #52 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | 1st Robbie Robertson, Kingpin | ** |
| 53.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #53 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! Doc Ock Wins | ** |
| 54.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #54 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! Doc Ock Wins, Doc Ock boards with May and Anna, May collapses | ** |
| 55.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #55 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! Doc Ock Wins | ** |
| 56.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #56 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! Doc Ock Wins, Spider-Man loses memory, Peter goes missing | ** |
| 57.01 | 1967 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #57 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | May collapses | ** |
| 58.01 | 1968 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #58 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Spider Slayer, Spider-Man regains memory | ** |
| 59.01 | 1968 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #59 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Kingpin, Peter meets Cpt. Stacy, MJ! | ** |
| 60.01 | 1968 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #60 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Kingpin, MJ! | ** |
| 61.01 | 1968 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #61 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Kingpin, Norman almost remembers Green Goblin, MJ! | ** |
| 62.02 | 1968 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man Annual #5 ES4 OB2 | Stan Lee, Lieber | ** | |
| 63.01 | 1968 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #63 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Wings in the Night, Vulture | ** |
| 64.01 | 1968 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #64 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Wings in the Night, Vulture | ** |
| 65.01 | 1968 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #65 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Wings in the Night | ** |
| 66.01 | 1968 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #66 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Mysterio, Peter dates Gwen | ** |
| 67.01 | 1968 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #67 ES3 OB2 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Mysterio | ** |
| 68.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #68 ES3 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! The Secret of the Petrified Tablet, Kingpin, 1st Randy | ** |
| 69.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #69 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! The Secret of the Petrified Tablet, Kingpin | ** |
| 70.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #70 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! The Secret of the Petrified Tablet, Kingpin | ** |
| 71.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #71 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! The Secret of the Petrified Tablet | ** |
| 72.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #72 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! The Secret of the Petrified Tablet, Flash returns from the Army | ** |
| 73.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #73 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! The Secret of the Petrified Tablet, Connors | ** |
| 74.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #74 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! The Secret of the Petrified Tablet, Connors | ** |
| 75.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #75 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! The Secret of the Petrified Tablet, Connors, Lizard | ** |
| 76.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #76 ES4 | Stan Lee, John Buscema | Lizard | * |
| 77.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #77 ES4 | Stan Lee, John Buscema | Lizard | * |
| 78.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #78 ES4 | Stan Lee, John Buscema | 1st Prowler | ** |
| 79.01 | 1969 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #79 ES4 | Stan Lee, John Buscema | * | |
| 83.01 | 1970 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #83 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Richard Fisk, Kingpin | ** |
| 84.01 | 1970 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #84 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Richard Fisk, Kingpin | ** |
| 85.01 | 1970 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #85 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Richard Fisk, Kingpin | ** |
| 87.01 | 1970 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #87 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Revealed! Unmasked to friends, Prowler dresses as Spidey | ** |
| 88.01 | 1970 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #88 ES4 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Best! Death of Captain Stacy, Doc Ock | ** |
| 89.01 | 1970 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #89 ES4 | Stan Lee, Kane | Best! Death of Captain Stacy, Doc Ock | ** |
| 90.01 | 1970 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #90 ES5 | Stan Lee, Kane | Best! Death of Captain Stacy, Revealed! by Cpt. Stacy, Doc Ock | ** |
| 91.01 | 1970 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #91 ES5 | Stan Lee, Kane | Death of Captain Stacy aftermath, Gwen blames Spider-Man | ** |
| 92.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #92 ES5 | Stan Lee, Kane | Death of Captain Stacy aftermath | ** |
| 93.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #93 ES5 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Gwen leaves for London | ** |
| 94.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #94 ES5 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | May kidnaped by Beetle | * |
| 95.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #95 ES5 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Peter goes to London to find Gwen | ** |
| 96.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #96 ES5 | Stan Lee, Kane | Best! Return of the Green Goblin, Norman remembers, MJ flirts with Peter | ** |
| 97.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #97 ES5 | Stan Lee, Kane | Best! Return of the Green Goblin, MJ dumps Harry, Harry overdoses | ** |
| 98.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #98 ES5 | Stan Lee, Kane | Best! Return of the Green Goblin, Gwen returns | ** |
| 99.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #99 ES5 | Stan Lee, Kane | * | |
| 100.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #100 ES5 | Stan Lee, Kane | Best! Six Arm Saga, Quits! | ** |
| 101.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #101 ES5 | Thomas, Kane | Best! Six Arm Saga, 1st Morbius, Lizard | ** |
| 102.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #102 ES5 | Thomas, Kane | Best! Six Arm Saga | ** |
| 103.01 | 1971 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #103 ES5 | Thomas, Kane | Gog, Kraven, Peter, Gwen and JJJ go to Savage Land | * |
| 104.01 | 1972 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #104 ES5 | Thomas, Kane | Gog, Kraven | * |
| 105.01 | 1972 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #105 ES5 | Stan Lee, Kane | Spider-Slayer, Flash returns from Army, Harry returns from hospital | ** |
| 106.01 | 1972 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #106 ES5 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Spider-Slayer, Revealed! Spider-Man's Face Exposed | ** |
| 107.01 | 1972 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #107 ES5 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Spider-Slayer | ** |
| 108.01 | 1972 | Silver | Amazing Spider-Man 1st series #108 ES5 | Stan Lee, Romita Sr | Flash's Vietnam Story | ** |
As with all of our lists, we invite you to share your thoughts on what should or shouldn’t be included, and to what degree. Drop us a line in the comments for changes to this era, which will be reflected in our larger Spider-Man Chronology list here: