Web of Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #129

Story 'By My Hand, Mary-Jane Must Die'

Ben arrives at New Warriors HQ and some geeky dick called Carlton LaFroge tells him what's going on. Meanwhile back at the station the New Warriors are doing their best to prevent Spidey getting to Mary-Jane. MJ runs out of the station - on the advice of Peter - while Peter himself whacks Speedball down below.

Ben shows up and, as MJ escapes in a cab, Ben heads off Spider-Man. Spidey fights him off and rips the roof off the cab before Ben tackles him down again. The New Warriors are (predictably) useless at stopping him and he fights them all off - including Ben - before pursuing the cab, which MJ has taken over the driving of. Peter follows her with the NW close behind. Pete's begging them to kill him so he doesn't harm MJ.

MJ drives all the way to Aunt May's old house and just waits for Spidey to get there. When he does, she sits there crying saying she's scared but that she has faith in him. Surrounded by all the memories of May and with MJ in front of him, Pete collapses in her arms free of the Jackal's programming. Ben watches them through a window pleased for the pair of them.

General Comments

This is a lovely end to the Web Of Spider-Man title. After nearly 130 issues, it just seems right that the title should end with the hero in the arms of his loved one.

I really like Peter's inner-monologues when he's after Mary-Jane. Hunting her while at the same time praying he doesn't catch her. It's also a good piece of writing to see him asking fellow heroes to prevent him hurting MJ.

The ending is just right and, for once, the whole thing takes place in just the right timeframe - two issues - I'm just surprised this wasn't stretched out over six. The New Warriors are, once again, a total waste of time and ultimately don't do anything. I mean if the entire team of them can be taken down by Peter, then how effective can they be against other foes?

The art is lovely in both stories and - particularly in the case of Web - I think the best it has ever been. Hopefully, finally, this is the end of the Jackal madness. He's gone, he's dead, Peter's broken his programming - let's just leave it there.

Overall Rating

Well written, a lovely ending and art as good as it's ever been on the title. It's just a shame the New Warriors has to be involved.