Spider-Man recently swung into action in the historic issue of Amazing Fantasy #1000, which celebrates his 60th anniversary. Spider-Man of course made his first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15, all the way back in 1962. A dream team was assembled to help write nine separate stories that commemorate 6 decades of everyone’s friendly neighborhood wallcrawler. The team included comic legends Dan Slott, Kurt Busiek, Jonathan Hickman, and others. This milestone issue did not disappoint, and the 72 pages provided something for everyone. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the highlight stories included.

Just Some Guy 

The first story in this anthology goes back to the basics in more ways than one. Written by Anthony Falcone and Michael Cho, the issue tells a story from the perspective of a petty career criminal by the name of Frankie Fama, who has been thwarted by Spider-Man several times through the years. Franky constantly attempts to take advantage of large-scale supervillain invasions. He hopes that his petty crimes will be ignored. However, one hero always takes the time to stop him no matter what. After one more failed attempt at escaping Spider-Man, Franky asks why the hero even bothers with him as he’s “just some guy.” Spidey simply explains to Franky that, as long as he continues his crimes, he’ll never be ‘just some guy’ to him. 

Sinister 60th 

Dan Slott delivers the highlight story in this book, which involves an elderly Spider-Man facing off against time itself. The issue ironically begins with a 60-year-old Spider-Man facing off against a new younger version of the Vulture. After dispatching the villain, Peter gets a call from MJ, who admonishes him for being late to his birthday dinner. On his way to dinner, the elderly Spider-Man stops to help a purse snatcher. Unfortunately, his reflexes fail him, and he ends up shot and left for dead. As he lays in a hospital bed with his mask half on, he’s visited by citizens who he’s saved through the years. MJ eventually visits and the two have a romantic moment together. As she leaves the room, the EKG flatlines. MJ rushes back in the room only to find that Peter has jumped to the streets below to stop a mugging. 

Something for Everyone 

There are a few other highlight stories, including Kurt Busiek’s “Slaves of the Witch-Queen,” which serves as a sequel of sorts to Amazing Fantasy #15. Jonathan Hickman writes “You Get it,” which focuses on a conversation between the 616 Spider-Man and his counterparts about how bad his luck is. Finally, Neil Gaiman tells his own personal story in “With Great Power…” Neil shares his love for Spider-Man, which he had at a young age. He also recounts the time he first met Steve Ditko. It’s a great story of inspiration and personal growth.