The Final Chapter (comics)
Encyclopedia
"The Final Chapter" was a four-part storyline from Marvel Comics
published in 1999. The storyline immediately followed events from "The Gathering of Five" arc, and the opening chapter deals with the five summoned by Osborn acquiring their "gifts". It ran across three major Spider-Man
titles at the time (The Spectacular Spider-Man
, Peter Parker: Spider-Man
, and The Amazing Spider-Man
), with the intention of closing one (Spectacular), and "rebranding" two (Spider-Man, and Amazing), back to "Issue One", a mandate from Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras
. It was written by John Byrne, and illustrated by both Byrne and John Romita Jr.
The storyline proved controversial with fans, as it resurrected the character of Peter Parker
's elderly Aunt May
, who had been killed off at the height of "The Clone Saga
" several years ago in The Amazing Spider-Man #400. Tom DeFalco
, who had left months earlier with his Identity Crisis
storyline, had originally intended Peter and Mary Jane
's daughter, May Parker, to be returned to them by Kaine
, but Mackie and Byrne insisted they have the older May revived so she could fit into their new relaunch.
Following a clue from a dying Alison Mongraine
regarding the safety of "May", who he believes to be his daughter, Peter Parker pursues Osborn to his mansion, where a battle reveals that his Aunt May, not his baby girl, is alive and well. Osborn seemingly triumphs over Spider-Man, even unmasking him in public, but in the final installment, it is revealed that the entire battle was a delusion of Osborn's mind. In reality, he had acquired the gift of madness from the gathering, and had been reduced to an insane, rambling, and defeated individual.
Spider-Man successfully prevents the Daily Bugle
building from collapsing, but despite saving much of New York, Spider-Man is still mistrusted and labeled a public menace. Once more, Peter burns his Spider-Man costume, satisfied that one of the most important women in his life is with him and Mary Jane yet again.
, assumed the role of Spider-Man, but her inexperience led to a brutal assault at the hands of another "Gathering" recipient, Gregory Herd. Peter saved Franklin, shielding his own identity, and reclaimed the mantle of Spider-Man in order to help Iceman
take down Herd (as Shadrac). Franklin would later briefly become Spider-Woman
, and was given her own title, but she proved unpopular and the title was folded. Madame Web
was also revealed as being a member of "The Gathering", having gained the gift of immortality.
Norman Osborn would resurface as the Green Goblin in a loose trilogy of storylines written by Roger Stern
, Howard Mackie
, and Paul Jenkins
in 2000, where Osborn reclaimed his sanity and brainwashed Peter, intending to mold him into a successor far worthier of the Osborn name than his son Harry
.
timeline. Written by Tom DeFalco
, the Spider-Girl title made full use of the intended climax to DeFalco's arc, returning the younger May to the Parkers rather than the elderly version. An alternate ending to this arc also kills off Osborn, and severely injures Peter, costing him one of his legs, and ending his career as Spider-Man. The gathering is not completed in this time line (due to Peter's actions) but Mattie is seen escaping with the rituals equipment leaving open the possibility of it occurring at a later date. DeFalco later placed the events of the Gathering a further two years ahead after Mayday was returned to The Parkers.
In October 2008, the 25th issue of The Amazing Spider-Girl featured a back-up strip revealing how Kaine fought against the Brotherhood of the Goblin, infiltrated Norman's mansion, and recovered an infant Mayday, who was being cared for by the father of Fury The Goblin Queen, who was also present at the mansion that day as a young child. However, Norman had successfully cloned Mayday, creating a "twin" that would lay dormant in stasis for twenty years with notes left behind claiming her to be the true Mayday, with Fury passed down the code necessary to awaken her. This clone, known as "Project: Changeling" was eventually activated by Fury and assumed the life of the Mayday raised by The Parkers, who had been severely injured and abducted, Mayday however recovers and eventually persuades the clone to join her side and together they free Peter from the grip of Norman Osborn in a psychic duel.
"The Final Chapter" was a four-part storyline from Marvel Comics
published in 1999. The storyline immediately followed events from "The Gathering of Five" arc, and the opening chapter deals with the five summoned by Osborn acquiring their "gifts". It ran across three major Spider-Man
titles at the time (The Spectacular Spider-Man
, Peter Parker: Spider-Man
, and The Amazing Spider-Man
), with the intention of closing one (Spectacular), and "rebranding" two (Spider-Man, and Amazing), back to "Issue One", a mandate from Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras
. It was written by John Byrne, and illustrated by both Byrne and John Romita Jr.
The storyline proved controversial with fans, as it resurrected the character of Peter Parker
's elderly Aunt May
, who had been killed off at the height of "The Clone Saga
" several years ago in The Amazing Spider-Man #400. Tom DeFalco
, who had left months earlier with his Identity Crisis
storyline, had originally intended Peter and Mary Jane
's daughter, May Parker, to be returned to them by Kaine
, but Mackie and Byrne insisted they have the older May revived so she could fit into their new relaunch.
