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Table of Contents

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 3Brief History ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 4Peter Parker's Journal …………………………………………………………………………………. 6NOW Magazine Pull-Out Section ………………………………………………………………………. 13Peter Parker's Journal (continued) …………………………………………………………………… 21Spider-Man's Quips and Quotes ………………………………………………………………………. 27Bibliography ……………………………………………………………………………………………... 29

Credits:

Design: Scott Davis Typography: Tracey ZamagneEditing: Dale A. Donovan Cartography: John KnechtCover Art: Mark Bagley and John Romita Sr. Graphic Design: Paul HanchetteInterior Art: The Marvel Bullpen Production: Paul Hanchette

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The names of the characters used herein are fictitious and do not refer to any persons living or dead. Any descriptions including similarities topersons living or dead are merely coincidental.

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MARVEL SUPER HEROES, SPIDER-MAN and Marvel Universe are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Marvel characters,character names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. Copyright '''1992 MarvelEntertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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I am the Watcher. My race was ancientwhen life first arose from the mud ofthe planet Earth. Even so, we were notwise. Because of our foolishness andpride, a world was destroyed when wedirectly interfered with their destiny.We have since solemnly vowed toobserve, and never to interfere again inthe growth of races. It has been my rolein the universe to observe all thatoccurs in this stellar system, focussingprimarily on your planet, Earth. One of the most enigmatic heroes onyour world is the man, Peter Parker,also known to me as the AmazingSpider-Man. The public knows little ofthe web-slinging adventurer. Manyeven fear him, goaded into irrationalbehavior by the editorials of one J.Jonah Jameson, the publisher of anEarth newspaper, The Daily Bugle.Others, who you will meet in thisjournal, consider the arachnidadventurer a hero beyond compare,worthy of giving one's life for, ifnecessary. The volume you now hold contains abrief history of Parker's young life,including a journal of his own thoughtsand reflections about his life and themany heroic and tragic turns that lifehas taken. Also presented here is amedia presentation of which Spider-Man was the subject. The presentationoriginally appeared in NOW Magazine.In addition, I have gathered many ofParker's quotations in an effort todisplay his indomitable spirit, even inthe face of battle. Finally, there is alisting of all of Spider-Man'sadventures and exploits that I have hadwitnessed. The companion volume to this one,

narrated by that Elder of the Universe,the Grandmaster, contains muchstatistical information on Parker and thevarious incarnations and power levelsof his Spider-Man identity. Alsoincluded is details on his friends, allies,and villainous foes. As I understand it,the Grandmaster has also staged one ofhis infernal games within those pages.It is his intent to use Spider-Man, orother Earth heroes—it really matterslittle to him, and test his abilities totheir limits, if not beyond. I wishwhosoever takes part in that adventurethe best of luck: It may well be needed. I cannot intervene, however, for thatis not my duty. My duty is to watch andrecord what I observe.

Introduction

Peter Parker was believed to have beenorphaned at the age of six when hisparents were reportedly killed overseasin an airplane crash. The young Peterwent to live with his Aunt May andUncle Ben in Forest Hills, New York. Peter Parker grew up into a smart,quiet high-school student at MidtownHigh, until one event changed his lifeforever. While attending a sciencedemonstration, Peter was bitten by aspider that had been affected by theexperiment's radioactivity. The spiderpromptly died. Feeling queasy, Peterleft the experiment and began walkinghome through an unfamiliar part oftown. Not paying much attention towhere he was going, Peter walked intothe road and was nearly struck by anoncoming car. Acting by reflex alone,he leapt out of the car's way and foundhimself clinging onto the wall of anearby building. Peter scurried up theside of the building to escape anyprying eyes. On the roof, he discoveredeven more amazing abilities, such asenhanced strength and inhuman agility.Peter theorized that he must have beenaffected by the irradiated spider, whichhad seemingly passed these powersonto Peter. Soon, Peter decided to test hispowers. He put on a mask and wrestleda bruiser known as Crusher Hogan.Peter easily defeating his opponent andwon one hundred dollars. A televisionproducer saw him and gave him abusiness card. With a blue-and-redSpider-Man costume and a homemadepair of web-shooters, Peter appeared ontelevision and was an instant hit.

As he was leaving the TV studio afterhis first night on the air, a securityguard yelled for Peter's help in stoppinga fleeing man. Ignoring the guard'spleas, Peter let the man pass him by.Peter could have easily stopped theman—even putting out

his foot to trip the man would'vehelped. However, Peter saw no reasonto put himself in jeopardy to help somethe guard, a total stranger. He haddecided to look out for himself. Theman reached an express elevator andescaped.

A Brief History of Peter Parker

In the days that followed, Spider-Manbecame a national TV sensation. Returning home from the studio onenight soon after, Peter saw police carsoutside of his aunt and uncle's home.Peter was told that a burglar had brokenin. When Peter's Uncle Ben hadconfronted the burglar, the man shotand killed him. In a state of shock and rage, Peterdonned his Spider-Man costume andmade his way to the abandoned Acmewarehouse where the criminal hadholed up. Avoiding the police, Spider-Man snuck into the building and soonhad the burglar at his mercy. WhenPeter managed a good look at hisuncle's murderer, he was astonished tosee that he was the man that Spider-Man had declined to stop in the TVstudio. Stricken by guilt, Peter Parkerlearned his greatest lesson, that withgreat power comes great responsibility. Soon after Peter began his crime-fighting career, Spider-Man wasdecried as a vigilante and glory seekerby the publisher of the Daily Bugle, J.Jonah Jameson. Most of the readers ofthe Bugle were soon convinced ofSpider-Man's guilt. This stigma hasdogged Spider-Man through much ofhis career, and Jameson continues torail against the hero to this day.Ironically, Peter has been an employeeof the Bugle as a photographer on andoff for years. Peter Parker's life and friends quicklybecame intertwined with that of Spider-Man's career, usually to his detriment.The first woman he dated, Betty Brant,lost her brother in a fight

that involved Spider-Man, so she cameto hate the web-slinger, forcing the twoto part, while Flash Thompsoncontinually picked on the nerdy Peter,while he virtually worshipped Spider-Man. Worrying and thinking about hisproblems as Spider-Man made Peterappear aloof and snobbish, enough sothat he almost missed becoming friendswith Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy. Hemanaged to change their perceptions ofhim, and the three became fast friends.Indeed, he soon became seriouslyinvolved with Gwen. Throughout his life, Peter has had toendure these dual-identity problems,because he feared that if his Aunt Mayever learned about his secret identity,her frail heart wouldn't be able to standthe strain. Throughout his career, Spider-Manhas fought many colorful and strangevillains, such as Doctor Octopus, ascientist who has mental control overfour metallic arms and Venom, an aliensymbiote and a human merged togetherto form a villainous whole with anextreme hatred of Spider-Man. Theweb-slinging hero has traveled to aliendimensions with the magician Dr.Strange and to the far reaches of space,during his stints with the Avengers andthe Secret Wars. The most tenacious and formidableopponent Spider-Man has faced overthe years has been the Green Goblin, inall of his incarnations. What made theoriginal so potent as a foe was theknowledge that Peter Parker wasSpider-Man and the extraordinary

cunning with which he used thatinformation. The original Green Goblinkilled Peter Parker's love, Gwen Stacy,but was in turn killed soon after in anaccident while battling Spider-Man.The original Goblin's son HarryOsborn, a long-time friend of Peter's,took over the Goblin's identity, and hascontinued his father's legacy on and offthrough the years. The Green Goblinalso inspired the criminal career of theHobgoblin, who based his costume andmethods after his predecessor. Currently, Peter Parker is married toold friend, model, and actress MaryJane Watson and is working as aphotographer for J. Jonah Jameson.Spider-Man has become a reservemember of the Avengers, giving him amodicum of respectability, and hasteamed up with many of the new heroesbased in New York city in recent days. The most recent upheaval in Peter'slife is the apparent return of hisbiological parents. It would seem thattheir deaths were faked long ago whilethey were actually imprisoned. Theywere recently released and made theirway to New York to see their son. Howtheir reappearance will affect Peter, andhis identity as Spider-Man remains tobe seen at this time.

Contained herein is the journal of themortal known 'as Peter Parker, neverpreviously seen by eyes other than his.How is this possible, you may ask? Allis possible to he who watches historyunfold upon the sea-green and sky-bluegem in space known as Earth. Read well the entries contained here,for they chronicle the maturation of oneof Earth's greatest heroes. Representedhere is a sampling of entries that themortal Peter Parker has made therein.

The Watcher

Summer CampStupid kids! They were all picking onme, just 'cuz I didn't want to swim orplay ball. I might break my glasses, andthen Uncle Ben and Aunt May wouldbe mad and have to buy me new onesand they can't afford that. Those kidsshouldn't have made fun of me and myglasses, calling me bug-eyes. I'm not abug!

