Nothing in Amazing Spider-Man #247 would lead you to believe that the following issue would be something special. Sure, the issue promised a showdown between Spider-Man and Thunderball, a powerful villain who has given Thor a run for his money. But we've seen Spidey take on tough villains before and come out on top. But make no mistake about it: Amazing Spider-Man #248 is one of the truly great Spider-Man stories ever told. Numerous fans, bloggers and comics creators have ranked this issue as one of the greatest ever. And almost no one who has read it would deny its powerful emotional impact.

The reason for all of the accolades is an 11-page back-up story entitled, "The Kid Who Collected Spider-Man." The kid in question is nine-year-old Tim Harrison, who was the subject of a recent newspaper profile. He's described as "like a lot of other kids his age. He's seen all the Star Wars movies about a dozen times each. He's a big Mets fan, and he enjoys whatever noise that's passing for music these days." But what makes Tim stand out -- and the reason he was profiled in the Daily Bugle -- was his love for the Amazing Spider-Man. he has scrapbooks overflowing with magazine and newspaper clippings, and even some video footage from Spider-Man's early television appearances.

The story opens with Spider-Man paying Tim a visit in his room, just before the young boy goes to bed. "I happened to see that article about you in the Daily Bugle and I just couldn't pass up a chance to meet such a faithful fan," he explains. Tim shows Spider-Man his collection and Spider-Man, in turn, tells the inquisitive youngster about how he became Spider-Man after he was bitten by a radioactive spider. The more Spider-Man says, the more Tim is interested. After all, he is Spider-Man's biggest fan. "When you first became Spider-Man, you used to be on TV and stuff. You gave it up to chase crooks. How come?" he asks. That leads to a painful admission, as Spider-Man confesses that his beloved Uncle Ben was murdered by a man he could have stopped, if only he had cared enough to do so. "I know you messed up...but at least you've tried to make up for it," Tim says.

They share some stories -- and some laughs -- until it's time for Tim to go to sleep and Spider-Man to leave. And Tim asks, "Will you tell me who you really are?" Spider-Man hesitates, saying his secret identity is what protects his friends. Tim promises he would never tell. And Spider-Man pulls off his mask. "My name is Peter Parker. I took most of those photos that go with those articles you've saved," he says. They hug, and Spider-Man leaves quietly.

Then we read then end of the Daily Bugle story. It's like a punch in the stomach: "You see, Tim Harrison has leukemia, and the doctors only give him a few more weeks to live."

Wow. I dare say that more comics fans have gotten choked up at reading that story than any comic book tale before or since. I sure can't read it without getting a bit misty-eyed. Writer Roger Stern reminds us that what makes Peter Parker a hero isn't his physical strength, but the strength of his character. A real hero is one who can show compassion for a dying child, not just a powerhouse who beats up the bad guys. Every Spider-Man writer needs to re-read this story on occasion just to remember exactly who Peter Parker really is.

The main story is fine for what it is. Spider-Man was tracking the Hobgoblin and thought he had a lead on the mysterious villain. But instead, he butted into Thunderball's operation. In addition to his own wrecking ball, he's also managed to the crow bar belonging to his old partner, the Wrecker. "With this wrecking bar in hand, I'm practically a one-man wrecking crew!" he says.

They fight and while Spider-Man can't do much damage to Thunderball, he manages to swipe the Wrecker's crowbar. Thunderball draws his strength from the enchanted bar, so he's eager to get it back. "Give me that wrecking bar or I'll take it from your corpse!" he says. Spider-Man thinks, "I'm starting to think that no one this side of Thor could stop this guy!" But that doesn't mean he can't out-think Thunderball. He lures Thunderball into a Long Island electrical sub-station and zaps the bad guy with some high voltage. The electricity knocks Thunderball out.

Afterwards, some TV news cameras come up to Spider-Man. But they don't want to thank him for beating Thunderball -- they are blaming him for causing the worst traffic jam in Long Island history! Some days, it just doesn't pay to get out of bed if you're Spider-Man!

Next issue: The Hobgoblin returns -- and so does the Kingpin!

Reviewed by Bruce Buchanan.