Following a clue from a dying Alison Mongraine
regarding the safety of "May", who he believes to be his daughter, Peter Parker pursues Osborn to his mansion, where a battle reveals that his Aunt May, not his baby girl, is alive and well. Osborn seemingly triumphs over Spider-Man, even unmasking him in public, but in the final installment, it is revealed that the entire battle was a delusion of Osborn's mind. In reality, he had acquired the gift of madness from the gathering, and had been reduced to an insane, rambling, and defeated individual.
Spider-Man successfully prevents the Daily Bugle
building from collapsing, but despite saving much of New York, Spider-Man is still mistrusted and labeled a public menace. Once more, Peter burns his Spider-Man costume, satisfied that one of the most important women in his life is with him and Mary Jane yet again.
, assumed the role of Spider-Man, but her inexperience led to a brutal assault at the hands of another "Gathering" recipient, Gregory Herd. Peter saved Franklin, shielding his own identity, and reclaimed the mantle of Spider-Man in order to help Iceman
take down Herd (as Shadrac). Franklin would later briefly become Spider-Woman
, and was given her own title, but she proved unpopular and the title was folded. Madame Web
was also revealed as being a member of "The Gathering", having gained the gift of immortality.
Norman Osborn would resurface as the Green Goblin in a loose trilogy of storylines written by Roger Stern
, Howard Mackie
, and Paul Jenkins
in 2000, where Osborn reclaimed his sanity and brainwashed Peter, intending to mold him into a successor far worthier of the Osborn name than his son Harry
.
timeline. Written by Tom DeFalco
, the Spider-Girl title made full use of the intended climax to DeFalco's arc, returning the younger May to the Parkers rather than the elderly version. An alternate ending to this arc also kills off Osborn, and severely injures Peter, costing him one of his legs, and ending his career as Spider-Man. The gathering is not completed in this time line (due to Peter's actions) but Mattie is seen escaping with the rituals equipment leaving open the possibility of it occurring at a later date. DeFalco later placed the events of the Gathering a further two years ahead after Mayday was returned to The Parkers.
In October 2008, the 25th issue of The Amazing Spider-Girl featured a back-up strip revealing how Kaine fought against the Brotherhood of the Goblin, infiltrated Norman's mansion, and recovered an infant Mayday, who was being cared for by the father of Fury The Goblin Queen, who was also present at the mansion that day as a young child. However, Norman had successfully cloned Mayday, creating a "twin" that would lay dormant in stasis for twenty years with notes left behind claiming her to be the true Mayday, with Fury passed down the code necessary to awaken her. This clone, known as "Project: Changeling" was eventually activated by Fury and assumed the life of the Mayday raised by The Parkers, who had been severely injured and abducted, Mayday however recovers and eventually persuades the clone to join her side and together they free Peter from the grip of Norman Osborn in a psychic duel.
"The Final Chapter" was a four-part storyline from Marvel Comics
published in 1999. The storyline immediately followed events from "The Gathering of Five" arc, and the opening chapter deals with the five summoned by Osborn acquiring their "gifts". It ran across three major Spider-Man
titles at the time (The Spectacular Spider-Man
, Peter Parker: Spider-Man
, and The Amazing Spider-Man
), with the intention of closing one (Spectacular), and "rebranding" two (Spider-Man, and Amazing), back to "Issue One", a mandate from Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras
. It was written by John Byrne, and illustrated by both Byrne and John Romita Jr.
The storyline proved controversial with fans, as it resurrected the character of Peter Parker
's elderly Aunt May
, who had been killed off at the height of "The Clone Saga
" several years ago in The Amazing Spider-Man #400. Tom DeFalco
, who had left months earlier with his Identity Crisis
storyline, had originally intended Peter and Mary Jane
's daughter, May Parker, to be returned to them by Kaine
, but Mackie and Byrne insisted they have the older May revived so she could fit into their new relaunch.
Following a clue from a dying Alison Mongraine
regarding the safety of "May", who he believes to be his daughter, Peter Parker pursues Osborn to his mansion, where a battle reveals that his Aunt May, not his baby girl, is alive and well. Osborn seemingly triumphs over Spider-Man, even unmasking him in public, but in the final installment, it is revealed that the entire battle was a delusion of Osborn's mind. In reality, he had acquired the gift of madness from the gathering, and had been reduced to an insane, rambling, and defeated individual.
Spider-Man successfully prevents the Daily Bugle
building from collapsing, but despite saving much of New York, Spider-Man is still mistrusted and labeled a public menace. Once more, Peter burns his Spider-Man costume, satisfied that one of the most important women in his life is with him and Mary Jane yet again.
