Spider-Man believes the "Ancient Tablet" saga is finished. Back in Amazing Spider-Man #68, the Kingpin steals the petrified stone tablet, which is rumored to possess great powers. After a prolonged battle, Spider-Man retrieves the ancient tablet and delivers it to police captain George Stacy. Problem solved, right?

Not exactly. On the very first page of this issue, Spider-Man's old foe the Shocker smashes his way into the Stacy home and steals the tablet. Don't let the quilted costume fool you - the Shocker is a dangerous foe. His vibro-shock gloves allow him to generate powerful vibrations (not electricity, contrary to popular belief) and enable him to throw deadly punches. His vibrating powers also deflect many blows thrown his way, plus his padded costume provides him with a great deal of protection. He first appeared back in Amazing Spider-Man #46 and this is his second appearance. "According to the newspapers, the priceless clay tablet should be in here, since Spider-Man was dumb enough not to keep it, and sell it for himself! But the Shocker has no such scruples!" he declares. However, when he tries to fence the stolen tablet, he learns that no one will buy it. Any would-be buyer wouldn't touch it for fear of crossing paths with Spider-Man, the fence explains.

Peter Parker hears of the theft while riding the bus. As Spider-Man, he swings into action and quickly tracks down the villain, slamming into him with a kick. "I'll give you a hint, man -- it's not Aretha Franklin!" They fight for a while and the Shocker reveals that he has hidden the ancient tablet. The Shocker gets away, but Spider-Man is able to plant a spider-tracer on his back.

After sending Aunt May on a vacation to Florida, Peter goes back on the search for the Shocker. He finds him again and the fight is back on. "I let you live the last time we met, but now, I won't be so merciful!" the Shocker says. They fight again for a couple of pages before Spider-Man webs up his face. That gives him the opportunity to land a solid punch on the Shocker and knock him out. The police come and haul the Shocker away, although the tablet is still missing. "So I finally nailed the shocker...big deal! I'm in the doghouse with Gwen, the tablet is gone again...I forgot to take a single picture of the entire battle! So all I get out of it is some skinned knuckles! In other words, the wonderful Parker luck is still running true to form!" he says.

For the second issue in a row, the main plot is largely run-of-the-mill, even dragging a little. But the subplots make up for it. We get a classic scene with Peter and Gwen Stacy. Flash Thompson, who is serving in the Army, is back in town and runs into Peter and Gwen at the soda shop. He flirts with Gwen and teases Peter, but in a friendly way, not the mean-spirited way he ribbed Peter in high school But Peter blows his top at Flash. Gwen then drops a big one on Peter: "For a boy who's always missing when there's any trouble, it's strange you hostile you can be to a man who's been in combat!" This plays on a scene from Amazing Spider-Man #69 and the notion of "Gwen thinks Peter is a coward" will be a recurring theme. Peter realizes he made a mistake as he leaves the soda shop. "For the first time I my life...I was jealous...I was scared of losing Gwen! And thanks to my stupid temper...I probably did!" Just great stuff here. Once again, the romantic elements are the highlight of the issue, as they often were in the Stan Lee-John Romita years.

Next issue: The ancient tablet storyline kicks back into high gear, as Spider-Man faces the challenge of Man Mountain Marko and Silvermane!

Reviewed by Bruce Buchanan.

Reprinted In:
Spider-Man Comics Magazine (Digest) #7
Spider-Man Essentials IV