Random Happenstance

I've mentioned Paul Jenkin's Spider-Man work before, and I know there's an issue that's an all-timer, like "The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man" level good. This isn't it, but it's pretty good. From 2004, the Spectacular Spider-Man #14, "The Kid on the Roof" Written by Paul Jenkins, art by Pablo Rivera.

The issue opens with a couple pages of man-in-the-street style interviews with New Yorkers on the subject of Spider-Man; including one with J.Jonah Jameson and a smiling Betty Brant sticking her head in. But one person might know more than all of them: young Joey Beal, who narrates the rest. Born with cerebral palsy and wheelchair-bound, he knew he was lucky enough to have a dad and sister who took care of him; and often spent days on the roof of his apartment, watching the city and dreaming of flying. One day, he sees Spider-Man swinging around, seemingly looking for something; which Joey sees later: someone--or something--across the street, in an abandoned building. Sadly, Joey is unable to say anything, to tell anyone.

The next day, on the roof, Joey is visited at dusk by his new neighbor: it's Morbius, the Living Vampire! Who looks like Nosferatu today; not his best look; but he also knew Joey's name, which isn't something he'd usually be able to do. Morbius knew Joey had seen him, and might even think he'd be doing him a favor by opening his neck; but he's stopped by a boot to the face. The fight is larger than life, like an opera of gods, but it eventually moves out of Joey's field of vision. Near dark, Spidey returns, to tell Joey that Morbius wouldn't be back, and to apologize for using him as bait. (That sounds worse than it really was; Spidey does that sort of thing a lot, doesn't he? Following whoever around to draw out the baddie.) Before he goes, Spidey turns, and without saying anything, unmasks. Joey immediately realizes, Spidey was putting on a brave face for his benefit, and was actually almost inconceivably sad.

Great art this time around, although poor Morby isn't his best today: Spidey tells Joey, the poor guy can't help being what he was, any more than they could.