, assumed the role of Spider-Man, but her inexperience led to a brutal assault at the hands of another "Gathering" recipient, Gregory Herd. Peter saved Franklin, shielding his own identity, and reclaimed the mantle of Spider-Man in order to help Iceman
take down Herd (as Shadrac). Franklin would later briefly become Spider-Woman
, and was given her own title, but she proved unpopular and the title was folded. Madame Web
was also revealed as being a member of "The Gathering", having gained the gift of immortality.
Norman Osborn would resurface as the Green Goblin in a loose trilogy of storylines written by Roger Stern
, Howard Mackie
, and Paul Jenkins
in 2000, where Osborn reclaimed his sanity and brainwashed Peter, intending to mold him into a successor far worthier of the Osborn name than his son Harry
.
timeline. Written by Tom DeFalco
, the Spider-Girl title made full use of the intended climax to DeFalco's arc, returning the younger May to the Parkers rather than the elderly version. An alternate ending to this arc also kills off Osborn, and severely injures Peter, costing him one of his legs, and ending his career as Spider-Man. The gathering is not completed in this time line (due to Peter's actions) but Mattie is seen escaping with the rituals equipment leaving open the possibility of it occurring at a later date. DeFalco later placed the events of the Gathering a further two years ahead after Mayday was returned to The Parkers.
In October 2008, the 25th issue of The Amazing Spider-Girl featured a back-up strip revealing how Kaine fought against the Brotherhood of the Goblin, infiltrated Norman's mansion, and recovered an infant Mayday, who was being cared for by the father of Fury The Goblin Queen, who was also present at the mansion that day as a young child. However, Norman had successfully cloned Mayday, creating a "twin" that would lay dormant in stasis for twenty years with notes left behind claiming her to be the true Mayday, with Fury passed down the code necessary to awaken her. This clone, known as "Project: Changeling" was eventually activated by Fury and assumed the life of the Mayday raised by The Parkers, who had been severely injured and abducted, Mayday however recovers and eventually persuades the clone to join her side and together they free Peter from the grip of Norman Osborn in a psychic duel.
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
published in 1999. The storyline immediately followed events from "The Gathering of Five" arc, and the opening chapter deals with the five summoned by Osborn acquiring their "gifts". It ran across three major Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
titles at the time (The Spectacular Spider-Man
The Spectacular Spider-Man
The Spectacular Spider-Man is the name of several comic books and one magazine series starring Marvel Comics' Spider-Man.The character's main series, The Amazing Spider-Man, was extremely successful, and Marvel felt the character could support more than one title. This led the company in 1968 to...
, Peter Parker: Spider-Man
Peter Parker: Spider-Man
Peter Parker: Spider-Man is the name of two comic book series published by Marvel Comics, both of which feature the character Spider-Man.-Volume One :...
, and The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, featuring the adventures of the fictional superhero Spider-Man. Being the mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until it was...
), with the intention of closing one (Spectacular), and "rebranding" two (Spider-Man, and Amazing), back to "Issue One", a mandate from Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras
Bob Harras
Robert "Bob" Harras is an American comics writer and editor, who was editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics from 1995 to 2000 and currently serves as editor-in-chief of DC Comics.-Career:...
. It was written by John Byrne, and illustrated by both Byrne and John Romita Jr.
The storyline proved controversial with fans, as it resurrected the character of Peter Parker
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
's elderly Aunt May
Aunt May
May Reilly Parker-Jameson, commonly known as Aunt May, is a supporting character in Marvel Comics' Spider-Man series. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, she first appeared as May Parker in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, who had been killed off at the height of "The Clone Saga
Clone Saga
The Clone Saga or Spider-Clone Saga was a major story arc in Marvel Comics which ran from 1994 to 1996 involving many clones of Spider-Man.The story is considered to be one of the most controversial Spider-Man stories ever told...
" several years ago in The Amazing Spider-Man #400. Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco is an American comics writer and editor, well known for his association with Marvel Comics and in particular for his work with Spider-Man.-Career:...
, who had left months earlier with his Identity Crisis
Identity crisis
Identity crisis is an internal conflict of and search for identity.Identity crisis may also refer to:In comics:* Identity Crisis , DC Comics seven-issue limited series...
storyline, had originally intended Peter and Mary Jane
Mary Jane Watson
Mary Jane Watson, often shortened to MJ, is a fictional supporting character appearing, originally, in Marvel comic books and, later, in multiple spin-offs and dramatizations of the Spider-Man titles as the best friend, love interest, and one-time wife of Peter Parker, the alter ego of Spider-Man...
's daughter, May Parker, to be returned to them by Kaine
Kaine
Kaine is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain and antihero who serves as both an ally and an enemy of Spider-Man. He first appeared in Web of Spider-Man #119, and is the Jackal's first failed attempt at cloning Peter Parker...
, but Mackie and Byrne insisted they have the older May revived so she could fit into their new relaunch.
