I: Feature Story: "From the Depths of Defeat!"

Pages: 20

Script: Stan Lee
Pencils: John Romita
Inks: John Romita
Letters: Sam Rosen

Villain: Kraven, Vulture II

Guest Appearance: Aunt May, Anna Watson, Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn, Dr. Bromwell

Cameo Appearance: J. Jonah Jameson, Frederick Foswell, Betty Brant

Synopsis: (continued from ASM #48)

Spider-Man regains consciousness on the rooftop where he lost his fight with the new Vulture. He is so weak he can barely clamber down the fire escape, swing home and fall into bed before Harry gets in. Harry checks in on him, though, before he can strip off his Spider-Man costume.

Meanwhile, Kraven has become restless since defeating Spider-Man (see ASM #47) and when he sees the new Vulture is getting heavy press as the city's strongest menace, he sees his next challenge. He trains in close combat with a wild tiger, and once he defeats it, he is out to hunt the Vulture, and all others who would rob him of the glory he is due.

Peter has gotten over his cold thanks to his spider-strength. Unfortunately, Harry, Aunt May and Anna Watson are hovering over him, so he can't get away to search the city. Aunt May is so worried, she tells him she is going to call on Doctor Bromwell to come and make a house call. After they leave the room, he's able to hop out of his Spidey costume - finally!!!

While he rests in bed, he misses Blackie Drago attack a helicopter and steal its shipment of uncut diamonds. Kraven, sadly for him, has arrived too late to tackle the Vulture.

Jameson calls Peter to get him to work on some pictures of the Vulture, but is told he's too sick. Mary Jane and Gwen Stacy arrive at the bachelor pad, but Harry takes them out before Peter can find a way to get out of bed.

Finally, the showdown between Kraven and the new Vulture is on. Kraven gets a hold of Blackie Drago and they wrestle in the air until, spinning out of control, they crash through a skylight. Peter finally is able to sneak out as Spider-Man and follows the fight into an explorer's exhibition hall. He sets up his camera and splits up Kraven and Drago, which only diverts their attention towards him. The fight is on!

The two villains can't work together so Spidey is able to take them one at a time. Kraven's double-barrelled ray misses Spider-Man and accidentally knocks Drago completely out of the action. Spidey tears the ray out of Kraven's vest and hits him with a punch. Both villains lie defeated.

Peter gets home just before Aunt May comes in with Dr. Bromwell. The doctor declares Peter healthy, and for once Peter ends the day with a smile.

--synopsis by Jonathan Clarke, aka doesitmatter, and Gormuu

Issues Reprinted
Amazing Spider-Man #41-50, Annual #3

Click on cover image to learn more about each issue.