Comic Book Minute with Josh Onimus:Amazing Spider-Man #96-98 (How Stan Lee changed the Comics code)

Amazing Spider-Man #96-#98 “…And Now, The Goblin!”, “In the Grip of the Goblin!”, “The Goblin’s Last Gasp!” Writer: Stan Lee Penciler(s): Gil Kane Inker(s): John Romita, Frank Giacoia ,Tony Mortellaro Letterer(s):Artie Simek , Sam Rosen

Today we discuss the controversial three-part story arc that began in Amazing Spider-Man #96 in May 1971, This is the first “above ground” comic book to be published without the clearance of the Comic Book Authority Code. At the time of its publication, the Code was strict on depicting drug use in comics, and that any works that featured the use of drugs (regardless of context) would be rejected. Since this story dealt with the negative aspects of drug use and depicts people suffering drug overdoses from drug use, the code rejected the story. Stan Lee felt that the story (which reflected drug use in a negative light) was too good to pass up, and had the story published without Code approval. The story was a milestone story, and due to its success, its publication ultimately led to the loosening of restrictions that the Comic Authority Code imposed on creators in terms of story content. I hope you enjoy my look back at Stan’s defiance of the code and the lasting impact on the industry it had! A very special thank you to my guest Patrick Hickey Jr for the audio voiceover for Stan Lee!! Thank you for watching!