Sandman
Attributes
| Eyes: | Brown |
| Features: | Gritty feeling to his handshake |
| Hair: | Brown |
| Height: | Variable (6'1") |
| Weight: | Variable (450 lbs) |
Powers
| Limitations: | Sandman can form his body into hammers and other crushing weapons, and can suffocate opponents with his body. |
| Powers: | Sandman can turn his body into a sandlike material which he can manipulate the shape and density of at will. |
| Strength Level: | Super-Human |
Summary
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Created By: | |
| Current Occupation: | Unknown |
| Dual Identity: | Known to the F.B.I. |
| Education: | Didn't graduate from High School |
| Former Aliases: | William Baker, Sylvester Mann |
| Former Bases: | The Island Prison |
| Former Groups: | The Sinister Six, Frightful Four, Avengers (Alternate Avenger Status) |
| Former Occupation: | Professional Criminal |
| Known Allies: | Spider-Man, Captain America, The Avengers, Crime-Master, The Big Man, Silver Sable, Silver Sable's Wild Pack, the Sinister Six, the Frightful Four, |
| Known Confidants: | Spiderman, Captain America |
| Known Relatives: | Mother (Mrs. Baker, MTU #1), Father (Floyd Baker) |
| Legal Status: | Criminal Record in the U.S. |
| Major Enemies: | Spider-Man, The Sinister Six, Fantastic Four |
| Marital Status: | Single |
| Place of Birth: | Queens, New York |
| Real Name: | Flint Marko |
| Usual Bases: | Unknown |
Background
”Sandman: Year One”
In William Baker's own words, "My childhood sucked, but let's not make it even worse than it was." The only child of an alcoholic mother who cleaned houses for a living and a father that ran out on the family, William had skill as an artist. Sand art, naturally. His teacher, Miss Flint, was proud of her star pupil, but his talents made him the target of the school bullies. His mother blamed herself when William would come home battered and bruised, wishing that she hadn't drank so much and forced her husband to leave them. At least his father could have taught little William to defend himself. The son promised his mother, "I AM a man. And I can defend myself. You'll see. They'll ALL see."
William swore that Vic and his fellow bullies would never hurt him again. The next time they came after him, he was the one to leave them hurt and bleeding. That day, he learned that guys feared and respected power and girls were attracted to it. When he was a good boy, he was beat up. When he was a rebel, he was respected. He liked the feeling. A lot.
His former bullies decided to make him one of them, and he became their leader. William took "Flint" as a nickname in high school, because it sounded tough and because it reminded him of his teacher, who he had a childhood crush on. He swore that he would never be the kid that he had been before. He became a high school football player, which is where his trouble really began. Vic came to him one night and begged Flint to start throwing some of the football games, so he could pay off his gambling debts to the mafia. Flint agreed, which brought him into conflict with the coach.
The coach confronted Flint, who promptly beat him up. He and Vic robbed a convenience store to get money to run out of town but were caught by the police and sent to prison. In prison, Flint met his father, a fellow prisoner named Floyd Baker. Floyd claimed that he liked Flint's bravery and wished that his wimp of a son had some of his guts. That way, he never would have run out on the family. Floyd introduced himself and Flint hastily came up with the name that he would use for the rest of his criminal career: Flint Marko.
Vic and Marcy, Flint's girlfriend, were always waiting for him when he got out of prison. They continued working for the mob as enforcers and inevitably would end up back in jail. The only up side to being back behind bars was seeing his father, who still didn't know he was talking to his own son. Then one day, Floyd was free and Flint was in jail. Wanting to be with his father, Flint escaped from prison and made it all the way to Georgia. Vowing never to be captured alive, he managed to stay one step ahead of the pursuing lawmen. But as the police dragnet drew ever tighter, he hid in the one place where no one would imagine a man would hide: An Atomic Devices Testing Center.
Realizing it was the only place where he could have a measure of safety, he remained on the lonely, forbidden area beach. Until the fateful day that a Nuclear test explosion caught him unawares. By some incredible accident, the molecules of his body merged at that radioactive instant with the molecules of the sand under his feet. In doing so his body took on the qualities of the sand itself. He became the Sandman, who is virtually indestructible.
