Spectacular Spider-Man (UK Magazine) #101

Background

Ever wondered what happened to the Spider-Man of the 90's TV cartoon series? Well, he's alive and kicking in Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine, currently being released every three weeks in the United Kingdom. Each issue features a swag of puzzles, posters, letters, and general all-out Spidey fun - all aimed at the young at heart. Plus, there's an 11-page original story featuring more of Spider-Man's Adventures.

Story 'Night Of The Goblin!'

The start of this issue is very similar to the start of issue 99. It's a horrible grey night and it's raining and thundering. The Green Goblin is hovering over Spider-Man at the top of a building, saying "There is no escape, Spider-Man. At last I will have my victory... and my vengence!" Spidey is lying on the ground, and he responds in his thoughts with "He's right! I fell into his trap - and now he's got me at his mercy!"

Turning the page over, we go back in time to where Norman Osborn stands in front of JJJ at the Daily Bugle. Norman's just agreed to sponsor a full-page advert of Spider-Man. After agreeing that Spider-Man is a menace, the plot turns to Harry's house (Harry never died in the 90's cartoon, just in case you were alarmed). Pete's helping Harry with course work. After a little chat, Norman enters the room. We have a little more talking here. Peter explains in his thoughts that Norman is the Green Goblin, but doesn't know Spider-Man's identity (which he did find out in the cartoon, so there's a little mistake).

Spidey then leaves in his costume. His spidey-sense kicks in and he looks down to find a robbery taking place, but the next panel reveals that someone is watching through binoculars. After beating down the robbers, Spidey checks to see if the victim is okay, only to be sprayed by gas as he approaches him (No Spidey-sense there!).

Spidey is confused when he finds that the gas didn't actually knock him out, but he still swings off to find the person who gassed him. Little does he know that the Green Goblin is gliding just behind him. He lets loose a pumpkin bomb, and Spidey screams in pain. Then, the Goblin reveals that he had set up the robbery and invented a special gas that blocked Spidey's spider-sense. In his overconfidence, the Goblin rushes towards Spidey, saying that in this storm, Spidey can hardly see.

Zapping Spidey, the Goblin rushes past and turns around ready for another attack with pumpkin bombs. Spidey manages to dodge them (just), and then catches a web- line on Gobby's glider. With a mighty pull, Spidey yanks the glider, causing the Goblin to fall off onto a nearby building. Frantically, the Goblin tries to zap Spidey before he reaches him. Failing to do so, Spidey gives him a good punch.

With the force of the blow, the Goblin blasts a chimney and falls off the building with the chimney. He's out cold, but when Spidey comes near, he wakes up with no memory of the Goblin. Spidey is nice enough to take off Gobby's costume so he won't be identified as the Goblin, then he slings him to the hospital.

A day or two afterwards, Jameson comes to visit Osborn in hospital, where Osborn says that he has given up on the idea of Spider-Man being a menace.

General Comments

I enjoyed this issue. A good fight between Green Gobby and Spidey. Brilliant art and a not-too-shabby story.

Overall Rating

Mainly for the art, but I enjoyed the fight.