Issue(s): Web of Spider-Man #4
Cover Date: Jul 85
Title: "Arms and the man!"
Credits:
Danny Fingeroth - Writer
Greg LaRocque - Penciler
Vincent Colletta - Inker
Keith Williams - Assistant Editor
Christopher Priest - Editor

Review/plot:
Danny Fingeroth takes over Web of Spider-Man (for a few issues, anyway), and opens the issue with a really great power demonstration scene that would be a great way to open a Spider-Man movie. Very cinematic, and it gets in all the information one needs to know about Spidey's powers and personality.

It also uses some cool lighting effects.

The rest of this issue is essentially set-up, and covers old ground, but it's nicely done. Doctor Octopus is having another nervous breakdown at the hospital, and his psychological trauma unconsciously summons his arms. The police, armed with battle armor and SHIELD-issued guns, are unable to stop the tentacles' approach.

Spidey is unable to stop them from carrying Octavius away as well.

When he regains his senses, Doc Ock realizes he's faced with a choice. He can return to the hospital, continue to get treatment, and work to regain the respect that he got from Mr. Fantastic for his science abilities. Or he can embrace his super-villain status. While a reformed Doctor Octopus would have been interesting, i guess the decision was inevitable.

Also in this issue, we're reminded that Spider-Man can't drive.

There's been an ongoing subplot about J. Jonah Jameson starting up a new project. It's revealed here that he's reviving Now Magazine.

A fun story and an improvement over the Louise Simonson issues.

Quality Rating: B-

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: N/A

References:

• A conversation between Peter Parker and Betty Leeds reminds Peter that he knows more about Betty's personal problems than he'd like, due to what he discovered about her and Flash in Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #100.
  
• Dr. Octopus going mad in Secret Wars #12 and his near-breakthrough in Fantastic Four #267-268 are background for this story.
  
• Also relevant is Dr. Octopus' last defeat by Spider-Man in Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man #79. In that issue Spidey forcefully and convincingly explained to Doc Ock that he'd never win.

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A

"Never drove a truck before..." He drove a semi into Juggernaut...seems like something he would remember!