Web of Spider-Man #56 (1989)

It's no surprise that Spider-Man is the most overexposed character on Marvel's roster. In fact, if I had to think about it, I've probably read more comics featuring Spidey; either as the lead or a guest star; in my 30+ years of wasted time...errr, "Graphic Novel Appreciation". Sure, Spidey's always been popular with fans, but since his character is so darn likeable he's popular with creators as well. Which is probably why he's been appearing in no less than THREE monthly books since the mid-70's. At times that number has increased, but I think it's pretty safe to say that it's rarely (if ever) slipped below "three".

As expected, the Spidey titles always seemed to have their own hierarchy or pecking order. It was especially evident in the 80's, as "Amazing Spider-Man" usually was #1, "Spectacular Spider-Man" was #2 and "Web of Spider-Man" eventually ended up as #3. Maybe it was the lack of a SENSATIONAL or FANTABULOUS adjective that hurt it? Anwyays, "Web" took over from the old Spidey #3 book, "Marvel Team-up". During "Web's" first year or so, it arguably challenged "Spectacular" for the title of #2 Spidey book. But by the time THIS particular issues hit the presses in 1989, the title had lost a lot of its appeal and the novelty was over.

This issues starts with Peter Parker, lab assistant to ESU's Dr. Curt Swann, working afterhours on campus while concocting a new web-shooter formula. Results prove less than fortunate, as the new formula ends up incredibly corrosive and can dissolve stuff. Just like any 70's "Godzilla" movie, the wacky invention introduced at the beginning of the story will figure ino the plot.

But wait, there's a plot?! Not much of one, as a gang of generic skinheads are protesting on ESU's campus; afterhours as well; about the new "Afro-American Studies" courses being offered at the school. To prove how nasty they are, they're BURNING A CROSS! This draws out the freshly-enrolled Rocket Racer, whose family has been threatened by the gang. Spidey jumps into action and prevents the Racer from pummeling the skinheads, especially their leader, "Eddie the Cross"... apparently named so because he has a swastika tattooed on his cheek (I suppose putting it on the forehead would've been too similar to a famous serial killer). Or maybe because cross burning is his hobby. The cops arrive and the skinheads are carted off to jail. Racer and Spidey have a bonding moment and all appears safe for awhile.

The next night, the skinheads return, "out on bail". They raise more ruckus, so once again the Racer and Spidey show up. This time, the cowardly "Eddie the Cross" runs away into the lab building. Ayup...you can see where this is going. Spidey once again tries to stop the Racer from being the snot out of Eddie. But Eddie inadvertantly picks up a vial of Spidey's experimental web fluid and it accidentally breaks over his head. Eddie is covered in a big tub o' goo, while Rocket Racer skeedaddles to fetch a doctor. Spidey swings out after him, but when he returns to the lab, Eddie in all his gooey glory has disappeared. Leaving only a slime trail. Gasp...you don't suppose he survived that, do ya'?!

To honor Paul Harvey, an epilogue tells us.. the Rest of the Story! At the skinhead's hideout under the 59th street bridge, Eddie has returned, transformed by Spidey's experimental fluid. Only now Eddie likes to monologue, looks like a human body muscle diagram, and announces himself as "SKINHEAD, the White Redeemer!" And yes, his name is ALL CAPS!

Throughout the story, Eddie is portrayed as being a complete coward and worthless human being. He talks big, but whenever he's confronted by Spidey or the Racer, he immediately caves in and begs for mercy. See, kids, Skinheads are BAD! You don't want to be like a skinhead. I sense some sort of ...gasp... MESSAGE or SOCIAL COMMENTARY being woven into the story. You don't suppose they're using Eddie the Cross/SKINHEAD as an allegory, do ya?! True, there have been some redeeming SOCIAL COMMENTARY stories in superhero comics over the years, but to me they always come off as a little forced. Skinheads and their racist ways were getting a lot of attention in the late 80's. So while this character is "pulled from the headlines", it's a complete flop because he's SO damn uncreative and is one-dimensional. At least some of the groups that popped up around Marvel, like the Watchdogs (who are referenced in this story), Sons of the Serpent, or even the X-men's Genosha stories seemed more natural. Genosha's one of the better allegories that was developed in comics, but at least it wasn't called "RacismSylvania". A charatcer named "SKINHEAD" seems like soemthing you'd find in a MAD Magazine comic book spoof.

Some additonal "Spidey Supporting Cast" subplot stuff is squeezed into the story as well. Namely, Thomas Fireheart, the Puma, is trying to buy the Daily Bugle to stop all the negative things being said about Spidey. That was sort of a random plot point that had to do with Puma repaying a "debt of honor" or something. Puma was a rather interesting villain, but he seemed to disappear in the early 90's. I always wanted to see Puma get into a dust-up with another Spidey villain, the Kangaroo. Maybe cook up some connection to Hercules and the Greek gods, so the goddess Nike could also appear. Then you'd have a big athletic shoe grudge match between Puma, Kangaroo and Nike.

There's also some stuff about Mary Jane and Aunt May's boarder, Nathan Lubensky. Mary Jane abandons her idea of starting a modeling agency and considers auditioning for a role on "Secret Hospital". While Lubensky's all gloomy about the news that his health prognosis is not good.

Oh, I should also mention that Peter Parker seemed to be growing a mullet during this period (actually, more like a Duran Duran hairstyle).

So what happened to SKINHEAD? Well, he returned the next issue to get pummelled by the Racer and Spidey. The Internets tell me that he appeared in the short-lived mid-90's "Captain Marvel" comic (not the late-90's, Peter David version). I dunno'... maybe check some of those massive group shots from the "Civil War" era to see if Skinhead popped up in the background. The less seen he is, the better. He's defintely one of the most forgettable Spidey foes of all time. Bad gimmick, bad character and all around bad story.

Summary: SOCIAL COMMENTARY, Spider-Man and Rocket Racer team-up, Peter has a mullet.
Cover price:1.00
Rating: .12

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