Amazing Spider-Man #153
Published and © by Marvel, February 1976
Title: “The Longest Hundred Yards!”
Synopsis: Spider-Man races to help as a football-player-turned-scientist tries to save his daughter from kidnappers. Will either man be in time?
Writer: Len Wein
Penciler: Ross Andru
Inker: Mike Esposito
Review: Based on its cover, this reviewer was expecting this issue to be pretty cheesy. Instead, writer Len Wein delivers a poignant little tale with a surprisingly dark, twist ending. While not a masterpiece, it’s a cut above most done-in-one tales from the era. Both Spider-Man and Peter Parker get nice moments here, but it’s the throwaway supporting character of Dr. Bradley “Boom Boom” Bolton that steals the show. The art by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito is solid if not spectacular, with Andru displaying a nice storytelling touch.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “A so-so character study. … 2 out of 4 stars.” – Don Butler, Comics Buyer’s Guide #1601, February 2005 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: A nice, done-in-one issue.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “D’ya think the rain’ll get the rhubarb wet?” – Peter Parker, master of smooth talk, chatting with Mary Jane
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on April 17, 2010.
