Spider-Oracle Petitions (16-Nov-2009)
From Bernd
Dear almighty Spider-Oracle,
this year's Amazing Spider-Man Annual is numbered as #36. But when I count the annuals of Amazing Spider-Man on this website (volume 1 and 2) I conclude that there have been 37 annuals so far.
When did the numbering miss one? Did they not count the Super Special from 1995? Or what is the deal?
Please, oh so great Oracle, help me out.
Indeed, young supplicant. This numbering abnormality has already been noted and discussed by my disciples, and our reasoning indicates that your surmises are correct. The five 1995 Super Specials do not appear to have been counted as annuals. We will be adjusting the site to correspond with Marvel's thinking on these issues.
From Evin
I noticed on your site that there were Spider-Man comics that came with bubble gum. It reminded me of the very first issue of Spider-Man that I ever remember, it was probably 13 or 14 years ago in a dentist's office and the issue was pretty tattered, so I don't know when it was published, but it was a comic that featured Doc Ock and Spidey duking it out, and in the conclusion it revealed that the reason for Dr. Octopus was up to no good and generally in a foul mood because he'd never been to the dentist and needed to have his teeth cleaned. I remember thinking how silly that was, even then as a 12 year old. Ever heard of this? Nothing turned up of the sort when I searched your site.
The magic search word was "Toothpaste". To be specific, "AIM Toothpaste". That sponsored comic was from 1982, and is entitled AIM Toothpaste: Spider-Man vs. Doctor Octopus. It was the second of two stories sponsored by AIM, the other being AIM Toothpaste: Spider-Man vs. Green Goblin from 1980.
From Anonymous
Can you please tell me which comic had a cover old the Scarlet Spider in the same pose as Spider-man had on the Spider-man #1 (and #13) cover by Todd McFarlane? I saw it a few yrs ago, and I haven't been able to find it since... It wasn't drawn by Todd McFarlane, the artist signed 'after Todd' if I remember correctly. I've tried searching all of the 90's comics, but I couldn't find it...
This is actually from the back cover of a 1995 super-special.
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) Annual 1995 (Story 1)
| Editor: | Tom Brevoort |
| Writer: | David Michelinie |
| Pencils: | Dave Hoover |
| Inker: | Ralph Cabrera |
| Cover Art: | Dave Hoover |
From thxlopez
i love your site. it one of best spidey site in the web. i was wondering it anyone in the staff. can help with a issues answer. the answer is went was asm#252, and asm #300 release. not the publication date, but the actual date, like asm#252 (may) was it release on jan 1984. thx again
I do not believe there is anybody in the world who tracks in detail the history of release dates of comic books. In fact, such a task is not really possible, since there is normally no single "release" date. A U.S. specialty comic store will offer comics for sale several days before my New Zealand based comic store. A newsagent could offer the comic a couple of weeks after that.
However, as a general rule, when a comic book is released, the date on the cover is usually one or two months in the future. For example, a comic book released some time in July will typically have a cover date of August or September. This practice dates back to the earliest days of comics. The publisher intended that the retailer would keep the product on the stands until the end of the indicated month.
From Carl
I have an issue in mind, but I just can't figure out which one it is. Spiderman has an epic fight with... someone and gets captured. The guy who catches him brings him to another villain. I'm thinking it could be Vulture because the endgame is stealing Spidey's youth. He gets strapped into some machine that's going to take his blood, but he secretly clogs it with webbing. I remember the villain is basically being kept alive by life support by this point, so I'm pretty sure he's not the one who fights and captures Spiderman.
I thought this was maybe the LifeTheft arc (386/387/388), but now I think that it's not quite right.
I would have been reading this one in the late 90s... 96/97/98 maybe?
The villain you have mind is Silvermane, and the story is from Web of Spider-Man #80.
From Harry
I am contating you for a proposed student documentary from totton college about fandom and gender specifics in particular fan niches. If you are willing to take part in the form of an interview (via phone, email or face to face), please do not hesitate to contact back.
Foolish Mortal. The Oracle does not speak directly to mere humans - it is far beneath his dignity, but furthermore, direct exposure to the Oracle's omniscience without a trained priest to act as an intermediary could destroy your mind, or worse!