UnbelievableI just found this old, tattered notebookunder my bed and thought it would be agood idea to continue adding occasionalthoughts and notes in it, to keep trackof my life, especially after whathappened today. At a Midtown High science-fairdemonstration today, I was bitten by aspider. I think it might have beenradioactive, considering it was glowingbefore it bit me and died. I was standingnear an experiment involvingradioactivity when I was bitten. Thespider must've been irradiated there.

Soon after, I left the hall because of aqueasy stomach. As I walked out, I wasable to leap out of the way of a car thatwas coming right at me, and climb awall, just like a spider could. I'm alsostronger and faster than I would everhave dreamed possible. Just wait untilthat jerk, Flash Thompson, gets a loadof this! I won't have to take his loud-mouthed insults any more! To test out my newfound power, Idecided to challenge Crusher Hogan thewrestler, after I saw an advertisement.The sign said that anyone lasting threeminutes with Crusher would get $100. Iput on a disguise and a mask, so Iwouldn't be a laughing stock if I failed.I didn't fail! As a matter of fact, Icarried him up a pole that was doublingas one of the corner posts. After I collected my money, an agentnamed Maxie gave me his card. Iwonder—should I take him up on theoffer to book my act? If I do, maybe Ican make some money to help outUncle Ben and Aunt May.

A Name & a CostumeNo longer am I Peter Parker. Now I'mSpider-Man! I just finished my firstcostume, Spider-Man's first costume. Ifigure since I have the powers of aspider, I might as well take the name ofone as well. An old science project Iworked on once has come in handy. Iconverted a "shooter" I had made intoweb-shooters that are sensitive to theslightest touch of my fingers. After all,it's only natural for a Spider-Man tohave a web! If only that loudmouthFlash Thompson could see me now!

MicroscopeUncle Ben and Aunt May bought me anew microscope today. Gosh, it's great!They are the best family a fellow couldever hope for. I have to tell themsometime about my life as Spider-Man,but I haven't found the right time yet.Maybe sometime this weekend ... Ihope it doesn't scare them at all. Iwouldn't want to cause them anyconcern.

Uncle BenIt's been a few days since Uncle Ben'sfuneral, and I still can't get over howsmall, seemingly insignificant eventscan so affect life. At the TV studio, if Ihad only stepped forward one step andstopped that thief as the guard asked meto, Uncle Ben would be alive today.Because of my selfishness and greed,one of the people I care most about inlife is now dead. I guess I'm responsiblefor Uncle

Peter Parker’s Journal

Ben's death. All I could think about was myself,getting the money and living the goodlife. Looking out for number one wasmy only priority at the time. Well, allthat has changed now. The thief who I refused to stop lastweek broke into my aunt and uncle'shouse a few days ago. The thief, thesame man that I could have stoppedwith a minor amount of effort, shot andkilled my Uncle Ben. When I got homeand found my uncle dead and the killerholed up in the old Acme warehouse, Iknew exactly what I had to do. Thethief could have held off an army inthat old place, but one super-poweredSpider-Man could take him out. I had toget him, because I'm responsible. I snuck into the building andconfronted the murderer. It was easy tocatch him with my powers. My heartfroze when I saw the face of the man Ihad captured. He was the thief I hadrefused to stop in the corridor at thestudio. Uncle Ben is dead and it's allmy fault. If I hadn't been so selfish. I guess I'll keep doing the TV show tobring in enough money for Aunt Mayand I to live on. It's the least I can dofor poor Aunt May, since I'mresponsible for her being alone now.

J. Jonah Jameson I was looking back on my last entryand had to laugh. Thanks to thepublisher of the Daily Bugle, J. JonahJameson, I can't get a job anywhere, atany TV station, for any price. He haspainted Spider-Man as a menace in hisfront-page editorials. I even saved hisson John, the

astronaut, by bringing a guidance unitto his plummeting space capsule, andwhat does old JJJ do? He publishesanother article claiming that Iorchestrated the whole episode, for myown publicity! It just doesn't makesense. Meanwhile Aunt May is pawning herjewelry so I can stay in school. I've gotto do something to make some moneyfor her.

ResponsibilityI know now what I have to do. I mustuse these amazing spider powersresponsibly. I've been given thesepowers for a reason, to fight the battlesthat normal people can't. I have anobligation that must be met. Every timeI see a crime being committed, or I seea person I can help with my powers, I'mgoing to do it. I've learned the hard waythat with great power comes greatresponsibility.

Making Friends & FoesIt's great, the stuff I can do with thesespider powers. I helped that astronaut,John Jameson, survive the near-crash ofhis space capsule, even if his DailyBugle publisher father, J. JonahJameson seems to have it in for me still. I've met the Fantastic Four, defeatedsuch criminals as the Chameleon, theVulture, and the Terrible Tinkerer. Inever realized how many super-powered criminals are out there. By far, my most powerful opponentto date has been the deranged scientistknown as Doctor Octopus. He evendefeated me in our first

meeting. He just threw me out thewindow with those four metallic armsof his, as if I were an insect not to bebothered with anymore. Those arms areso strong! I almost gave up beingSpider-Man that day until I realized thatI can never give up. I heard the HumanTorch of the FF at an appearance at thehigh school the other day and it was asif he were speaking directly to me. Hewas telling the group to never give upand I won't. The next time I faced "DocOck," I had him gift-wrapped and readyfor the police to haul away to one oftheir high security cells. I don't want toface him again anytime soon, though.

Keeping a SecretI've found a secure place for this book.I must never let anyone see this, or mysecret and Aunt May's safety may bethreatened by my ever-increasing rosterof foes. I should destroy this journal,but I want to keep some sort of recordof my adventures. Maybe it's vanity,but I want to do it. I just have to becareful.

The LizardNow this is ironic. The Daily Buglepublished a headline challengingSpider-Man to defeat the Lizard, themenace who was terrifying peopledown in the Florida Everglades. Jonah,ever the civic-minded publisher, didn'tintend on Spider-Man fighting theLizard, whom JJJ thought was afigment of someone's imaginationanyway. He just wanted to sell more ofhis papers with a sensationalistheadline.

Well, I accepted the offer as Spider-Man, and suggested that he take aphotographer along with him to recordmy fight with the Lizard. Jonah took me, as Peter Parker, toFlorida with him to cover the upcomingbattle. After we arrived, I paid a visit,as Spider-Man, to Dr. Connors, anexpert on reptiles living in theEverglades. Well, he turned out to bethe Lizard and I was able to stop him byforcing a serum down his throat toreturn him to normal. The ironic part about the whole affairwas, even though I had managed tosnap a few photos of the Lizard, Jonahbelieved that they were fakes andripped them up. Just to get his goat, I sent JJJ amessage through the mail. "Roses arered, violets are blue, I'm still at large, sophooey to you." So it's not excellentpoetry, I still bet it burned him! I stillchuckle when he does buy some of mySpider-Man shots, not knowing he'spaying Spidey to take photos ofhimself. Hey, that Betty Brant, JJJ's secretary,sure has beautiful blue eyes.

Green Goblin One of the more interesting anddangerous menaces I've faced recentlyis the Green Goblin. He lured me toHollywood and then sicced theEnforcers on me. I managed to getaway from those three bozos when outof nowhere came the Hulk. Whew!Barely managed to survive my meetingwith that green behemoth. He's thestrongest thing on two legs that I'veever seen!

The Green Goblin got away in theend, but I know he's back in the citysomewhere. I'll have to keep my guardup all the time and hope that I runacross him by coincidence, and that mySpider Sense will tip me off.

Spider SlayerJJJ has gone too far this time! He actually had someone create arobot to attack and defeat me for him.The Daily Bugle publisher even had theaudacity to have his face transmittedonto the head of the robot, knownaffectionately as the Spider Slayer.Well, I managed to prove that monikerincorrect as I was able to tear a plate offthe robot and pull its plug. The look onJameson's face when he found out I hadwon was so classic that I had to take apicture of his reaction to preserve it forposterity.

Current EventsI can't believe how weird life is thesedays. With juggling crimefightingagainst such foes as Kraven, Sandman,Scorpion, Mysterio, and the Beetle, andtrying to keep my studies on track, Ibarely have the time to sleep, nevermind get out on a date. I met a sorcerer named Dr. Strangethe other day, and helped him defeat avillain called Xandu. I even fought twomindless thugs in another dimension.I'm just your average neighborhoodSpider-Man, and I'll be happy to remainthat way thank you very much. Nomore different dimensions for me! (Itwas interesting from a scientificviewpoint though.) I'm not positive I believe in all thishocus-pocus stuff either, but witheverything else I've encountered, I can'tdiscount the possibility that it's real.After all, I do have the proportionalstrength of a spider.

