Randy Emberlin

In the farthest reaches of space, a creature terrified us. Acid blood. Armored skin. Razor-sharp teeth. No mercy. In the depths of a rain forest, another creature hunted us. Perfect camouflage. Fearsome weapons. Brutal methods. No conscience. In 2004, these monsters clashed on Earth in the greatest battle the universe has ever known. But far in the future, long after a technological catastrophe that started a second Dark Age, all memory of these two species has been forgotten. And when Mankind again reaches for the stars, we will discover that, truly, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Once again, Man is caught in the middle of a deadly struggle.

"With(out) Great Power..." Powerless Part 1 of 3. That's it! The Amazing Spider-Man's powers are gone! So what's next for Peter and Mary Jane? How about a picnic in Central Park with Flash and Felicia! Surprisingly, the couples have a great time together...until the Tarantula takes a hostage and demands an exchange for the web-slinger! So the wall-crawler (spectacular in name only now) swings into action vs. the Tarantula! Does Peter have a chance vs. the South American super-villain? Maybe so with help from Flash Thompson and the Black Cat! Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Willie Lumpkin, and the Chameleon. (Notes: The Tarantula previously appeared in Spectacular Spider-Man 138. The cover to this issue is very similar to the cover of Spectacular Spider-Man 158.)

"The Jonah Trade" Powerless Part 2 of 3. Last issue the powerless web-slinger got by with a little help from his friends! But that was against the Tarantula! Next up: the Scorpion! Yikes! Similar to the Tarantula's modus operandi, the pointy-tailed villain takes a hostage (in this instance J. Jonah Jameson) and demands a swap for the wondrous wall-crawler! And again like last issue, the powerless Spider-Man makes a call for assistance...to the Black Cat! Will Felicia rush to the aid of her former boyfriend one more time? And what does Mary Jane think about all this? It doesn't matter now, because the Scorpion can't wait! First appearance of Dr. Elias Wirtham (aka Cardiac). Cameo appearances by Aunt May and the Chameleon.

"War Garden!" Powerless Part 3 of 3. The crafty Chameleon stands revealed as the mastermind behind the plot to kill the web-slinger by taking away his powers! Unfortunately though, when the Black Cat and the powerless Spider-Man catch up to the Chameleon at his headquarters in the Botanical Gardens; he's surrounded by the Scorpion, Tarantula, and Femme Fatales! Oh boy, can the Black Cat defeat all the super-villains by herself? The wall-crawler better figure out how to restore his powers ASAP! Or Felicia is going to take a catnap...permanently! Cameo appearances by Flash Thompson, Harry Osborn, Liz Osborn, Normie Osborn, Mary Jane Watson, Aunt May, Willie Lumpkin, and Cardiac.

First appearance of Cletus Kasady aka Carnage in "Hearts and Powers." In a warehouse on the waterfront, the Spectacular Spider-Man runs into a new costumed crusader...Cardiac! Is he a hero or villain or vigilante or all of the above? After a brief confrontation, the web-slinger isn't quite sure! But later on at a chemical plant in the Bronx, Cardiac and the wall-crawler are forced to team up to tackle the rampaging Rhino! So Spidey will consider Cardiac a friend...for now! Meanwhile in Ryker's Island, Eddie Brock gets to know his new cellmate: Cletus Kasady...the future Carnage! Cameo appearances by Justin Hammer and Mary Jane Watson.

Second appearance of.Cletus Kasady (Carnage) in "Gun From the Heart!" Through Silver Sable (and without his knowledge of who the real boss is), Justin Hammer hires Spidey to take down Cardiac and then hires Boomerang to take down Spidey; Eddie Brock is freed from prison by the Venom symbiote, but as he leaves his cell, a little drip from the costume stays behind to keep Cletus Kasady company; Venom cameo. The letters page has a statement of ownership--average print run 489,589; average paid circulation 334,893.

"Elliptical Pursuit!", script by David Michelinie, pencils by Erik Larsen, inks by Randy Emberlin; Eddie Brock is back…for Peters head!; After escaping prison, Venom taunts Spider-Man into a final showdown; Peter Parkers known for his smarts--why then does he stumble straight into Venoms trap?; An all-out smack down slugfest ensues.

"The Boneyard Hop!" Part 2 of 2. On a deserted island, the Amazing Spider-Man wages a desperate battle for survival vs. the vicious Venom! The wall-crawler is fighting for his life! While Venom is fighting for his death! And this time there isn't any help or rescue on the way! As shown on the twisted cover, Venom plans to quote Hamlet once the battle is over! If the spectacular one doesn't want to play the part of Yorick; he better move fast! To thine own self be true, web-slinger! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Willie Lumpkin, Aunt May, Flash Thompson, and the Black Cat. (Notes: Venom appears next in Darkhawk 13 & 14. This two-part story was reprinted in the trade paperbacks: Spider-Man: Venom Returns (1993) and Spider-Man: The Vengeance of Venom (2011).)

