{"product_id":"the-spectacular-spider-man-173-vf-nm","title":"The Spectacular Spider-Man # 173 VF\/NM","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Spectacular Spider-Man #173\u003c\/b\u003e, titled \"Creatures Stirring,\" was published by Marvel Comics in November 1990 (cover-dated February 1991). It is a special Christmas-themed issue that explores a surprisingly human side of one of Spider-Man's greatest enemies. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePlot Summary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe story, written by Gerry Conway and David Michelinie with art by Sal Buscema, focuses on the holiday season in Gotham: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-top: 0in;\" type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eDoctor Octopus's Pilgrimage: On Christmas Eve, Otto Octavius visits Forest Hills, Queens, not to attack, but to secretly watch Aunt May from afar. May is the only person who ever showed him true kindness, and he feels a deep, melancholy connection to her.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eThe Conflict: Spider-Man discovers Octavius peering through May's window and assumes the worst, leading to a fierce battle on the front lawn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eA Holiday Ceasefire: The fight ends abruptly when Aunt May steps outside to investigate the noise. To Spider-Man's surprise, Doc Ock apologizes for the disturbance and peacefully departs, unwilling to ruin May's holiday.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eThe Daily Bugle Party: The issue also features a lighter subplot where Peter Parker attends the Daily Bugle Christmas party. After being taunted by the sleazy reporter Nick Katzenberg, Peter finally loses his cool and dunks Katzenberg into the punch bowl. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eKey Details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-top: 0in;\" type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eCreators: Plot by Gerry Conway, script by David Michelinie, and art by Sal Buscema.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eNotable First Appearance: This issue marks the first appearance of Sargent Blume\u003c\/b\u003e, a character who becomes significant in the \"Trial of the Rose\" storyline.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BattleBuddyComics.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48203977457764,"sku":"BS31","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/7606\/4868\/files\/IMG_2026_04_05_13_01_52_692.jpg?v=1775412215","url":"https:\/\/battlebuddycomics.com\/products\/the-spectacular-spider-man-173-vf-nm","provider":"BattleBuddyComics.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}