Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #248 (Story 2)
Background
What is widely considered one of the greatest Spider-Man stories of all-time is only 11 pages long, the same length as Amazing Fantasy #15. In this story Spidey meets a young boy who is one of his biggest fans and shares with him his greatest secret.
Story 'The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man'
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #248 (Story 2)
| Editor: | Bob DeNatale |
| Writer: | Roger Stern |
| Pencils: | Ron Frenz |
| Inker: | Terry Austin |
| Reprinted In: | Marvel 75th Anniversary Omnibus #1 |
| Reprinted In: | Jawbreaker - Marvel's Hard-Hitting Heroes |
| Reprinted In: | The Best Of Marvel Comics Vol. 1 (Hardcover) |
It is an unusaul night for Tim Harrison, because this is the first time he's seen Spider-Man sticking to his ceiling. Thinking that me must be dreaming, Spidey lifts up Tim's bed with one hand. Convinced that Spidey is the real thing, Tim shows Spidey his collection of Spider-Man memorabilia. He's got tons of newspaper clippings, pictures, and all types of other souvenirs.
Tim asks Spidey how he got his powers so he tells him. Always wondering how Spidey makes webs, he shows him his web-shooters and explains how they work, making a swing for him out of his webbing.
Tim asks Spidey why he gave up his work on TV to fight crime. Fearing he'd ask, Spidey explains anyway. Knowing that someone died because Spidey stood by and did nothing doesn't may Spidey any less of a hero in Tim's eyes. Showing Spidey more things that he's collected, Tim wonders how Spidey is able to evade bullets, which prompts Spidey to tell him about his spider-sense.
Spidey has places he has to be so he wishes Tim a good night. Before he can exit out the window, Tim asks Spider-Man who he really is. After some hesitation, Spidey pulls of his mask and tells him that he's Peter Parker. Tim says he'll keep his secret as long as he lives. Spidey puts his mask back on and tells Tim to take care of himself.
As he swings off, Spidey pauses for a moment. There's a sign below him that reads "Slocum-Brewer Cancer Clinic." Tim has leukemia and only has a few weeks left to live.
General Comments
You know, it is kinda hard to go in more detail about this story here. This is one of those "there are no words" stories. I wouldn't be surprised if some people were crying at the very end of reading this one. Just read the story.
Overall Rating 
Just. Read. The. Story.