Making his way back to New York, Flint went directly to Marcy's apartment to tell her that their problems were over, that he could now steal whatever he wanted, but found her with Vic. He nearly killed them for betraying him, but he decided that they were beneath him, that a man of his power needed a worthy enemy. He got his wish in Spider-Man. (Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Annual #1)
”Nothing Can Stop the Sandman”
Spider-Man caught sight of a man on the roof of a bank and quickly realized he was facing the rumored Sandman, “wanted from Maine to Mexico.” The fight was brief as Spidey fled after his mask was torn. Sandman opened a bank door by turning his finger into a key. At home, Peter watched a news report that showed Sandman escaping from police as their bullets passed through him. The police chased him relentlessly, giving him more trouble than he expected. He decided to hide in a nearby school, which of course was Peter’s high school. He ducked into a classroom, hoping it was empty and found a class in session. Principal Davis was there, who instantly recognized the Sandman. Marko realized he’d never graduated high school and demanded a diploma. Marko was about to hit Davis when Spidey arrived and knocked Sandman on his butt. Spider-Man forced the fight out of the classroom, eventually leading Sandman to a janitor’s closet, where he was trapped inside a vacuum cleaner. (Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #4)
”The Sandman Strikes”
The Human Torch, pretending to be Spider-Man, taunted him on TV. Sandman couldn’t let go of the insults and met him at the Empire State Building, where he was beaten. (Strange Tales #115)
”The Sinister Six”
This talent brought him to the attention of Dr Octopus, who made him an original member of the Sinister Six (Mysterio, Electro, Kraven the Hunter and Vulture.) Sandman wasn’t thrilled about working in a team and thought he could take on Spider-Man alone but still went along with Ock’s plan. He and Electro kidnapped Betty Brant and May Parker before taking them to Octavius’s lair. Sandman was sent to the beach, as to Ock’s plan to stage fights the catered to his allies strengths. Sandman set himself up for failure by having a dramatic entrance, which allowed Spidey to surprise him. Spidey grabbed the card telling him where to meet the next criminal but it was a trick. An iron cage closed around them and Spidey couldn’t move in the close quarters. The plan backfired when Sandman ran out of oxygen after beating at Spider-Man so much. (Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1)
”The End of Spider-Man!”
Spider-Man convenient ran into Sandman on the street after having his confidence ruined by running from the Green Goblin. He told Sandman that he wasn’t looking for a fight but he had a fight anyway. Sandman was further convinced of Spidey’s cowardice and chased him across the rooftops. Spidey hid under some trash in an alley and Sandman moved right past him. Peter changed out of his costume just in time for Sandman to come back and ask if he’d seen Spider-Man. Sweating badly, Peter told him he must have gone the other way. Sandman got away but Peter’s confidence was restored after getting a pep talk from his aunt. (Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #18)
”Spidey Strikes Back!”
Human Torch was captured by Montana of the Enforcers with an asbestos covered lasso. Ox yanked Torch to the ground and he was beaten by Fancy Dan. Johnny was knocked out after Sandman smothered him in sand. A thug ran up to Sandman, telling him that Spider-Man had just defeated a gang carrying out a bank robbery. Sandman told him to shut up, as the Enforcers only agreed to work because Spider-Man had been awol. Montana overheard the conversation and Sandman admitted that Spider-Man was back in action but they were soon confident that the four of them could defeat him. After all, they had just beaten the Human Torch.
Peter happened to cross paths with Fancy Dan and changed to Spider-Man, following him to a building. It turns out to be a hiding place for a mob of criminals who all pounce at Spider-Man on sight. The police arrived and chased away the thugs, including the Enforcers. They fled to another building, warning Sandman about Spider-Man. Meanwhile, Spider-Man interrogated a thug named Louie, who told him where the bad guys were hiding, as well as their hostage. Spidey realized that Louie confessed too quickly, so he was walking into a trap.
Sandman was indeed informed that Spider-Man was on his way and got ready. When he found Sandman, he was quickly surrounded by the Enforcers and other crooks. He beat the hoodlums quickly and enjoyed smacking Ox around, as he didn’t have to hold back. Sandman pursued him nonstop, eventually tiring the webhead. He decided that it was time to free the Torch, who complained that he had taken his sweet time. The Enforcers were rounded up and Sandman fled the building as Torch and Spidey bickered. He was captured by two officers because he was too exhausted by the fight. He would rather surrender than face the freaks again. (Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #19)
”The Frightful Four”
Sandman escaped from prison with Paste Pot Pete and stole a plane. They encountered the Wizard, who had been recently been defeated by the Human Torch. They decided to work together against the Fantastic Four but needed a female member. Wizard had heard of Madame Medusa and soon they were plotting. Mister Fantastic was engaged to Invisible Girl and the newly named Frightful Four attacked after their engagement party ended. Human Torch had left to hang out with friends but the rest of the Fantastic Four were captured. After their defeat, Wizard placed antigravity devices in them, letting them float into the air. Alicia warned the Human Torch, who saved his teammates before they suffocated. The good guys came back and beat the Frightful Four but Wizard blew up his own ship, providing a distraction to help them escape. (Fantastic Four (vol. 1) #36)
”And Machine Man Makes 3”
Sandman was being kept at Ryker’s Island in a plastic bubble designed by Reed Richards when a prison break occurred. Baron Brimstone appeared after getting his teleportation belt and offered him a chance at revenge. They teleported away in a puff of smoke to the baron’s mansion in Upper Westchester. He explained to Sandman that he used technology to appear to be a sorcerer but only had limited magical training. Brimstone wanted revenge against Machine Man, who had recently interrupted one of his schemes.
