The Amazing Spider-Man # 121 - The Night Gwen Stacy Died
is an issue published by Marvel that was released on 6 / / 1973User Rating - 5 votes, 4.5 avg.
Plot Summary
With Harry Osborn being tended by a doctor for a bad trip on LSD, Peter Parker and his gang are somewhat worse for wear. Spider-Man has just returned from Montreal, and just after he changes out of his costume, he is accosted by Norman Osborn, whose Green Goblin flashbacks are leaving him in a bad mood. Osborn warns Peter not to come near Harry, then proceeds to kick the rest of his visitors out with the same message.
After they leave, the scene remains at Osborn's apartment, where we learn that his stocks are failing, furthering his stress. A weakened Harry emerges, only to mumble and collapse. The doctor is called in once again, with the grim prognosis of "Only Harry can help himself."
It is at this moment that Norman Osborn cracks, his Goblin memories flooding back. He returns to a secret base, changes into his costume, hops on his glider, and heads towards Peter's apartment. Gwen Stacy is there, waiting for him while he turns in his photographs from Montreal, but before he returns the Green Goblin swoops in through the window and snatches her. When Spidey returns, he finds only a pumpkin grenade sitting atop Gwen's handbag, and coming to the appropriate conclusion, he races to find her.
The search ends at the George Washington Bridge, where the Goblin offers a choice - Spidey's life, or Gwen's. Spider-Man is hearing none of it, and thus begins a battle in which it appears the Goblin is defeated. But as Spidey goes to check on Gwen, the Goblin soars back up and tosses Peter's beloved blonde from the bridge. Spider-Man snags her with a webline, and begins to gloat to himself about his powers. However, a small "SNAP" sound effect by Gwen's neck says it all, and when Spidey finds out she is dead, he flies into a rage, vowing to kill the Green Goblin for what he's done.
After they leave, the scene remains at Osborn's apartment, where we learn that his stocks are failing, furthering his stress. A weakened Harry emerges, only to mumble and collapse. The doctor is called in once again, with the grim prognosis of "Only Harry can help himself."
It is at this moment that Norman Osborn cracks, his Goblin memories flooding back. He returns to a secret base, changes into his costume, hops on his glider, and heads towards Peter's apartment. Gwen Stacy is there, waiting for him while he turns in his photographs from Montreal, but before he returns the Green Goblin swoops in through the window and snatches her. When Spidey returns, he finds only a pumpkin grenade sitting atop Gwen's handbag, and coming to the appropriate conclusion, he races to find her.
The search ends at the George Washington Bridge, where the Goblin offers a choice - Spidey's life, or Gwen's. Spider-Man is hearing none of it, and thus begins a battle in which it appears the Goblin is defeated. But as Spidey goes to check on Gwen, the Goblin soars back up and tosses Peter's beloved blonde from the bridge. Spider-Man snags her with a webline, and begins to gloat to himself about his powers. However, a small "SNAP" sound effect by Gwen's neck says it all, and when Spidey finds out she is dead, he flies into a rage, vowing to kill the Green Goblin for what he's done.
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Story Arc
The Night Gwen Stacy Died
This definitely one of the best issues of Spider-Man and one of the most readable by today's standards. It lacks much of the cheesy vibe that many comics of that era give off, and the writing is excellent, portraying Spider-Man's grief exquisitely. And of course, it knocks off Gwen Stacy, who personally I've always found somewhat annoying. Spider-Man had many breaking points before this, but none so violent and finite, and this issue is a definitely read for those just skimming over the volumes.
