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Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 9, 2006 6:34:18 GMT -5
The Amazing Spider-Man #1 With Great Power... Written and Edited by Daniel Dyer Night time in the big city. A dangerous time and place for anyone, let alone a working mother, just getting off of work. She curses herself for not accepting the ride home from her colleague as she gets a feeling like she’s being followed. Her pace begins to speed up. Her breathing quickens. Hoping to lose her pursuer she turns a corner quickly, moving into an alley. Just as quickly she bumps into a rather large man. “S... Sorry,” the woman stammers as she tries to move pass. “No need, lady. What’s your hurry?” asks the large man. “I... I need to get home.” “Home? Right, right.” The man grabs the woman by her neck. “You can get going once I get all your cash,” he says as he grabs her purse and tosses the woman aside. “I’d give that back if I were you.” “Huh?” As the man turns towards the unseen newcomer, a red, webbed boot hits him square in the jaw, knocking him flat on his back. “I mean, it completely clashes with those shoes.” The mugger gets to his feet and sees a truly shocking sight. A man, dressed in red and blue, with webs all over, a small black spider on his chest, and a larger red one on the blue of his back. This new arrival has a full face mask and huge bug eyes on it, white lenses which hide his real eyes. But, the newcomer’s attire isn’t the most bizarre part. What really shocks the mugger is, this costumed character is in a crouched position, on the side of the alley wall. “What’s the matter? Never seen a Spider-Man before?” asks the webbed adventurer as he leaps at the man, who is slightly larger (and by slightly, I mean incredibly), gripping the mugger by his shoulders and flipping him over, slamming the punk into a dumpster. “Slam dunk.” Spider-Man picks the purse up and hands it to the woman. For a moment, the woman says or does nothing. And then, “AAAAHHHHH!!!” Grabbing her purse, the woman runs away, still screaming. “You’re welcome.” Spider-man flips his wrist, and from somewhere beneath his costume, a thick gooey strand (similar to a spider’s webbing) shoots out, sticking to some surface high above and Spider-Man swings up and off. My name is Peter Parker. Not long ago, I was just your typical science nerd. Now, for better or worse, I’m the Amazing Spider-Man. I’m not exactly Captain America. Heck, I couldn’t even pass for Bucky. I’m not some inspiration. Not a hero.
I guess my story starts a couple of weeks ago. Well, actually, let’s backtrack a little bit. I’m an orphan. I can’t even remember my parents. In fact, the only parents I really ever knew were my Aunt May and Uncle Ben. They took me in and treated me like their own. Also, before I go further, whatever mistakes I made, weren’t their fault. They taught me the values they should have. I just never l learned them, I guess.
Aunt May’s the kindest woman anywhere. And Uncle Ben... well, he is... was... my best friend. He.... Unable to bare it, he lands on a rooftop, pulling off his mask, revealing the tear stained face of a fifteen year old. Not even old enough to drive and he already carries the world on his shoulders. He’s dead... and it’s my fault. I could share the blame with that burglar. But in truth, I can’t blame him. He was a bad guy. He did what bad guys do. What’s my excuse? Peter kneels on the roof and whispers, “I’m sorry, Uncle Ben.” With great power comes great responsibility, right, Uncle Ben? He quickly gets to his feet and pulls his mask back on and flicks his wrist more, shooting out another web-line and once more web-swings through the city he calls home. It began two weeks ago. I had been working on this new adhesive. I didn’t know then what possible use it could have. Now, however, I call it web-fluid, which I’m using to swing around this city as we speak. After the... accident, I created these wrist-mounted web-shooters which allows me to use the adhesive to create spiderly-like webbing. Incredibly strong and versatile.
But enough about my genius. Let’s talk about the genius of Otto Octavius. This man is my idol. I wanted to one day be respected in the scientific community like him. It was his experiment I was off to see that day. But, as always, when I’m looking forward to something, Flash Thompson has to rain on my parade.*
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Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 9, 2006 6:41:21 GMT -5
Two weeks ago... Flash Thompson was the undisputed god of Midtown High. Captain of the football team, had girls constantly fawning over him. Me, I had none of that. I just had my experiments. And my... family.“Hey, Parker!” Flash said while he grabbed me. I thought I could sneak past him. No such luck. “I got a deal for you.” I was suspicious. I mean, here Flash was, with his arm around me like we were friends or something. “What do you want, Flash?” “See, here’s the deal. I got this history paper due tomorrow. I figure, you do it for me and we’re even.” “Even?” “Yeah. Even. You do this and I forget about today’s beating.” I must admit, he was a shroud negotiator, but... “I have plans.” So I simply just walked off to the exhibition. Yeah, if only.“He went that way,” shouted one of Flash’s friends as I ducked into an alley. I tell you, there I was, Flash and his cronies chasing me. They were gonna kill me. So I did the manly thing and... hid in a dumpster until they were gone. Oh yeah, I rock. Needless to say, I paid the price for not doing Flash’s homework. But hey, I had a date with destiny.*
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Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 9, 2006 6:54:45 GMT -5
Dr. Otto Octavius. Renowned scientist in nearly every field. Like I said, my idol. I was a total fanboy, snapping pictures of the event for the school paper. Something of particular interest to me were these metallic... I dunno... tentacles, I guess. Dr. Octavius had been working on them for awhile now. This was his first public demonstration, however.“Ladies and gentleman,” Dr. Octavius began. “Welcome, welcome. I’m here to demonstrate to you the scientific implications my helpers here,” patting the tentacles, “are capable of. Impervious to intense heat, resistant to any magnetism. The perfect scientific aid.” And the experiments began. Dr. Octavius had strapped on the harness and was using the tentacles to work on a radioactive isotope which was encased within a lead-lined room. That’s when things got fuzzy. I remember... the explosion... and a bite on the back of my hand. Before I passed out I saw a spider and it... just crumbled.
