The Amazing Spider-Man #542
In "Back in Black Part 4," Peter Parker confronts Kingpin in a brutal showdown at a prison yard, where the weight of Aunt May’s life hangs over every punch. With Spider-Man’s mask off and his identity exposed, Peter makes it clear that while the web-slinger won’t kill, the man behind the mask is ready to. Art by Ron Garney, with bold inks by Bill Reinhold and vivid colors by Matt Milla, this issue delivers a raw, personal reckoning that redefines the stakes of vengeance.
Sell my copy
Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.
We Buy Collections ▸Cast · 6 characters
Full credits
Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers
▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers
Kingpin is waltzing out of jail, when Spider-Man shows up for a final confrontation about the shooting of Aunt May. After going a few rounds in front of an audience of inmates, Spider-Man takes off his mask and tells Kingpin that, whereas Spider-Man would never kill the villain, Peter Parker is ready and willing to do just that. Peter beats the Kingpin to within an inch of his life and tells him that he is going to have to live with the shame of being beaten in front of those he claims to rule but only as long as Aunt May lives because, once she dies, Peter will be back to finish the job.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).