Web of Spider-Man #105
Soul Gauntlet
Having doubt about the Goddess' Infinity Crusade, Spider-Man was sent into his own soulscape by Moondragon.[1] In his mind he is haunted by the images of the Green Goblin, Venom, Carnage, as well as visions of his friends and family including his wife Mary Jane, his Aunt May and Uncle Ben, J. Jonah Jameson and his father Richard Parker.[2] In reality, Spider-Man is being surrounded by a number of heroes who are loyal to the Goddess. This includes Quicksilver, the Scarlet Witch, Thor, the Multiple Man, Sasquatch, Gamora, Moon Knight, the Invisible Woman, and Archangel.
As the faithful followers charge at Spider-Man, Moondragon strikes Spider-Man with a psi-blast. In his mind, this causes Spider-Man to turn into the form of Peter Parker as he begins to be swarmed. Spider-Man refuses to fight his allies and quickly begins to realize that what he is seeing is an illusion. When Gamora attacks him, Spider-Man sees her not just as his wife Mary Jane, but as the character she plays on "Secret Hospital". When Archangel dive bombs the wall-crawler with his razor-tipped feather, Spider-Man dodges them and they impale Gamora. In his mind's eye, he views this as the Green Goblin striking Mary Jane with his razor-bats.[3] While he tries to evade Archangel, he is grabbed in a grip by the Sasquatch. He tosses his opponent into Archangel.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, Mary Jane is doing aerobics with Liz Osborn while Aunt May keeps an eye on Normie Osborn. Liz is amazed at how quickly Normie is starting to act like himself since his father, Harry, died.[4] When Mary Jane asks Aunt May how she is dealing with the apparent return of Peter's parents.[5] While at Empire State University, Betty Brant distracts a security guard while Joe Robertson sneaks in. He leaves a window open so Betty can sneak in later. The two of them are working on an exposé on secret government experiments that are being conducted by Morelle Pharmaceuticals. This has brought them to the office of Marla Madison, the wife of J. Jonah Jameson, who is involved in the project.
Back on Paradise Omega, Spider-Man is ganged up on by Thor, Quicksilver, the Scarlet Witch and Invisible Woman. He sees them as his father, aunt, and uncle, and the Goddess respectively.[6] Although he is outnumbered and overpowered, Spider-Man manages to soar out of harm's way by making a web-glider. His attackers are caught in the crossfire, knocking each other out with their respective powers. He is ambushed by Moon Knight and Multiple Man who appear in his mind as Venom and Carnage. Moon Knight is taking this battle personally, as he would give up his life to serve the Goddess.[7] In his vision, he sees the Goddess' cathedral, and seeking it for cover takes a leap of faith to reach it. Suddenly, his hallucination ends, as Spider-Man has passed their test. Spider-Man realizes that his battle for good has been thankless and decides to stick with the Goddess and see out her plans.
Meanwhile, the Goddess continues to meditate within the Cosmic Egg. Sending her mind outward, she watches as those who are against her mission of universal peace are gathering their forces.[8]
Recurring Characters
Spider-Man, Mary Jane Watson, Aunt May, Liz Osborn, Normie Osborn, Joe Robertson, Betty Brant, Goddess, Infinity Watch (Moondragon, Gamora, Pip the Troll, Drax, Maxam), X-Factor (Havok, Strong Guy, Multiple Man, Quicksilver), Thor, Scarlet Witch, Sasquatch, Wild Heart, Moon Knight, Fantastic Four (Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, Thing), X-Men (Professor X, Rogue, Archangel, Iceman, Cyclops, Wolverine, Beast, Jean Grey, Forge, Psylocke), New Warriors (Night Thrasher, Speedball, Nova, Darkhawk), Hulk, She-Hulk, Iron Man
Continuity Notes
This story takes place between Infinity Crusade #2 and 3.
Peter and Mary Jane are referred to as husband and wife here. However, years later, their marriage is erased from existence by Mephisto in Amazing Spider-Man #545. As such they should be considered a common-law couple here.
This reminds Peter of the day that both Gwen Stacy was murdered and the Green Goblin died. He is referring to the events of Amazing Spider-Man #121-122. Although Peter thinks Norman Osborn died, he actually survived as seen in Spider-Man: The Osborn Journal #1 he will resurface again in Amazing Spider-Man #412.
At the time of this story, everyone thinks that Harry Osborn is dead following the events of The Spectacular Spider-Man #200. However, unknown to everyone at the time, Harry survived as explained in Amazing Spider-Man #581. He will resurface again in Amazing Spider-Man #545.
A couple claiming to be Richard and Mary Parker surfaced claiming to be Peter's parents in Amazing Spider-Man #365. These are actually impostors as revealed in Amazing Spider-Man #388. The real Richard and Mary Parker died decades earlier as explained in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #5.
Peter recalls the death of his Uncle Ben, who was killed by a burglar in Amazing Fantasy #15.
Moon Knight was upset that Spider-Man was chosen on a mission over him, as seen in Marc Spector: Moon Knight #57.
The Thing is depicted wearing a mask here. This is because his face was wounded during a battle with Wolverine in Fantastic Four #374. His face will ultimately get healed in Fantastic Four #409.
Acid Test
Nightwatch had interrupted a robbery at the New York Museum of Natural History being led by Daniel Davis. Trying to flee with a Mediterranean death mask he was attempting to steal, Davis placed it on his face. Upon doing so, the mask began burning his face and fusing with it. Driven mad, Davis decided to call himself Deathgrin and tries to attack Nightwatch. As the two fight, the ancient chemicals in the mask give Deathgrin enhanced strength and durability. Trying to escape, he smashes a hole in the side of the museum, but Nightwatch tries to snare him in his cape, but Deathgrin breaks free.
The battle is interrupted by security guards who begin to open fire on Deathgrin. However, these bullets have no effect and the villain tries to crush the guards by knocking down the museum's pillars. Nightwatch manages to swoop in and save them at the last moment. When clean-up crews come to remove the rubble, they discover a massive hole into the sewers below. In the fetid waters Deathgrin still lives and vows to get revenge against Nightmask.
Recurring Characters
Nightwatch, Deathgrin
