"A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE"

Date: October, 1982

Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Pencils: Kerry Gammill
Inker: Mike Esposito

Feature Characters: Spider-Man, Man-Thing, Ian Fate, J.J. Jameson.

Favorite Quote: "Just goes to show ya, what a membership in a health spa can do for a guy." -Peter Parker

The Story: This story starts off with magic guy extrordinaire, Ian Fate, bumping into the Man-Thing after a weekend of inter dimensional travel. Ian believes that in the Man-Thing he's found a kindred spirit, and decides to use him in getting even with those who cause pain in this world. And when you think of pain, you think of the Daily Bugle right? Well, Ian Fate does, so go with it. Fate transports both him and the Man-Thing to New York. Using a clever disguise, he then sneaks the big guy into the Daily Bugle's offices. There Ian runs into his old friend, and former boss, JJ Jameson. He threatens JJ a little, and Man-Thing causes a little commotion, enough to bring Spider-Man running. Spidey tries to stop the now rampaging Man-Thing, while JJ tries to talk some sense into Fate. Oddly enough we really see a touching, warm, side of JJ here. In fact after enough talking, he convinces Fate that the media doesn't perpetuate pain and suffering, but only reflects what's happening in the world. Of course the whole time JJ and Fate have been talking, Man-Thing is beating the snot out of Spider-Man. In the end calmer heads prevail, and Fate takes Man-Thing back to the swamp where they first met.

The Grade: B, An awesome cover, but Spidey and Man-Thing don't have enough to do with the story