Other heroes that I've met and teamedup recently with include the fearlessDaredevil and the Human Torch of theFantastic Four.

Doc Ock AgainI just went through the hardest andmost important fight of my career. AuntMay was dying in the hospital. Irealized that a transfusion that I hadgiven her in the past had irradiated herblood with my own uniqueradioactivity. Dr. Curt Connors and I believed thatan experimental serum, Iso-36, couldsave her, but before the serum reachedthe hospital, it was hijacked by a gangled by the mysterious Master Planner.Livid is a mild word to describe thestate I was in when I heard that. I found the Planner's lair in anundersea base and he turned out to bemy old foe, Doctor Octopus. After aprolonged battle, I was pinned undertons of steel with water pouring into thechamber. I was trapped! But just I couldn't give up when AuntMay was counting on me. I can neverbe responsible for her dying, like I wasfor Uncle Ben! Straining my strength toits limit, I managed to push the weightoff me, grabbed the serum, anddelivered it in time to save Aunt May'slife. I'll never let her down like I didUncle Ben—never! My bones are still aching because ofthe strain, though. I think I need to takea little time off from crimefighting torecuperate. Besides, then I spend moretime with Aunt May.

Goblin DefeatedI don't know how else thisconfrontation with the Green Goblincould have ended other than with mylosing. I found out he was reallyNorman Osborn, Harry's father! The Goblin had managed to use aspray on me that dulled my SpiderSense, allowing him to ambush me laterand capture me. He had even figuredout my secret identity!

In his megalomania, he revealed thathe was Norman Osborn and he even letme loose to fight him to the finish—Iwas about to break my bonds anyway. During the battle, the Goblin was hitby an electric shock that brought himout of his insanity and wiped out all hismemories of my secret identity. Imanaged to burn his costume before thepolice arrived to preserve both ouridentities.

I'm glad that this chapter of my life isbehind me now. I hope that Normanand Harry become the father and sonthat they always should have been,without the ghost of the Green Goblinhanging over them. I wish them luck.

KingpinYou'd think a tub like the Kingpin ofCrime to be a pushover in a fight. Well,I found out the truth when I tried to takehim on in battle. Even without hisblasting cane, he's as dangerous anenemy as I've ever faced. All that fat isactually muscle, like a sumo wrestler,and he knows how to use it. I was luckyto escape his clutches. His strength isn't the only problem Ihad in dealing with him. As far as I cantell, his criminal organization is hugeand quite competently organized. Howdo I fight that—a whole criminalnetwork?

Mom and DadI finally found out what happened tomy parents. Both Uncle Ben and AuntMay never spoke of them much, at leastnot in front of me. I've alwayswondered what happened to them, butnever had the inclination to find out. Idon't know why, but just the mention oftheir names seemed to pain Aunt Mayand Uncle Ben so much that I guess Isuppressed any desire to find them. While I was moving a trunk in theattic for Aunt May, I found some oldnewspaper clippings of my parent'sobituaries. The paper said that they haddied in a plane crash in Algeria and thatcertain incriminating

evidence had been found at the crashsite. The evidence supposedly provedthat my parents were traitors to theU.S.A. No, that's not possible! I justhad to find out the truth for myself. Icouldn't let their deaths go unexplained,and since I have the power to dosomething about it, I had to make theattempt. After making some amateur mistakeswhile doing some routine crimefighting(I was so distracted thinking about myfolks), I contacted Mr. Fantastic fortransportation to Algeria. We flew over in his new gyro-cruiserand I got off over the area known asCasbah. In the space of a few hours, Ifound the man who'd identified myparents' bodies. Then I was ambushedat the address where my parentssupposedly worked, I found my father'sidentification badge, and encounteredthe Red Skull! In our battle, the Skull accidentallyblew up the whole area. I was able torecover my father's identification tag,and behind the picture was a secretsection with a small card identifyingmy parents as being double agents.They were trying to infiltrate the RedSkull's organization for ourgovernment! I'm overjoyed! Now I cancontinue as Spider-Man without thespecter of my parent's "traitorous"deaths hanging over me! I'm content and relieved, havingproven beyond a shadow of a doubt thatmy parents weren't traitors to theUnited States of America. If only theyhad made it back alive ...

GwenWhat a dream she is! After ignoring herand Harry for a while at school, Ifigured that I'd never have a chancewith her, but lucky for me, she's morepersistent than the average girl. I finallyemerged from all my problems, andthey were both there for me asfriends—and in Gwen's case—evenmore than friends. Plus, her father,Captain Stacy, likes me as well! It justcouldn't get any better than this!

Capt. Stacy's DeathHe knew and he always kept it tohimself, never telling another soul ofmy secret. Captain Stacy, the father ofmy girlfriend, Gwen, was killed todaywhen he tried to push a small child outof harm's way. Doc Ock smashed achimney while he and I were fighting.The debris from that chimney wouldhave killed this little boy, but instead itmortally wounded Gwen's dad, CaptainStacy, after he pushed the child tosafety. I gathered

him up in my-arms and took him awayfrom the crowds. His dying words will stay with meforever, "It, It's Gwen! After I'm gone,there'll be no one to look after her. Noone except you, Peter. Be good to her,son! Be good to her. . ." He knew who I was and never told asoul. I'll always look after her, CaptainStacy. What good are super-powers if youcan't save the good people CaptainStacy?! I wonder, am I responsible forhis death, too?

Harry's Drug ProblemsWith all my web-slinging these days, Isometimes neglect the friends aroundme. Harry exemplifies this neglect. I'msure that I wasn't the sole cause of hisdrug addiction, nor even a major cause,but if I had recognized it sooner, I couldhave done something about it. I did manage to get Harry to thehospital in time so that he should be allright. That was one thing I did right. Tocomplicate matters further, I had tofight his father, the Green Goblin again,the only foe that knows my secretidentity. This time, I stopped the Goblin byforcing him to look at his son lying inthe hospital bed and realizing how closeto death Harry really was. This snappedOsborn out of his insanity. I burned hiscostume and the menace of the GreenGoblin was put to rest again—I hopefor good this time. I'm glad that Harry is finally gettingsome help with his problem, and thathis relationship with his father isgetting better.

Gwen ReturnsGwen returned from England today. Iwas overjoyed at seeing her again andholding her in my arms. I want to askher to marry me, but the shadow ofSpider-Man always intrudes. Sheblames him for the death of her father. Hey, what if Spider-Man's powerdidn't exist any more? What if I couldfind a way to rid myself of thesestrange abilities once and for all? Icould marry Gwen and she'd never haveto worry about Spider-Man ever again,because there wouldn't be a Spider-Manto worry about. I'm going to try it!

Six Arms!What was I thinking when I tried to getrid of my powers? The serum Iconcocted, instead of destroying mypowers, altered me further towardbecoming a spider. I now have sixarms! How am I going to hide themfrom Aunt May and Gwen? Four extra arms! I'm going crazy!How can I possibly hide extra arms?What am I going to do now? Now, let's not try that experimentagain! After encountering Morbius theLiving Vampire and the Lizard, Dr.Curt Connors and I managed to devise aserum that would stop him fromtransforming into the Lizard and to cureme of my particular ailment. The fourextra arms are gone now. If thereweren't the holes in my costume, I'd betempted to believe that it was all anightmare. Even with the holes, it's stillhard to believe!

Return of theSpider SlayerSpencer Smythe has tried to get meagain with his ridiculous SpiderSlayers. This time, he came much tooclose to discovering who I am. He had spy eyes placed up all overthe city, and one caught me unaware asI was changing my clothes, and ittransmitted a clear picture of my faceback to Smythe. It took me a while, butI figured out a way to trick him. After defeating his latest model of theSpider Slayer, I was able to convincehim that the Parker face was just amask, worn because I knew about thevideo cameras all along. That shouldkeep him guessing at my true identityfor a while.

More DeathsGwen's dead! The Green Goblin killedher! What'll I do now? I—I'm so angry, my hand isshaking—I don't know if I can hold thepen long enough to write this. Nosooner was Gwen killed then theGoblin was impaled with his ownglider. Is death just following mearound, waiting to kill someone else? It must have begun a few days agowhen Norman Osborn's sanity snappedagain. Realizing he was the GreenGoblin and I was Spider-Man, he tookthe cowardly way to get my attentionand kidnapped Gwen. When I arrived, he was holding heratop the Brooklyn Bridge. Gwen wasunconscious. The Goblin, in an act ofpure hatred, knocked her off the bridgewith his glider. I managed to web herbefore she hit the water, but she wasalready dead from the impact of theglider and the shock of the fall. And hetaunted me!! I was out to get that killer, to avengemy love's death. I almost beat him todeath, but at the last moment, I couldn'ttake another human life, even from thescum who killed the woman I wanted tospend the rest of my life with. Fate and my Spider Sense intervenedthen. The Goblin had mentally orderedhis glider to fly up and impale me frombehind, but I ducked in time. The gliderkilled Norman instead, impaling him. How am I going to go on withoutGwen, the sweet woman who balancedthe life that I faced as Spider-Manevery day? Every day will never live upto its potential, because Gwen is nolonger here.

