Marvel Comics of the 1980s: Spider-Man

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

1984 - Amazing Spider-Man Annual #18

The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #18
"The Scorpion Takes A Bride! (But Not The Way You Think!)"
Script by Stan Lee
Plot by Tom DeFalco
Breakdowns by Ron Frenz
Finishes by Bob Layton and Jackson Guice

Ah, yes. 1984. The simple days. Only three Spidey titles to collect: Amazing Spider-Man, Spectacular Spider-Man, and Marvel Team-Up. Remember when a comic book could actually be fun to read? "What happened to the good ol' days when I only hadda chase after souped-up sedans?" laments Spidey as he chases down some bank robbers escaping by helicopter.

The main thrust behind this story is that J. Jonah Jameson has finally decided to tie the knot with his girlfriend Marla Madison. And of course, Spidey has to drop by and congratulate JJJ in his own unique and infuriating way...

As the wedding approaches, JJJ tries to re-connect with his son, John. Unfortunately, it back fires on him as John isn't emotionally ready to handle his old man getting married, and JJJ's visit enrages Mac Gargan prompting him to escape. And to make matters worse, the Scorpion captures John Jameson and the news ruins Jameson's staff party.

Eager for revenge, Gargan fights his way through Jameson's police protection, but is intercepted by Spidey. Marla gets caught in the middle and Spidey's kept more than busy keeping her away from the Scorpion.

Frenz's breakdown really give this issue a lovely Ditko feel and the finishes by Layton and Guice add a nice layer of polish.

It's a fun, self-contained tale that's Stan Lee's farewell fitting farewell to Jameson's character.