The greatest ( comic book) love of all - Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker

With Valentines day rapidly approaching I thought I would reread my old issues of "Marvel Tales" to reacquaint myself with comic books most romantic and tragic couple, Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker. I initially read about this comic book romance in the pages of the UK "Spider-Man Comics Weekly" and as a teenager and I found their relationship as fascinating and entertaining as the adventure element of the stories. I was genuinely shocked and upset when Gwen was killed off. Below are a few of the main events from Gwen and Peters time together.

Above. The first meeting between Gwen and Peter from Amazing Spider-Man #31 ( illo from Marvel Tales #24).

Above - Peter asking Gwen out on their first date from Amazing Spider-Man # 53 ( illo from Marvel Tales ,#38)

Above- Peter and Gwens first smooch from Amazing Spider-Man #59 ( illo from Marvel Tales # 42).

Above- The death of Captain Stacy put a strain on Gwen and Peters relationship from Amazing Spider-Man #90 and 91 ( illo from Marvel Tales #72)

Above- Gwen and Peter reunite after the death of Gwen's father from Amazing Spider-Man #98 ( illo from Marvel Tales #79)

Above - Sadly Gwen and Peter were not to be and with the legendary Amazing Spider-Man #121 Gwen is killed off.

Above - Like many readers at the time I had hoped that Gwen was not dead, but Amazing Spider-Man #122 nipped that hope in the bud showing Gwens body being taken away to the morgue.

Above. In Mexico , La Prensa the publisher of Spider-Man were given the go-ahead to publish an alternative storyline where Gwen did not die and she actually married Peter. Eventually the Mexican publisher had to ignore this story and Gwen was again killed off. Above illo from internet.