I awoke the next day in a hospital bed.. “Hello, son. How you feeling?” Uncle Ben seemed concerned.
Oddly enough, I felt incredible.“Peter Benjamin Parker...” My dad and Uncle Ben were close. Close enough Dad named me after Uncle Ben. “...how dare you scare us like that?” Well, it’s like this. I was bored so I figured I’d get myself caught in a radioactive explosion and give you two a heart attack, I thought silently. Yeah, I was a brat, but I was caught in an explosion, after all. “I...” “May, leave the poor boy alone. He’s been through a lot.” “I’m fine, Aunt May. I swear.” I wanted to assure her I’m fine. She worries a little too much about me.
May calmed down a little bit after that. “Would you like something to eat, Peter?” “Sure...” Aunt May left and Uncle Ben looked around suspiciously.“Uncle Ben?” “Quick, while the cost is clear,” Uncle Ben told me as he pulled out a couple of old comics. At the top of the pile was Captain America and the Invaders. I use to want to be a hero like Captain America. But Cap always did what was right. There goes that dream... “Something for you to read while you’re cooped up in here.” Just as I put the comics away, Aunt May returned with a tray full of food.“Can’t have you starving to death, now can we, Peter?” Uncle Ben and Aunt May stayed with me and talked until visiting hours were over. I didn’t think Aunt May would have willingly left if not for Uncle Ben. Funny, during the whole conversation, the topic of... casualties never came up. I didn’t ask. I didn’t want to know. I guess I was suffering from survivor’s guilt. I dunno. Just didn’t want to think about it. Was I being selfish, not worrying about them? Maybe... There’s no doubt the next part of this story is selfish...*
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Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 9, 2006 6:58:50 GMT -5
After being released from the hospital I was walking to school and Flash decided it was time I paid the debt I owed him. Or at least the debt he thought I owed him. I felt this weird sensation as his fist was about to connect with my face. Like something told me to move, and who was I to argue. I ducked his punch and headed out of there. Of course, Flash is persistent, I’ll give him that.
I turned down an alley, even as the buzzing in my head continued. I found a dead end, with no dumpster insight this time. I saw a fire escape ladder above me. There was no way I could reach that, but the buzzing in my head was getting more intense as Flash would surely be getting closer.
I bend my knees so they’re practically touching the ground (hoping to put a bit more spring in my leap) and I jump. I didn’t know how, but not only did I reach the ladder, but I actually jumped over it, onto the fire escape.
I looked back down to see Flash heading into the alley and I hurried up to the roof of the building. Only when I reached the roof did I ask the question, “How?” That’s how I learned about my “powers”. I had super-strength, enhanced agility, speed, and the truly weird thing. I soon found I could stick to any surface. I could literally crawl on walls. I can’t be positive, but my best guess is that the spider that bit me was somehow exposed to the isotope.
I wasn’t concerned about any side effects (like radiation poisoning for example). All I thought was that, this was my chance to be someone. Also that I now knew a purpose for my adhesive.*
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Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 9, 2006 7:08:50 GMT -5
I saw an ad in the Daily Bugle that said win 1,000 bucks if you could last ten minutes in the ring with Crusher Hogan. The contest was the following Friday. I had plenty of time to get ready. By getting ready I mean putting together the right attire. Something that could hide my identity. Aunt May and Uncle Ben would totally freak if they knew I was doing this, but I couldn’t resist.
