Spider-Man in the Swamps of the South
Another issue of Amazing Spider-Man another introduction of a classic villain for the ages, this time featuring the tragic figure of the Lizard. Stan Lee does a great job creating a memorable and tragic villain and Steve Ditko does some solid work to give him a horrific look befitting the monster he is taken for.
The focus of this story is very much on Peter Parker’s attempts to bring back the good man that The Lizard was, Curtis Connors, before his transformation and the degeneration of his brain into something more animalistic and monstrous. As soon as Parker learns of the good man Curtis was he works towards transforming him back instead of seeking to confront and defeat him. It’s a continuation of the work done to build Peter Parker as a very relatable and heroic figure. It is the combination of his powers, his character and his intelligence that allow him to overcome his foe and save the day. It’s good development for both Parker and a strong narrative crux for The Lizard so well done Mr Lee. My only question going forward is why does The Lizard return? Is Peter’s serum not a permanent solution, or does Connors restart his experiments?
The art was nothing special but was never bad. Ditko did a good job with the swamp setting, never letting us forget that Spider-Man was out of his element and on enemy terrain here. The final fight was also quite well drawn, and got some good time allotted to it but it lacked the framing and imagination of a Kirby fight and the destructive detail of Heck’s work. The character work was all acceptable if not exceptional as well. Not one of the strongest efforts by Ditko but it was decent and never let down the story.
Lee and Ditko have introduced another great villain, without losing sight of the need to develop Peter Parker as a character. I think the 20+ page format of Amazing Spider-Man really gave them an advantage over some of the other stories Marvel was putting out at the time and it is rare that they fail to use that time constructively. Only time can tell. This is a great comic and is one well worth reading. I highly suggest you seek it out.
My Husband, Dr. Curtis Connors -- Is The Lizard!
Martha Connors
