Stern broke into the industry as a writer in 1975 as part of the Marvel Comics "third wave" of creators, which included artists John Byrne and Frank Miller, and writers Jo Duffy, Mark Gruenwald and Ralph Macchio. Stern worked as an editor from 1976 to 1980. Jim Shooter claims that Stern co-plotted (as a ghostwriter) his last few stories for DC Comics in 1976. Stern wrote the "Guardians of the Galaxy" feature in "Marvel Presents" #10-12 in 1977. He briefly collaborated with Byrne on "Captain America". The two produced a story wherein Captain America considered running for the office of President of the United States, an idea originally developed by Roger McKenzie and Don Perlin. Stern, in his capacity as editor of the title, had originally rejected the idea but later changed his mind about the concept. McKenzie and Perlin received credit for the idea on the letters page at Stern's insistence.His first regular monthly book was as staff writer for The Incredible Hulk taking over for departing Len Wein in 1978. Stern later became the writer of "The Spectacular Spider-Man" with issue #43 (June 1980). He then took over "The Amazing Spider-Man" with issue #224 (January 1982). In addition to his Spider-Man work, Stern is known for his lengthy stints on "Doctor Strange," and "The Avengers". In 1982, he co-created Marvel's second Captain Marvel and the Hobgoblin, both with artist John Romita Jr.. Stern wrote "The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man" in "The Amazing Spider-Man" #248 (January 1984), a story which ranks among his most popular. Stern ended his run with "Amazing Spider-Man" #250 (March 1984), chiefly due to his difficulty working with new Spider-Man editor Danny Fingeroth. Later that same year, he co-created the Avengers spin-off "The West Coast Avengers", with artist Bob Hall.