Meeting the PunisherThis maniac who calls himself thePunisher is loose on the streets and Ihave to stop him. He's a vigilante whohas declared war on all criminals. Tosay I don't agree with his methods is anunderstatement. He takes no prisonersand he set his sights on me, thanks tothe Jackal. I convinced him that I wasinnocent of Gwen's and Norman'sdeaths before he made me his nextstatistic.

The Goblin AgainOne of the things I most dreaded hashappened. Harry Osborn has lost hismind and has taken over the persona ofthe Green Goblin. He even threatenedmy friends by placing bombs on chairsthat held Flash,

Mary Jane, and Aunt May. He then toldme that I had time to save only oneperson, and if I chose incorrectly, theperson most dear to me would die. I immediately went for Aunt May,because of the hint the Goblin gave me,removed the bomb from her chair andtossed it into the lake. I swung back and took care of Harry.I removed our costumes after capturingHarry—he isn't as strong or as smart ashis father. On the way out, Harryblurted out my secret to the policemenon the scene. I was just about to admitthe truth when an older policemanasked Harry how he knew I was Spider-Man. In a maniacal voice, Harry toldhim that he was the Green Goblin.

Joy Mercado here, bringing you thenews you want to read NOW. Thisissue's insert investigates the myth andattempts to uncover the reality of one ofthis city's longest resident super heroes,Spider-Man. We're presentinginterviews and two editorials on thesubject, so you be the judge. Is Spider-Man the hero many people claim or ishe just another super-powered menaceplaguing the city of New York? We start with an interview with FlashThompson, a man who has met Spider-Man on more than one occasion.

Flash Thompson Q.: "How did you first becomeinvolved with Spider-Man?" A.: "You know, I was the foundingmember of his fan club," begins "Flash"Thompson, a long-time admirer ofSpider-Man. "Even with the wholeHobgoblin affair, I knew that hewouldn't let me down." The affair that Mr. Thompson towhich is referring is the situation hefound himself accused of being thesuper-powered criminal known as theHobgoblin. Thompson was framed bythe real Hobgoblin and wasincarcerated for a time. Still, though itwas Spider-Man who brought him tothe police, Flash harbors no resentment. “I've always had faith in Spidey. I'venever doubted that he was a hero. Andit worked out okay in the end, as I wascleared of the charges." Q.: "What did you think of Spider-Man when you first saw him?"

A.: "It was in one of the classrooms atMidtown High School when I first sawhim. He fought the Sandman, for thefirst time I think, and Spidey was justawesome. He finally captured theSandman in an industrial strengthvacuum. Proves that Spidey has brainsto go along with everything else he'sgot going for him." Through the years, Thompson hasbeen a staunch supporter of themysterious hero, even when Spider-Man was wanted in connection with thedeath of his former girlfriend, GwenStacy. Q.: "What led you to believe inSpider-Man's innocence?" A.: "I just know, down deep, thatSpidey would never hurt anyone whodidn't deserve it, so I always knew thatSpidey didn't kill Gwen. He's too gooda person."

Thompson spent time in Vietnamand, while in that country, heencountered a group of priests knownas the Monks of the Hidden Temple.Because of confused communicationbetween the military and the natives,the monks' temple was destroyed andThompson was blamed. A price wasput on his head by the survivingnatives. Upon his return to the UnitedStates, Thompson's and Spider-Man'spaths crossed again when he neededhelp against the natives, who hadfollowed Thompson across the ocean. Q.: "Can you tell us what happened?" A.: "This is a part of my past that I'mnot too proud of, because I couldn't

save those poor monks from beingkilled. I tried to tell them that they weregoing to be bombed, but no one wouldlisten to me. "Back in the U.S., I was captured by agroup of fanatic natives who had putthe price on my head. Spider-Man andsome magician swooped in just in timeto save my head from being separatedfrom my body. Spidey must haveremembered me from back in highschool when I started his first fan club." Q.: "And wasn't that about the timeyou met Sha Shan?" A.: "That's a subject I don't want totalk about." Recently, Thompson had anotherencounter with the topic of this issue,Spider-Man. Thompson was injuredduring a battle with the villain knownas the Tarantula while valiantly helpinghis hero. Here, he recaps the situation. "Spidey was in this building fightingthe Tarantula when I overheard thehead SWAT guy tell his men that theywere going to storm the building soon,with guns blazing. I went inside to warnSpidey about the incoming gunfire, butI got mixed up with the fight. I mean, ifI can do something to help, I have to doit. I ended up being kicked from behindby that creep, the Tarantula. Luckily,Spider-Man was able to stop him beforehe did more than drug me. Again, I owemy life to him." Thompson's final words on thesubject of Spider-Man: "Spidey hasalways done what was right, even ifthat means he'd get hurt. I guess that'sthe biggest lesson I've learned from himover the years."

NOW Magazine

Frank CastleBehind a plexiglass screen sits one ofthe most wanted men in Americatoday—Frank Castle, better known tothe public as the Punisher. He has beencaptured by New York authorities andis now incarcerated in Ryker's IslandPrison to serve 30 years on threemanslaughter charges. This interviewwas conducted through a telephonewith four guards present at all times,two in my room, two in his. Q.: "Do you consider Spider-Man tobe an ally or adversary?" A.: "When his goal and mine aresimilar, we're allies. If he stands in theway of me completing my mission, hegets treated the same as anyone elsewho tries to stop me." Q.: "Does that mean that you wouldshoot him?" A.: "If he attempted to stop me or gotin my way, yes. However, if I had thetime, I'd probably aim to disable, not tokill. Spider-Man does bring criminals tojustice, even if he is soft on them." Q.: "What is your opinion of Spider-Man?" A.: "He's a do-gooder who needs tobe hardened in his battle against crime.He's also naive in believing that thiscountry's system is capable of correctlydealing with the criminals that hebrings to it. A more permanent solutionis necessary for the hardened criminalsthat we deal with." Q.: "What adventures have the two ofyou shared?" A.: "Most of the times we've beenassociated have involved the criminalgangs of New York City.

Trying to bring down such high-powered criminal overlords asHammerhead, the Kingpin of Crimeand other similar, but weaker,criminals, such as Jigsaw. I can't gointo detail about these or any of mymissions as that would jeopardize anyfuture activities I may take." Q.: "Would you care to guess hissecret identity?" A.: "No. I haven't done anyinvestigation on that subject, so I haveno idea. If he was in the position tojeopardize me, then that would presentme with cause to pursue the matter, butup until that point, there is no reason toinquire." Just before being led back to his cell,Castle fixes me with a deep, no-nonsense stare and slowly intones, "Ifyou do decide to publish this, tellSpider-Man not to give up and to keepup the good fight. There are stillinnocents out there that needprotection." Haunted by those eyes, thisreporter decided to follow thePunisher's advice and print thispostscript to the interview. A note to our readers—since the timeof this interview, Frank Castle hasseemingly accomplished the impossibleand has escaped from Ryker's Islandprison. We made the decision to runthis story as written.

J. Jonah Jameson"Spider-Man is a menace! I've beensaying so for years and I fully intend tocontinue saying so until he is exposedfor the criminal that he is. Not onlydoes he flaunt the notion of justice inthis country and our beloved city byoperating as a costumed vigilanteoutside the law, he also has insulted thispaper's integrity time and time again. "Starting with trying to upstage myson during his first space mission up tohis involvement with all the recent gangwars, Spider-Man has been mixed up inunderworld affairs. He has even beenseen in the company of the self-proclaimed vigilante, the Punisher.Eyewitness accounts support theshocking news that Spider-Manactively collaborated with the cold-blooded mercenary. "The webbed menace also has a lot ofexplaining to do. Spider-Man has beenimplicated in the death of that sweetgirl, Gwen Stacy, and the injury ofcountless citizens of New York City.He should be brought to justice,unmasked, and made to pay for hiscrimes like any other citizen would. Ifany other person were even a witness togunshots, they would be takendowntown and interviewed. How muchmore does this vigilante have to dobefore the police are convinced that heis the menace that I've always said he'sbeen? "I suggest that every decent citizen inthis city watch out for costumedadventurers and report any out of theordinary actions of any of them,especially if Spider-Man takes anyillegal actions!"