Plot
Believing he has acquired the gift of power, Norman Osborn becomes the Green Goblin once again, scheming to mutate humanity with a DNA bomb he is developing.Following a clue from a dying Alison Mongraine
Alison Mongraine
Alison Mongraine was a fictional comic-book character who was recurring in The Amazing Spider-Man comic books during the latter half of the Clone Saga. She served as an agent of Norman Osborn, who had returned to North America to personally finish off Peter Parker and destroy everything he had held...
regarding the safety of "May", who he believes to be his daughter, Peter Parker pursues Osborn to his mansion, where a battle reveals that his Aunt May, not his baby girl, is alive and well. Osborn seemingly triumphs over Spider-Man, even unmasking him in public, but in the final installment, it is revealed that the entire battle was a delusion of Osborn's mind. In reality, he had acquired the gift of madness from the gathering, and had been reduced to an insane, rambling, and defeated individual.
Spider-Man successfully prevents the Daily Bugle
Daily Bugle
The Daily Bugle is a fictional New York City newspaper that is a regular fixture in the Marvel Universe, most prominently in Spider-Man comic titles and their derivative media...
building from collapsing, but despite saving much of New York, Spider-Man is still mistrusted and labeled a public menace. Once more, Peter burns his Spider-Man costume, satisfied that one of the most important women in his life is with him and Mary Jane yet again.
Reading order
- The Amazing Spider-ManThe Amazing Spider-ManThe Amazing Spider-Man is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, featuring the adventures of the fictional superhero Spider-Man. Being the mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until it was...
#441 - Spider-ManPeter Parker: Spider-ManPeter Parker: Spider-Man is the name of two comic book series published by Marvel Comics, both of which feature the character Spider-Man.-Volume One :...
#97 - The Spectacular Spider-Man #263
- Spider-Man #98
Further exploration
Aspects of The Final Chapter resurfaced in major storylines through the second volume of The Amazing Spider-Man. Following Peter's retirement, the true recipient of the Gathering's gift of power, Mattie Franklin, the niece of J. Jonah JamesonJ. Jonah Jameson
John Jonah Jameson Junior is a supporting character of Spider-Man in the .Jameson is usually the publisher or editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle, a fictional New York newspaper and now serves as the mayor of New York City...
, assumed the role of Spider-Man, but her inexperience led to a brutal assault at the hands of another "Gathering" recipient, Gregory Herd. Peter saved Franklin, shielding his own identity, and reclaimed the mantle of Spider-Man in order to help Iceman
Iceman (comics)
Iceman is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero, a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men vol. 1 #1, ....
take down Herd (as Shadrac). Franklin would later briefly become Spider-Woman
Spider-Woman
Spider-Woman is the codename of several fictional characters in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Marvel Comics' then-publisher Stan Lee, said in 1978, shortly after Spider-Woman's debut in Marvel Spotlight #32 Spider-Woman is the codename of several fictional characters...
, and was given her own title, but she proved unpopular and the title was folded. Madame Web
Madame Web
Madame Web is a fictional supporting character in the Spider-Man comic book series.-Fictional character biography:Cassandra Webb was born in Salem, Oregon. She is a paralyzed, blind, telepathic, clairvoyant, and precognitive mutant, allowing her to work as a professional medium...
was also revealed as being a member of "The Gathering", having gained the gift of immortality.
Norman Osborn would resurface as the Green Goblin in a loose trilogy of storylines written by Roger Stern
Roger Stern
Roger Stern is an American comic book author and novelist.-Early career:In the early 1970s, Stern and Bob Layton published the fanzine CPL , one of the first platforms for the work of John Byrne...
, Howard Mackie
Howard Mackie
Howard Mackie is an American comic book editor and writer. He has worked almost exclusively for Marvel Comics.- Childhood :...
, and Paul Jenkins
Paul Jenkins (writer)
Paul Jenkins is a British comic book writer and Gary Gygax's stepson. He has had much success crossing over into the American comic book market. Primarily working for Marvel Comics, he has had a big part shaping the characters of the company over the past decade.-Life and career:Paul Jenkins...
in 2000, where Osborn reclaimed his sanity and brainwashed Peter, intending to mold him into a successor far worthier of the Osborn name than his son Harry
Harry Osborn
Harry Osborn is a fictional character, a supporting character of Spider-Man in the . In addition to being Peter Parker's best friend, Harry was the second Green Goblin and is the son of Norman Osborn...
.
MC2
The Final Chapter provides one of the more crucial aspects of the MC2 Spider-GirlSpider-Girl
Spider-Girl is a superheroine in Marvel Comics' MC2 universe. The character was created by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz as the teenage daughter of Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson, and first appeared in What If #105...
timeline. Written by Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco is an American comics writer and editor, well known for his association with Marvel Comics and in particular for his work with Spider-Man.-Career:...
