#41

Synopsis

The Beyonder makes a deal with the devil: he agrees not to destroy the cosmos if a hero can sustain his life's purpose in the face of overwhelming adversity. He chooses Spidey and frees Zarathos to torment him. Spidey overhears plans for the murder of Kingpin. Resolved to rescue him, Spidey is hampered in his quest by dead friends and foes from the past who accuse him of being a failure. Spidey is beaten down and begins to give in to despair. The source of the illusions, Zarathos, confronts Spider-Man and tries to convince him to let Kingpin be killed. Spidey finds the strength to fight back.

Reprinted from

• The Amazing Spider-Man #274— Pages 22-28 of story only.
• Strikeforce: Morituri #1— Pages 12-17 of story only.

Credits

Script

Grant Morrison, Tom DeFalco, Peter Gillis

Pencils

Larry Lieber, Kevin Hopgood, Brent Anderson

Inks

John Romita, David Hine, Joe Rubinstein, Scott Williams

Colours

Robin Bouttell, Stuart Place, George Roussos, Christie Scheele

Letters

Richard Starkings, Joe Rosen, Jim Novak

Art assist

Jack Fury

Background inks

Russ Steffens

Finished pencils

Tom Morgan, James Fry

Layouts

Ron Frenz

Pages 5, 6, 10, uncredited

Whilce Portacio