Thomas Fireheart "Spider-Man is a hero! Now that theobligatory initial statement is out of theway, I'll go into detail about why theman known as Spider-Man should beconsidered a hero. First, I'll let hisaccomplishments speak for themselves. "He recently let himself be accused ofa burglary so that a money launderer forthe Maggia would be discovered andprosecuted. "He valiantly fought and defeated thevillainess, Titania, when she wasthreatening the Daily Bugle staff. "He has continually involved himselfin the gang wars that occasionallythreaten this city, always workingtowards a swift and bloodlessresolution of problems. "His participation was integral to thediscovery and capture of the criminalknown as the Sin-Eater. WithoutSpider-Man's help, that villain wouldstill be out on the streets and the publicwould have believed that Emil Greggwas the killer, instead of beingdiscovered as an ill individual, a crimeconfessor. "Spider-Man continually puts his lifeon the line battling villains for what hebelieves is right. Against such foes asVenom, Sabretooth, the Hobgoblin, andthe Sinister Six, his life truly is on theline every second of the confrontation.What more can you ask of a man, anyman? “I have the greatest respect forSpider-Man. He truly strives to do thebest that he can, and I respect him forthat striving."

AvengersThe Avengers have graciously acceptedthis reporter's request for interviewswith several members who know themysterious web-slinger best. First up is Jarvis, the caretaker ofAvengers Mansion. Q.: "What is your opinion of Spider-Man?" A.: "Spider-Man usually keeps hisown counsel up on the walls andceiling. His flippant attitude belies aman of great courage as documented inhis adventures with the Avengersthroughout the years. "I do wish he'd be more careful aboutwhere he puts his feet however,especially after we have experiencedinclement weather. Cleaning wet ormuddy footprints off the wall andceiling can prove tiresome for a man ofmy age.

The next person this reporter had theprivilege to speak to was CaptainAmerica. The sentinel of liberty hasworked with Spider-Man a few times inthe past and has some definite opinionsabout him. Q.: "What is it like working withSpider-Man?" A.: "The youngster has all the rightstuff but needs to be more serious whenit comes to performance on missions.He has to learn that when we go outtogether, each member has to be able tocount on the others. If that element oftrust isn't there, then a second'shesitation could cause the injury ordeath of a friend and ally. I'm notsaying Spider-Man is careless, but Iwish he would be a little less flippant.

"However, a strength of his is thedepth of his commitment to the battleagainst injustice. Spider-Man has neverhesitated to answer a call to armsagainst evil in all its guises. Without hisvaliant aid, the universe might be inthrall to a being known as Thanos tothis day. "When he is called as an Avenger, hehas always acquitted himself with poiseand courage. I'm proud to call him ateammate and friend."

Janet Van Dyne, also known as theWasp, was the next Avengerquestioned. Q.: "What is your opinion of Spider-Man?" A.: "You know, the wasp and spiderare instinctive enemies, but I've hadnothing but good experiences withSpider-Man. From the time we stoppedEquinox together to his work with theAvengers, he's done well in combat andhas always heeded my advice when I'veoffered it."

This reporter also spoke with theBlack Widow about NYC's mostcontroversial "spider." Q.: "Have you worked with Spider-Man often, and if so, what commentsdo you have to say about him?" A.: "Spider-Man and I have met morethan once and I've found him to anaccomplished fighter and competentally. His methods aren't the mostprofessional I've ever seen and I doubtthat he'd last in any sort of formalorganization for more than a shortwhile. For short missions, however,there aren't too many other people I'dwant at my side.

This reporter also spoke with the "godof thunder," Thor. Q.: "Thank you for allowing me toask a question of you. What is youropinion of Spider-Man?" A.: "The son of Odin doth proclaimSpider-Man as a most valiant andhonorable comrade, one alwayswelcome to serve by my side,regardless of the dangers to be faced.His humor in the face of peril

is most heartening to the heart of awarrior—his droll manner doth belie anoble and worthy heart. Whilst battlingthe deadly foe, Nebula, in the recentpast, the bold arachnid proved hismettle yet again, throwing himself intovast dangers for the good of allMidgard [Earth]. "Verily, Spider-Man shouldst bepraised for his work on Midgard—Earth."

Fantastic Four Spider-Man has often worked withthe Fantastic Four over the years,especially with Johnny Storm, theHuman Torch. The team allowed thisreporter to visit their headquarters,where this interview was conducted.

Q.: "Johnny Storm, according to myrecords, you used to have a somewhatadversarial relationship with Spider-Man. Could you comment on what haschanged?" A.: "It's true that we fought in thepast, but it was never anything big.Once we even argued over the fact thathe was flirting with my girlfriend at thetime, Doris Evans. But when the Beetlekidnapped her, we teamed up and tookthat clown out." Q.: "What was your most memorableadventure together?" A.: "It has to be the time he and theFrightful Four attacked me at theBaxter Building. I knew he was beingcontrolled, because Spidey usuallymoves like nobody's business, but hewas out of it. During the fight, he wasclumsy and stiff, and that gave it away.I snapped him out of it and we beat thebad guys, easily." Q.: "What do you think of the web-slinger on a personal level?" A.: "Ah, he's an okay guy, a bit full ofhimself but generally trustworthy. I'd bewilling to fight alongside him anytime." Q.: "So you know who he really is?" A.: [Laughing] "Nice try, but no Idon't. From his extroverted manner, I'dguess that he might be some sort ofpublic figure, an actor or politician—well, maybe not a politician."

At this point in the interview, BenGrimm, the Thing, enters the room. "G'wan, squirt. Stretcho wants yourhelp for a new experiment of his. I'lltake over here for now." Q.: "We were just talking about thesubject of Spider-Man's secret identity.Do you have any guesses?" A.: "Ya, I'd say it's that publisher ofthe Daily Bugle, Jameson. I figure ifhe's protests so much, he's gotsomethin' to hide. Can ya think of abetter way to hide his identity thanbehind the strength of years of anti-Spider-Man editorials? If I rememberright, Jameson has been running thesethings since Web-head's firstappearance. Coincidental or not, I'llleave that up ta you ..." Q.: "Can you recall a memorableadventure with Spider-Man?" A.: "There was the time that Spideyteamed up with Ghost Rider,Wolverine, and the Hulk to help us beata Skrull with delusions of grandeur.What a crew that was, battlin' away in ahuge cavern, against thousands ofsubterranean creatures and giantmonsters. What a time we had! Too badI couldn't get a swing in on the Hulk,though. I owe him a few lumps." Q.: "What is Spider-Man's strongestsuit?" A.: "Usually clubs, king high. Aw,just kidding. Spidey just doesn't giveup, even when the odds are against him.I can admire that in a guy."

Reed and Sue Richards now enter theroom. "Ben, Johnny left the experimentmumbling about a surprise. Do youknow anything about this?"

"The matchstick must be settin' upanother practical joke. Better go stophim before he does something to get mereally mad." As the Thing leaves, the premiersuper hero couple settles down for themoment. Q.: "I might as well ask you the samequestion, have you any guesses onSpider-Man's secret identity?" A.: Reed: "I'm sure that if I devotedsome time to the subject of discoveringSpider-Man's true identity, it wouldn'tbe much of a difficulty. However, Irespect the man enough that I wouldn'tdelve into his personal affairs any morethan I would wish him to delve intomine." Sue: "He's such a sweet man. I'm surehe has a reason for keeping his identitya secret from the public. Besides, if weknew, do you think we would tell youor any other reporter?" Q.: "Probably not. Mr. Richards, whatis your assessment of Spider-Man'spowers?" A.: "Spider-Man has an interestingassemblage of powers. Once again,we're approaching the edges ofprivileged information. Let it suffice tosay that I believe Spider-Man to berelatively unique in the world." Q.: "Mrs. Richards, what is your mostmemorable encounter with Spider-Man?" A.: "Some gangsters had captured myson, to use him as a hostage. Theyforced me to rob a bank and bring themthe money. Somehow—it may be oneof his powers, who knows—Spider-Man discovered the problem andoffered his services. He came up with a risky plan, with

most of the risk being shouldered byhim, all to save my son. Obviously, wewere successful, as Franklin is quitealive and healthy to this day. There isn'ta greater compliment to give than that Itrusted him with the life of my son.Spider-Man shall always have myundying gratitude for his part inFranklin's rescue."

With that, there came a loud crash inanother room. Reed: "It appears that Ben andJohnny are up to their old tricks again.If there is anything else you'd like fromus, please give us a call later. As it is,we have to go break up another brawlbefore it gets out of hand and spills intomy laboratory."

Peter Parker This photographer for the DailyBugle has recently published aretrospective book of his photos ofSpider-Man through the years. Mr.Parker has had the uncanny ability to bein the right place at the right time totake many photos of the mysteriousSpider-Man. This interview was conducted at the J.Gibb restaurant, in the company of Mr.Parker's lovely wife, Mary JaneWatson-Parker, who is known to ourreaders as Sybil, on the soap opera,Secret Hospital. Q.: "So, Mr. Parker, the obvious firstquestion is how do you get all yourphotos of the web-slinger?" A.: "I'd say it's about 90% luck and10% skill. Over the years, I've madesome good guesses about where Spider-Man would be at specific times."

