Spider-man Database

Amazing Spider-man Vol. 1 Issue 39

Synopsis:

Submitted by: J. Jonah Reason on Jul 07, 2007

Last edited on: Dec 25, 2007

The cover of this issue features the Green Goblin in flight, towing an unmasked Spider-Man behind him on the glider. Upon opening the book we see another image of the Goblin, who tells us that he will soon have his revenge on Spider-Man. The Goblin then assesses some of the improvements he's made to his equipment, and says that he'd nearly pity Spider-Man if he didn't hate him so much. The Goblin then flies into the night on his glider, apparently off to start putting his plan into action.

The scene then shifts to Spider-Man who is swinging over a different part of the New York skyline. Spidey lets the reader know that he's not feeling very well, and we watch as he web swings to his nearby doctor's office. Upon exiting from a broom closet (the outside window of which he used to access the building), the on duty security guard is shocked - not having seen the young man go in! Peter is able to get a quick meeting with the doctor even though he didn't make an appointment. The doctor deals with Peter's cold, then has a serious chat with him about Aunt May's health - which is apparently very tenuous following her latest operation. The doctor tells Peter in no uncertain terms that she is not to be shocked, and that any emotional turmoil could prove fatal for her.

Peter, obviously upset by this news, heads to his college campus for class even though he's in no mood for higher learning. Flash Thompson and the gang see Peter coming on to campus and ask if he's seen Harry Osborn. Pete neglects to answer due to his preoccupation with his Aunt's health and is quickly  deemed to be rude by the others. We are then privy to a quick (and terse) conversation between Harry and his father. Harry is concerned that his father didn't say anything on the ride over to the school, the senior Osborn replies "What did you want? A lift or for me to deliver a speech on the way?" Norman then dumps on Harry about how much it's costing to keep him in school, and tells him to keep his mind on his studies. Harry, dejected, gets out of the car wondering why he can't seem to do anything right in the eyes of his father.

Inside the science lab, Peter asks Harry if everything is alright. Harry snaps at Peter, but quickly apologizes and explains the tension between him and his father. Peter is surprised (Harry Osborn has never been friendly to him) and supports Harry, telling him that he doesn't even remember his parents and that things will get better. The rest of the gang observe the conversation and are surprised by Peter's caring nature and the way he speaks to Harry - even though none of them voice it.

Peter, still feeling sick, decides to try and clear his sinuses with some after class Spidey activity. The web-slinging seems to help, and Peter is able to interrupt a Macy's heist he encounters in progress. Unbeknownst to Spidey, however, the Goblin is gliding nearby watching the scene unfold. One of the robbers finally lets go a burst of gas catching Spidey unawares. Pete finishes off the criminals and leaves them for the local coppers. Spidey is a little suspicious about the gas, but feels like nothing happened to him - but the Goblin advises the reader otherwise - the gas is designed to debilitate Peter's Spidey sense!

Horribly, we watch as the Goblin sees Peter change back into his street clothes from a close observation point - seeing his face for the first time. The Goblin is aghast to see that Spidey is so young, "no more than nineteen or twenty!" but is happy that the gas is apparently working. The Goblin tails Peter to the offices of the Daily Bugle and waits outside while Peter cashes in on photos of Spidey breaking up the ring of thieves.

Inside the Bugle office Peter is upset to Ned Leeds (the two recently had a falling out over Ned's romantic interest in Pete's old flame, Betty Brant) but the two have a short conversation and come to terms - Peter tells Ned he's "out of the running" as far as Betty's concerned. Peter strikes a deal with JJJ for the pics, and is glad to have some money for Aunt May.

Upon leaving the office, we learn that the Goblin overheard Peter's name being spoken in the office - he now knows Spidey's secret identity! Peter heads for home, the sky darkening, with the Goblin following him stealthily. Just as he steps into the front yard of him home, the Goblin's awful cackle shatters the peace of the evening! The Goblin confronts Peter and tells him he knows his name - and knows that he is also Spider-Man.

Peter, stuck in his street clothes and distracted by the fact that he can't afford to startle Aunt May, finds it tough going as the Goblin attacks - first with a cloud of gas. Pete regroups, and uses his Spider powers to get above the cloud. Aunt May goes to the window, worried she's hearing strange voices, and is surprised to find the night "foggy" when it was so clear earlier. Luckily, she's not able to see the combatants. The Goblin finally overcomes the webless Parker by suffocating him, ties him up and tows him off into the night.
Parker awakens to find himself airborne, headed towards the waterfront and what he suspects must be GG's secret lair. Parker then watches from a chair as the Goblin works on a mysterious potion. Peter works hard at trying to stall and infuriate the Goblin, who finally turns to him and screams that since Peter won't survive, he should see the face of the one who has beaten him. The Goblin pulls off his mask, exposing the enraged and obviously insane face of Norman Osborn, Harry's father!