Web of Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #4

Story 'Arms And The Man'

We start with Spidey hidden in a warehouse waiting to surprise some crooks. He beats a load of people up in standard fashion before clinging to the top of an escaping van. As he tries to deal with the villains inside, it crashes and he gets some verbals from upset drivers.

Cut to the Bugle and Pete's trying to sell the pics of his latest victory to Robbie. He's having none of it though, saying his pics are very samey and not original (hmm, maybe something for the writer of the issue thus far there).

Jonah has a look at the pics for his new project, which turns out to be 'Now' magazine, which will include lots of photojournalism showing up Spidey to be the pest that he is. JJJ also turns down Pete's photos as they show Spidey in a good light.

Next we cut to a scene of Doc Ock getting psychiatric treatment. The psychiatric Doctor is telling Ock how well he's coming along. Ock goes back to his room and goes to sleep. He is awoken though and, looking up at the ceiling, he sees...

SHOCK HORROR

A Spider's Web.

He has a flashback to spectacular 79 (a pretty good issue) where Spidey beat him and gave a cool speech about how Ock would never beat him.

As Ock starts having some sort of panic attack, his arms, which are under lock and key across town, spring to life. Ock's psyche is going haywire so his arms begin their journey back to him.

As Ock regains his arms (but not consciousness) Spidey rushes to save the day. He is left holding up a building with a pretty awesome show of strength while Ock escapes.

Our final scene is of Ock debating with himself about whether or not he should go back to a life of crime or not. His choice: the death of Spider-Man.

General Comments

The opening scenes with Spidey beating up the random, unknown crooks and stopping the van takes up HALF the book. HALF! Ock's arms destroying half the city to get back to him takes up most of the other half.

Overall Rating

Very 'bitty' in nature but as the first of a two-parter I guess it could turn out OK. One web for starters.