Issue(s): Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #67
Cover Date: Jun 82
Title: "Boomerang, the killer who keeps coming back!"
Credits:
Bill Mantlo - Writer
Ed Hannigan - Penciler
Al Milgrom - Inker
Tom DeFalco - Editor

Review/plot:
Boomerang wants to replace Bullseye as the Kingpin's assassin, but bungles a comp mission, killing a mobster that was turning state's evidence, only to learn that the Kingpin had filled him full of false info that he wanted the authorities to get.

But he allows Boomerang to go after Spider-Man on the grounds that he doesn't really care which one of them wins.

Meanwhile, Peter is blaming all his problems on Spider-Man, and he punches a locker. The noise attracts the attention of Debra Whitman, and, worried that she'll see the damage caused by his punch and conclude that he's Spider-Man, angrily sends her away. That awkward arm flailing in the final panel may just be Ed Hannigan's clunky style, but it effectively illustrates Debra's oncoming decent into madness.

Since the Kingpin foreshadowed the fact that Boomerang doesn't have much of a chance against Spidey, i expected this to be a poor man's repeat of Roger Stern & John Byrne's Ringer story from issue #58...

...but Boomerang puts in a better showing than expected.

That said, Spider-Man does win the fight, and even has to save Boomerang from some mob hitmen sent by the Kingpin.

I wouldn't have minded a "Ringer" story but i also would have been open to something establishing Boomerang as a Bullseye-level threat. This however is a middle-of-the-road approach that winds up doing nothing for the character.

Hannigan goes for a Gil Kane approach (needs more nostril) in a scene showing Peter screwing up his school life...

...but makes up for it with this pretty nice place.

Some sex appeal for the ladies.

Quality Rating: C-

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: Marcy says that Peter's study session with her from last issue was "last night". And Peter creates a new costume for himself, after Electro destroyed his last (non-rubber) suit last issue. So this should occur soon after last issue with no other Spidey appearances in between.

References:

• Kingpin notes that Boomerang's resume isn't that impressive, having almost gotten killed by the Hulk circa Tales to Astonish #82, failing to kill Iron Fist in Iron Fist #13, and getting "involved in some fracas in the SHIELD heli-carrier" in Marvel Team-Up #83-84.
  
• Bullseye's defeat in Daredevil #181 left an opening in Kingpin's organization.

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A

Hannigan also seems to be channelling Frank Miller in the Kingpin panels and Will Eisner in the Bugle sign panel.

I counted at least 12 baseball puns in this story which is a dozen too many.

Also, that gas attack panel is a clear swipe from a Ditko panel during the crime master storyline. they are identical panels.

The breath-taking title this issue is actually "Boomerang, The Killer Who Keeps Coming Back!"
It feels like PPTSSM seemed to bunt (that's for you, Kveto :-D ) after Stern left. I love Spider-Man comics, but I can't quite prioritize getting my hands on these. But hey, for sentimental reasons, they are someone's favorites.

Let's just agree not to pair the Spidey mask with Peter's hair, like on the cover? :-D

Fixed the title. Thanks Cecil.