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Amazing Spider-Man #8: the Living Brain and the Human Torch backup

Published Sep 14, 2026 · Updated Sep 14, 2026 · 1 min read

Short answerAmazing Spider-Man #8 (January 1964), by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, is the first appearance of the Living Brain and the issue in which Peter Parker finally fights Flash Thompson in a boxing match. It also carries a six-page Human Torch backup drawn by Jack Kirby — his only Spider-Man story in the early run — which makes it a minor key with unusual appeal to both Ditko and Kirby collectors.

The issue

The lead story brings the Living Brain, a computer that deduces Spider-Man's identity, to Midtown High, and stages the long-awaited Parker–Thompson fight. The backup, "Spider-Man Tackles the Torch!", has Kirby pencils with Ditko inks — the only time the two drew Spider-Man together.

Collecting

Early Amazing Spider-Man issues below #15 are all collectible, with #1–4 and #14 as the major keys. #8 is a sensible entry point into the Ditko run: a Kirby-Ditko collaboration, a first appearance, and a grade curve less steep than the villain debuts. A CGC 8.0 is in the store.

See First appearance of Spider-Man and the Spider-Man character page.

Written by the Rare Comics Collectors grading team. Spotted an error or have a question this guide does not answer? Tell us.

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