"The Boneyard Hop!" Part 2 of 2. On a deserted island, the Amazing Spider-Man wages a desperate battle for survival vs. the vicious Venom! The wall-crawler is fighting for his life! While Venom is fighting for his death! And this time there isn't any help or rescue on the way! As shown on the twisted cover, Venom plans to quote Hamlet once the battle is over! If the spectacular one doesn't want to play the part of Yorick; he better move fast! To thine own self be true, web-slinger! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Willie Lumpkin, Aunt May, Flash Thompson, and the Black Cat. (Notes: Venom appears next in Darkhawk 13 & 14. This two-part story was reprinted in the trade paperbacks: Spider-Man: Venom Returns (1993) and Spider-Man: The Vengeance of Venom (2011).)

"Righteous Sand" Guest-starring the Avengers. In Avengers 329 both the Sandman and Spider-Man became reserve members of Earth's Mightiest Heroes! And while the web-slinger isn't overly concerned about gaining the acceptance of his new teammates; the Sandman sure is! So when William Baker (aka Flint Marko) gets a tip about a train hijacking at the Brooklyn railyards; he quickly calls the Avengers! And as expected Cap, Thor, and company (along with the web-slinger) make short work of the heavily-armed saboteurs! But for the Sandman the victory is bittersweet. His days with the Avengers may be over. Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Ben Urich, J. Jonah Jameson, and the Black Fox. Avengers Lineup: Black Widow, Captain America, Quasar, Sersi, She-Hulk, Thor, and the Vision.

"Man of Steal!" Part 1 of 2. The Black Fox is on the prowl again! And on this occasion the renowned jewel thief has his eye on the Trask diamond! Coincidentally, the Daily Bugle sends its ace photographer to cover the diamond's unveiling at the Trask Center! So when the wily fox makes his move, the web-slinger swings into action! It looks like Spider-Man is going to stop the fox dead in his tracks and recover the diamond! But someone else wants the diamond too! A certain Eastern European monarch known for clashing with the Fantastic Four! Wow, is the wall-crawler going to challenge Doctor Doom? Caution is advised! Cameo appearance by Mary Jane Watson.

"Doom Service!" Part 2 of 2. Double-Sized issue. Script by David Michelinie. Pencils by Erik Larsen. Inks by Randy Emberlin. Cover by Erik Larsen and Randy Emberlin. At a Long Island resort, the Amazing Spider-Man battles Doctor Doom to protect the Black Fox! Is that a brave decision or a foolhardy one? Unfortunately, it's the latter as the web-slinger limps back home battered, bruised, and concussed! However the aging fox is still alive! But now the weakened wall-crawler has only 24 hours to find the jewel called the dragon's egg...or once more face the deadly wrath of Victor Von Doom! The next day in suburban New Jersey; the Latverian Monarch, the Black Fox, and your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man come together again! Does anyone have the dragon's egg? Someone better...or someone will meet their doom! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson and Uncle Ben (hallucination). Flashback cameos by the Avengers and Sandman. Brief retelling of Spider-Man's origin. (Notes: This issue features a farewell art portfolio by Erik Larsen. First pin-up: Spider-Man and Mary Jane by Erik Larsen and John Romita Sr. Second pin-up: Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four by Erik Larson and Joe Sinnott. Third pin-up: Spider-Man and Daredevil by Erik Larsen and Al Williamson. Fourth pin-up: Cardiac, Solo, and Captain Universe by Erik Larsen and Sal Buscema. Fifth pin-up: Spider-Man split image by Erik Larsen and Todd McFarlane. This issue completes Erik Larsen's quality 2-year run as the penciler of the Amazing Spider-Man title. This two-part story was reprinted in 1995 in the trade paperback: Spider-Man vs. Doctor Doom.)

"The Three Faces of Evil!" Part 1 of 2. Guest-starring Nova.Spidey and Nova witness the robbery of a container of rare Antarctic vibranium. They trace the thieves back to a complex run by the Life Foundation and discover that the vibranium is being used as a failsafe for the Tri-Sentinel which the Foundation plans on using for their own protection. Despite Spidey's protests, the Tri-Sentinel is activated and immediately reverts to its original programming: the destruction of nuclear power plants! With the deadly robot on a rampage, Spidey and Nova have a fight on their hands! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson and Aunt May. (Notes: The Tri-Sentinel previously appeared in Amazing Spider-Man 329. This issue begins Mark Bagley's 5-year run as the penciler of the Amazing Spider-Man title.)

Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge begins in "When Midnight Strikes!" Part 1 of 6. Guest-starring Darkhawk and the Punisher. The Secret Empire has transformed Midnight (aka Jeff Wilde) into a cyborg! And designated Moon Knight's former sidekick as the empire's first super agent! But the empire wants an army of super agents! So the subversive organization sends Midnight to bust Dr. Eliot Franklin (aka Thunderball) out of the local jail! However Darkhawk and the wall-crawler are in the vicinity and put the new and improved Midnight thru his paces! Meanwhile across town the Punisher hunts the Secret Empire! And that's bad news for the empire...real bad! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson and Aunt May. Flashback cameos by Spider-Man, Moon Knight, and the Punisher to recap their battle vs. the Secret Empire in Marc Spector Moon Knight (1989) issues 19-21. (Notes: Darkhawk and the web-slinger previously teamed up in Darkhawk (1991) 2 & 3. The Amazing Spider-Man title was published bi-monthly for the next 5 issues.)

"Wilde at Heart!" Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge Part 2 of 6. Guest-starring Captain America, Darkhawk, Moon Knight, Night Thrasher, Nova, and the Punisher. After alluding Darkhawk and the wall-crawler, Midnight returns to the Secret Empire's headquarters and begins plotting his revenge! The new cyborg has two objectives: take over the Secret Empire...and destroy his former mentor Moon Knight! In the meantime the Spectacular Spider-Man stops by Avengers Mansion to make contact with the Fist of Khonshu and tell him that Midnight is alive! Several days later when the web-slinger spies Midnight fighting Nova, he alerts Moon Knight! And moments later the hostile teacher-pupil reunion gets underway! Cameo appearances by Mary Jane Watson, Joe Robertson, Aunt May, Thunderball, and Microchip.

"Total Eclipse of the Moon...Knight!" Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge Part 3 of 6. Guest-starring Moon Knight, Night Thrasher, Nova, and the Punisher. It's a battle royal on the rooftops of Manhattan as the wondrous wall-crawler, Moon Knight, Night Thrasher, and the Punisher rumble with Midnight, Chain, Grasp, Sonic, and a horde of Secret Empire agents! Wow, is there room for any more heroes or villains in this overstuffed tale? Perhaps a few more heroes are necessary as the web-slinger and his allies fail to corral Midnight and the Seekers! The Secret Empire remains elusive! What's next for the good guys? Cameo appearances by Frenchie and Thunderball. (Note: The Seekers previously appeared in Fantastic Four 342.)

The Punisher, Moon Knight, Nova, and Night Thrasher guest star in Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge part 4, "After Midnight!", As the heroes travel in the repaired Moon Copter, Night Thrasher gets the idea to contact Nova over his helmet communicator; After Dr. Franklin finishes his revamp of Midnight, Lynn Church shows the doctors something on her forehead that convinces them to obey her and complete another task; Franklin checks in on Nova and notices that the transmission signal jammer is turned off, allowing the heroes to locate him through the helmet communicator; Leaving the still-shaken Punisher in the Copter, the heroes storm the headquarters; Church tells Midnight that the task she had the doctors perform deactivated his pain-inducer; When Midnight demands Secret Empire leadership in exchange for fighting the heroes, Number 7 tries to use the pain-inducer but the unaffected Midnight murders him

The Punisher, Moon Knight, Nova, Night Thrasher, and Darkhawk guest star in Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge part 5, "A Bagel with Nova!", script by Al Milgrom, layouts by Mark Bagley, finishes by Randy Emberlin; Midnight and the Secret Empire members arrive at their Queens location; The disguised and still-weakened Punisher tries to get a message to Spidey but passes out; The heroes, tired and testy, decide to call it a night. Punisher revives and. as Number 3. frees Nova, who totals the transmission jammer and broadcasts a signal; Punisher then convinces his fellow Empire members to attack Midnight, who quickly defeats them; His cover blown; Punisher flees even as the heroes converge on Nova's signal. Spotting the Moon Copter, Darkhawk follows; The heroes battle Midnight and the Empire's troops joined by Dr. Franklin as a new technology-derived Thunderball who knocks out the arriving Darkhawk.

"Out on a Limb" Round Robin: The Sidekick's Revenge Part 6 of 6. Guest-starring Moon Knight, Darkhawk, Night Thrasher, Nova, and the Punisher. The Amazing Spider-Man leads the charge in the grand finale of the Sidekick's Revenge storyline! Inside the Secret Empire's hideout, the web-slinger and his five allies fight from cover to cover vs. Midnight, Thunderball, Lynn Church, and the Seekers! Who will be the last man standing? Or perhaps the last cyborg standing? A non-stop battle issue! Last $1.00 issue. (Notes: Midnight and Lynn Church return many years later in Moon Knight (2006 3rd series) 6 & 7. This issue features a wraparound three-part foldout cover depicting all six superheroes in the story.)