This is a truly unique series, short though it was, in that each and every issue contained stories that were all written and drawn by the same two talents.... Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. It was a continuation from Marvel's first, "Amazing Adventures" series, incorporating the word, "Adult" in the title and the blurb, "The Magazine That Respects Your Intelligence" prominently on each cover.
This would prove to be an ultimately futile attempt to draw attention from some slightly older readers in addition to the children that at that time composed the primary comic-buying demographic.
#14 was the final issue, #15 dropping the word, "Adult" and introducing a new super-hero called, "Spider-Man". The death song of this title had already been written, and since #15 would be the final issue regardless, Martin Goodman allowed Stan Lee to place within it a story about a lonely teenager who was bitten by a radioactive spider. Mr. Goodman was certain that the book would report dismal sales.... after all, who wants to read a comic book about something as creepy as a boy bitten by a spider? But, what did it really matter? #15 would end the series anyway.
This is the title that would be renamed, "Amazing Adult Fantasy" after only 6 issues, and would introduce and feature the first Marvel-age hero, Dr. Droom. Later renamed Dr. Druid, this character was revived several years later and was briefly featured in a new ongoing series in "Weird Wonder Tales". Several years later, he procured a membership in the Avengers. But then, didn't everybody....?
For many years, this series was overlooked by most collectors. Which is a shame because both the art and stories are very much worthy of attention. I'm trying to complete the run in minimum graded 9.6. Do you have any not displayed below? These are the ones that I have at present.
One the earliest Atlas horror titles, and the first Marvel era title to reach #100.
Timely, Atlas, And Marvel era
