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Overview
Two years have passed, and Peter Parker struggles to cope with the demands of life as a college student, a Daily Bugle photographer, and a crime-fighting superhero. But it hasn’t gotten any easier. Condemned by the press, tormented by secrets he can never reveal, forced to give up the girl of his dreams—at times the lonely burden of Spider-Man seems almost too great to bear . . . and the temptation to give up grows stronger by the hour.
Enter the archfiend Doc Ock, armed with a lethal invention powerful enough to destroy half the city. If Spider-Man tries to stop Doc Ock, he’ll be placing the lives of those closest to him in mortal danger. If he doesn’t, it could be the end of the Big Apple. With millions of lives hanging in the balance, high about Manhattan’s glittering skyline, Spider-Man confronts his destiny, his fiercest enemy, and himself.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780345478757 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Random House Worlds |
| Publication date: | 05/25/2004 |
| Sold by: | Random House |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 320 |
| Sales rank: | 851,966 |
| File size: | 407 KB |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
I
Otto Octavius needed several extra arms. Certainly the two he possessed were proving inadequate.
Octavius was a darkly complexioned man, stout but reasonably muscular, hair hanging loosely about his face with very little attention paid to tonsorial trivialities. He was in his mid-forties and had an air about him that managed to be both distracted and intense. In other words, he tended to be very focused on things that had nothing to do with his whereabouts at any given moment.
He was busy trying to extricate himself from a taxicab on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Greenwich Avenue, at the edge of the university campus. He held a slide carousel in one hand; tucked in the crook of his other elbow was a folder thick with notes, and he was clutching a briefcase with his remaining free hand. This left him nothing with which to close the door except his foot, and he was having difficulty maintaining his balance. Then the cabbie informed him, with no small sense of irritation, that the twenty Octavius thought he’d handed him was actually a ten. Now he had to try to get at his wallet.
He muttered under his breath, tried to figure what he could put down where, and was extremely relieved when a familiar voice called from behind him, “Otto!”
A blondish man in a lab coat ran up to him. “Otto, we were supposed to meet at the southeast corner! This is the southwest!”
“Is it?” Octavius asked distractedly. “I’m sorry, Curtis, I’m not a ship’s navigator, you know. Can you lend me a hand?”
“If the one will be sufficient, then certainly.”
Octavius winced as he glanced at the flapping sleeve of Connors’ lab coat, pinned at the right shoulder, underscoring the lack of an arm.
“Sorry, Curtis,” Octavius muttered to Connors.
“Yo! Buddy!” snapped the cabdriver.
“I am not your buddy,” Octavius informed him archly.
“Damn right! What about my money?”
“Curtis,” said Octavius, nodding toward his right coat pocket. “Would you mind pulling out my wallet? The man needs another ten.”
“Don’t worry, it’s my treat,” said Connors, removing a roll of bills from his pocket and deftly extracting a ten.
“Curtis, I can’t allow you to—”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s my pleasure, Otto,” Connors interrupted, handing the money to the cabbie. “It’s the very least I can do. After all, you did agree to come down here and speak to my students.”
“Yes, well… I suppose I did,” admitted Octavius. “But I insist on buying you lunch afterward.”
Having paid the cabbie, Connors took Otto’s briefcase to help ease his load.
“I truly am sorry about the ‘lend a hand’ comment, Curtis. It was insensitive of me.”
“Nonsense.”
“You’re a genuine hero,” said Otto. “Going there, to a war zone overseas, patching up soldiers… then losing an arm to mortar fire. That was a hell of a thing you did.”
“Yup… a hell of a thing that ended my career as a surgeon.” Connors said it lightly, but Octavius could tell there was still sting there. “But I went where I was needed, Otto. And molecular biology has been a fascinating field… the students have been just phenomenal.”
“Anyone with a future?”
“A few. One in particular. His name’s Peter Parker. Brilliant, but lazy. If he can ever get his mind into his work…”
“Ah, well. Young people.” Octavius shrugged. “More often than not, they have their heads in the clouds.”
Spider-Man swung in a dizzying arc that snapped him around the Flatiron Building and into the middle of Broadway. He fired another web-line, and another, swooping from one side of the street to the other. Pedestrians pointed and shouted, “Spider-Man!” People were yanking out their cameras, but he was confident that by the time they managed to get him in their viewfinders, he’d be gone.