, the Spider-Girl title made full use of the intended climax to DeFalco's arc, returning the younger May to the Parkers rather than the elderly version. An alternate ending to this arc also kills off Osborn, and severely injures Peter, costing him one of his legs, and ending his career as Spider-Man. The gathering is not completed in this time line (due to Peter's actions) but Mattie is seen escaping with the rituals equipment leaving open the possibility of it occurring at a later date. DeFalco later placed the events of the Gathering a further two years ahead after Mayday was returned to The Parkers.
In October 2008, the 25th issue of The Amazing Spider-Girl featured a back-up strip revealing how Kaine fought against the Brotherhood of the Goblin, infiltrated Norman's mansion, and recovered an infant Mayday, who was being cared for by the father of Fury The Goblin Queen, who was also present at the mansion that day as a young child. However, Norman had successfully cloned Mayday, creating a "twin" that would lay dormant in stasis for twenty years with notes left behind claiming her to be the true Mayday, with Fury passed down the code necessary to awaken her. This clone, known as "Project: Changeling" was eventually activated by Fury and assumed the life of the Mayday raised by The Parkers, who had been severely injured and abducted, Mayday however recovers and eventually persuades the clone to join her side and together they free Peter from the grip of Norman Osborn in a psychic duel.
"The Final Chapter" was a four-part storyline from Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
published in 1999. The storyline immediately followed events from "The Gathering of Five" arc, and the opening chapter deals with the five summoned by Osborn acquiring their "gifts". It ran across three major Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
titles at the time (The Spectacular Spider-Man
The Spectacular Spider-Man
The Spectacular Spider-Man is the name of several comic books and one magazine series starring Marvel Comics' Spider-Man.The character's main series, The Amazing Spider-Man, was extremely successful, and Marvel felt the character could support more than one title. This led the company in 1968 to...
, Peter Parker: Spider-Man
Peter Parker: Spider-Man
Peter Parker: Spider-Man is the name of two comic book series published by Marvel Comics, both of which feature the character Spider-Man.-Volume One :...
, and The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, featuring the adventures of the fictional superhero Spider-Man. Being the mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until it was...
), with the intention of closing one (Spectacular), and "rebranding" two (Spider-Man, and Amazing), back to "Issue One", a mandate from Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras
Bob Harras
Robert "Bob" Harras is an American comics writer and editor, who was editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics from 1995 to 2000 and currently serves as editor-in-chief of DC Comics.-Career:...
. It was written by John Byrne, and illustrated by both Byrne and John Romita Jr.
The storyline proved controversial with fans, as it resurrected the character of Peter Parker
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
's elderly Aunt May
Aunt May
May Reilly Parker-Jameson, commonly known as Aunt May, is a supporting character in Marvel Comics' Spider-Man series. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, she first appeared as May Parker in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, who had been killed off at the height of "The Clone Saga
Clone Saga
The Clone Saga or Spider-Clone Saga was a major story arc in Marvel Comics which ran from 1994 to 1996 involving many clones of Spider-Man.The story is considered to be one of the most controversial Spider-Man stories ever told...
" several years ago in The Amazing Spider-Man #400. Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco is an American comics writer and editor, well known for his association with Marvel Comics and in particular for his work with Spider-Man.-Career:...
, who had left months earlier with his Identity Crisis
Identity crisis
Identity crisis is an internal conflict of and search for identity.Identity crisis may also refer to:In comics:* Identity Crisis , DC Comics seven-issue limited series...
storyline, had originally intended Peter and Mary Jane
Mary Jane Watson
Mary Jane Watson, often shortened to MJ, is a fictional supporting character appearing, originally, in Marvel comic books and, later, in multiple spin-offs and dramatizations of the Spider-Man titles as the best friend, love interest, and one-time wife of Peter Parker, the alter ego of Spider-Man...
's daughter, May Parker, to be returned to them by Kaine
Kaine
Kaine is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain and antihero who serves as both an ally and an enemy of Spider-Man. He first appeared in Web of Spider-Man #119, and is the Jackal's first failed attempt at cloning Peter Parker...
, but Mackie and Byrne insisted they have the older May revived so she could fit into their new relaunch.
Plot
Believing he has acquired the gift of power, Norman Osborn becomes the Green Goblin once again, scheming to mutate humanity with a DNA bomb he is developing.Following a clue from a dying Alison Mongraine
Alison Mongraine
Alison Mongraine was a fictional comic-book character who was recurring in The Amazing Spider-Man comic books during the latter half of the Clone Saga. She served as an agent of Norman Osborn, who had returned to North America to personally finish off Peter Parker and destroy everything he had held...
regarding the safety of "May", who he believes to be his daughter, Peter Parker pursues Osborn to his mansion, where a battle reveals that his Aunt May, not his baby girl, is alive and well. Osborn seemingly triumphs over Spider-Man, even unmasking him in public, but in the final installment, it is revealed that the entire battle was a delusion of Osborn's mind. In reality, he had acquired the gift of madness from the gathering, and had been reduced to an insane, rambling, and defeated individual.
