"Shadow of evils past!"
March 1983
Writer: Roger Stern
Artists: John Romita Jr./John Romita Sr.
In retrospect, Amazing Spider-Man #238 was the most important issue of Spider-Man of the 1980s. At the time though, no one was expecting the birth of a new supervillain who would plague Spider-Man for years to come.
This issue featured the first appearance and origin of the Hobgoblin and set into motion a storyline that would keep readers guessing his real identity for years. That’s right, the real identity of this new antagonist was kept a secret, much like the early appearances of the Green Goblin. Using the familiar but new approach, writer Roger Stern had this new antagonist find a Green Goblin’s weapon cache (you might recall that back in the 1980s, Norman Osborn was still dead) and use these weapons to pick up where the Goblin had left off.
Amazing Spider-Man #238 was a great jumping on point for new readers. Roger Stern, approaching the peak of his run on the title, wove a wonderful story that brought out Peter Parker’s character with a clear and distinct voice. Stern always made great use of Peter’s supporting cast, making them seem far more real and playing stronger roles than the usual cardboard cutouts.
And in the art department, this issue featured the legendary art team-up of John Romita Jr. and John Romita Sr.. Their style is so clean, dynamic, and classic. The Stern and Romita run of the 1980s will always stand as my favorite take on Spider-Man.
Not bad for $0.75 Canadian. Can’t believe that was almost 30 years ago! This issue can be picked up these days for just over $100.
By jaysus. Roger Stern was a gifted writer. As good as Claremont or Byrne, even Simonson. Unsung hero of 80's, remember his run on Avengers? Michelinie was another one.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Stern is brilliant. I can't think of a serious run he did on any character that wasn't among the very best.
ReplyDeleteMy wife got me this one and 239 for valentines day a few years ago. What a great present!
ReplyDeleteHey Bob, that would be a wonderful Valentine's Day present!
ReplyDeleteStern was indeed an amazing writer, unappreciated, but I thought he was probably the strongest Marvel writer of the 1980s.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favourite Spidey-stories ever. A couple of months ago I bought Origin of the Hobgoblin paperback that contains most of the first run of the Hobgoblin mythos. Great stuff!
ReplyDeleteEspecially his avengers Siege storyline with the masters of evil!
ReplyDeleteI ran into Stern at a tiny comic convention in Ithaca, NY about 5 years ago. Very shy and reserved guy but more than happy to autograph this very issue of Amazing Spider-Man for me! I love his Doctor Strange run.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe this is worth a hundred bucks now ... I had it, and like most of my Marvel Comics of the 80s, foolishly sold it years ago. Arghh. That's why reprints are a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a cgc graded (9.4) copy of this one... I wonder if I over paid hmmm..... No matter It's one of my fav issues and glad to have it.
ReplyDeleteMan, I sure miss me some Roger Stern written comic books.
ReplyDeleteWhat would it hurt either of the big 2 to throw this guy an ongoing title? What's the worst that could happen?
Hey Edward, I couldn't agree more. I'd love a Spider-Man Forever title reuniting Stern with Romita Jr that picks up right after they left the title.
ReplyDeletehi, my name is mike , found spider-man #238 at goodwell. bought it for .30 cents . took it to comic book place, told me itv was worth 10.00. is that true,anyone
ReplyDeleteHey Mike, it really depends on the condition. In near mint condition it can be worth up to $100. :)
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