The Amazing Spider-Man #161

Published in October 1976, The Amazing Spider-Man #161 marks a pivotal moment in the series as the conclusion of the Nightcrawler guest appearance and the lead-up to the return of the Nightshade character. During this era of Marvel Comics, the title was under the editorial guidance of Archie Goodwin, with Len Wein serving as the writer. The creative team aimed to blend traditional superhero tropes with the evolving, grounded atmosphere that defined Spider-Man’s adventures throughout the mid-seventies.

The cover art and interior illustrations for this issue were provided by Ross Andru and Mike Esposito, a prolific duo known for their clear, dynamic action sequences that helped define the visual language of the book at the time. Their work on this specific issue is noted for its character-focused storytelling, emphasizing the internal struggles of Peter Parker alongside the high-stakes conflict. While it is considered a standard entry in the Bronze Age of comics, it remains a meaningful piece for collectors documenting the development of the X-Men's integration into the wider Marvel universe.