Continuing my Mantlo re-read...
Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-Man #72: This works really well as a prelude to the Doctor Octopus saga. Probably Mantlo's best issue yet, as he focuses on a kid who develops the wrong kind of interest in supervillains just when Doc Ock has escaped.
A+
Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-Man #73-76: The Owl/ Octopus war is one of Mantlo's best arcs, with some big moments (Black Cat becoming a recurring figure as Spider-Man's sidekick), and nods to the Master Planner saga. A psychatrist's decisions are a bit fishy,
and has been criticized in reviews, although Peter remains suitably skeptical.
A
Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-Man #77: The Gladiator story is so-so, but the set-up to a big rematch between Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus is excellent.
B+
Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-Man #78-79: A satisfying conclusion to Mantlo's big story, as Peter prepares for an issue long fight with his greatest enemy. The set-up and payoff work just as well.
A+
Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-Man #80: The Jonah spotlight borrows very liberally from Miller's Daredevil/ Eisner's The Spirit, especially the stories where side characters try to save the day, without anyone's interference.
Peter Parker the Spectacular Spider-Man #81-83: A sudden swerve in Punisher's motivations is a bit jarring, although it raises some interesting questions for Peter, and we do have to keep in mind that this was an earlier version of the Punisher, mainly seen as an antagonist for Spider-Man and Daredevil.
And I read some Conway....
Amazing Spider-Man #132-133: A story with a lot of impact on Spider-Man's continuity, as Liz Allen and the Molten Man return, and a connection is revealed between the two. It contrasts with the more sympathetic take on Molten Man in the bronze age, and sets up follow-ups that rehash the plot here, as Molten Man is dying, but it is a satisfyingly dramatic situation.
B
Giant-Sized Superheroes #1: A team-up between Morbius and Man-Wolf is just really generic.
C
Amazing Spider-Man #134-135: The return of Punisher and the debut of Tarantula feature way too many coincidences but some interesting challenges for Jonah, on the hook for terrorist's demand, and Peter, who has to keep his secret identity safe when he and his friends are held hostage. Also has some good set-up with Harry.
B+
Amazing Spider-Man #136-137: As a big fan of the DeMatteis Harry Osborn saga, it's surprising how much of it was done first here. And done pretty well. It's a two parter that has ridiculous flourishes (nuclear bombs) but sets up one of the best Spider-Man foes ever/
A
Amazing Spider-Man #138: The Mindworm isn't the greatest Spider-Man enemy, but he has suitably sympathetic, and this tale takes Peter out of his element (to Far Rockaway in Southern Queens) while building his friendship with Harry. Solid standalone.
B
Amazing Spider-Man #139-140: The Grizzly's not exactly an A-lister, but he's not meant to be. It's a solid story of Jonah getting his comeuppance elevated by the return of the Jackal.
B