Amazing Spider-Man
Annuals # 11-20
Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 11: "Spawn of the Spider"
Writer: Bill Mantlo
Penciller: Don Perlin
Inker: Jim Mooney
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2

Synopsis:
Desperate for money since Aunt May has been accidentally arrested, Spidey agrees to help a studio film "Spawn of the Spider". The FX man walks out in protest and then a mysterious figure hires a trio of thugs to don the spider exo-skeletons and become the Spider-Squad. They attack the movie set and are driven off by Spidey. Spidey eventually tracks them down to an abandoned farm silo where he defeats them. However, he discovers that the FX man is just another victim as it turns out that the film's producer was responsible for equipping the Spider-Squad.

Jay's Notes:

  • The backup story features John Romita Jr.'s first work for Marvel.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 12
Writer: 
Penciller: 
Inker: 
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ

Jay's Notes:

  • Reprints Amazing Spider-Man #119-120.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 13: "The Arms of Doctor Octopus"
Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciller: John Byrne
Inker: Terry Austin
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ

Synopsis:
An ambitious underling, Jimbo Ryan, takes a chance and steals the plans for Doctor Octopus' latest bit for power. Peter investigates the murder of an undercover agent. Guided by a mysterious benefactor, Peter Parker goes "undercover" and joins Jimbo Ryan's gang. He drops the ruse and switches to his Spidey costume when Doctor Octopus shows up looking to get even with Jimbo. Spidey catches Jimbo, but Doctor Octopus makes his getaway. Peter learns that his mysterious benefactor was actually the ghost of the murdered agent.

Jay's Notes:

  • Apparently this issue continues in Peter Parker Spider-Man Annual #1. I'll have to pick up and see what happened.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 14: "Night of the Bend Sinister"
Writer: Denny O'Neil
Penciller: Frank Miller
Inker: Tom Palmer
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2

Synopsis:
Dr. Doom and Dormammu plot together to empower an underling to bring about the Bend Sinister. Dr. Strange is caught off guard and overpowered, but he's able to send off a call for help which reaches Spider-Man. Spidey gets involved as people are swept up in the frenzy of the Bend Sinister. Spidey defeats the underling before the Bend Sinister can be brought about and Dr. Strange is freed.

Jay's Notes:

  • Reprinted in Marvel Tales #200.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 15: "Spider-Man: Threat or Menace?"
Writer: Dennis O'Neil
Penciller: Frank Miller
Inker: Klaus Janson
Jay's Rating:
JJJ1/2

Synopsis:
Despite the Punisher's best efforts, Doctor Octopus gets his hands (or arms) on a powerful poison that he plans to use to extort the city. Spidey rescues the Punisher, but is unable to catch Doctor Octopus. Spidey faces off against Doctor Octopus in the press room of the Daily Bugle and prevents him from potentially poisoning millions of people. Meanwhile, the Punisher is apprehended by the police.

Jay's Notes:

  • One of this issue's backup features is a ranking of Marvel's most powerful heroes.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 16: "Who's That Lady?"
Writer: Roger Stern
Penciller: John Romita Jr.
Inker: John Romita Sr.
Jay's Rating:
JJJJ

Synopsis:
Spidey has a rather unfriendly first encounter with Captain Marvel and ends up following her across New York City. He eventually learns that Captain Marvel's powers are overloading due to the absorption of an extra dimensional power source that occured when she gained her powers. Iron Man and Spidey work to defuse Captain Marvel's energy without harming her.

Jay's Notes:

  • First appearance and origin of Captain Marvel.
  • Avengers Roll Call: Iron Man, Wasp. Cameos by Thor, Cap, Hawkeye, and She-Hulk.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 17: ""
Writer: 
Penciller: 
Inker: 
Jay's Rating:
JJJJJ

Synopsis:
 

Jay's Notes:
Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 18: "The Scorpion Takes A Bride"
Writer: Tom DeFalco/Stan Lee
Penciller: Ron Frenz
Inker: Jackson Guice
Jay's Rating:
JJJJJ

Synopsis:
J. Jonah Jameson announces his wedding to longtime girlfriend, Marla. The Scorpion gets wind of the news in prison and he breaks out. He kidnaps Jameson's son, John, and then makes an attempt for Jameson's fiancé. Spidey intervenes and takes the Scorpion down. All the while, Jameson struggles with his conscience over the mistakes he's made in the past, particularly in creating the Scorpion. He decides to leave those mistakes in the past and marries Marla.

Jay's Notes:

  • Cameos by Stan Lee, Ron Frenz and Tom DeFalco on the last page, which is a splash page of the wedding.

1985
Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 19: "Fun 'N' Games"
Writer: Louise Simonson
Breakdowns: Mary Wilshire
Finishes: Pat Redding
Jay's Rating:
JJ1/2

Synopsis:
Alistaire Smythe, son of Spencer Smythe, follows in his father's footsteps and sets out to destroy Spider-Man in a new and improved version of his father's Spider Slayer. He kidnaps Mary Jane Watson and she keeps him busy long enough, fooling him into believing that she is Spider-Man, until Spidey can rescue her. Spidey takes out the Spider Slayer and defeats Smythe.

Jay's Notes:

  • First appearance of Alistaire Smythe.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 20: ""
Writer: 
Penciller: 
Inker: 
Jay's Rating:
JJJJJ

Synopsis:
 

Jay's Notes:

Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 21: ""
Writer: 
Penciller: 
Inker: 
Jay's Rating:
JJJJJ

Synopsis:
 

Jay's Notes:
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