Title - Marked for Destruction by Dr. Doom

Issue - 5

Writer - Stan Lee

Art - Steve Ditko

 

Summary:

After suffering multiple defeats at the hands of the Fantastic Four, Doom concludes that he needs help in order to defeat them. Overhearing a news broadcast condemning Spider-Man, he decides that perhaps Spider-Man is a likely ally. Contacting him via the same wavelength that gives Spidey his spider-sense, he summons him to his lair. Doom offers Spider-Man a chance to work together to destroy the FF but he declines. The two briefly battle but Spidey escapes. Doom however finds another use for Spider-Man and plans to kidnap him and hold him ransom in order to lure the FF. Unknown to Doom, the man he captures is not Spidey but Flash Thompson dressed as Spider-Man in order to scare Peter Parker. Peter unwillingly decides to save Flash's life and sneaks into Doom's lair. The two battle once more until Doom sees that the FF approaching. Unprepared to fight both he flees the scene. The FF arrive but Spidey quietly exits.

 

Comments:

You can't beat the classics. This is one of the most refreshing reads I had in a while. The first thing that struck is how much story used to be put into a comic. You won't find any of that useless padding or dead pacing that is characteristic in the year 2005. I do also miss the days when heroes had to check their equipment! The most striking thing about this story is the opening. Doom openly admits that he cannot defeat the FF on his own. That's not something he says very often. Evidently Doom has yet to build up an ego. Also noteworthy is the way Doom contacts Spidey. I wonder if anyone else has done that since? This issue is obviously not one you can find in the quarter bin however you will find this particular story reprinted easily. My own copy is from the Spider-Man Classics line and I think I bought it for $2. It's worth it. Bottom Line: ***** out of 5

 
 

Notes:

  • Reprinted in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2, Marvel Tales v2 #142, Spider-Man Classics #6, Essential Spider-Man Volume 1, and Marvel Masterworks: Amazing Spider-Man Volume 1 (pictured below)

  • Although Spider-Man declined Doom's offer for an alliance, he would later pretend to take it in Spider-Man / Human Torch #1

  • Other versions of this story: Spider-Man: Chapter One #4-5, Marvel Age Spider-Man #4

 



 

 

 

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