They teleported to the Delmar Insurance office of Pamela Quinn, whom Machine Man had previously rescued. Sandman quickly spotted her and she was told to hide by Aaron Stack. Sandman swatted Stack through a wall, where he had privacy to change to Machine Man. Spider-Man had heard about Sandman’s prison escape and followed his spider sense to the Delmar office. He tackled Sandman from one side as Machine Man attacked from the other. Sandman had just enough time to grab Pamela before Brimstone panicked and teleported them away. Brimstone wasn’t happy that Sandman had ordered him to teleport them away and he planned to do away with him. Sandman was plotting the same.
Spider-Man had managed to leave a spider tracer on Pamela’s dress, but was left alone with Machine Man. Neither were familiar with each other and were suspicious. After the obligatory fight, they worked together. Spider-Man had lost contact with the spider tracer but Machine Man found the signal after scanning a duplicate tracer. Machine Man flew them to Brimstone’s hideout and during the first, Sandman turned into a steam roller. The heroes dodged and he crashed through a wall. Brimstone briefly fought Spider-Man in an alternate dimension, until they were knocked back to their reality.
Machine Man detached his upper body and used it like a fan to scatter Sandman. Marko hardened himself and Spidey took the opportunity to blind him with webbing. As Marko tried to pull the webbing away, Machine Man hit him with electricity from an outlet. They turned to Brimstone, who repaired his device and teleported away in smoke. (Marvel Team Up (vol. 1) #99)
”Here’s Mud in Your Eye”
Flint met a woman that he was very attracted to named Sadie in a cheap bar one night, but she was already being pursued by Morrie Bench, aka Hydro-Man. She tried to keep her new boyfriends cooperative but they ended up fighting each other and merging into a mud monster. (Amazing Spider-Man #217)
”Eye of the Beholder”
It was stopped after it climbed the Empire State Building and got struck by lightening. (Amazing Spider-Man #218)
”The Sinister Syndicate”
Silver Sable had been attempting to capture the Jack O’Lantern (Macendale) and believed that she could find him at an abandoned amusement park. It was an obvious trap and that’s why she brought along Spider-Man. Sure enough, the Sinister Syndicate (Beetle, Hydro-Man, Boomerang, Rhino and Speed Demon) was waiting for them.
Marko had given up being the Sandman and lived as a border of the Cassada family under the alias Sylvester Mann. As he went for a walk, he enjoyed the peace of living a crime free life. However he was drawn to the abandoned amusement park after seeing a distant explosion. (Amazing Spider-Man #280)
”Fifth Reich”
(Amazing Spider-Man #301)
”1000 Words”
Spider-Man was seemingly caught stealing jewelry from a wealthy hermit named Winston Walker. Photos were captured by Nick Katzenberg, which were eagerly bought by Jameson. Costumed people of all types reacted to the photos, with Prowler and Rocket Racer attacking Spidey at once. Silver Sable and Sandman showed up at the same time and soon Spidey was trying to stop Sandman from hurting the others while explaining the situation. Both Sandman and Spider-Man were working for Silver Sable, which was all Prowler needed to know Spidey had gone bad. Sable fled to pursue her mission but was stopped by the Puma, who felt dishonored having helped someone that appeared to be a thief. Sandman tried to protect Sable but was reduced to a sand pile by Will o’ the Wisp.
