I: Feature Story: "The Impossible Escape!"

Pages: 20

Script: Stan Lee
Layouts: John Romita
Pencils: Jim Mooney
Inks: Mike Esposito (credited as Mickey Demeo)
Letters: Artie Simek

Villain: Mack, Gimpy, Duke, Red

Guest Appearance: Gwen Stacy, J. Jonah Jameson, Capt. Stacy, Joe Robertson, Mary Jane, Harry Osborn

Cameo Appearance: Foggy Nelson, Aunt May

Flashback Cameo: Green Goblin/Norman Osborn

Synopsis: (continued from ASM #64)

While Gwen searches for Peter Parker, Captain Stacy stops the mob gathered around the unconscious body of Spider-Man from stripping his mask off. The police take Spider-Man into custody and straight to the prison infirmary for treatment. The police commissioner refuses to take his mask off until the legal issues surrounding Spider-Man's civil rights are sorted out. Foggy Nelson arrives to provide counsel for Spider-Man. Meanwhile, lying in his hospital bed, Spider-Man rouses himself and overhears the discussion outside, and figures he'll lie low and get his energy back before deciding what to do next.

At that very moment, a prison break is occurring. A gang of would-be escapees grabs Capt. Stacy to hold as a hostage. Spider-Man realizes what's going on and decides the best course of action is to bluff the prisoners by trying to join in on the escape. After several tense moments, Spider-Man has to prove his authenticity by appearing to be indifferent to the fate of Capt. Stacy. While Spider-Man starts to plot his next move, Harry is looking for his missing father, Norman, with no luck. He is in such anguish, he completely blows off Mary Jane.

The police realize the prison break is underway and scramble forces to contain it. Spider-Man separates himself from the prisoners in order to turn off the lights and give himself and advantage. Thinking Spider-Man is off to help clear the way for their escape, the prisoners use Capt. Stacy as a shield to push their way towards freedom. The police cautiously lower their arms.

Spidey takes a moment to call Aunt May to reassure her that he's okay, but the attempt just leaves his aunt all the more worried. Spider-Man manages to douse the prison in darkness, then begins to pick off the escapees one by one. He finally gets close to the convict holding Capt. Stacy and webs his eyes shut. Spider-Man is able to escape, leaving Capt. Stacy convinced of his nobility and vouching for his innocence.

--synopsis by Gormuu

--letters pages provided by Gormuu

Issues Reprinted
Amazing Spider-Man #62-67, Annual #5, Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #1-2

Click on cover image to learn more about each issue.