Spider-Man successfully prevents the Daily Bugle
Daily Bugle
The Daily Bugle is a fictional New York City newspaper that is a regular fixture in the Marvel Universe, most prominently in Spider-Man comic titles and their derivative media...
building from collapsing, but despite saving much of New York, Spider-Man is still mistrusted and labeled a public menace. Once more, Peter burns his Spider-Man costume, satisfied that one of the most important women in his life is with him and Mary Jane yet again.
Reading order
- The Amazing Spider-ManThe Amazing Spider-ManThe Amazing Spider-Man is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, featuring the adventures of the fictional superhero Spider-Man. Being the mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until it was...
#441 - Spider-ManPeter Parker: Spider-ManPeter Parker: Spider-Man is the name of two comic book series published by Marvel Comics, both of which feature the character Spider-Man.-Volume One :...
#97 - The Spectacular Spider-Man #263
- Spider-Man #98
Further exploration
Aspects of The Final Chapter resurfaced in major storylines through the second volume of The Amazing Spider-Man. Following Peter's retirement, the true recipient of the Gathering's gift of power, Mattie Franklin, the niece of J. Jonah JamesonJ. Jonah Jameson
John Jonah Jameson Junior is a supporting character of Spider-Man in the .Jameson is usually the publisher or editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle, a fictional New York newspaper and now serves as the mayor of New York City...
, assumed the role of Spider-Man, but her inexperience led to a brutal assault at the hands of another "Gathering" recipient, Gregory Herd. Peter saved Franklin, shielding his own identity, and reclaimed the mantle of Spider-Man in order to help Iceman
Iceman (comics)
Iceman is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero, a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men vol. 1 #1, ....
take down Herd (as Shadrac). Franklin would later briefly become Spider-Woman
Spider-Woman
Spider-Woman is the codename of several fictional characters in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Marvel Comics' then-publisher Stan Lee, said in 1978, shortly after Spider-Woman's debut in Marvel Spotlight #32 Spider-Woman is the codename of several fictional characters...
, and was given her own title, but she proved unpopular and the title was folded. Madame Web
Madame Web
Madame Web is a fictional supporting character in the Spider-Man comic book series.-Fictional character biography:Cassandra Webb was born in Salem, Oregon. She is a paralyzed, blind, telepathic, clairvoyant, and precognitive mutant, allowing her to work as a professional medium...
was also revealed as being a member of "The Gathering", having gained the gift of immortality.
Norman Osborn would resurface as the Green Goblin in a loose trilogy of storylines written by Roger Stern
Roger Stern
Roger Stern is an American comic book author and novelist.-Early career:In the early 1970s, Stern and Bob Layton published the fanzine CPL , one of the first platforms for the work of John Byrne...
, Howard Mackie
Howard Mackie
Howard Mackie is an American comic book editor and writer. He has worked almost exclusively for Marvel Comics.- Childhood :...
, and Paul Jenkins
Paul Jenkins (writer)
Paul Jenkins is a British comic book writer and Gary Gygax's stepson. He has had much success crossing over into the American comic book market. Primarily working for Marvel Comics, he has had a big part shaping the characters of the company over the past decade.-Life and career:Paul Jenkins...
in 2000, where Osborn reclaimed his sanity and brainwashed Peter, intending to mold him into a successor far worthier of the Osborn name than his son Harry
Harry Osborn
Harry Osborn is a fictional character, a supporting character of Spider-Man in the . In addition to being Peter Parker's best friend, Harry was the second Green Goblin and is the son of Norman Osborn...
.
MC2
The Final Chapter provides one of the more crucial aspects of the MC2 Spider-GirlSpider-Girl
Spider-Girl is a superheroine in Marvel Comics' MC2 universe. The character was created by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz as the teenage daughter of Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson, and first appeared in What If #105...
timeline. Written by Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco is an American comics writer and editor, well known for his association with Marvel Comics and in particular for his work with Spider-Man.-Career:...
, the Spider-Girl title made full use of the intended climax to DeFalco's arc, returning the younger May to the Parkers rather than the elderly version. An alternate ending to this arc also kills off Osborn, and severely injures Peter, costing him one of his legs, and ending his career as Spider-Man. The gathering is not completed in this time line (due to Peter's actions) but Mattie is seen escaping with the rituals equipment leaving open the possibility of it occurring at a later date. DeFalco later placed the events of the Gathering a further two years ahead after Mayday was returned to The Parkers.