Even after all this time, he had to admit he got a kick out of it. What he didn’t get a kick out of, however, was being late for class. Again.
It shouldn’t have been a problem. He’d left plenty early, but then he’d wandered into the middle of that daylight holdup, and one thing had led to another and… well, now here he was, trying to make up for the lost time by webbing his way across town.
He had his homework and textbooks snug in his backpack, which was, naturally, on his back. It lacked a certain “coolness” factor from a Super Hero point of view. Then again, he’d never really cottoned to the term “Super Hero” that the media loved to bandy about. It was too self-aggrandizing for his tastes.
As he drew nearer to the campus, he wondered about the special guest to whom Doctor Connors had alluded at the end of last Tuesday’s class. He’d been vague about it, saying only that this “special invited guest” had some intriguing thoughts and theories that Connors was certain would be of interest to the class. Peter had no idea why Connors was being elusive on the subject of the guest’s identity, but he figured the doctor had his reasons.
Peter felt a pang of frustration over how things were going in class. Curt Connors had made it clear that he thought Peter had tons of potential… potential, Connors never hesitated to point out, that Peter consistently failed to live up to. Well, Peter was determined to turn that around, starting this very day. No more missed classes, no more being late. It was time to get his priorities in order.
Granted, he knew he had responsibilities. He had learned that lesson all too cruelly when, two years ago, he had stepped aside and allowed a thief to escape from the scene of a robbery. He had done so in a fit of pique and with a sense of poetic justice: The thief had stolen from a wrestling promoter who had screwed Peter himself over money owed him. As the thief had fled, the promoter shouted in Peter’s face, livid over his lack of action. Peter had said with the sort of smug confidence that comes with being truly self-righteous, “I missed the part where that’s my problem.”
It became his problem hours later, though, when the same criminal—searching for a getaway vehicle to steal as police had closed in on him—had stolen the car belonging to Peter’s uncle Ben, the man who had been like a father to him since his youth. Not only had he taken the car, he had also taken Ben’s life, coldly shooting him and then hauling him out of the car, leaving him behind on the street like a bag of garbage.
Uncle Ben had died, right there before Peter’s eyes. The tearful young man had fancied himself grabbing Uncle Ben’s soul and shoving it back into his body, but naturally that hadn’t happened. Then an enraged Peter had gone after the robber, tracking him down, confronting him… and realizing that his uncle’s murderer and the man he’d smugly let run past him were one and the same.
That tragic set of events had driven home to him, in a way nothing else could, the truth of something his uncle had said to him. “With great power comes great responsibility.” At first Peter had dismissed it out of hand as a cheap aphorism.
Now it was his watch phrase, his philosophy, and his reason for living, all wrapped up in a few powerful words.
He had done great good as Spider-Man. On the other hand, in some respects he had taken part in great evil. Foremost was his involvement in the death of the Green Goblin, a.k.a. Norman Osborn, father of Peter Parker’s best friend, Harry. Spider-Man hadn’t killed Norman Osborn himself. No, he’d simply dodged, just as the Goblin had sent a lethal, pointed vessel of death screaming through the air at him. The Goblin had been run through, by his own glider. Hanging there on the wall, pinioned like a butterfly, Osborn had gasped out his last words and his last wish. “Don’t tell Harry.”
Peter had honored that. Unfortunately, in doing so, he had committed an entirely new sin. In failing to be honest with Harry, he had inadvertently led Harry to the false conclusion that Spider-Man was, indeed, responsible for Norman Osborn’s death. Not only was this naturally of great personal distress to Peter, but it meant there could be no closure for Harry so long as Peter—and Spider-Man—lived. Harry dwelled on it all the time, it seemed. Over the months it had eaten away at him, body and soul, and Peter was beginning to worry. Bottom line, Harry was his father’s son, and who knew what might come of it?
After all, nobody knew better than Peter Parker the influence of fathers upon their sons. Look where the influence of his father figure, Ben Parker, had left him: dressed in garish tights, thirty stories above the ground. Harry’s sanity was hanging by a thread? Peter was swinging on one.
We’re all mad here, thought Peter.
