Library Journal
From Spider Man's "birth" in a freak radioactive accident to his later career as the intrepid, wise-cracking crusader for justice, the 13 stories in this collection (including a novella by creator Lee) pay tribute to one of the comics industry's most endearing superheroes. Numerous comics writers and fantasy authors contribute their personal visions, capturing both heavy action and the moral sentiment of the original comics series. This volume should be popular with both fantasy and comics fans.
School Library Journal
YA-Twelve stories written by different authors about the adventures of the Amazing Spider-Man. Much like a baker's dozen, there is an extra treat thrown in: an introduction by the superhero's creator. Lee explains how Spider-Man was serendipitously conceived in the drawing room at Marvel Comics. Then he, along with co-author Peter David, spins the book's first tale of how Peter Parker evolved into a crime-fighting arachnid. In the rest of the stories, as Spider-Man battles supercriminals, a variety of writers use psychological nuance in describing Peter, the ne'er-do-wells he encounters, and the adventures they incur. Illustrations by a variety of artists accompany each story. Biographies of the authors and illustrators conclude a volume that YA fans of comics, light sci-fi, or the action genre will enjoy.-Karen Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
