The Spectacular Spider-Man #20

Name: The Spectacular Spider-Man #20
Brand: Marvel

Jul 1978 · Marvel · 0.35 USD

“Where Were You When the Lights Went Out?”

In "Where Were You When the Lights Went Out?", Spider-Man races to stop Lightmaster’s dangerous scheme, only to find himself tangled in a case of mistaken identity when the villain targets Hector Ayala. Written by Bill Mantlo and brought to life by Sal Buscema’s dynamic art and Mike Esposito’s sharp inks, this 1978 issue delivers a tense, character-driven showdown with a twist that reshapes public perception. The cover by Ernie Chan captures the moment’s electric tension.

Was this helpful and accurate?

writer Bill Mantlo · artist Sal Buscema · artist, inker Mike Esposito · colorist Don Warfield · letterer I. Watanabe · cover Ernie Chan

Buy it now demo

eBayShop ▸

MyComicShopShop ▸

Amazon (reprints)Shop ▸

Sell my copy

Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.

We Buy Collections ▸

Fast, fair offers · we handle grading & shipping

Full credits

writer Bill Mantlo

artist Sal Buscema

artist, inker Mike Esposito

colorist Don Warfield

letterer I. Watanabe

cover pencils, inks Ernie Chan

Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers

▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers

Lightmaster kidnaps Hector Ayala, believing that he is Spider-Man. Spider-Man rescues Hector and defeats Lightmaster but not before Hector's real identity is revealed to the public.

Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).