Yesterday's supposed done in one post took a bit longer than anticipated because we got into the history of russian super heroes in Marvel Comics but I hope Today's post for SAL BUSCEMA MONTH will be done quicker as we have the complete original art for SPECTACULAR SPIDER - MAN 169 which is from Sal Buscema's unprecedented eight year run on the title.
As I already explained in Yesterday's HULK post I am trying to do posts that don't require a lot of research this weekend because I will have to spend a lot of time preparing the material for my Sal posts next week.
So I had found the original art for two complete issues of SPECTACULAR SPIDER - MAN on the Heritage Auctions website - which is where I find most original artwork that I use for my posts - issue 142 and issue 169 - and since we have the Puma in issue 169 plus a bevy of former Spider - Man villains turned heroes in issue 169 and they have to go up against the Avengers ( about whom I just wrote two posts for SAL BUSCEMA MONTH to commemorate Sal Buscema's passing ) I picked this one.
Now while I don't want to write any long introductions for this post I think a little roll call for Spider - Man's team of misfits and malcontents is in order for those who are not well versed in spider - lore or only know our spectacular webspinner from the movies, the tv shows or cartoons.
I already mentioned that the Puma's first appearance was in an issue of AMAZING SPIDER - MAN in part one of my last post on Sal Buscema's run on SPECTACULAR SPIDER - MAN but I didn't write that it was in issue 257.
Sandman on the other hand is a member of Spider - Man's rogues gallery from the first hour making his first appearance as early as issue 4 and he has changed from villain to anti - villain to hero a few times since then.
Next we have the Prowler a.k.a. Hobie Brown who first crossed paths with Spider - Man in issue 78 written by Stan Lee and drawn by John Romita whose costume was famously designed by his son John Romita Jr.
Last but not least we have the Rocket Racer who was first introduced in the 172nd issue of AMAZING SPIDER - MAN co - created by Len Wein and Ross Andru and while he looked like a throwaway antagonist to cash in on the skateboard craze at that time he did appear in a few more issues.
So now anybody who wants to read up on this guys knows where to start while we finally come to the good part. And for interested parties who want to continue the story goes of course on in our next exciting issue.
speed of the puma
