Best of Spidey Super Stories (1978)
đ️ Genre
All-Ages Superhero, Action, Adventure, Educational Comics
đŠž♂️ Main Characters
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Spider-Man / Peter Parker – The friendly neighborhood hero known for his wit, web-slinging, and sense of responsibility
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The Cat (Greer Grant Nelson) – A female superhero who later becomes Tigra
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Electro – A classic Spidey villain with electric-based powers
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The Green Goblin – One of Spider-Man’s most iconic and menacing enemies
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Dr. Octopus – The brilliant but twisted scientist with mechanical arms
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The Invisible Woman – Guest appearances from other Marvel heroes added charm and connectivity
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Morgan le Fay – A mystical villain from Arthurian legend making unique appearances
✍️ Writer
The stories were collaboratively written, often by Jim Salicrup, with input from the Children's Television Workshop, ensuring simplicity and moral clarity suitable for young readers.
đš Artist
The bright, expressive artwork was crafted by various Marvel talents including:
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Win Mortimer – Known for his clean, cartoon-inspired style
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Marie Severin – Celebrated for her dynamic and humorous visual storytelling
đ Editor Details
Jean Thomas, then-wife of Marvel legend Roy Thomas, edited the Spidey Super Stories line. She ensured the tone stayed educational, inclusive, and child-friendly.
đą Publisher and Brand
Published by Marvel Comics in collaboration with Children’s Television Workshop (the team behind Sesame Street), this series was a unique part of Marvel's outreach into educational content. It did not belong to a sub-brand like Marvel Knights or Ultimate Marvel, but was distinctive due to its collaboration with public television.
đ Release Year
1978
đ Brief Plot Summary
Best of Spidey Super Stories (1978) compiles some of the most beloved tales from the Spidey Super Stories series — a comic book line aimed at younger readers, originally spun off from segments featured on the Electric Company TV show. These stories follow Spider-Man as he tackles villains in short, self-contained episodes. The comic simplifies traditional Marvel plots, eliminating dense continuity in favor of accessibility and educational themes.
Whether it’s defeating Electro with clever thinking or teaming up with heroes like the Invisible Woman, Spidey uses brains, bravery, and banter to save the day. Unlike darker Spider-Man titles, these stories are wholesome, humorous, and designed to spark a love for reading.
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
While the comic mostly featured standalone tales, several stories stood out:
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"The Queen Bee" – A rare villainess who hypnotizes people using sound waves
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"Spidey vs. The Spoiler" – An original villain who ruins fun and surprises—an allegory on spoiling stories for others!
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Team-ups with Marvel heroes – Occasionally, Spider-Man would work with characters like Captain America or the Invisible Woman, making this series a gentle introduction to the broader Marvel Universe.
đ§ Fan Theories or Interpretations
Though targeted at kids, fans have enjoyed reading between the lines:
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Some readers speculate that Spidey Super Stories represents an alternate, softer universe within the multiverse, dubbed “Earth-57780.”
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The overly theatrical villains and fourth-wall-breaking humor have drawn comparisons to early Deadpool or Silver Age exaggeration.
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The lack of Peter Parker’s personal drama led some to view this Spider-Man as a “purified essence” of heroism—unburdened by loss or inner conflict.
đ§ Review Summary
Best of Spidey Super Stories is a delightful throwback to a time when comics could be simple, silly, and sincere. đš The artwork is bright and inviting, with exaggerated expressions and straightforward layouts that help emerging readers follow the action easily. ✍️ The stories, while simple, often carry moral lessons—courage, fairness, problem-solving—without becoming preachy.
While seasoned comic readers may find the plots too basic, this collection holds undeniable charm and historical value. It’s a perfect entry point for young fans or nostalgic readers looking for a smile. đđž️
đ·️ Swing back into classic fun with this light-hearted gem from the golden age of kids’ comics!
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