Interviews
On June 24, 1998, barnesandnoble.com on AOL was pleased to welcome Stan Lee to our Authors series for his regular monthly appearance. The creator of Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, and The X-Men, to name only a few of his brainchildren, Stan Lee is the patriarch of the Marvel dynasty. A discounted selection of works by Stan "the Man" are available at Keyword: bn. 'Nuff said.
Welcome to our monthly chat featuring the master of Marvel myth and mirth—Stan Lee!
Marlene T: Good evening, Stan. It's nice to see you here again!
Stan Lee: Hi, heroes!
Marlene T: Do you have anything you'd like to share with us before we get to the audience questions?
Stan Lee: Nope! I'm your obedient servant—at your beck and call—so whap me with some questions! If I don't know the answers I'll fake 'em, as usual!
Marlene T: [laughs] OK, here we go!
Question: Mr. Lee, many 12-year-olds idolize sports figures like Michael Jordan. However, you are my son's hero! He's sitting beside me and wants to know what's your favorite book?
Stan Lee: Actually, I have dozens of favorites. Everything by Mark Twain, Conan Doyle and H. G. Wells.
Question: Mr. Lee, do you think that the decline in comics is due to our illiterate society and this nation's turn to the television?
Stan Lee: There isn't that much of a decline in comics! Mostly, the problem is there aren't enough stores to sell 'em.
Question: Mr. Lee, have you ever approached and discussed yourcomics with someone you've seen reading them on the street?
Stan Lee: Mostly people reading comics approach me, and it's always a kick to talk to them. Hey, call me Stan, OK?
Question: What motivated you to start writing?
Stan Lee: Greed! And hunger! Basically, I really love to write. I can't believe I get paid to do what I enjoy so much
Question: Stan Lee. THE NAME AMONG NAMES! THE SULTAN OF SOAP BOX! I got a question. When will you visit the Marvel Mania restaurant again? Do you think you've met your biggest fan yet?
Stan Lee: My biggest fan is someone six-feet-six! I go to the Marvel Mania restaurant at least once a week—love it!
Question: Which characters, if any, were created to portray your own qualities and beliefs?
Stan Lee: Almost all of 'em! But especially the Silver Surfer, and often Thor.
Question: Stan, out of all the heroes you've created, who is your favorite? Who is your favorite villain you've created?
Stan Lee: I'm kinda partial to Spidey, and Doc Doom is my all-time favorite baddie.
Question: What is it like to create the web slinger?
Stan Lee: It was great. Funny thing is, no one ever knew he'd catch on so big.
Question: Hey, Stan, what's your take on the sales of, and the general state of the comics industry today?
Stan Lee: Are we out of questions?
Marlene T: Never; not with this group.
Stan Lee: Sales are picking up. The mags are looking better than ever. I'm totally optimistic about comics—especially Marvel's!
Question: I heard there was going to be a 13-part miniseries of Spidey, and maybe Peter Parker retiring as Spiderman or something. What's the deal about that?
Stan Lee: Hey, it's all a big secret. Mackie and Bob Harras would kill me if I told!
Question: Stan, if you could have any of your characters' powers, what would it be?
Stan Lee: Aw, I've got enough super power now. Couldn't handle any more!
Question: Stan, is there anything that the Marvel writers of today have done with the characters you created that you really haven't been too pleased with?
Stan Lee: One character I never knew what to do with: Diablo. I liked his name, and that was it. My one big failure!
Question: Stan, I am an ambitious comic-book drawer, and I was wondering what would I do to get my drawings looked at by a comic-book company?
Stan Lee: Just send 'em to Marvel, care of the Submissions Editor. Good luck!
Question: Mr. Lee, do you feel that the passing of the multiple-cover gimmick era has been good for comics, in that quality, not collector speculation, is once again the most important consideration in the creation of the books?
Stan Lee: Ab-so-lute-ly! Who says I can't be brief?!!!
Question: Hey Stan, do you think another X-Men cartoon is possible?
Stan Lee: Anything's possible—especially at mixed-up Marvel.
Question: Would it be OK if I sent in some comics to be autographed?
Stan Lee: Sure—but not too many at a time.
Question: AOL, how can you schedule one of the greatest Yankees of all time during the Yankee game? [Editor's note—This portion of the question refers to AOL LIVE guest Yogi Berra, who was chatting directly prior to Stan's chat.] On a positive note, this is the best guest spot I've ever seen for LIVE.
