Obsessively putting our comics in chronological order since 1985.
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Untold Tales Of Spider-Man #-1
Issue(s): Untold Tales Of Spider-Man #-1
Cover Date: Jul 97
Title: "There's A Man Who Leads a Life of Danger!"
Credits:
Roger Stern - Writer
John Romita Sr. - Penciler
Al Milgrom - Inker
Glenn Greenberg - Assistant Editor
Tom Brevoort - Editor
Bob Harras - EIC
Review/plot: Well, this was a pointless story. It's actually a little damaging - making Peter Parker's parents exotic ruins the "everyman" aspect of his character, although that is the fault of Amazing Spider-Man annual #5, not this issue.. Richard and Mary Parker are spies. Richard was recruited by Nick Fury. Mary worked a desk job at the CIA and started doing field work when Richard started working there. They go to investigate a Baroness Adelicia Von Krupp who turns out to be working for Hydra. This leads them to India, where Wolverine - at this point "Agent 10", working for the CIA - is held captive by Baron Von Strucker, who is dressed like a gimp.
They manage to fight off the goons (who are not wearing Hydra uniforms) and rescue Wolverine, but the Baron and Baroness escape. Then Mary finds out that she's pregnant.
It's cute to do a story about Parker's parents from an UTOS "flashback" issue, but this wasn't really necessary. Nice classic style art by John Romita, Sr.
Quality Rating: C+
Historical Significance Rating: 3 - shows a little of the backstory of Peter Parker's parents. My *sigh* first appearance of Wolverine. Shows a little of the development of Hydra - which is looking pretty sad at this time.
Chronological Placement Considerations: Takes place ~15 years before Amazing Fantasy #15.
References: N/A
Crossover: Flashback
Continuity Insert? Y
My Reprint: N/A
Inbound References (1): showCharacters Appearing: Baron Von Strucker, Wolverine Previous:
Strange Tales #115 (Dr. Strange)Up:
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Doctor Strange: From the Marvel Vault #1
Comments
It's impossible to escape meeting Wolverine in the MU. Past or present the little bastard's always popping up.
Not a great story, but kind of fun. A few nice touches-- Pete's father referring to "the old Parker luck running true to form"; and I did kind of enjoy the story about his angelic parents with their
movie star good looks and the same unflinching do-gooder streak that Petey came to develop after his grim experiences in Amazing Fantasy # 15.
The title is the opening line to Johnny Rivers' classic song "Secret Agent Man".