Spider-Man stopped the melee by crashing a building between himself and the others. He tossed a canister of financial records to Puma, who recognized that Winston Walker laundered money for the Maggia. Sandman told them that they all must feel pretty stupid. They all apologized for the confusion and went their separate ways. (Web of Spider-Man (vol. 1) #50)
”The Return of the Sinister Six”
(Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1) #334)
”Revenge of the Sinister Six”
The Cassadas kicked him out of the house after learning of his background. He went to check on them after they had been threatened by Doctor Octopus, who wanted Sandman to rejoin the Sinister Six. The house exploded as he watched and as he cradled a bloody body, he swore he’d make Octavius pay. He reluctantly joined the other four members, all of whom wanted payback at Octavius. He reminded them that he’d gone straight and they were criminals. He was going to the hospital and would return and as he walked away, he heard Vulture say it all worked out well.
As he sat next to Mrs. Cassada’s hospital bed, he thought that he didn’t trust the rest of the Six and needed backup. He hung out on the roof of the Daily Bugle and waited for Spider-Man to arrive. He brought Spidey up to speed and Spider-Man was soon observing the Six approach Ock at his hideout. Ock was unconcerned, as he knew they were coming. (Spider-Man (vol. 1) #18)
”Blasts From the Past”
While allied to Sable, Baker fought Ben Reilly. Sable was testing Reilly, who had been acting differently than how she remembered Spider-Man. Baker even offered to get a beer with Spidey after the fight was done. (Amazing Spider-Man #407)
”Signs of the Times”
(Sensational Spider-Man (vol. 1) #26)
”Another Return of the Sinister Six”
Still, Marko's evil ways lurked deep inside him. The Wizard, with a device he had previously used against the Fantastic Four to a similar effect, made Flint's dark side resurface so he could have his former ally back. (Peter Parker: Spider-Man (vol. 2) #12)
Again as Marko, he reformed the Sinister Six, with Alyosha Kravinoff and Daniel Berkhart taking the place of the dead originals. Only this time the sixth member, Doc Ock, wasn't the leader - he was the target. The group was joined by Venom. (Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 2) #12)
who decided to eliminate them after he believed himself to have been insulted by them.
”Cliche”
Catching up to Sandman and Spidey at the Daily Bugle after dealing with Electro, Venom took a bite out of Sandman. (Peter Parker: Spider-Man (vol. 2) #16)
”Days of Our Lives”
Now, usually this doesn't really harm anything, as Sandman always leaves some sand behind, but this time some vital sand organ must have been hit, because he started falling apart. He fell into the sewers and was dumped on a beach, where he had enough sand to reform, but not enough will to do it - his mind was shattered. (Peter Parker: Spider-Man (vol. 2) #22)
”Reborn”
Eventually, several aspects of Sandman's mind reformed, his good side, his dark side, his feminine side and his inner child. After tracking down the evil side all over the city, Spidey watched as the 4 Sandpeople (sorry George Lucas) merged together, and fell apart again. After Spider-Man left, a single Sandman emerged, and apparently evil won over the inner battle for control. (Peter Parker: Spider-Man (vol. 2) #56-#57)
”The Last Stand”
Spider-Man and Black Cat had been forced to break Norman Osborn out of prison and the Sinister Twelve (Boomerang, Lizard, Vulture, Tombstone, Hydro-Man, the Green Goblin, Electro, Chameleon, Hammerhead, Mac (Venom) Gargan), Shocker) were waiting for them. (Marvel Knights Spider-Man (vol. 1) #10)
”Sand Blasted”
Sandman may be evil again, but he was forced to join forces with Spider-Man to save his father from death row. Floyd had been convicted of a recent murder since he had last seen Flint. Whose murder, you ask? Ben Parker's, Peter's beloved Uncle Ben. Peter didn't understand how this was possible, since Ben had been killed many years earlier by a Burglar. The thing is, this wasn't the "real" Ben Parker: it was an Uncle Ben from a parallel universe, brought to Spider-Man by the Hobgoblin from the year 2211.
Hobgoblin 2211 came from the future to kill all Spider-Men from all times, and she used the alternate Uncle Ben to persuade Peter to give up being Spider-Man. The plan didn't work and Hobgoblin was defeated, leaving "Uncle Ben" to wander New York. He stumbled upon a homeless man, who tried to persuade him to take his own life. Ben refused, and the bum shot him. It was then that Floyd Baker found the body in an alleyway and picked up the gun, just as the police arrived. Mr Baker, with his long criminal record, was arrested for the murder of "Ben Parker."
