The deaths of Gwen Stacy and the Green Goblin continue to reverberate through Amazing Spider-Man. Given the quality and magnitude of those stories, most fans probably wouldn't have noticed or complained if the creative team had coasted through a few months' worth of sub-par material. Instead, writer Gerry Conway and artists Gil Kane and Ross Andru produce another classic with the two-part story beginning here in issue #124.

John Jameson, the astronaut son of J. Jonah Jameson, has been an occasional supporting character going all the way back to Amazing Spider-Man #1. Unlike his blustering father, John Jameson is a levelheaded guy who realizes that Spider-Man is a hero. But Issue #124 marks an important turn in the character's life, as well as the introduction of a major new Spider-Man villain: the Man-Wolf. Part 1 of this two-issue story arc begins with a continued focus on the death of Norman Osborn. Spider-Man angrily tears through a stack of newspapers on a street corner, a heavy rain reflecting his internal mood. He questions why Osborn's secret identity as the Green Goblin hasn't been discovered (in the previous issue, a mysterious man takes the costume from Osborn's body before police arrive. But Spidey doesn't know that." Spider-Man also is understandably upset at the Daily Bugle's biased coverage of the events. A Bugle headline trumpets, "Spider-Man murders prominent businessman," despite no evidence to support that serious accusation.
Little touches like these both emphasize the importance of the previous storyline and foreshadows Harry Osborn's impending transformation into the second Green Goblin. This type of serial storytelling unfortunately has become something of a disappearing art in many modern comics, but Conway was an absolute master at it.

Over at the Bugle offices, John Jameson visits his dad with some good news - he is engaged to a young woman named Kristine. However, he hasn't been feeling well and he tells his dad that he must have the flu. However, the glowing red stone around his neck actually has much more do to with his illness. Later that night, a young man, whose face is hidden by shadows, makes the agonizing transformation into the Man-Wolf. As in classic monster movies, it's clear the man can control neither his transformation nor his actions while he is in werewolf form. The Man-Wolf crashes through the window of J. Jonah Jameson's office and makes a menacing move toward the terrified publisher. Flash back a few moments. Peter Parker reads another biased Daily Bugle article blaming him for Norman Osborn's murder. He's had enough of the Bugle's yellow journalism and, in a rage, swings off to confront J. Jonah Jameson. "You want me guilty - you want me a madman - you've got it!" he declares. However, by the time he arrives, he has calmed down and instead saves Jameson from the Man-Wolf. The two fight and the monster wounds Spider-Man by scratching him across the chest. With Spider-Man stunned, the Man-Wolf turns to Jameson. But instead of attacking, the Man-Wolf looks at Jameson as to ask for help. Jameson notices the red stone around the Man-Wolf's neck and makes the stunning connection to his own son. When Spider-Man recovers, Jameson adamantly refuses to allow Spider-Man to pursue the creature, even threatening to falsely blame Spider-Man for assault if he does. However, the Man-Wolf didn't get the memo that he wasn't supposed to stalk Spider-Man. The story ends with a cliffhanger, as the Man-Wolf leaps to attack Spider-Man.

This issue also contains some interesting plot developments for Peter Parker as well. Peter tries to return to class, but finds his thoughts drifting back to Gwen. He's also borderline paranoid of the attention his fellow students are giving him. He feels he's constantly being watched and pitied as the poor guy whose girlfriend died, when all he wants is to be left alone and return to his normal life. In fact, he's so bothered and distracted that he gets up and leaves the classroom. When Mary Jane and Flash try to make some friendly conversation, Peter snaps at them and storms off. "Bug off, both of you!" Peter says. "I have had it up to here!"

Man-Wolf went on to become a hero of sorts in some minor titles like Creatures on the Loose and Marvel Premiere, although he hasn't been seen very often in recent years. Later, John Jameson largely got his lycanthropy under control and became a pilot for the Avengers.

One very cool note about this two-part story: It was adapted for a 1974 comic book/45 rpm record combo released by Power Records. These items are rare finds, so if you have one, hold on to it!

This was artist Kane's final issue. Kane's run only lasted five issues after taking over from the legendary John Romita - but they certainly were a memorable five issues. Starting with issue #125, Ross Andru takes over the penciling chores and will remain on the job for the next 60 issues.

Next issue: The conclusion of the Man-Wolf saga, a new artist and more developments on the Green Goblin front. Sounds like a recipe for fun!

Reviewed by Bruce Buchanan.

Reprinted In:
Marvel Tales #101