"The End" Week: Web of Spider-Man #129!

I'm 60% sure I bought this new, for the Overpower card. I didn't play it, but sure. Aw, no card in today's copy: from 1995, Web of Spider-Man #129, "Time Bomb, part 2: By My Hand, Mary Jane Must Die!" Plot by Tom DeFalco, script by Todd Dezago, breakdowns by Steven Butler, finishes by Randy Emberlin.

This last issue snuck up on me, since it doesn't have "collector's item last issue" all over the cover: instead, along with the Overpower corner tag, there's a logo for "Marvel Spider-Man Group," as this was when the Marvel universe was basically broken out into editorial fiefdoms. The New Warriors had been a de facto Spidey book since adding Scarlet Spider as a member, and they guest-star here; as a post-hypnotic command from the Jackal has turned Peter Parker to kill the person he loves most: Mary Jane. Spidey is more than a match for the short Warriors roster of Firestar, Justice, Speedball, Turbo, and Alex Power; but Mary Jane eventually escapes to the then-deceased Aunt May's house. Surrounded by memories of their loved ones, Mary Jane has faith that Peter can beat "the Jackal's ghost," and he does. Of course, she also had Scarlet Spider in reserve: he held back for her to try and reach Peter.

Next month would be the start of four issues as Web of Scarlet Spider, although Ben appeared to have his Sensational Spider-Man costume before that ended. Man, this comic is packed with tie-in ads for the Fox SPIDER-MAN cartoon, from Fruit Roll-Ups, Eskimo Pie and Welch's; yet in-continuity both the traditional Spidey suit and the Scarlet Spider sweatshirt were about to be hung up for a stretch.