Late last week, Marvel's Spider-Blog showed off a page from the upcoming Amazing Spider-Man #568 issue. Sure it's a long way off but I'm already pretty excited since it, as Marvel announced way back during one of the releases regarding Brand New Day, marks John Romita Jr.'s return to the pages of Amazing Spider-Man. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited.

We, the readers, haven't seen JRJR working on Amazing Spider-Man since 2004 back when Straczynski was still writing the books. Romita Jr. was replaced that year by current Thunderbolts artist Mike Deodato. You can't really say that JRJR hasn't been busy lately as his recent work includes the artwork of the Eternals, the entire World War Hulk arc and, more recently, the artwork of the Icon release Kick-Ass. While I realize I'm making a big deal out of nothing, Romita remains on my list of favorite artists currently working on Marvel titles and, with Spider-Man as not only my favorite superhero but favorite comic, I'm pretty happy to see the two working together again. I've been digging through my archives to find what I think are some of the classic JRJR issues from his earlier run in the title. Here's a couple issues that can't be missed by any Spider-Fan:

• Amazing Spider-Man #49 & 50 (Volume 2)

I actually did a review of this pair a while back but they need to be mentioned again. These are my personal favorite two issues of Spider-Man. Cameo's by Dr. Doom and Captain America as well as the reconciliation of Peter and Mary Jane in the middle of a battle to save Doom's life. (Yes, you heard that right.) Great writing and, more importantly in this case, great artwork. These issues are definitely best when read together.

• Amazing Spider-Man #30 (Volume 2)

This was the first issue in JRJR's run as artist. Sure, he had a couple single issues before this but after issue 30, he was essentially the title's main artist until 2004 when he was replaced by Mike Deodato.

• Amazing Spider-Man #37 (Volume 2)

After years of secrecy and hiding, Aunt May walks in on a battle-ravaged Peter to find his Spider-Man costume ripped to pieces all over the floor. A ground-breaking moment in Spider-Man that was written by JMS and penciled by JRJR.

• Amazing Spider-Man #36 (Volume 2)

This issue, also known to fans as the black issue, features Spider-Man amongst many of the other Marvel heroes who are doing their part to help the firefighters at Ground Zero during the events of 9/11. The issue does a great job of moving the heroes aside, while still keeping them in the book, and showing off the police and emergency crews as the true heroes during this tragedy.

One thing I think this brings to the table is the all-too-familiar feeling that things haven't totally changed for Spider-Man. I'm hoping that fans who check out JRJR's work in the upcoming issue will see the same old character from Romita's run back from 2000-2004, which was when things were less...hostile for Amazing Spider-Man and the fans, and they'll also feel the familiar vibe from the previous work he did on the title. That being said, it looks like the issue will feature the return of Menace, which was one of the better villains to have surfaced in the Brand New Day stories. As usual, JRJR's work looks like it'll be something to really look forward to.

I've got some of the artwork scattered throughout the site but if you're looking for the full page of JRJR's work on the new issue, check out the Spider-Blog over at Marvel.com