This was all revealed by a giant pink lizard from the year 2211, a "Chameleon" of the future, who came back to our time when the Hobgoblin did. The Chameleon 2211 devoured its victim's DNA to assume their appearance and used the identity of the principal of Midtown High for the purpose of watching and learning about Peter Parker. The Spider-Man of our time is a legendary figure in the future and the 2211 Chameleon used the Hobgoblin to come back in time to battle the legend. During the three way battle between Sandman and Chameleon, Spider-Man used the technology from the Spider-Man from 2211 (who was dead, don't ask) to transport "Chameleon" into the electric chair of Floyd Baker. Chameleon was electrocuted and Floyd finally met his son, whom he considers a screw up. (Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (vol. 1) #19)
”Keemia’s Castle”
Perhaps Flint wanted a real, loving family relationship. His father clearly wanted nothing to do with him, so that would explain why he kidnapped a little girl named Keemia Alvarado. Her mother, Alma, was a groupie for super criminals. She wrote them letters, and Keemia was the daughter of one of them. It was through this prison correspondence that Alma met the Sandman. After Flint escaped, he killed Alma and kidnapped Keemia, telling her that she was his daughter. Having never met her real father, she went along with him willingly. Flint took care of her,and she loved him like a real father. Sadly, after Spider-Man rescued her, she was taken into Child Protective Services, as her grandmother was seen as unfit to raise her. (Amazing Spider-Man #616)
”Origin of the Species”
Marko was still enraged over the loss of Keemia and joined Doc Ock and others in Ock's next scheme against the web slinger. Lily Hollister had just given birth to the newest son of Norman Osborn, when the infant was attacked by the super thugs and criminals gathered by Ock. Spidey rescued the newborn, but was dogged across New York by the myriad of enemies (Shocker, Tombstone, Electro, Vulture, Mysterio, Freak, Chameleon, Rhino and Doc Ock) as he tried to protect the child. (Amazing Spider-Man #644)
When the baby was believed to be dead, Sandman hid at an abandoned pier over the river. Spider-Man had become hyper focused on catching everyone involved in the kidnapping. He hid with Shocker and the Enforcers, who were unconcerned. They were concerned when Spidey crumbled the pier and dumped them into the water. Sandman got blasted by Shocker while struggling to hold himself together. (Amazing Spider-Man #645)
”Ends of the Earth”
Flint rejoined the Sinister Six, after Dr Octopus promised to help him get whatever he wanted if he joined the team. In order to get Keemia back, Flint traveled with the Six to take on the Intelligencia, a group of super criminals consisting of M.O.D.O.K., Wizard, Klaw, Red Ghost and the Mad Thinker. The Intelligencia planned to use a magnetic device to blast certain places on earth into space, which was a threat to Doc Ock's latest master plan. Sandman took on the Wizard, a painful moment for both of them, as they were both members of the Frightful Four. Wizard offered to help Marko get Keemia back, until Ock blasted him into the stratosphere.
After the Sinister Six made their move for world domination, Sandman was captured after a battle in the Sahara by Spider-Man, Silver Sable and Black Widow. He was forced under torture to tell them the other locations around the world where Ock had his missile silos, which were launching satellites that could either increase or end the threat of global warming.
”Sinister Twist”
Sandman was soon under the control of Spider-Man (Octavius) at his hidden lair. He stayed a prisoner as Octavius collected the other members of the former Sinister Six. Eventually, Flint was forced to take a mind control chip and join the Superior Six (Electro, Vulture, Mysterion, Chameleon, Spider-Man) under Spider-Man's command. The group was re-organized as a group of former criminals seeking redemption by becoming heroes. Their first target was The Wrecking Crew, who was attempting to steal equipment from the new mega-corporation of Liz Allan's, Alchemax. (Superior Spider-Man Team Up #5)
The Superior Six soon arrived to battle Whirlwind, but this was a trap for the rest of the Masters of Evil (Titania, Absorbing Man, Mister Hyde, Thunderball, Blackout and others) to ambush them. Meanwhile, Spider-Man realized that this was a distraction from the theft of the quantum particle engine, that he left at Parker Industries. He was correct and the device was stolen by Lightmaster. The Six dealt with the Masters of Evil with the help of Sun Girl, a teenager that looked up to Spider-Man. She was, also, the daughter of Lightmaster, who was stunned to see his daughter helping his enemies. Spider-Man ordered Sun Girl to shoot the engine to destroy it, but instead it was activated and somehow made Sandman into a giant. (Superior Spider-Man Team Up #6)
Part of Sandman was huge enough to terrorize the Manhattan skyline and part of his consciousness stayed as a rock prison that held Spider-Man. Spider-Man tried to reason with him, but Flint mocked him and reminded him that he had controlled their minds. He was freed by Sun Girl and after the rest of the Six were beaten but was outmatched by the enormous Sandman, who again reminded Spider-Man that he had violated them with his mind control and that Doctor Octopus had been right: the whole world should have burned. Part of him had believed in Spider-Man but that part of him was dead now. He was then blasted through the head by Sun Girl. (Superior Spider-Man Team Up #7)
”Cracked Hourglass”
Marko’s memories of being the Sandman rushed back to him before he woke up on a park bench. He ran to a chemist for medication but memories that weren’t his returned. A furious Spider-Man told him that the Osborns and the Sinister Syndicate were done and he needed to leave New York forever. He tried to fight but Spider-Man beat him and it felt like it was the end for him. He woke again with people asking if he needed help. By the time Spider-Man heard about what was happening, paramedics had taken Sandman to the hospital.
