Web of Spider-Man #6 Review

Issue Review
Web of Spider-Man #6

Direct Market Release Date: May 7, 1985

Credits

Title: Gold Rush!
Script: Danny Fingeroth
Layouts: Mike Harris
Finishes: Mike Zeck, Bob Layton, Dave Simons & Jim Mooney
Colorist: Bob Sharen
Letterers: Phil Felix & Rick Parker
Editor: Jim Owsley
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Summary

The Beyonder has just turned a skyscraper into gold! Spider-Man, the only hero on the scene, begins rescuing those trapped inside.

The Kingpin is informed of the building's transformation, and realizing the havoc this much new gold could have on the economy, moves into action. With the military a half hour away from being mobilized, the Kingpin orders hundreds of his goons to secure the area.

Federal employee Charles Anderson arrives on the scene and takes chard, attempting to remove Spider-Man from the site. Spider-Man refuses to leave until everyone who it trapped is rescued, and returns to the building while Anderson orders the Kingpin's men to open fire on him.

Outside, the Kingpin arrives, and Spider-Man watches in shock as Anderson hands him a large amount of gold. Upset that the government rewards the Kingpin for being corrupt, while he gets fired upon trying to save innocent lives, Spider-Man returns to the building and takes a notepad, turned into solid gold by the Beyonder, as compensation.

Quotes

Mary Jane Watson: Oh, why does he have to have such a darn high sense of responsibility? Why can' the do what 99% of the population would do if they had his powers... Use them to make lots of money and tell the rest of the world to go take a flying leap! if only he were less altruistic -- I would've accepted his proposal on the spot. But if he WAS different... he wouldn't be the same guy you loved, would he, M.J.?

Driver #1 (getting into a traffic accident after seeing the building turned to gold: Do you see...?
Driver #2: Nah. I don't see it.
Driver #1: Me neither. Hey -- I won't tell anybody about this if YOU don't. Deal?
Driver #2: Deal.
Driver #1: And I'll never drive drunk again.
Driver #2: And I'll never drive drunk again.

Charles Anderson (in thought): Proud of yourself, Anderson?
Spider-Man: Proud of yourself, Anderson?
Charles Anderson: Spider-Man!
Spider-Man: Yeah, that's right. You know -- the guy you shot at for trying to save some innocent lives before -- Yeah, THAT Spider-Man. Y'know, it's funny. A few minutes ago, I would've happily chased ol' tubby for you.. to finally nail him for a convictable crime: stealing those typewriters. Only, it's NOT a crime now, is it? It's government sanctioned! He's not a criminal -- I AM!
Charles Anderson: Go on. Make me feel bad. Done yet?
Spider-Man: Almost. The Kingpin got HIS reward?! Well, take a gander friend! I've got MINE!

Commentary

This issue marks the first installment of a two part story dealing with the collapse of the skyscraper that the Beyonder turned into gold. Out of all the crossovers to this point, this, along with the Amazing Spider-Man issue that follows, are the highlights. The Beyonder makes no appearances in these books, but the storylines spin directly out of the climax of Secret Wars II #2. Unlike some other crossovers, the "Secret Wars II continues in this issue", cover triangle is accurate.

Both issues feature a particularly memorable set of covers by John Byrne, that, when laid next to each other, form a complete image.

Fingeroth writes a great Spider-Man. As repetitive as Mary Jane Watson's monologues can be, her musings on Peter Parker's recent marriage proposal are very well written here. The issue also sets up the classic "golden notebook" subplot that carries over into the other Spider-titles for a few months; frustrated by his own money troubles, and angered by the Kingpin's profiteering, Spider-Man retrieves a notebook turned to gold by the Beyonder from a wastebasket.

The only downside to this issue is the sheer number of inkers who worked on the book. As a result, the art is a little bit inconsistent.

Up next...

Secret Wars II continues in Amazing Spider-Man #268!