Spiderman 121-122 For fans, Amazing Spiderman 121 has a mark in history. A very dark mark. If you're familiar with the Spiderman movie, you'll recognize a few of the scenes, because this showdown with the Green Goblin is the real climax of the tension between Norman Osborne and Peter Parker. But if you haven't read the previous 100 issues, the blonde who plummets off the bridge is likely not as familiar.
Gwen Stacy, Parker's first love, dies in this issue. And not by the Goblin, either. At least, not directly. Norman knocks her off the ledge, but it's the moment spiderman's web ties to her foot that her neck snaps.
This issue's come under a lot of criticism. Apparently there was pressure from Marvel to do away with Gwen. Seeing Peter Parker happily in love and no longer suffering a -terribly- struggling personal life drew a lot of complaints from the brass. Many fans hate this issue. They call it contrived and cruel. I'll concede to the latter point. And even while I knew it was coming, the tragedy of that character's death was more of an impact than anything I've taken from a 2 hour film. Roughly 100 issues of relationship crises, tension, development, and finally happiness, then it's taken away by gravity.
Spidey's life is one heck of a ride.
And that's why we all continue reading.
400+ issues to go.  ¶   0 comments