From his debut in August 1962’s Amazing Fantasy #15, Peter Parker — better known as the Amazing Spider-Man — has thrilled audiences worldwide in comics, movies, cartoons and much more!

This spectacular, full-colour book charts the career of Spider-Man from his four-colour-comics days to his big-budget blockbuster present, taking in every aspect of the phenomenon, including rare images of merchandise and unseen artwork from the cartoons!

Renowned Spider-Man expert Steve Staffel combines a wealth of arcane knowledge and incredibly rare archive material to create the essential book for every Spider-fan!From his modest 1962 debut in Amazing Fantasy #15, Peter Parker — better known to readers as the web-spinning Spider-Man — has evolved from underdog to international icon. Along the way he’s thrilled entire generations through the comics, cartoons, movies, and tons of spectacular toys.

Spider-Man: The Icon traces that unlikely evolution. A lavishly illustrated chronicle, it charts the wall-crawler’s career from counter-culture figure to motion picture superstar, visually portraying every aspect of the web-spinning phenomenon. This deluxe celebration of the ultimate super hero includes insights from key comic book writers and artists, photos of rare, vintage collectibles, and a vast array of scintillating imagery from the comics, cartoons, television series, and movies.

In doing so, it also traces the history of popular culture over the last five decades.

Full Contents:

Foreword By Stan Lee

Introduction

The New Amazing! The 1960s
From his debut as an unlikely hero in a cancelled title, Spider-Man fought against the odds to become a counter-culture icon and one of the most recognized characters in a turbulent decade.

An Exploding Icon The 1970s
Having beaten the odds to become a household name — with three live action television series — the web-spinner struggled with newfound fame and fortune, and faced his greatest rival.

Amazing Friends and Secret Wars The 1980s
The decade started with a well-established staus quo, but thanks to two new animated series, the first universal crossover, and the emergence of the artist as a rock star, nothing remained sacred.

Taking Stock The 1990s
More than ever comics became big business, and Spider-Man found himself at the forefront as a corporate symbol. Then unexpected battle lines were drawn that would change an entire industry.

The Ultimate Media STAR 2000 to date
With the launch of the ultimate Marvel and the conquest of the big screen, the wall crawler took one step back — returning to his roots — and three steps forward, to become the premiere super hero.

Acknowledgements
Index

Comics Art · Spider-Man
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