Issue(s): Amazing Spider-Man #37
Published Date: Jun 66
Title: "Once upon a time, there was a robot...!"
Credits:
Steve Ditko - Plot
Stan Lee - Script
Steve Ditko - Penciler
Steve Ditko - Inker

Review/plot: Normal Osborn's business partner Professor Stromm is let out of jail and he builds robots to try and destroy Osborn's business and kill Osborn, but Spidey stops him.

Stromm is assassinated before he can be taken prisoner.

It's interesting to see that Stan was leaving clues that Osborn was the Green Goblin (in this issue he assassinates Stromm from a window outside a skyscraper, which would have required someone with flying ability) considering how dead set against it Ditko was, by some reports (although it's pretty clear now that Ditko didn't quit Spider-Man specifically over the Green Goblin's identity, which was the original legend). More generally, Osborn is already being set-up as being a little crazy and not a very good father.

I liked this opening shot...

...and the robot designs, but in general Ditko's art is looking a little rushed this issue.

Fredrick Foswell, aka the Big Man in Spidey's earlier issues, plays the role of a stool pigeon called Patch here.

Gwen Stacy drama continues.

Quality Rating: C-

Historical Significance Rating: 3

Chronological Placement Considerations: N/A

References: N/A

Cross-over: N/A

Continuity Implant? N

Reprinted In: Marvel Tales #176