The Amazing Spider-Man #97

Published in 1971, The Amazing Spider-Man #97 is a landmark issue in comic book history, as it was the first of a three-part story arc released without the Comics Code Authority seal of approval. The narrative, penned by Stan Lee, was written at the direct request of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to address the dangers of drug abuse among teenagers, depicting the harrowing reality of addiction through the character of Harry Osborn.

The issue was illustrated by Gil Kane, whose dynamic style helped emphasize the grim tone of the subject matter. While the Comics Code Authority initially rejected the story because it featured drug use, Marvel chose to move forward with publication anyway, arguing that the social utility of the anti-drug message superseded the rigid guidelines of the era. The decision was a watershed moment for the industry, ultimately forcing the Comics Code to modernize its restrictive policies regarding the depiction of social issues.