Electro Will Be Free

At Ryker's Island maximum security prison, Electro manages to escape when a metal canister accidentally touches him giving him enough conduction to break free. As Electro rampages across the city, Peter Parker has a study date with Marcy Kane. However, Peter abruptly leaves Marcy's apartment when he realizes that Electro is back on the loose.

Spider-Man is unprepared for Electro's boosted powers, and is easily defeated and nearly electrocuted to death, but manages to escape within an inch of his life. Witnessing the battle, J. Jonah Jameson assumes that Spider-Man was killed in the battle and rushes to press the story of his dreams: Spider-Man Dead!

Spider-Man manages to reach his apartment and develops a specially insulated costume. Going back out to fight Electro, Electro threatens innocent civilians in front of Broadway. However, Spider-Man offers up his life in exchange for the bystanders. Taking Electro's hand, Spider-Man takes advantage of the fact that Electro hasn't realized that his costume is insulated and manages to lay a knock-out punch on Electro.

As Spider-Man hands over Electro to the authorities, news about Spider-Man's survival reaches the presses making J. Jonah Jameson a laughing stock. It's a bitter victory for Peter who once again has put his social life in upheaval while keeping up his responsibilities as Spider-Man.

Recurring Characters

Spider-Man, Electro, Debra Whitman, J. Jonah Jameson, Joe Robertson, Aunt May, Marcy Kane, Biff Rifkin, Marla Madison, Lance Bannon, Nathan Lubensky

Continuity Notes

• Electro mentions his short lived membership in the Frightful Four. This happened in Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #42 and Fantastic Four #218.

• A number of elements of this story should be considered topical references per the Sliding Timescale of Earth-616. The type of television that Marcy Kane has in her home, and the prices and 50 cent surcharge in the taxi that J. Jonah Jameson and Marla Madison ride in, as well as the analog fare meter. Likewise should screenings of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Heavy Metal, and promotion for Jaws 3 should also be considered topical.