Peter Parker The Spectacular Spider Man 116

Okay, picture this: I’m at a comic book convention, right? Elbow-to-elbow with folks dressed as everything from obscure Lantern Corps members to… well, let’s just say interpretations of Spider-Gwen that would make Gwen Stacy herself blush. I’m digging through the long boxes, desperately searching for that *one* issue. The one that’s haunted my collecting dreams for years. And there it is! Peeking out from beneath a stack of New Mutants. Peter Parker The Spectacular Spider-Man #116. My heart practically leaps out of my chest. I snag it, holding my breath, and flip through the pages… only to find the last page torn out! Ugh. The *agony*. You know the feeling, right? That soul-crushing disappointment when a prized find turns out to be… less than perfect. Anyway, that trauma got me thinking… why is this issue so darn special anyway? And why am I so obsessed with finding a complete copy? So, let’s dive in, shall we? Because Spectacular Spider-Man #116 is *way* more than just a comic with a cool cover.

Why All The Fuss? The Significance of Spectacular Spider-Man #116

Okay, so what makes this particular issue stand out from the hundreds of other Spider-Man comics out there? Several things, actually. It's a *key* issue in the run of Spectacular Spider-Man, featuring a *significant* development in Peter Parker's personal life, a compelling villain, and some truly *fantastic* (pun intended) art. Let's break it down:

The Black Cat's Bombshell

This is the big one. The *reason* many collectors covet this issue. In Spectacular Spider-Man #116, Felicia Hardy, the Black Cat, drops a *major* revelation: she's in love with Spider-Man, not Peter Parker. Dun dun DUNNN! Think about it – for issues prior, Felicia has been flirting, fighting alongside, and generally causing chaos in Peter's life. But this is the first time she explicitly states her feelings, and more importantly, the *reason* behind those feelings. She's drawn to the thrill, the danger, the adrenaline rush that comes with being Spider-Man. Peter, the geeky photographer? Not so much. Ouch.

This is a *huge* turning point in their relationship. It forces Peter to confront the uncomfortable truth that Felicia's affection is conditional. It's based on his superhero persona, not on his actual personality. This leads to some serious soul-searching for Peter, and sets the stage for some *incredibly* dramatic moments in future issues (which I won't spoil, just in case you're new to this whole Spider-Man thing). Honestly, this is a *classic* comic book trope, but writer Bill Mantlo handles it with surprising nuance and depth. You really *feel* Peter's disappointment and confusion.

Think about the implications! Felicia's not just casually dating Spider-Man; she's *obsessed* with the thrill of it all. It’s like she’s addicted to the danger. Is that a healthy foundation for a relationship? Probably not. And Peter knows it. But the heart wants what the heart wants… or in this case, the Cat wants what the Spider *does*.

Enter… The Answer!

While the Black Cat drama is definitely the headline act, Spectacular Spider-Man #116 also introduces a new villain: The Answer. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “The Answer? What kind of lame villain name is that?” And, yeah, I get it. It's not exactly Doctor Doom or Venom. But don't let the name fool you. The Answer is a *serious* threat.

He's basically a walking, talking supercomputer with a single-minded goal: to eliminate threats to his employer (who remains a mystery, adding to the suspense). What makes The Answer so dangerous is his ability to analyze his opponents and adapt his strategies in real-time. He’s *always* one step ahead. He anticipates Spider-Man's moves, counters his attacks, and generally makes life a living hell for our friendly neighborhood wall-crawler.

The Answer isn't just about brute force. He's a *tactician*. He's a *strategist*. He uses his intellect to outsmart Spider-Man, which is a refreshing change of pace from the typical muscle-bound villains that Spidey usually faces. This fight isn't just about punches and kicks; it's a battle of wits. It’s about Spider-Man trying to figure out how to defeat an enemy who seems to know everything about him. It really makes you think, doesn't it? What good are your superpowers if your opponent knows your every move?

And seriously, the design of The Answer is pretty cool. He looks like a sleek, futuristic robot, all smooth lines and glowing lights. Very 80s sci-fi. It's a great visual contrast to Spider-Man's more organic, web-slinging style. Plus, the mystery surrounding his employer keeps you guessing. Who's pulling the strings? And why do they want Spider-Man eliminated?

