“Interruptions” We’re back on the trail of the Hobgoblin. Problem is, as we’ve seen before, it’s not easy to find- and this time, the crime he begins investigating leads him to an even more powerful menace. Just like “Confrontations” starts with a confrontation- Peter versus the results of his test, which aren’t posted, Dean Sloan popping up, then Lance Bannon tracking down Parker- and keeps going with that idea, you’ll find an issue based on interruptions, here. Nose Norton’s grooming is interrupted by a creeping Spider-Man, who’s interrupted also his plans to cash in on a secret item beneath his bed! Spider-Man’s going to interrupt its exchange, Frog Man’s – Frog Man!- then an interruption of the collar. This is what Spider-Man means by real consequences in the wake of Eugene’s bumbling heroism! And he would know about that! The gang interrupts the security wagon, and Spider-Man interrupts the pay-off- but again, a villain’s scheme has, at least for part one, paid off. I...

“The Daydreamers” A person’s daydreams would provide intense insight into a person’s self-concept, and I wrap this up with the single issue you could really call experimental in form, as it’s the only one of its kind in Amazing Spider-Man! I mean, they’re trying some O.P.O. (Other People’s Opposition), but the stories themselves are not experimental, but solidly reliable Spider-work. Here is the one chance they took creating an issue some folks might hate on the principle that nothing really “happens,” betting it’d be what most readers would truly appreciate, as we are hitting a phase at Marvel where “down time” is being honored and welcomed, at least in the letters pages. We’re early in the day I planned to write on “Daydreamers,” and first thing I have to say, as my wife lies dreaming a few feet away, is Roger and John really turn the camera around to catch you on this one! They know that, not only the reading experience, but the quality of daydreams the characters inspire,...

“Raw Power: The Donovan Hobgoblin tears open Manhattan!” Standing on the ceiling is part of who Spider-Man both is, and part of his problem approaching the police: he’s blatantly unorthodox! Receptionist Ms. Smithers- a nod to Jan Smithers, a.k.a. Bailey on WKRP?- doesn’t know quite how to dismiss or delay this unnerving presence. He gets attention, but without his full cooperation and accountability- especially, just what IS being stolen here- he’s going to find D.A. Tower unsure of trusting him. Part of that problem is, he’s sure Spidey’s not cluing him in fully, but yeah, Avengers Clearance would be different! The meeting between the D.A. and Spidey is a perfect recap that suits the plot. Spidey’s trying to figure how to use police information, when he won’t share the crucial information that would tip Norman was the Green Goblin. Nothing of value’s been noticed missing, as District Attorney Tower reports. The Hobgoblin’s very existence is really a secret to the publ...