Has Spencer Smythe discovered Spider-Man's secret identity? It certainly looks that way - which spells big trouble for the Web-Slinger!

Smythe, the scientist who created the Spider-Slayer robots, was hired to build a network of rooftop video cameras for the New York City Police Department. But the cops don't realize that Smythe plans to tap into that network to commit crimes, not fight them. Smythe invites New York's top gang leaders to his office to hear of his plans. The first thing he does with the cameras is use them to spy on Spider-Man as he changes back into his civilian clothes and he catches a glimpse of Peter Parker without his mask. "I can't take any chances! What if they did see my face? I've got to do something -- fast!" Spider-Man says.

Spider-Man spots the camera and realizes he may have compromised his secret identity. But Spider-Man is nothing if not resourceful. He stops by the laboratory of his good friend Dr. Curt Connors and whips up a latex mask of Peter Parker's face. He then parades around in front of the video cameras with the mask, leaving Smythe and his criminal cohorts unsure of what the hero's true face looks like. "That ain't his real face! 'N even if it was -- so what? he looks like one of a million guys! We still wouldn't know who he is," one of the crooks says. Still, the crime lords are interested in Smythe's proposal, but they want Spider-Man out of the picture, as he's too dangerous. That's where Smythe's latest Spider-Slayer, twice the size of the one seen in the previous issue, comes into play. "If I was able to beat him before, with a half-size Spider-Slayer, imagine what I'll do with this one!" Smythe crows. To make things worse for Spidey, Smythe will actually be piloting this Spider-Slayer, not directing it via remote control.

Meanwhile, Spider-Man swings by the Daily Bugle, where J. Jonah Jameson is leading a group of young protesters (carrying signs such as "No Big Brother Just Soul Brother") in a rally against the new video cameras. "He's a bug on civil liberties -- 'long as they're not Spider-Man's!" Joe Robertson explains. Unfortunately, the video cameras lead Smythe and the Spider-Slayer straight to Spider-Man. Smythe captures Spidey in a giant web. "Not even I could weave one so fast -- so big and strong!" Spider-Man says. The Spider-Slayer then uses an ethyl chloride gas, which weakens a spider. The issue ends with Spider-Man captured and helpless before Smythe's Spider-Slayer. "He's got me this time! And -- he knows it!" Spider-Man thinks. John Romita's full-page scene to close the story is just fantastic.

Before the showdown with the Spider-Slayer, we get a healthy dose of Peter Parker's supporting cast. Harry Osborn returned last issue after his stint in drug rehab. But he's worried about his relationship with Mary Jane Watson (and for good reason, 'cause Harry, she just ain't that into you.) Mary Jane brings over a pizza for Harry, but makes a play for Peter while she's at the apartment. "Poor Harry! Why does he have to dig a gal like MJ?" Peter thinks. "And why won't she keep off my back? She knows what it must do to him!" Ah, Peter, if ye only knew....

But at this time, Peter was head over heels in love with Gwen Stacy. They had a date planned, but Gwen wants to check in on Flash Thompson. She's been worried about him since he returned from Vietnam in Amazing Spider-Man #105 - he just hasn't seemed quite right. Flash isn't very friendly when Gwen and Peter arrive at his door. At first, Peter is annoyed at sharing his Gwendy time with Flash, but he realizes she is right. "There is something wrong with him! He's just not the old Flash!" We'll see this explained in greater detail in Amazing Spider-Man #108.

This issue is a fine example of why the Stan Lee/John Romita era of Amazing Spider-Man was just so darned entertaining. You've got a likeable, wise-cracking hero; a deadly villain; a cliffhanger ending; clean, classic art and some soap opera-style drama to boot. Really, what's not to like?

Next issue: How will Spider-Man escape Spencer Smythe's deadly web? It's the conclusion of the three-part Spider-Slayer storyline!

Reviewed by Bruce Buchanan.

Reprinted In:
Marvel Tales #85