Stan Lee: Thanx, O Great Judge of Literature and Guest Spots!
Question: What was the first comic you ever created, and how old were you at the time?
Stan Lee: I was about 17. I think it was called "Hurricane"—a guy who ran fast or something—or maybe it was "The Destroyer." I never knew anyone would ask years later, so I didn't pay attention!
Question: Stan, if Spider-Man could have one more power, what would it be?
Stan Lee: The power to sell twice as many copies of each issue! Gotcha!
Question: What is your most memorable moment at Marvel?
Stan Lee: That's a tough one. Probably when the sales figures of the Fantastic Four came in and we saw we had a monster hit.
Question: Stan, what are you doing lately?
Stan Lee: Answering all these questions on the Web. And in my spare time, working on movie, TV, and animation projects.
Question: When can we expect the next Marvel movie to come to the big screen?
Stan Lee: The next one will be "Blade"—it'll be out real soon—starring Wes Snipes. And it's really great!
Question: Stan, when you created the characters of Spider-Man, The X-Men, etc. in the early '60's, did you think that they'd still be going strong more than 30 years later, as they clearly have done?
Stan Lee: Nah, I didn't have a clue. It's still hard for me to believe, but, y'know something—I love it!
Question: How is the Marvel Park coming along in Florida?
Stan Lee: Terrific!!! It opens next year. Y'all come, hear?
Question: Do you like Wolverine with or without his adamantium? And why?
Stan Lee: I like him with the adamantium. But hey, what do I know?
Question: Stan, do you have any family members who have followed in your footsteps and work in the comic industry?
Stan Lee: My brother, Larry Lieber, who used to write and draw "The Rawhide Kid" and now pencils the daily Spidey strip in the newspapers.
Question: Stan, will there be anymore made-for-television Marvel movies, or maybe a series?
Stan Lee: I sure hope so.
Question: Stan, did you like Star Wars?
Stan Lee: Loved it. Can't wait for the new ones.
Question: Thought you were great in "Mallrats." Will you work with Kevin Smith again?
Stan Lee: I wish he'd ask me. He was a great guy, a great director—and hey, he made me a star!!!
Question: Some kids a couple years ago were very into Power Rangers. Were you like that as a kid? If not, what made you get into comics and characters that could do incredible things?
Stan Lee: As a kid I was into Tarzan and any Errol Flynn movie, like "Captain Blood." I was lucky to get into comics where I could keep doing wild stuff.
Question: Have you had an opportunity to preview any of the upcoming Marvel/Events comics? If so, what did you think of them?
Stan Lee: They're merely sensational. Miss 'em at your own risk! (Typical Stan Lee shameless plug!)
Question: What do you think are the main reasons for the enduring appeal of comic books?
Stan Lee: Simple: They're just plain fun. They're enjoyable and exciting. What more couldja want?
Question: Stan, do you ever plan to write any comics again?
Stan Lee: If I ever get the time, I'd love to. It's the most fun ya can have without working!
Question: Stan, do you like the present-day comic art, as to compared to the books in the '60's?
Stan Lee: Look, I'm prejudiced. But I like 'em both. They're different from each other, but they both have their great features.
Question: What is your favorite baseball team, Mr. Stan?
Stan Lee: The L.A. Dodgers. But I liked 'em better years ago when they were "doze bums," the Brooklyn Dodgers!
Question: Stan, what year did you create Captain America, and what age were you at the time?
Stan Lee: I'm sorry to say I didn't create him; Joe Simon and Jack Kirby did. But I wrote some of his early stories from the time I was 17 on.
Marlene T: We have time for one last question, Stan.
Stan Lee: Okay.
Question: What have been some of the richest sources for your characters and stories?
Stan Lee: Everything I've ever seen, read, or heard. As with every writer, we all write from our experiences. So keep your eyes open, heroes—observe everything, but not too much—I don't need lots more competition!
Marlene T: Do you have any comments or questions for us?
Stan Lee: My comment is I think you're all the greatest! My question is—damnit, can't think of any! I guess that means I know everything! EXCELSIOR!
Marlene T: We already knew that! [laughs] Thanks so much for being here with us tonight. See you again next month.
MarvC Web: Thanks Stan! We look forward to seeing you again next month.
Stan Lee: Enjoyed it, gang!
