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Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 Issue 122
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Synopsis:
Submitted by: J. Jonah Reason on Jan 28, 2008
On the cover of Amazing Spider-Man 122 ("The Goblin's Last Stand") we see Peter in costume holding the lifeless body of Gwen Stacy. The Green Goblin hovers above them menacingly. The opening splash page mimics this scene, but is shown from slightly behind Peter. GG opens the issue's dialog, taunting Peter about having killed Gwen and mockingly assuring him that they won't be apart long. Peter, filled with rage, answers by telling the Gobln "only ONE man's going to die this day -- and mister, IT WON'T BE ME!"
Peter lowers Gwen to safety then attacks the Goblin, grabbing him in a choke-hold with both legs. The Goblin takes flies erratically on his glider, finally getting rid of Spidey by smashing him into a bridge support cable. As the Goblin flees, we are reminded that he knows Peter's secret identity. Spidey plummets toward a rough landing, but somehow finds the resolve to cast a web-line to break the fall.
Spidey observes a gathering of uniformed police officers around the body of Gwen Stacy, and becomes enraged at them encroaching upon her personal space. He jumps into the center of the group and tells the coppers to back off. A young recruit attempts to arrest Peter for killing Gwen, but is held back by his Sergeant who can see he's actually in pain over the death of the young girl.
Peter holds Gwen's lifeless form for a few seconds, and is overtaken by memories of their meeting and falling in love. Peter then comes to the conclusion that it was Spider-Man to kept the two of them from being happy together. The understanding Sergeant breaks up Peter's thoughts by advising him an ambulance has arrived for Gwen. Peter, shockingly, tells the officer that the girl doesn't need an ambulance - she's dead - and that Spider-Man killed her!
The young officer yells at the Sergeant "Did you hear that?" to which the Sergeant tells Spidey he's going to have to come along for questioning. Peter politely declines - by throwing the young officer into a group of his coworkers, knocking them all to the ground! Spidey then takes off from the police, intent upon finding Green Goblin to exact his revenge.
Peter first attends the condominium of Harry Osborn, whom he finds under the effects of LSD. Peter speaks him Harry briefly, but isn't able to elicit any useful information. Frustrated, Peter leaves Harry with his demons - begging Peter not to leave him alone.
Spidey then makes his next stop at the offices of the Daily Bugle where he asks Robbie Robertson about any recent sightings of Norman Osborn, and whether or not he owns any little-known properties in the city. Robbie advises that in fact Osborn owns a warehouse in the city and that he was seen in the same area forty minutes ago! J. Jonah Jameson interrupts this meeting, calling Spidey a murderer (the story of Gwen's death and the circumstances have already reached the office). Spidey replies by giving JJJ a mouthful of webs, suggesting he keep his mouth shut next time about things he doesn't understand.
The scene switches to the warehouse where we are treated to yet another visual of the psychopathic Goblin fixating on just how soon Spidey will arrive to deal with him, and exactly how he plans to deal with it. A click at the door leads Osborn to believe Spider-Man has finally shown up - he decides to exit a nearby window using the glider in hopes of doubling back and blindsiding Peter. Spidey surprises the Goblin however, by actually lying in wait outside this same window. Peter smashes the Goblin's glider to the ground - the battle between these two is joined again!
Peter quickly loses control of his emotions and begins to pummel the Goblin, who is ceaseless in his taunting Parker about Gwen's death. After knocking the Goblin completely senseless, Parker has a moment of clarity and stops - telling the Goblin he'll soon be headed for jail. In the background, we see GG's broken glider rise from a mound of smashed crates.....
The Goblin, using a hidden remote to guide the glider, aims the deadly thing right at Peter's back. Peter's Spidey-sense causes him to duck at the final instant. The glider shoots over Peter's shoulders and smashes through the Goblin's chest, buying it's point into the warehouse wall.
Peter feels only hollow and alone upon realizing his most dangerous foe is gone - there is no relief, no satisfaction in having avenged Gwen Stacy. A shadowy figure watches the scene, but their identity remains hidden - for now.
An epilogue makes up the last page. Peter returns home to find Mary Jane waiting for him. MJ tells Peter how torn up she is over the news of Gwen's death. Peter lashes out at her telling her to leave so that her good time won't be ruined. Mary Jane heads for the door as Peter sinks down, his face in his hands. Instead of leaving, MJ closes the door and stays with Peter.