Q.: "There have been rumors in thepast that you and Spider-Man havemade some sort of deal, so you can getphotos of him? Would you comment onthat?" A.: "Well, we have had ourdiscussions in the past and he did tipme off once where he was going to be.That only happened once, under specialcircumstances, and I doubt that it'll everhappen again. When we last spoke,there was a falling out. I haven't seenhim, other than through my lens, for along while now and don't intend to golooking for him." Mary Jane chimes in: "Oh, don't letPeter kid you, he's a big fan of Spider-Man. If the web-slinger does want topatch it up, I'm sure Peter would bewilling to talk to him." Grinning broadly, Peter responds,"She's right. She usually is, you know.I'd love to be able to get some moreexclusives of good old Spidey, so ifyou're reading this, let me know whereyour next battle with Dr. Octopus isgoing to be, and I'll be there. I'll eventry to get your good side, okay?" Q.: "How are you handling all therecognition you've been getting sincethe publication of your book?" A.: "What recognition? My wife stillgets all the autograph hounds when wego out on the town. Actually, I'veenjoyed the book tour and have likedmeeting all the people across thecountry."

We close out our retrospective on thearachnid Avenger with comments froma number of people who have met orseen Spider-Man.

May Parker, onceengaged to Spider-Man'sarch-foe Doctor OttoOctavius. "That awful creature scared me halfto death when he disrupted mywedding, but times have changed sincethen. Spider-Man recently saved mynephew, his wife, and me from theclutches of that evil man, the Vulture. Imay have been too harsh on Spider-Man in the past, but he's still not myfavorite person in the world. "I worry about my nephew, Peter,taking pictures of all those super-powered people. He must be puttinghimself in incredible danger to get hisphotos. I wish he would go back toschool and avoid the dangers thatSpider-Man represents."

Sliver Sable, leader ofthe mercenary groupknown as the Wild Pack,often seen in Spider-Man'scompany "Spider-Man is a good ally, but heneeds to be a bit more disciplined.Working alone over the years hasn'tfostered an attitude of teamwork in hiscombat style. There is a potential therethough, rough as it may be. He's fast,agile, and can think quickly when thesituation demands it. I'd take him on myside rather than against me any day."

Nick Katzenberg,freelance photographer "Aw, he's a bum. Who can believe aguy who puts on a red-and-blue suitand swings through the city? I mean,can he really have all his marbles upthere? Personally, I think he's taking usall for a ride, and laughing behind ourbacks. All those unsolved burglaries—1bet he's behind some of them. All Iknow is I wouldn't turn my back onhim."

Natalie Jacobs, a NYhomemaker was savedfrom a mugging bySpider-Man "He swooped out of the darkness onthat web of his, wrapped up themuggers with some more webbing, thenpicked up and returned my purse. Hewas a gentlemen throughout and, ifyou're reading this, thank you Spider-Man. I was too choked up at the time tothank him. He's a wonderful man, justwonderful."

Joe "Robbie"Robertson, Editor-in-chiefof the Daily Bugle. Robbie has had many encounters withSpider-Man, the most recent inconjunction with Robertson's trial forconcealing knowledge of murder andhis involvement with the criminalTombstone. "Spider-Man's heart is in the rightplace. He did all he could to help mewhile I was in prison and againstTombstone, and I appreciate it. "Spider-Man has always been a heroin my book, despite what Jonahbelieves. All I've ever seen Spider-Mando is help others."

John Smalley, cab driver "Well, if the Daily Bugle publishes it,it must be true, so I wouldn't trustSpider-Man at all. I have seen himswinging by on his web a couple oftimes, and did he ever help me get outof the traffic jam I was stuck in? Notonce did he stop and help us, even withall the honking I did to get his attention.He should help us working guys moreoften."

We received this note, addressed toNOW, allegedly from the Black Cat.We have run it unedited. You make upyour own mind whether it's the realitem or not.

NOW Magazine staff, I heard that you're putting an issueabout Spider-Man together and Iwanted to get my two cents in. We've had our share of adventurestogether, much more than that rag theDaily Bugle has reported on. Spideris a hero through and through. Hedeserves all the praise given him andonly a little of the criticism. Manytimes over, he has saved my life,from such foes as Doc Ock and thatfat guy of crime, the Kingpin. He'sset me straight, or as straight as I canbe set. Thanks for the good times, Spider.

Meow,Black Cat

The letter was imprinted with a cat'spaw under the signature.

Note from Latveria Since Dr. Doom has been seen inSpider-Man's presence at least once, wetried to solicit a quote from the ruler ofLatveria, but all we received was ashort, terse, typed note on officialstationery stating, "The monarch ofLatveria has no wish to contribute anymaterial for a Spider-Man tribute."

Luckily for me and my secret, thepoliceman realized that Harry musthave been quite young when the Goblinfirst came on the scene years ago, soHarry was considered to be crazy andjust ranting anything that came to mind.

Gwen ReturnsI'm going crazy, totally crazy. I saw herdie—1 cradled her body in my armsatop the Brooklyn Bridge. How can shestill be alive? Gwen Stacy walked back into my lifetoday, back from the grave. This can'tbe real, it just can't be!

—a few days later— I've been so busy that I haven't hadtime to sort out my feelings for Gwenand for Mary Jane. This thing with MJhad just started when Gwen walkedback into my life. What is going on?What am I going to do?

Gwen ExplainedFinally, the truth of Gwen and thesecond Spider-Man came out into theopen. Prof. Miles Warren was theJackal, and he had created Spider-Manand Gwen Stacy clones. I stopped him,but a bomb exploded, killing both myclone and Prof. Warren. Gwen left, leaving behind a city thatbelieved her dead, to start a new life. As for my clone, I don't know why Itossed the body down that chimney. Iwas in a state of shock. I couldn't thinkof anything else to do with it and Icouldn't just let the police find it,

Again, the Green GoblinI haven't picked this book up in a while,but the return of the Green Goblin wasso bizarre that I need to write it down,if only to keep it straight. Harry Osborn had been going to apsychiatrist to cope with his problems.In the sessions, his doctor, Dr.Hamilton, had learned of the Goblin'ssecret, and decided that he could takethe power for himself. Using the knowledge that Harry gavehim while under hypnosis, Hamiltonbecame the new Green Goblin. Hami-lton captured Harry and imprisonedhim, to keep him out of the way whilehe pursued his criminal ambitions. Harry escaped and he also assumedthe identity of the Green Goblin, to getrevenge on Hamilton. Hamilton was killed by a bomb blastintended for Harry and me. When hewoke up, Harry had lost his memory ofbeing the Green Goblin, so the threat ofthe Goblin has been stopped again, atleast temporarily.

Graduation &JustificationI finally graduated college. Well,almost. I was one credit shy. I forgot totake a silly one credit gym course. Me,a super hero, short a gym credit! A short time later, D.A. Towerinformed me I had been cleared of allcriminal charges that the police hadpressed against me. There couldn't havebeen a better graduation present thannot having to worry about the policetrying to arrest me when we crossedpaths.

Mysterio andAunt May's "Death"Some more mysteries of my life havebeen explained, such as why the robberwas breaking into my Aunt and Uncle'shouse the evening that Uncle Ben died. This all began when I received a callfrom the Restwell Nursing Homeinforming me that Aunt May had diedof a cardiac infarction. That drove me abit crazy as I tried to find out whathappened. Behind the scheme was thatmaster of misdirection, Mysterio andhis ally, the burglar who killed UncleBen! Aunt May explained later thatthey had wanted stolen loot hidden inAunt May's house, and werequestioning her about it. Her death wasfaked to keep me from coming aroundto visit. Don't these people have feelings? Tothem this was only a stalling tactic, butto me, it was as if my whole lifecrumbled around me. For the life of me,I'll never understand the criminal mind. In my confrontation with Uncle Ben'skiller, I revealed my identity. I just hadto let him know why I wasn't going togive up and that he was going to takethe fall for his actions. Once he knew,he honestly thought that I was going tokill him. I didn't—he had a heart attackfrom the stress and died. That's one part of my past that hascome full circle now and I'm glad it'sover. Aunt May is all right. She sure isone tough lady and I'm proud to haveher as my aunt.

Peter Parker’s Journal

Madame WebI have to get this down onto paper. Today I encountered one of thestrangest people I've ever met. Hername is Madame Web and she is aprecognitive. She has these strangepremonitions about events and cansometimes figure out what will come topass before it happens. She gives methe willies. Even worse, her powers revealed myreal identity to her. She promised tokeep it a secret, but I find it hard to trusther completely. I suppose only timewill tell whether my trust is justified ornot. She could be a good ally or anextremely dangerous foe.

