Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys

As my first comic centering on Spider-Man, whereas past stories I had featured him in either a supporting role or small cameo, Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys showcases powerful moments in the hero's life. Collecting issues 88-92 and 121-122 from the first volume of Amazing Spider-Man in the '70s, it focuses on the lead up to and eventual death Captain George Stacy due to a fight between the web slinger and Doctor Octopus, the fallout that paints Spider-Man as a murderer and strains Peter Parker's relationship with Stacy's daughter Gwen, and then later the return of the Green Goblin, the kidnapping and eventual death of Gwen, and the final fight between the two enemies. What makes this collection unique is that the events from these issues is what lead to the end of the lighter Silver Age of Comics to the more serious Bronze Age. The death of both of the Stacys was treated in a very serious way that really affected Spider-Man, whether as a hero or in his regular life. Stan Lee and Gerry Conway's writing does such a great job at balancing the dark pathos with the fun super heroics, though their over-relying on Spider-Man talking or thinking about every situation takes you out of it at times since they don't let the artwork speak for itself. Much of the dialogue is well written, though certain conversations between characters can either feel too sappy or too serious. The artwork and coloring is well done, with good amount of detail such as with the backgrounds or even the fight scenes. With the last two issues having a different penciller and colorist than the earlier ones, you can tell how different 121-122 are compared to 88-92 due to having a darker palette. This is best shown with more detail to shadows in people's faces and the more noticeable anger in Parker's face. Though a huge flaw throughout all issues is that when he wears the mask, Spider-Man's mask doesn't emote how he is feeling and gives the same look despite whatever happens. Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys is a collection of very powerful but very tragic moments in the hero's life and you can tell that everyone involved put their all into it. Over all: 100%
Top list so far for 2nd set of comics:
1. Doctor Who: Free Comic Book Day 2018
2. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Crisis in a Half Shell #6
3. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Crisis in a Half Shell #5
4. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Crisis in a Half Shell #4
5. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Crisis in a Half Shell #3
6. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Crisis in a Half Shell #1
7. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Crisis in a Half Shell #2
8. Spider-Man: Death of the Stacys
9. Howard the Duck Vol. 1 #1
10. Deadpool Kills Deadpool
11. DC Comics Presents: Shazam! #1
12. Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness
13. Wonder Woman: Rebirth (2016) #1
14. The Tick: Free Comic Book Day 2018
15. Free Comic Book Day 2018: James Bond 007-VARGR
16. Free Comic Book Day 2018 Invader Zim: Floopsy Bloops Shmoopsy
17. The Legend of Wonder Woman (2015-2016) #1
18. Free Comic Book Day: The Legend of Korra & Nintendo ARMS 2018
19. Ant-Man (2015) Vol. 1 #1: Second-Chance Man Part 1
20. Batman/The Flash: The Button
21. The Adventures of Superman Vol. 1 #500
22. The Unworthy Thor (2016-2017) #1
23. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #5
24. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #6
25. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #4
26. Thor: God of Thunder Vol. 1 #1
27. Wonder Woman Free Comic Book Day 2017 Special Edition (2017-) issue #1
28. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #2
29. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #1
30. Incredible Hulk (1999-2007) #92: Planet Hulk Part One
31. Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #3
32. Wonder Woman (2006-2011) #1
33. The Astonishing Ant-Man (2015-2016) #1
34. Star Wars: Rogue One Adaptation #1
35. Tate's Not At Comic Con Local Indy Anthology #8