Marko’s false memory returned and he thought of his life with a creature called Kal-Wahr. They were in love and waiting for the death of the sun and the end of earth. He came to his senses in a hospital bed and saw Spider-Man standing over him. He explained that his condition had worsened over the past week and had trouble holding his body together. He had gone to the Wizard and Mad Thinker for help but their opinion was that he was hopeless. He’d also been having flashbacks to his own life and the life of someone else. Someone from the future. He accepted that he was going to die. Spider-Man took him to the beach and Sandman explained how he played in the sand for hours as a kid while his mother drank. Spider-Man offered to take his mask off but Sandman didn’t care who he was. He then blew away in the wind. (Peter Parker, Spectacular Spider-Man #308)
An invisible battle played out with this world’s Flint Marko battling for control with a Sandman from an alternate future. The future demanded to take control of Marko’s body, offering him an opportunity to stay alive. His human body had died and Sandman returned as as being of pure sand. The two personalities fought for control and the future version recognized Spider-Man but not as “his” Spider-Man. Sandman claimed to have nearly died at the end of the universe but had drifted aimlessly for billions of years. Time travel to his own past was impossible but Spider-Man’s dimension jumping had made the situation possible.
Spider-Man called the Human Torch for help, saying he needed Reed’s help to close the dimensional doorway. Flint was failing against the interloper and told Spidey to take control of his sand body.
”Sinister Adaptoid”
Sandman was taken by the Living Brain, along with the rest of the Sinister Six. The Brain used them to create the Sinister Adaptoid to take on Spider-Man. The hero fled the creature, finding the Six restrained in another room. He reluctantly set them free to help against the Adaptoid. They all defeated the creature but they immediately turned on him. Sandman wasn’t sure what to make of Spider-Man, since last thing he knew, he had been a beach. He remained uncertain during the fight, earning the scorn of Octavius. They defeated Spider-Man and Ock was about to kill him when Kraven’s clone stopped him. He offered Spider-Man the chance to escape, if he killed the Brain. Spidey refused and the Brain was surprised by the decision. It sent the Sinister Six away in a UFO. (Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 6) #6)
Peter ran into Sandman while visiting Anna Watson at Ravencroft Asylum. Peter introduced himself as a friend of a friend and asked if William had been captured again. Baker replied that he turned himself in, as he was trying to turn his life around. He’d started to feel confused about life and bad things happened when he got confused. William asked how Peter knew so much about him and he replied that since William was putting his life together, he was friends with Spider-Man. Just hearing that name brought out Sandman’s anger but he was quickly subdued by a sonic inhibitor harness. The nurse ordered Peter and MJ to leave but before they did, William told Peter that “they” would be coming for Spider-Man. He’d know who he meant. (Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 6) #45)
He and Anna completed their garden therapy and after he returned to his room, the asylum’s electricity went out. Electro had come for him, to drag him if necessary to the Sinister Six. William insisted that he was trying to reform, which irritated Electro. Electro was beaten by Spider-Man, Jackpot (Mary Jane), Anna, Hippo, Human Fly and Whirlwind.
Anna was granted early release after helping to defeat Electro and William was having more gardening therapy. The nurse asked if he had felt like being Flint Marko and he said he hadn’t felt Marko’s presence. Still, he hadn’t beaten Marko, he just didn’t feel his presence. He then disintegrated and seemingly escaped the asylum. Later, he broke Electro out of his prison transport and arrived at the Six’s hideout. He told Ock that he’d had to take matters into his own hands as Electro had been no help. Ock began to explain his plan. (Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 6) #46)
Image Gallery
Appearances
Thanks To
The assistance of the Marvel Chronology Project is gratefully acknowledged.
Some of the above information is extracted from the various versions of the Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe and the more recent Marvel Encyclopaedias.