The Mantlo Magic

Let's give some credit where credit is due. Bill Mantlo was a criminally underrated writer. His run on Spectacular Spider-Man is consistently *excellent*, balancing action, humor, and character development with remarkable skill. He understood Peter Parker. He understood the Black Cat. And he knew how to craft compelling storylines that kept readers coming back for more.

Mantlo wasn't afraid to take risks. He explored complex themes, challenged established relationships, and introduced memorable characters. His dialogue is sharp, witty, and believable. He makes you care about these characters. You *feel* their struggles, their triumphs, their heartaches. It's a testament to his talent that Spectacular Spider-Man #116 remains so relevant and engaging even decades after its publication.

If you haven't read any of Mantlo's work, I *highly* recommend checking it out. He's a true unsung hero of the comic book industry. His writing on Rom: Spaceknight is legendary too, by the way. Total tangent, but worth mentioning!

The Sal Buscema Sparkle

And we can't forget the art! Sal Buscema was a *workhorse*. He drew *tons* of comics, and his style is instantly recognizable. While some may consider his art to be somewhat "old-fashioned" by today's standards, there's no denying his skill and craftsmanship.

Buscema's Spider-Man is dynamic and expressive. His action sequences are energetic and easy to follow. He brings a sense of realism to the characters and the world they inhabit. And his rendition of the Black Cat is… well, let's just say it's *easy* to see why Peter Parker is so smitten. He draws a mean villain, too. The Answer looks menacing and imposing, a perfect visual representation of his intellectual power.

Buscema’s art adds a certain weight to the story. It’s not flashy or overly stylized; it's solid, dependable storytelling. It perfectly complements Mantlo's writing, creating a cohesive and engaging reading experience. Plus, the classic comic book style just has this undeniable charm, you know? It’s nostalgic, it’s comfortable, it’s… well, it’s just plain *good*.

Why This Issue Resonates

Okay, so we’ve covered the plot, the characters, the writer, and the artist. But what is it about Spectacular Spider-Man #116 that continues to resonate with readers? Why does it hold such a special place in the hearts of comic book fans? I think it comes down to a few key factors:

• Relatability: Peter Parker is, at his core, a relatable character. He's a guy trying to balance his personal life with his responsibilities as a superhero. He struggles with relationships, he deals with financial problems, and he makes mistakes. We see ourselves in him, which makes his stories all the more engaging. And let’s be honest, haven’t we all been in a situation where someone’s attracted to a version of ourselves that isn’t… entirely us?
• Drama: The Black Cat's revelation is a *major* dramatic turning point in Peter's life. It throws his relationship with Felicia into chaos and forces him to confront some uncomfortable truths about himself and his identity. Drama sells, people! And this is drama at its finest.
• Action: The fight between Spider-Man and The Answer is thrilling and suspenseful. It's a classic superhero showdown, pitting brains against brawn. It’s a classic “David versus Goliath” scenario, even if David has spider-powers and Goliath is a super-intelligent robot.
• Nostalgia: For many collectors, Spectacular Spider-Man #116 represents a simpler time. It's a reminder of their childhood, of spending hours reading comics and dreaming of being a superhero. It’s that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you revisit something from your past that you truly loved.

Final Thoughts (and My Quest Continues!)

Spectacular Spider-Man #116 is a *fantastic* comic book. It's a key issue in the run of Spectacular Spider-Man, featuring a significant development in Peter Parker's personal life, a compelling villain, and some truly great art. It’s a testament to the talent of Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema, and a reminder of why Spider-Man remains one of the most popular and enduring comic book characters of all time.

So, yeah, that's why I’m still on the hunt for a complete copy. It’s not just about owning a piece of comic book history; it's about experiencing the story as it was intended to be read. It’s about filling that void left by that missing page. It’s about satisfying my inner completionist. Wish me luck!

And seriously, if you haven't read Spectacular Spider-Man #116, do yourself a favor and track it down. You won't be disappointed. Even if you *do* end up with a copy missing the last page. Just… don’t tell me about it. I don't think my heart can take another disappointment.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go scour eBay for a NM copy. Maybe, just maybe, today's the day!