The Amazing Spider-Man #138

The Amazing Spider-Man #138 was published by Marvel Comics in November 1974. It serves as the conclusion to a notable arc involving the Mindworm, a telepathic antagonist who fed on the emotions of others, marking a period in the mid-1970s where writer Gerry Conway explored darker, more psychological themes within the Spider-Man mythos. This issue sits during a transitional era for the title, following the departure of Stan Lee as the primary writer and moving into narratives that often leaned into the gritty, urban anxieties of New York City.

The cover art and interior illustrations were handled by Ross Andru and Frank Giacoia, whose distinct, kinetic style defined much of the series during the mid-70s. Andru was known for his ability to handle complex action sequences and expansive cityscapes, providing a grounded aesthetic that complemented Conway’s focus on Peter Parker’s personal life and internal struggles. The issue is generally regarded by collectors as a standard mid-Bronze Age entry, valued for its place in the sequence of the character's long-running publication history.