SPIDER-MAN IS A COWARD! Whoa, hold on now. I don’t want you to think I’m saying that. Let me back it up a bit. In the previous issue, the Green Goblin returned to defeat Spidey once and for all. He made some upgrades to his weaponry and glider. His unknown identity continued to be an advantage as well. All he had to do was locate Spider-Man. Easy enough, Flash Thompson started a Web-Head fan club where the neighborhood hero would guest appear. The fight was a goose chase since Spidey wanted to protect the innocent bystanders. At the same event, Peter lucked out on Betty while talking to Liz. He couldn't juggle the two. The Human Torch helped him when things were getting hot and heavy. Out of nowhere, the crowd witnessed something unbelievable, Spider-Man left in the middle of the fight! Why?! Peter overheard a call about Aunt May’s health; she was very ill. And he wasn’t leaving the woman who cared for him the most alone in a hospital room. Goblin left the fight because he only wanted Spidey. The city was shocked by Spider-Man’s actions. But only if they knew. What will happen to Peter’s life now? Can it get worse? Let’s find out, comic maniacs!
The Amazing Spider-Man #18 (Nov 1964) “The End of Spider-Man!” Written by: Stan Lee, Illustrated by: Steve Ditko & Lettered by: Sam Rosen
There’s one man happy about Spider-Man’s cowardice. Yep, you guessed it right. Ole Jolly Jonah Jameson. He ensured everyone knew Jameson was the only person who knew the truth. It seemed the news of Spider-Man was very shocking to heroes and villains. Goblin was joyful about his world-famous status. Doc Ock thought it should’ve been him beating Spidey. Kraven continued to hunt the Spider down. Vulture had trouble believing Goblin did it himself. The Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and Daredevil couldn’t grasp that Spider-Man was a phony. Everyone was talking about this. Where was Spider-Man? They needed answers! Well, Peter Parker was taking care of his ill Aunt. He couldn’t let anything happen to her. But it was getting rough because May’s medication and money were low. Peter had to find money fast. At school, it was no surprise to see Flash trying to convince others that Spider-Man had reasons to leave. Liz always took an opportunity to flirt with Peter. My guy needs to fix his love life quickly! In all this craziness, Peter only focused on money. He took a trip to Ace Picture Co. as Spider-Man. He had an idea to sell cards with his image, similar to sports cards. It was a no-go because the world didn’t care about a washed-up Spider-Man. Peter felt disappointed. Maybe fighting off some crooks could hit the spot? Not even! Peter couldn’t risk getting hurt because Aunt May needed him. He called the police and went straight home. The doctor came by to do a checkup on Aunt May. Everything was fine! As the medication bottle got emptier, Peter stressed even greater. He took his free time to call Betty, but she was still mad at Parker about the fan club. Everyone at the Daily Bugle did not like the actual Jolly Jameson. It definitely looked creepy. How is it probable to want someone to be arrogant and hateful instead of admirable and ecstatic?
Anyways, Peter knew he couldn’t let May down because of all she sacrificed for him. He tried contacting Betty. Betty had to resist answering the phone. She couldn’t take another heartbreak. Peter sat, in loneliness, as he recalled his most deadly encounters with the Sinister Six. All the times he saved the city, citizens, and loved ones they meant nothing. 99% of the town turned their backs on Spider-Man. The next day Peter tried to talk to Betty at the Bugle, but it obviously didn’t work. Jolly Jameson told Parker no more Spidey photos. Oh, how times have changed. Peter continued to stress about money then it hit him! Why doesn’t he sell his unique webbing formula? He wasted no time. Spider-Man showed off the webbing, and many scientists were intrigued until the webbing broke. They wanted a lasting plaster, but that could talk months to figure out. Back to square one! Things got worse when Spidey ran into the Sandman. Peter still didn’t want to fight anyone in case his Aunt needed him. Time for the Web-Runner to shine! The citizens of NY watched as Spider-Man ran from another enemy. Not pleasant for the hero. Jameson enjoyed witnessing Spidey’s downfall. It wasn’t Peter’s main priority, though. All he wanted to do was come home to help May. Money and time were against Peter. He’ll find a way!
Other than Flash, Johnny Storm believed Spidey had his reasons. He called for a meet-up with a flaming message in the sky. Peter saw it but couldn’t risk leaving May alone. Johnny waited the entire day and started to question more. What has happened to our neighborhood hero?! Flash supported the Web-Head through everything. He came up with a plan. He dressed as Spider-Man, hoping the real one would save him from crooks. Not a smart plan. I mean, did he not learn from the Doctor Doom incident?! Liz warned Peter about this and quickly left to help Flash. Thompson’s beating was stopped by the police. Unfortunately, Spidey was a no-show. He still supported the Wall-Crawler, though. It’s insane how loyal he is! Things still weren’t good at home for Peter. He hit rock bottom when he saw Betty with another man. Very tough for a young teen. Peter had had enough. The Spider-Man gig is no more. All the damage it has caused him in a short amount wasn’t worth it to him anymore. He went downstairs and saw May walking. Aunt May is a strong old woman; nothing will keep her down. She told Peter that she wasn’t a quitter. People need gumption! They need the will to live and fight! She’s a special lady that Peter should be proud of. The doctor did a final check-up, and guess what? No need for medication! One by one, the problems go away. And finally, after hearing the encouraging words and witnessing the strength of Aunt May, he put on his Spidey suit gracefully and proudly! Nothing was going to stop him from being the friendly neighborhood hero. Peter was given these extraordinary powers for a purpose. He’ll use them without doubt or hesitation. He will prove to the world that his destiny is being Spider-Man!
Favorite panels from ASM #18 - Page 6 Panel #1, Page 21 Panel #1, and Page 22 Panel #4. Issue number 18 wasn’t big on action, so these panels are my favorite because of the care, love, and support on display. On page six panel one, Peter quickly decided to not fight the crooks because May needed him. Love that for the character. On page 21 panel one, Aunt May’s words and strength push Peter to never give up on being our friendly neighborhood hero. And on page 22 panel four, Peter knew he was meant to use his powers for the greater good. No matter how low life gets, it will never be enough to give up on his destiny as Spider-Man!
Page 6 Panel #1
Page 21 Panel #1
Page 22 Panel #4
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