The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #3

The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #3 was published by Marvel Comics in 1966, serving as a significant milestone in the Lee-Ditko era. This oversized issue was designed to expand the scope of the Spider-Man mythos beyond the standard monthly format, utilizing the annual's extra page count to facilitate a massive crossover event. At this point in comic book history, the interconnectedness of the Marvel Universe was becoming a core pillar of the publisher's identity, and this issue functioned as a testament to that shared continuity.

The issue is particularly noted for featuring the first collaboration between Stan Lee and artist John Romita Sr. on a Spider-Man story, marking a transitional period as Romita began to take over art duties from Steve Ditko. The narrative centers on Spider-Man's attempt to join the Avengers, a premise that allowed the creative team to showcase a wide array of guest stars and emphasize Peter Parker's struggle to find his place among established icons. It was received as a major event in the burgeoning Marvel line, solidifying the annual series as a home for high-stakes, ambitious storytelling.