From: Fantastic Four #51 by Stan Lee (script) and Jack Kirby (art) Stan Lee and Jack Kirbys time on Fantastic Four in the 1960s is considered one of the definitive creative runs in comic book history, filled with countless iconic moments and new character creations. But arguably no image from this era has generated more of a reaction from the reader than the opening splash page to Fantastic Four #51, aka This Man This Monster. The image depicts a sullen looking Thing, standing in the rain, staring directly at the reader in a way that is both heartbreaking and ominous. The visual speaks to so many things about the Thing, perhaps Marvels most misunderstood monster. The Thing, formerly a man known as Benjamin Grimm, is one of Stan Lees greatest character creations a complex hero that is headstrong, funny, loyal, sarcastic, powerful and destructive. Seeing a visual of this multi-faceted character standing in a driving rain and staring blankly at the reader, elicits a number of reactions, including the desire to keep turning pages to find out what happens next. And thats a good thing, since This Man This Monster, is one of the greatest stories published in the 1960s.
15. Spider-Man No More
From: Amazing Spider-Man #50 by Stan Lee (script), John Romita Sr. (pencils) and Mickey Demeo (inks) Spider-Man has long been one of the comic book worlds most unique superheroes a teenager who accidentally acquired superpowers and initially wanted to use them to become famous before a terrible tragedy made him realize that he was obligated to use his great powers responsibly. As a result, in the early days of Amazing Spider-Man, there were always undertones that the character might one day get pushed too far and bail on his responsibilities. Amazing Spider-Man #50 marked that moment. While the comic is arguably more famous for its iconic Spider-Man No More cover courtesy of John Romita Sr., the interior panel depicting Spideys suit in a garbage can while Peter Parker turns his back on his alter ego, is equally as powerful. The image perfectly depicts Peters anguish and disgust with himself as Spider-Man. The Marvel Age of Comics is notorious for its bait and switches and sensationalized cover images, but Romita and inker Mickey Demeo sell this moment so well, the reader almost buys into the idea that a superhero could potentially quit. But no worries. Peter is back as Spider-Man by the end of the story.
Mark is a professional writer living in Brooklyn and is the founder of the Chasing Amazing Blog, which documents his quest to collect every issue of Amazing Spider-Man, and the Superior Spider-Talk podcast. He also pens the "Gimmick or Good?" column at Comics Should Be Good blog.