Fight night had come. I told Aunt May and Uncle Ben I was going to the library. One small lie wouldn’t hurt anything, right? Besides, they could use some time alone. I was doing them a favor. That’s the kinds of things I kept telling myself.“Let’s get ready to ruuummmble!” the announcer... well... announced. “In this corner, weighing in at 340lbs., 6 foot, 5 inches tall, Crusher Hogaaaan!” Can you say I was in over my head? Yup.“An in this corner, we have his anonymous challenger, weighing in at 130lbs, 5 foot, 3 inches tall, the ever Amazzziiiing Spider-Maaaaan.” And the spotlight was on me. Boy, did I look ridiculous. Blue sweat pants, red sweater with a big black spider drawn on the chest (and web-shooters hidden beneath the sleeves), and a red ski-mask on to cover my identity. Yeah, I was ready to rumble. “Gulp,” could be heard from me as Crusher stepped closer.“Crusher’s gonna crush you, itty, bitty spider.” “What was that? You have a crush on me?” I decided the best strategy is distraction. “I’m flattered, really...” I said as I leapt over the behemoth. “...but you’re just not my type.” “What the...?” “Over here.” I was waving at Crusher as I crouched on the tip of one of the ring’s poles. “Now, I know rejection can be tough, but I think with time you will move on.” “AARRGH!” growled Crusher as he charged at me.
I leapt up, somersaulting above the raging Crusher and landed in a crouch on the other side. My strategy, stay out of his way for ten minutes. So far, so good.
As Crusher rushed for me again, I decided to do a new move and trip him with a thin line of webbing. It worked better than I thought. He tripped and collided head first into a ring pole, knocking himself out. With a couple of minutes to spare.*
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Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 9, 2006 7:11:30 GMT -5
"I owe you nothing,” Crusher’s manager told me. “You didn’t last ten minutes. You beat Crusher in seven.” What a scumbag. Was I gonna take that from him? Well... yes actually. Not much I could do, really.
I was at the elevator when it happened. I noticed a disturbance in the manager’s office and suddenly this guy came running out. I saw a gun and a bag of money. He was robbing the jerk. I figured, not my problem and I simply... stepped aside. I mean, the manager did deserve it right? He robbed me out of my prize money. Whether he deserved it or not, I’m sure I deserved what happened next... but did my uncle? Did Aunt May deserve to pay for my mistake?*
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Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 9, 2006 7:21:01 GMT -5
I returned home late (I was out moping). I found my house surrounded by police cars. “What’s going on?! That’s my...! Aunt May! Uncle Ben?!” I knew something bad had happened. I just knew it.“Peter...” I heard Aunt May say.“Aunt May!” I practically screamed her name. Hugging her, I asked, “Where’s Uncle Ben?” I looked in her eyes and I had my answer. “Peter... he’s...” “No...” I spoke softly, in disbelief.“There was a burglar. He... fired his gun and... Ben...” Tears were running down her face.“NO!” I pulled away from her and ran for it. I didn’t know where to find him, but I had to try. I wanted payback. I wanted revenge.“We have him cornered in an old warehouse,” I overheard on a police radio. I quickly took note of the location and ran for it.*
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Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 9, 2006 7:28:31 GMT -5
"Come out with your hands up.” The cops had the place surrounded. Looked like there was no way out, but I was able to get in, so this scum could get out just as easily. I wasn’t going to let that happen.“I gotta get outta here.” “You aren’t going anywhere.” The burglar turned around to a shock. I was hanging from the ceiling, upside down on a web-line, in full “costume”. “What are you supposed to be?” I said nothing. I just stared at him, the shadows concealing his identity. I wanted to intimidate him. I really want to hurt him.“Cat got your tongue, freak?” I let go of my line, dropping straight down, landing on my feet.“Impressive, fr...” Before he could call me freak again, I charged at him, grabbing him by his collar. “Why?!” I was shaking him. I was filled with rage, anger.
That’s when I pressed him against the window ledge, his face finally coming into the light. “No.” It was him. The guy from earlier. The one I let get away. As long as I live, I’ll never forget that face.
Once I regained composure I webbed the guy up and left. And the rest, as they say, is history.*
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Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 9, 2006 7:30:34 GMT -5
Now... Spider-man sits on the ledge of a building, leaning against a gargoyle. Some screw-up, huh, chuckles? I get these weird powers, I decide to exploit them, and get my uncle killed. All in a days work for Spider-Man. Spider-Man leaps off the ledge in a dive, flicking his wrist, shooting a web-line out and swinging through the Big Apple. *
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Post by Spider-Man Beyond on Aug 9, 2006 7:32:58 GMT -5
Dr. Octavius awakens and sees only darkness. “What?” He removes a blindfold from his face and sees he is on a table in some kind of military lab. “Hey, Ock’s awake.” “What’s the meaning of this?” asked the disoriented doctor. “Dr. Octavius, there was an accident. You’ve been asleep for a couple of weeks now,” a general informs Octavius. “What?!” Suddenly a metallic tentacle shoots out, gripping the general by the neck. “Ugh,” the general grunts as he pulls at the tentacle. Octavius looks down, noticing his harness is now attached to him. He then looks around, seeing several soldiers, all with guns aimed at him. “What... happened?” “Put him down!” The tentacle tosses the general at the armed soldiers. Octavius sneers. “What did you do to me?” “N... nothing! It was the accident. It... fused the tentacles to you!” Octavius then uses the tentacles to rip the door off its hinges, swatting the soldiers with his other tentacles. “Farewell....” The end?
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