The Amazing Spider-Man #23

The Amazing Spider-Man #23 was published by Marvel Comics in April 1965, during the prolific Silver Age of comics. It features a pivotal encounter between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin, marking the character's second appearance in the series. This issue is a quintessential product of the collaborative partnership between writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, who together established the grounded, angst-ridden tone that distinguished Spider-Man from his contemporaries.

Steve Ditko’s artistic contributions to this issue are particularly notable for their focus on shadow and atmospheric tension, which helped evolve the Green Goblin from a somewhat whimsical antagonist into a more serious threat. The story reflects the broader mid-1960s creative cycle at Marvel, where Lee and Ditko continuously expanded Peter Parker's supporting cast and personal struggles. Upon its release, the issue was well-received by fans of the era for its integration of character-driven drama and superhero spectacle, solidifying the Green Goblin's status as the web-slinger's primary foil.