JuggernautThe Juggernaut has the strength to rivalthe Hulk, but his brainpower is waydown there among the common thugs.He tore up downtown New York duringhis trip to find Madame Web. I dideverything I could to stop him, butnothing slowed him down. When he found Madame Web, hedisconnected her from her life-supportsystems to take her with him, notrealizing that the machines were whatkept her alive. In one of the mostcallous acts I've ever seen, he said shewas of no use to him, so he dropped herin the rubble, and left. I kept her alivewith CPR until the authorities arrived,then went after him. The Juggernaut was eventuallytricked into walking into a buildingfoundation of fresh concrete. It slowedhim down, but I doubt that even tons ofliquid concrete can stop him for long.He's almost like a force of nature orsomething akin to that.

HobgoblinThe specter of the Green Goblin hasrisen from the grave again. Someonehas found one of Osborn's old lairs andhas made the Goblin's old weaponseven more powerful. This new villaincalls himself the Hobgoblin. If the Hobgoblin has all the GreenGoblin's secrets, I wonder if he knowsmy secret identity. He didn't show anyevidence of it during our fight, so Iassume he doesn't. I'll keep my fingerscrossed.

Timothy HarrisonI was taught a lesson in real couragethis evening. When I read Conover'sCorner in the Daily Bugle this morning,I knew that I had to do something. Thisnine-year-old boy,

Timothy Harrison, had collectedSpider-Man memorabilia for most ofhis nine years on this planet and his onewish was to meet me. I showed up athis room tonight at Slocum BrewerHospital and proceeded to tell himmore about myself than I've ever toldanyone else. How I got my power fromthe radioactive spider, how my web-shooters work, why I became acrimefighter, and even who I reallyam—all this I told to one young man. He actually had film footage of myappearance on the "Variety Time!" TVshow long ago. I didn't think that stufflike that still existed. Another mementohe had were bullets I had dodged whilebringing in a group of bank robbers. Ican't believe how dedicated he is toSpider-Man and how comprehensivehis collection is. I had to go, so I gave him a partinghug, from friend to friend. Nine years old and two weeks tolive—You see, Slocum Brewer is acancer institute and Tim has terminalleukemia. He's a true hero.

The Secret WarI just got back from a jaunt across theCosmos during which the heroes ofEarth fought the most its powerfulvillains for the "ultimate prize." I needto kid about it, because thinking aboutit may drive me totally crazy. I've beeninvolved with some large crises but thiswas the most mind-blowing experienceI've ever had. The powers involved onboth sides were beyond comprehension.

I got this great new costume out of itas well. While we were on the alienplanet, my red-and-blue costume gotshredded in a battle with the villains. Ifound a machine that created things andI asked for a replacement set of

clothing. Voila, a new black-and-whitefashion statement. Best of all, it's not just regularclothing. The costume responds to mythoughts and can emulate any type ofclothing. I can save a bundle

on my laundry costs. And I won't be aslave to fashion as I'll be able to updatemy wardrobe with a thought! Yourwell-equipped super hero shouldn't goanywhere without one!

Costume AgainThat black-and-white costume wasn'tclothing at all. It's an alien symbiotethat had fastened itself onto me,physically and mentally. It had beenforcing me to go out web-slinging atnight while I was still asleep. Can youbelieve that? I've heard of sleepwalkingbefore, but never "sleep web-swinging!" Luckily, I was at the Fantastic Four'sheadquarters, undergoing tests todetermine exactly what the costumewas made of, when the discovery wasmade by none other than Mr. Fantastichimself. Richards was able to get it off mewith a sonic weapon and imprisoned itin a plexiglass cage. Just looking at itgave me the creeps now. That thing hadbeen using my body for its ownunknown purposes. Brrrr. I'm just gladto be rid of the thing!

Mary Jane's SecretShe's known all along and never toldme. Mary Jane knows I'm Spider-Man!She spotted me as Spider-Man when Iwas leaving my aunt's house going aftermy uncle's killer those many years agoand has kept the secret all this time. Upon further thought, it's a reliefhaving someone to talk to about myadventures, someone who has aviewpoint that is grounded more in day-to-day life, in reality, so to speak. I'll beable to bounce my problems off her andget an answer from someone who hasknown me for a long time.

Gang WarSo many gangs and their leaders arefighting that I'm not sure who is onwhose side anymore. The main players-are the Kingpin, the Rose, Hobgoblin,and Hammerhead. They are the villainsthat I need to worry about. I need totake down somehow.

Mary JaneShe said Yes, she actually said Yes! Ittook a different city and a life-threatening situation to get it out of her,I got her answer! MJ said she'd marryme! This is going to change my life! AuntMay has been trying to get the two ofus together since before I first proposedto MJ years ago. She's going to be sohappy! I can't wait to tell her the goodnews. MJ is going to marry me!

WeddingWhew, I almost missed my ownwedding. In the end, I had to resort towall-crawling to get there on time. Present at the ceremony, other thanMJ and I, were Aunt May, AnnaWatson, Flash Thompson, HarryOsborn, Robbie Robertson, and BettyBrant-Leeds. Even good old Jolly Jonahmade it! One of the best days of mylife, one that I won't ever forget!

VenomThe alien costume has come back tohaunt me. The symbiote has fasteneditself onto another person, a reporter forthe Daily Bugle, Eddie Brock. Brock claimed that I destroyed hisjournalistic career during the Sin-Eaterinvestigation. He had been contacted byEmil Gregg, a man professing to be theSin-Eater, and Brock had written storiesbased on information taken fromGregg. I found out the true Sin-Eater(and murderer of Jean DeWolff), StanCarter, and the resulting backlashagainst Brock cost him his job and therespect of his peers. He was in a church one evening,praying for forgiveness when a shadowpassed over him and merged with him.My alien costume had found a newhost, one that hated me as much as itdid. Calling themselves Venom, theyalmost killed me, but in the end I wasable to subdue them by using thevibrations generated by a church bell toknock the symbiote out. I left them in a"sonic chamber" at Four FreedomsPlaza again, where the FF will keepthem until Venom is transferred to theVault, a government super-prison in theRockies. I hope that this is the last time I haveto face that costume. Since it was partof me for a while, my Spider Sensedoesn't work on it. I'd hate to thinkwhat would happen if it got free andwas able to ambush me. It's enough togive a guy nightmares just thinkingabout it.

Cosmic PowersI had the ability to fly, shoot energybolts out of my fists, and the strength togo toe-to-toe with the Hulk, and, boy,am I ever glad it's all gone. Whateverresponsibilities I feel toward helpingothers was magnified an immeasurableamount when my power level went intothe cosmic class. I'm happy just beingyour friendly, neighborhood Spider-Man, not your local space quadrantCosmic Spider-Man. Let someone elseinherit the powers next time. Sheesh!As if I don't have enough to worryabout!

Venom AgainVenom renewed our grudge, but with atwist. He didn't want any innocentsbeing threatened, so we went to adeserted island to finish this. I left Venom on the island with theimpression that I'm dead. It may havebeen a cowardly way out, but it was theonly thing that I could think of at thetime. I found a skeleton and faked anexplosion, after planting my costumeon the skeleton. With his thirst forrevenge sated, I hope he'll stay on theisland and leave the rest of the worldalone. Brock and the alien seem to holdinnocent life sacred, so I have highhopes that I'll never see the two of themagain.

Team-UpsRecently, I got involved with a mess ofheroes, all of whom were battling theSecret Empire, against a formersidekick of Moon Knight, Midnight.The Secret Empire convinced the kidthat Moon Knight had abandoned him.The group then turned him into apowerful cyborg. Here's a list of theparticipants; Punisher, Moon Knight,Night Thrasher, Nova, and Darkhawk. It's getting so you can't swing acrosstown without running into at least oneother super hero! We may have to getflight patterns or something just to getacross town!

CarnageVenom. I had-to go get Venom's help totake out the alien symbiote's offspring,Carnage. And what a child it is! Insteadof merging with a human with at least arudimentary sense of right and wrongsuch as Brock, the alien child landed onCletus Kasady, a homicidal maniac. AsCarnage, they've been randomly killingpeople for days now. To get Venom to agree to help, Ipromised Brock that he'd go free afterwe captured the second symbiote andKasady. Well, in good conscience, Icouldn't let that happen. I had contactedMr. Fantastic for backup, and afterCarnage was stopped with a barrage ofsonics, Reed finished the job on Venomwith a portable sonic gun.

Lord help me if Venom ever escapesagain. If he wasn't convinced beforethat I'm not an innocent, he certainlyhas the proof now. I still feel crummyabout what I did, but there was nochoice. I couldn't let Venom go free anymore than I could let Carnage continuehis rampage unchecked. There was noright answer. I just did what I felt wasnecessary.

