An exhibition focused on Marvel’s Amazing Fantasy #15, which saw the debut of Spider-Man back in 1962, arrives at the Silk Museum in Macclesfield next week.

The free exhibition, first on display in Britain at last year’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival, opens at the at the Silk Museum in Macclesfield on the 15th February and runs up to March 2nd 2024. It’s the the first Macc-Pow event outside of their fantastic festival weekend. (The Festival returns to Macclesfield on Saturday 22nd June).

Entitled “Amazing Fantasy #15 – The Comic That Changed it all!”, the exhibition centres on the comic first published by Marvel Comics in August 1962, a classic work written by  Stan Lee, drawn by Steve Ditko, which contained a story simply titled “Spider-Man” which was destined to change the world of American comics and fandom forever.

Steve Ditko’s original ink art for this entire comic is now stored safely in the Library of Congress, in Washington DC, donated mysteriously before his death in 2018.

The exhibit features facsimiles of these spectacular pages, double the original comic book page size as per the original artwork. Photographed in such a way, you would be forgiven for thinking you were looking at the actual originals, and you’ll definitely get that sense and (spider?) tingle when you do!

It consists of 24 boards, and as well as the actual drawings themselves, they feature the original art pencil comments/notes for Steve, from Stan the Man himself!

“This is an opportunity to gaze upon one of (if not the) Holy Grails of comic art, and it’s in Macclesfield no less!” Macc-Pow organiser and cartoonist Marc Jackson enthuses.

“This is an incredible coup for our festival, and we can’t wait to invite you to see this. During its stay, there will be many themed activities over half-term, including comic art drawing (but of course) special cartoon screenings, a film, and lots of ways to weave the threads of this comic, into the history of the Silk Museum itself.”

• Amazing Fantasy #15 – The Comic That Changed it all 15th February – 2nd March 2024, The Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6TJ | Free | Web Details Here

• Macc-Pow 2024 Saturday 22nd June 2024, Macclesfield, Cheshire | Latest Information: Facebook| Web: maccpow.co.uk

MACC-POW! takes place in the heart of Macclesfield in Cheshire, bringing you the very best in comic art from around the world, supported by Macclesfield Town Council.

Guests include: Lew Stringer, Tor Freeman, Sheena Dempsey, Kev Sutherland, Charlie Adlard, Jacob Phillips, Sean Phillips, Mollie Ray, Dapo Adeola, David Leach, Rachael Smith, Mr Hope, Asimina Hollinsworth, Blakemore comics, Nick Brokenshire, Emmeline Pidgen, Roger Langridge, Margaux Portron, Monty Nero, John Allison, Emma Reynolds, Laura Howell, with more announcements to come over the next few months,

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: Art and Illustration, Comic Art, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions, Other Worlds

Tags: downthetubes News, Exhibition News, Lakes International Comic Art Festival, Macc-Pow, Macclesfield, Marvel Comics, Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Silk Museum