However, I will pass your message amongst the Oracle's Acolytes. Perhaps one of them may find time amongst their duties to communicate with you on such matters. You may also wish to consider investing in a spell-checker if you intend to continue in your studies.
From James
Hi my name is James Frasher from springfield, Ohio. I have several 1995 FLEER ULTRA SPIDERMAN "Team-Ups" cards (Ghost Rider, Daredevil, & Moon Night) & 1995 FLEER ULTRA SPIDERMAN (regular villian/heros) & 1994' 1995' FLEER ULTRA X-MAN/X-FORCE. I also have some BATMAN FOREVER METAL cards too. I understand & Respect the question rules. I just want to ask you for some advice?
Who should I contact regarding prices of how much they could be worth? Should I try to contact MARVEL INC. or FLEER ENTERTAINMENT GROUP INC. or someother source? Well I really appreciate all of your help.
Marvel or Fleer will not reply to questions like that. They have no interest in second hand cards.
My adepts have just added a new F.A.Q. for you: What are my Spidey Trading Cards worth?.
From Miryclay
In your review of Amazing Spider-Man #181, you mentioned not remembering what clue proved Flash wasn't the real Hobgoblin. Take a look at the pictures again, and at the Hobgoblin's costume in this issue. The Real Hobgoblin was wearing the circular chest trigger for his "elctronic barrage" in those days. But Flash's Hobgoblin suit didn't have the trigger. It's right there, even in the issue wear Flash was captured, and there again in the pictures. It's a nice little detail.
I think the whole "who is Hobgoblin" also holds up remarkably well. Especially when compared to some of the ill conceived and poorly executed attempts to copy it over the years.
Indeed, you are correct. I shall instruct my priests further on this matter. They do not share my full wisdom, and from time to time, they err from the paths of sublime knowledge.
This is addressed in Amazing Spider-Man #282, before Jameson observes the commercial for X-Factor.
Robbie identifies that the two photos of the Hobgoblin were taken barely an hour apart, and show that the unmasked-Hobgoblin-Flash is wearing a slightly different costume than before. He adds that he couldn't have changed costumes in that time because Hobby was busy fighting Spider-Man the entire time.
As so often happens, this whole subplot is set aside, as this happens right during the time Flash is broken out of jail. The question of "proving Flash's innocence" takes a backseat to simply "Finding Flash".
From Goldber6
I'm trying to figure out which Spider-man issue this belongs to. The cover shows a "good spider-man" and an "evil spider-man" (an impostor). They are fighting in front of a large window. I believe the Punisher is standing to the side, debating whether to kill them both.
This is a not-uncommon pose. For example Spidey Super Stories #25 with Dr. Doom, or Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #149 with the Jackal, and also Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #162 with Punisher as the "villain" and Nightcrawler as the impostor.
Alternatively you may have a merged memory of Web of Spider-Man #127 (which is Maximum Clonage #2) showing Punisher gunning down Spider-Man & Amazing Spider-Man #404 (which is Maximum Clonage #3) showing Spidey fighting Scarlet Spider.
But I am merely toying with you. The issue you seek is Spider-Man #33, with the other Spider-Man being the Master of Vengeance.
From Peter
Could you tell me in what books Spider-Man first meets: Namor, Doctor Strange and Nick Fury.
Also, I have been searching for a list of first meetings between Spider-Man and other heros and I cannot find anything even close to that. I think that list would be a great resource to put on spiderfan.org.
The first meeting with Doctor Strange is Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2. Namor and Spidey first meet in Daredevil #77. Nick Fury and Spider-Man meet first in Avengers #60, and then not again until Marvel Team-Up #13.
Your offer to compile a list of first meetings is most gratefully accepted.
From Jay Hasell
In your review of Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #599, Norman says he cannot have more children due to the goblin formula, but he did have twins with Gwen. I know that was before Brand New Day, but I feel it should have been mentioned in your comments regarding the issue as a matter of debate.
You perhaps did not notice (and perhaps my reviewer-priests also failed to observe) what I with my omniscience so clearly spotted in in Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #598. It is clear that neither Marvel nor Joe Kelly nor Norman Osborn have forgotten Mr. "G. Stacy", as you will see from this panel.