In October 2008, the 25th issue of The Amazing Spider-Girl featured a back-up strip revealing how Kaine fought against the Brotherhood of the Goblin, infiltrated Norman's mansion, and recovered an infant Mayday, who was being cared for by the father of Fury The Goblin Queen, who was also present at the mansion that day as a young child. However, Norman had successfully cloned Mayday, creating a "twin" that would lay dormant in stasis for twenty years with notes left behind claiming her to be the true Mayday, with Fury passed down the code necessary to awaken her. This clone, known as "Project: Changeling" was eventually activated by Fury and assumed the life of the Mayday raised by The Parkers, who had been severely injured and abducted, Mayday however recovers and eventually persuades the clone to join her side and together they free Peter from the grip of Norman Osborn in a psychic duel.
"The Final Chapter" was a four-part storyline from Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
published in 1999. The storyline immediately followed events from "The Gathering of Five" arc, and the opening chapter deals with the five summoned by Osborn acquiring their "gifts". It ran across three major Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
titles at the time (The Spectacular Spider-Man
The Spectacular Spider-Man
The Spectacular Spider-Man is the name of several comic books and one magazine series starring Marvel Comics' Spider-Man.The character's main series, The Amazing Spider-Man, was extremely successful, and Marvel felt the character could support more than one title. This led the company in 1968 to...
, Peter Parker: Spider-Man
Peter Parker: Spider-Man
Peter Parker: Spider-Man is the name of two comic book series published by Marvel Comics, both of which feature the character Spider-Man.-Volume One :...
, and The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, featuring the adventures of the fictional superhero Spider-Man. Being the mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until it was...
), with the intention of closing one (Spectacular), and "rebranding" two (Spider-Man, and Amazing), back to "Issue One", a mandate from Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras
Bob Harras
Robert "Bob" Harras is an American comics writer and editor, who was editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics from 1995 to 2000 and currently serves as editor-in-chief of DC Comics.-Career:...
. It was written by John Byrne, and illustrated by both Byrne and John Romita Jr.
The storyline proved controversial with fans, as it resurrected the character of Peter Parker
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
's elderly Aunt May
Aunt May
May Reilly Parker-Jameson, commonly known as Aunt May, is a supporting character in Marvel Comics' Spider-Man series. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, she first appeared as May Parker in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, who had been killed off at the height of "The Clone Saga
Clone Saga
The Clone Saga or Spider-Clone Saga was a major story arc in Marvel Comics which ran from 1994 to 1996 involving many clones of Spider-Man.The story is considered to be one of the most controversial Spider-Man stories ever told...
" several years ago in The Amazing Spider-Man #400. Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco is an American comics writer and editor, well known for his association with Marvel Comics and in particular for his work with Spider-Man.-Career:...
, who had left months earlier with his Identity Crisis
Identity crisis
Identity crisis is an internal conflict of and search for identity.Identity crisis may also refer to:In comics:* Identity Crisis , DC Comics seven-issue limited series...
storyline, had originally intended Peter and Mary Jane
Mary Jane Watson
Mary Jane Watson, often shortened to MJ, is a fictional supporting character appearing, originally, in Marvel comic books and, later, in multiple spin-offs and dramatizations of the Spider-Man titles as the best friend, love interest, and one-time wife of Peter Parker, the alter ego of Spider-Man...
's daughter, May Parker, to be returned to them by Kaine
Kaine
Kaine is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain and antihero who serves as both an ally and an enemy of Spider-Man. He first appeared in Web of Spider-Man #119, and is the Jackal's first failed attempt at cloning Peter Parker...
, but Mackie and Byrne insisted they have the older May revived so she could fit into their new relaunch.
Plot
Believing he has acquired the gift of power, Norman Osborn becomes the Green Goblin once again, scheming to mutate humanity with a DNA bomb he is developing.Following a clue from a dying Alison Mongraine
Alison Mongraine
Alison Mongraine was a fictional comic-book character who was recurring in The Amazing Spider-Man comic books during the latter half of the Clone Saga. She served as an agent of Norman Osborn, who had returned to North America to personally finish off Peter Parker and destroy everything he had held...
regarding the safety of "May", who he believes to be his daughter, Peter Parker pursues Osborn to his mansion, where a battle reveals that his Aunt May, not his baby girl, is alive and well. Osborn seemingly triumphs over Spider-Man, even unmasking him in public, but in the final installment, it is revealed that the entire battle was a delusion of Osborn's mind. In reality, he had acquired the gift of madness from the gathering, and had been reduced to an insane, rambling, and defeated individual.
Spider-Man successfully prevents the Daily Bugle
Daily Bugle
The Daily Bugle is a fictional New York City newspaper that is a regular fixture in the Marvel Universe, most prominently in Spider-Man comic titles and their derivative media...
building from collapsing, but despite saving much of New York, Spider-Man is still mistrusted and labeled a public menace. Once more, Peter burns his Spider-Man costume, satisfied that one of the most important women in his life is with him and Mary Jane yet again.
