In Amazing Spider-Man #121, published in 1973, comics took a sharp turn towards the dark side. Gwen Stacy, the beautiful, light-hearted girlfriend of Peter "Spider-Man" Parker, was hurled from a bridge by the villainous Green Goblin. Spider-Man's bold attempt to save her failed, and she died. Her death was abrupt, unexpected and without the usual lingering moment when last words and final endearments could be exchanged.

In Ultimate Spider-Man #25, published in 2002, Gwen Stacy was a fairly new character with only slight emotional ties to Peter. The Goblin, knowing Peter's true identity and knowing where his heart lay, instead targeted the hero's childhood friend and girlfriend Mary Jane Watson.

Cue the bridge scene.

Although a character and some of the circumstances are different, the scene is eerily reminiscent of the original 1973 shocker. While I'll keep mum on the outcome, for those newcomers to the series, I will say some aspects of the scene play out in different directions than long-time readers might expect. Believe me, it's a major turning point for Peter, and some things will not be the same for him hereafter.

Besides the return of the Green Goblin and the harrowing scene on the bridge, the Legacy collection also contains the first appearance of S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury in the Ultimate Marvelverse. An ominous note is sounded for Peter's future. Also, things change drastically for Harry Osborne, whose father became the Green Gobin in an earlier book.

This story keeps getting better, deeper and more involved. This is rich, colorful storytelling of the highest order.

by Tom Knapp
Rambles.NET
25 March 2006