Avenging Spider-Man #1
Spider-Man has been pushing himself hard between his romance problems, day job, and his membership on two teams of Avengers.[1] He has been running himself ragged which becomes apparent as he is helping his fellow Avengers take down a cell of AIM. When the rogue scientists bring out a massive robot, Spider-Man finally realizes how tired he is.
At that same moment, on the George Washington Bridge, the annual New York City marathon is about to begin. Mayor J. Jonah Jameson is officiating this year’s race. After he fires the starting pistol and the runners begin the race it comes to a screeching halt when a horde of Moloids come racing onto the bridge from the opposite direction.
By this time, the Avengers have finished their mission and Spider-Man is surprised to hear that none of his teammates are returned to New York. Spider-Man expresses the importance of getting back home since he has responsibilities in his civilian identity. Iron Man suggests the Red Hulk take him back and the web-slinger finds himself yanked away as the Hulk leaps towards Manhattan.
Back in New York, Jameson tries to keep the Moloids away with his pistol but they quickly swarm him and drag him away. News gets back to the Avengers and Iron Man calls Spider-Man on his cell phone to inform him. Spider-Man assures the Hulk he’ll be more helpful with this than with AIM, but his spider-sense spooks him when the Hulk ends up flying toward some seagulls. When he shoulds incoming it prompts the Red Hulk to clap his hands, the force of which knocks the birds out of the sky.[2]
Spider-Man and the Hulk arrive just as the Moloids are trying to drag J. Jonah Jameson into their underground tunnel. When Spider-Man and the Hulk try to stop them, one of the Moloids plays a flute that summons a massive subterranean creature. The duo tries to struggle free, but the monster’s tentacle covered tongue is covered in a neurotoxin that kicks in before they can escape, and both Spider-Man and the Red Hulk are swallowed whole.
Later, J. Jonah Jameson is taken to the Mole Man in his subterranean domain. The Moloids flee as soon as they bring Jameson to their master. Jonah demands to know why he has been kidnapped. The Mole Man explains that he needs the help of another king, and his minions have confused the mayor as being the king of New York City. Things have changed in the underground kingdom and the Mole Man needs help. Before he can explain what’s going on someone yanks on the chain attached to his collar. The Mole Man meekly explains that he no longer rules his underground domain as an army of Molans — a massive subterranean race — emerges from the shadows.
Recurring Characters
Spider-Man, Red Hulk, Molans, J. Jonah Jameson, Avengers (Commander Steve Rogers, Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Spider-Woman, Wolverine), AIM, Molids, Mole Man
Continuity Notes
At the time of this story the following facts are true:
Peter Parker had just broken up with Carlie Cooper in Amazing Spider-Man #673, they had been dating since issue #647.
He also just started working for Horizon Labs relatively recently back in Amazing Spider-Man #648.
Spider-Man has been a long-standing member of the New Avengers since New Avengers #1. More recently he rejoined the current roster of the original Avengers in Avengers (vol. 4) #1.
Spider-Man mentions his “recently returned” spider-sense. Peter lost this ability when he used a jamming device to disable the Spider-Slayer’s Slayer Swarm who had similar abilities in Amazing Spider-Man #654. This power was restored in issue #671 of that series.
