Spider-Man #21, published in April 1992, is a fan-favorite issue from the "Copper Age" of comics. It is most famous for debuting the iconic "Cyborg Spider-Man" look.
The Story: "Dealing Arms"
Part of the six-issue "Revenge of the Sinister Six" arc, this story was both written and illustrated by Erik Larsen.
- The Transformation: After getting brutally beaten by the Sinister Six in the previous issue, Peter Parker is "repaired" by a scientist at Care Labs. He is fitted with a cybernetic eye-patch and a robotic arm cast to help him keep fighting despite his injuries.
- The Mission: Cyborg Spidey teams up with the heavy-hitters Deathlok and Solo. They track the Sinister Six to an alternate dimension where the villains are stealing advanced alien weaponry to conquer Earth.
- The Villain Flip: While the Sinister Six are the main threat, this issue shows Doctor Octopus solidifying his role as a cold-blooded leader, even being willing to sacrifice his own teammates to succeed.
Why Collectors Want It
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First Appearance: This is the first full appearance of the Cyborg Spider-Man design, which has since become a popular skin in video games (like Marvel's Spider-Man) and has its own action figures.
- Action-Packed Art: Erik Larsen’s hyper-detailed, energetic '90s art style is at its peak here, featuring massive explosions and tech-heavy character designs.