I was blogging this on the strength of the cover; I wasn't expecting bangers here!

It's a Patrick Olliffe cover, for Amazing Spider-Man Family #3: the guy did Untold Tales of Spider-Man and still has it! But, it's covering a solid package of tales, some of which maybe even weren't reprints?

J.M. DeMatteis and Val Semeiks come out swinging (boo!) with "The Punch." Set very early after Peter first became Spider-Man, he fantasizes about giving Flash Thompson the what-for; until he accidentally wrecks a guy knocking over a convenience store. (Or 'bodega,' I guess; I've never been to NYC!) It looks like a Sal Buscema punch, which is great for hitting the Scorpion or the Rhino, but does a number on a regular person. As you can guess, Peter's pretty distraught after that one, especially when he tries to visit the guy in the hospital and just scares him more! Still, Aunt May puts him back on the right track, with Uncle Ben's video collection--no, not like that! It's a bunch of action movies, but Peter remembers what Ben told him about heroism; and later puts his spider-strength to better use, saving bystanders from a falling crane, including the attempted robber, who is also inspired to turn it around. And, it ends with a conversation between Peter and Flash, that maybe makes their later friendship make more sense.

Next, a couple alternate reality stories: a "Mr. and Mrs. Spider-Man" tale, with the titular couple taking May to the emergency room...and recognizing the Rhino, plainclothes, bringing in his nanna! ("Common Ground," written by Tom DeFalco, art by Todd Nauck.) And, a bit of silliness, with "the Amazing Spider-Ma'am," an Aunt May that knew her nephew's secret, but played along. (Written by Abby Denson, art by Colleen Coover.) Then, one I think from the Marvel Adventures line, "Bridge and Tunnel" A snowy evening on the subway is made a mess when Spidey tries to catch a nickel-and-dime crook with a remarkable propensity for fleeing, and usually fleeing directly into the path of danger. The kind of guy that would run away from Spidey, directly into oncoming traffic. (Written by Stuart Moore, pencils by Val Semeiks, inks by Mark Irwin.)

But, I was most impressed with the last reprint: all of "Best of Enemies" from Spectacular Spider-Man #200! (Written by J.M. DeMatteis, art by Sal Buscema.) This would be the final battle between Spidey and the Harry Osborn Green Goblin, and it's a classic...that gets stepped on later for Brand New Day to bring Harry back like nothing happened. I'm behind on my current continuity, I think Harry's died again since maybe.