Harry's InsanityI guess it was inevitable that Harrywould crack again. He's never gone thisfar before though! He kidnapped hiswife, son, and brother-in-law for somesort of bizarre dinner, to gather theentire Osborn clan together. The hellthat he put his son and wife through,asking if little Norman

thought his daddy was crazy, thendenying that Liz was an Osborn, wastoo much for me. We started to thrasheach other across the room, when Harrylet loose a bombshell. He haddiscovered his father's strengthenhancement formula and had used iton himself. He truly was the GreenGoblin now. I stopped him and called the police.The only thing that was settled that daywas that I was no longer afraid thatHarry would tell the world who I was.I've dealt with worse crises, and Iwould deal with it if the Green Goblindecided to blurt out that I was actuallyPeter Parker. He kept it to himself, forwhatever twisted reasons he may have.I'm not going to lose any more sleepover it. It's time to put it behind me andface the future without worrying aboutthe past.

Parents ReturnI had noticed that Aunt May soundedupset or excited when she called andasked MJ and me to come over, but Ihad no idea! When we walked in, AuntMay introduced us to a middle-agedcouple. Aunt May said they were myparents! My real parents! I can’t believeit! I don’t know if I should believe it.I’m stunned. That’s the only way todescribe it. What can happen next inmy life?

By putting on his Spider-Man mask, thehuman Peter Parker dons the identity ofSpider-Man, yet the man under themask is still that human being. He maybe more comical or flippant, butessentially, Peter remains himself,gallant, heroic, and truthful. In the following section are sayingsabout Peter Parker and words spokenboth by Spider-Man and those close tothe web-slinging hero. It is my sincerehope that these insights into thecharacters of Spider-Man's world willgive you a better understanding of themortal behind the mask and the life heleads.

The Watcher

After a particularly vehement editorialbyJ.J.J. against Spider-Man raises thepublic's fears of the hero early on in hiscareer, Peter muses to himself. "Can they be right? Am I really

some sort of crack-pot, wasting mytime seeking fame and glory?? Am Imore interested in the adventure ofbeing Spider-Man than I am in helpingpeople?? Why do I do it? Why don't Igive the whole thing up? And yet Ican't! I must have been given this greatpower for a reason! No matter howdifficult it is, I must remain as Spider-Man! And I pray that some day theworld will understand."

(AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #4)

With Aunt May in the hospital and theoriginal Green Goblin on the loose,Peter once again questions his role asSpider-Man. "And the one person who's beenkinder to me than anyone else in mywhole life is in the hospital now andthere's nothing I can do to help her. Alot of good it does to me to be Spider-Man! Sometimes I wish that I

had never heard that name! Why don'tthings ever seem to turn out right forme? Why do I seem to hurt people, nomatter how I try not to? Is this the priceI must always pay for being Spider-Man??"

(AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #17)

When stopping a group of bankrobbers. "Hold on, boys. What's your hurry?Didn't you know that this is 'Let's getacquainted with Spider-Man week?'Don't worry about a thing, boys this'llonly hurt for a minute!"

(AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #16)

After a streak of poor luck, Peter onceagain realizes that Spider-Man isneeded. "Now there's nothing to stop me frombeing Spider-Man again. Aunt May hasenough gumption for both of us. I won'thave to worry about her

Spider-Man’s Quips and Quotes

anymore! As for J. Jonah Jameson,before I'm through, he'll be eating hiswords about me! Fate gave me someterrific super-powers, and I realize thatit's my duty to use them ... withoutdoubt... without hesitation!! And thatmeans Spider-Man is going into actionagain! I'll fight as I've never foughtbefore! Nothing will stop me now!! ForI know at last that a man can't changehis destiny ... and I was born to be ...Spider-Man!!"(AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #18)

With Aunt May in the hospital waitingfor a miracle drug (in Spider-Man'shands), the exhausted hero struggleswith a tremendous weight pinning himdown. "I'll do it. Aunt May! I won't fail you!No matter what—I won't fail—Anyonecan win a fight when the odds—areeasy! It's when the going's tough—when there seems to be no chance—that's when—it counts! Everythinggoing black—my head—aching! Holdon—I must hold

on—! It's moving! Can't stop now! Lastchance! Just keep the momentum—more! Just a little more—! I did it! I'mfree!!"

(AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #33)

To a couple of ordinary-looking goonswho attack Spider-Man. "Hey! Are you guys kidding? Takinga poke at me is like instant annihilation!But I guess you wanna be able to bragto your grandchildren that you wereonce knocked out by Spidey ... so here'syour chance!"

(SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #2)

Spider-Man, while fighting a minorvillain known as ... "The Ringer? The Ringer?! Oh, no!Oh-ho-ho. Pardon me for laughing, pal,but you can't be serious! Sure ... I'vefought guys who had mechanical arms,and human lizards, and big dumb lugswho can turn into sand... but really!!Rings?! He-he hee!"(SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #58)

A determined Spider-Man in pursuit ofthe Hobgoblin. "He's not getting away from meagain! I'm going to fight him like I'venever fought before—and I'm going towin! When I'm finished with him, theHobgoblin's going to know he's beenbeaten. He's going to know what itmeans to face the power of Spider-Man!!"

(AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #259)

Here are all the major appearances ofSpider-Man in the MARVELUNIVERSE, as of this writing. We'vetried to include his many crossoverappearances, with the exception ofquick cameos and flashbacks.

ALPHA FLIGHT: #74, 75 (alternateworld version)

AMAZING FANTASY: #15AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: All to

date, including Annuals, Special,and Giant-Size issues.

AVENGERS: #11, 221, 236, 237, 258,314-318, 329, 330

CAPTAIN AMERICA: #137, 138, 265,266

CLOAK AND DAGGER (1st): #3;(2nd) #16-18

DAMAGE CONTROL I: #1CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS: #1-3DAREDEVIL: #16, 17, 27, 54, 77, 103,

270, Annual 4DARKHAWK: #2-3DAZZLER: #1-2DEADLY FOES OF SPIDER-MAN:

#1-4DEFENDERS: #61, 109DOCTOR STRANGE: (1st) #179FANTASTIC FOUR: #73, 207, 250

(fake), 299, 347-349, 362FOOLKILLER: #8GHOST RIDER: (1st) #18

(hallucination), (2nd) #16-17GIANT SIZE SUPER-HEROES: #1HERO FOR HIRE: #12HOWARD THE DUCK: #1INCREDIBLE HULK: #278, 279, 300,

349, 359 (fake) Annual 11HUMAN FLY: #1INFINITY GAUNTLET: #1-6IRON MAN: #234KA-ZAR: (1st) #3; (2nd) 20, 22-26

Spider-Man’s Bibliography

LONGSHOT: #4MAN-THING: #22 (hallucination)MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS: #39,

48-50, 67MARVEL FANFARE: #1-2, 6, 42, 45

(pin-up), 47MARVEL GRAPHIC NOVELS: Death

of Captain Marvel, Parallel Lives,Spirits of the Earth

MARVEL SUPER HEROES: (1stseries) #14 (2nd series) #3

MARVEL TALES: AllMARVEL TEAM-UP: All but #18, 26,

29, 32, 35, 104, 105 (includingannuals)

MARVEL TREASURY: #1, 9, 14, 18,22, 25, 27-28 (reprints)

MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE: #17-18, 90,Annual#2

MOON KNIGHT (3rd series) #3, 19-21, 32-33

NFL SUPERPRO: #1NOVA: #12, 15 (robot)POWER PACK: #6, 21, 29PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL: #14-15QUASAR: #7 (Cosmic powers)SECRET WARS I: #1-12SECRET WARS II: #2,7-8SHE-HULK: (2nd series) #3, 29SILVER SURFER: (1st series) #14SLEEPWALKER: #5-6SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN: All,

including annualsSPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN:

Magazine #1-2SPIDER-MAN: AllSPIDER-MAN AND HIS AMAZING

FRIENDS: #1SPIDER-MAN AND WOLVERINE:

#1SPIDER-MAN SAGA: #1-4SPIDER WOMAN: #20, 29STRANGE TALES: (1st) #115, 119,

Annual 2

SUB-MARINER: #40, 69TALES TO ASTONISH: #57THING: #5 (hallucination)THOR: #259, 391, 447TRANSFORMERS: #3VISION AND THE SCARLET

WITCH: (2nd series) #11

WEB OF SPIDER-MAN: All,including annuals

WHAT IF? (1st series) #1, 7, 19, 24,38, 46; (2nd series) 4, 17, 20-21

WITHIN OUR REACH CHRISTMASSPECIAL

X-MEN: #35 (and reprint #83), 191