Amazing Spider-Man Vol II #26 (467)

Amazing Spider-Man#26
Plot:This issue delves into the relationships between fathers and sons. Specifically, Spider-Man’s relationship with his father, Richard Parker, and the Squid’s relationship with his father, Mike Callahan. Peter asks his Aunt if she knows how to get ahold of Mike as he was Richard Parker’s best friend. She does, and Peter seeks him out. The Squid also seeks out Callahan and a struggle ensues between Spidey and the Squid. (NOTE: The Squid’s first and only appearance prior to this story was in the classic Peter Parker: Spider-Man #16…one of the best Spidey stories ever!)
Likes:The character development in this issue is really top notch. For all of Marvel’s claims of superior character development of their characters, two of Peter Parker’s most important supporting characters have been almost totally ignored for 38 years…his parents!!! It’s nice to see that he actually has feelings for his parents here. I hope that his parents are explored in depth during 2001. I also like the Squid, corny though he may be!
Dislikes: I realize that the Squid doing well against Spidey here had a purpose, but I really would have liked Spidey to have gotten in a victory against somebody this issue…maybe some of the Squid’s buddies in the Wicked Brigade could have shown up for a gratuitous beating or something.
Rating:Great on characterization, weak on Spider-Thrills. Both are important parts of any Spidey story, so I give this issue  out of four web-heads.