Reading order
- The Amazing Spider-ManThe Amazing Spider-ManThe Amazing Spider-Man is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, featuring the adventures of the fictional superhero Spider-Man. Being the mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until it was...
#441 - Spider-ManPeter Parker: Spider-ManPeter Parker: Spider-Man is the name of two comic book series published by Marvel Comics, both of which feature the character Spider-Man.-Volume One :...
#97 - The Spectacular Spider-Man #263
- Spider-Man #98
Further exploration
Aspects of The Final Chapter resurfaced in major storylines through the second volume of The Amazing Spider-Man. Following Peter's retirement, the true recipient of the Gathering's gift of power, Mattie Franklin, the niece of J. Jonah JamesonJ. Jonah Jameson
John Jonah Jameson Junior is a supporting character of Spider-Man in the .Jameson is usually the publisher or editor-in-chief of the Daily Bugle, a fictional New York newspaper and now serves as the mayor of New York City...
, assumed the role of Spider-Man, but her inexperience led to a brutal assault at the hands of another "Gathering" recipient, Gregory Herd. Peter saved Franklin, shielding his own identity, and reclaimed the mantle of Spider-Man in order to help Iceman
Iceman (comics)
Iceman is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero, a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men vol. 1 #1, ....
take down Herd (as Shadrac). Franklin would later briefly become Spider-Woman
Spider-Woman
Spider-Woman is the codename of several fictional characters in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Marvel Comics' then-publisher Stan Lee, said in 1978, shortly after Spider-Woman's debut in Marvel Spotlight #32 Spider-Woman is the codename of several fictional characters...
, and was given her own title, but she proved unpopular and the title was folded. Madame Web
Madame Web
Madame Web is a fictional supporting character in the Spider-Man comic book series.-Fictional character biography:Cassandra Webb was born in Salem, Oregon. She is a paralyzed, blind, telepathic, clairvoyant, and precognitive mutant, allowing her to work as a professional medium...
was also revealed as being a member of "The Gathering", having gained the gift of immortality.
Norman Osborn would resurface as the Green Goblin in a loose trilogy of storylines written by Roger Stern
Roger Stern
Roger Stern is an American comic book author and novelist.-Early career:In the early 1970s, Stern and Bob Layton published the fanzine CPL , one of the first platforms for the work of John Byrne...
, Howard Mackie
Howard Mackie
Howard Mackie is an American comic book editor and writer. He has worked almost exclusively for Marvel Comics.- Childhood :...
, and Paul Jenkins
Paul Jenkins (writer)
Paul Jenkins is a British comic book writer and Gary Gygax's stepson. He has had much success crossing over into the American comic book market. Primarily working for Marvel Comics, he has had a big part shaping the characters of the company over the past decade.-Life and career:Paul Jenkins...
in 2000, where Osborn reclaimed his sanity and brainwashed Peter, intending to mold him into a successor far worthier of the Osborn name than his son Harry
Harry Osborn
Harry Osborn is a fictional character, a supporting character of Spider-Man in the . In addition to being Peter Parker's best friend, Harry was the second Green Goblin and is the son of Norman Osborn...
.
MC2
The Final Chapter provides one of the more crucial aspects of the MC2 Spider-GirlSpider-Girl
Spider-Girl is a superheroine in Marvel Comics' MC2 universe. The character was created by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz as the teenage daughter of Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson, and first appeared in What If #105...
timeline. Written by Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco is an American comics writer and editor, well known for his association with Marvel Comics and in particular for his work with Spider-Man.-Career:...
, the Spider-Girl title made full use of the intended climax to DeFalco's arc, returning the younger May to the Parkers rather than the elderly version. An alternate ending to this arc also kills off Osborn, and severely injures Peter, costing him one of his legs, and ending his career as Spider-Man. The gathering is not completed in this time line (due to Peter's actions) but Mattie is seen escaping with the rituals equipment leaving open the possibility of it occurring at a later date. DeFalco later placed the events of the Gathering a further two years ahead after Mayday was returned to The Parkers.
In October 2008, the 25th issue of The Amazing Spider-Girl featured a back-up strip revealing how Kaine fought against the Brotherhood of the Goblin, infiltrated Norman's mansion, and recovered an infant Mayday, who was being cared for by the father of Fury The Goblin Queen, who was also present at the mansion that day as a young child. However, Norman had successfully cloned Mayday, creating a "twin" that would lay dormant in stasis for twenty years with notes left behind claiming her to be the true Mayday, with Fury passed down the code necessary to awaken her. This clone, known as "Project: Changeling" was eventually activated by Fury and assumed the life of the Mayday raised by The Parkers, who had been severely injured and abducted, Mayday however recovers and eventually persuades the clone to join her side and together they free Peter from the grip of Norman Osborn in a psychic duel.