Spider-Man's Defining Moment - Lee & Ditko's IF THIS BE MY DESTINY

An in-depth look at The Amazing Spider-Man #31-33, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s “If This Be My Destiny” and its thrilling conclusion of “The Final Chapter.” This story would define the superhero for decades to come.
PATREON - / mattdraper
TWITTER - / mattdraperyt
#SpiderMan
#MarvelComics
#ComicBooks
Music:
"Before the Night" by HOME
home96.bandcam...
"Vampires" by The Midnight
themidnight.ba...

[@AldenRDavis]

"Whatever life holds in store in me, I will never forget these words: 'With great power comes great responsibility.' This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I'm Spider-Man." -- Peter Parker

[@MattDraper]

You always have the perfect accompanying quotes for my videos. Thank you!

[@AldenRDavis]

You're welcome.

[@RicardoHipper]

Those words are branded in my childhood.

[@HarleyQuinn-ec1ws]

Pizza time.

[@jordansweet8054]

I want a reference to that in new movies! Love it!

[@ridge825]

Steve Ditko honestly was at the top of his game during this arc

[@rcct44444]

Ridge Salins I agree and I'm not even a huge fan of his art, but in this arc, I can't say anything negative

[@sethmiller6128]

Trash

[@art-n-filmsam3844]

Spider-Man taught me that we all have a responsibility and choice to be a hero. And, if this be my destiny So be it

[@jacobrivera5352]

Fact

[@comixproviderftw_02]

I was so happy when Spider-Man Homecoming adapted the wreckage scene from this arc. "Come on Peter... Come on Spider-Man... Come on Spider-Man!"

[@autobotproductions1244]

same here. best scene in the movie

[@radentruman7535]

That scene is in Spider-Man 2 also but it’s not adapted from the comic as well and serves a different function in the story of Spider-Man 2.

[@radentruman7535]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3TEh6eCbraVeLc

[@havenspringer]

You know what could be better. This scene adapted into 2d animation on par with the quality of Disney and DreamWorks, with background music similar to this scene in Mulan(1998) when she takes her father sword and armor, cuts her hair and leaves to take his place in the army so his old age wouldn't get him killed

[@PlayNiceFolks]

Still makes my eyes a little watery just thinking of it

[@Protocol36]

This is one of the greatest moments in comics, it truly shows Peter's willpower and to never give up. Homecoming and Spectacular Spider-man also took that which were both amazing.

[@radentruman7535]

Its also in Spider-Man 2 but it’s used as the moment that MJ finds out Peter is Spider-Man m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3TEh6eCbraVeLc

[@MikeSmith-wd3kx]

That's what makes him Amazing. He never quits even when the odds are always against him. Which is why his without a doubt...a hero.

[@alessiodelcastillo1613]

It's a massive shame that modern day Marvel fans don't pay Steve Ditko the respect that he deserves

[@spider-man6932]

Dude I know Steve Ditko was the guy who was behind the art of Spider-Man

[@kyleco9149]

Many people are missing out the ditko run

[@TupocalypseShakur]

Ditko would probably hate them if they did

[@alessiodelcastillo1613]

@@TupocalypseShakur yes he would

[@pilky0851]

Many Spiderman comic fans know who Steve Ditko is and hold him in high regard because came up with the design of Spiderman's costume which is one of the greatest Superhero costumes of all time.

[@yodayap]

R.I.P Steve Ditko

[@BrightBlue925]

This arc still holds up and deserves all the praise imo

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

Time to see Spiderman 2 and Homecoming again. Another great video about the beauty of comics.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you!

[@bewaretheconficker]

This is one of those stories I always look to for inspiration when I'm down, timeless, elegantly told tale of persevering against unfair odds. #33 is probably my single favorite comic ever because of how it pretty much distills everything Spider-Man's about right there

[@PETERG1388]

Couldn't agree with you more man

[@kyleco9149]

There's also issue 50 to where he goes back to spidey when he realized it's his destiny.

[@MilestheDirtyMindedGoblin2099]

Indeed

[@jozefserf2024]

Yes. # 33 is the one. The peak.

[@mikebelbin]

When I got it when it came out in Feb 1966, I had to read it walking down the streetit was so gripping. It's not just the beginning, it's later scenes too. When Betty Bryant sees the back of Peter Parker limping into the Bugle, she hails him and he turns round and his face is bruised. Shocking - heroes in comics then didn't get the bruises on their face. And the end, when no one knows it was Peter as Spidey who did it. The only one who knows the full glorious story is the reader. Bonded! It really is thefinal chapter, he has used his guilt to overcome his taint and proved himself a hero.

[@vincentfranklin17]

RIP, Stan Lee... We'll miss you...

[@vincentfranklin17]

RIP, Steve Ditko... We'll miss you.

[@sethmiller6128]

Stan lee probly didnt

[@richardfairlamb9728]

Agreed, one of the true greats and originals.

[@alessiodelcastillo1613]

This is balls on a filmmaker, this is perfectly cheesy, perfectly acted, perfectly acted, perfectly edited. Everything about this scene is flawless, every film student needs to study why this scene works.

[@phillipk.dennison9131]

Calm down Alex

[@joshuabunting882]

What film are you talking about?

[@ATemplarIGuess]

Its a few drawings on a page, not a film

[@Jellybob69]

This guy found his HiTop joke so funny that he immediately commented it on a video where it makes absolutely no sense in context. Nice one man.

[@Mateuszt856]

@@Jellybob69 ye

[@anuragsrivatsa3410]

This is honestly my favorite story in Lee and Ditko's original run.

[@AuntPetuniasEverLovingNephew86]

Ditko did a great job with Spider-Man, he just as great with Doctor Strange which was Ditko's brainchild with the amount of things he created in it. You need to do one of these for Doctor Strange's journey and confrontation with the living embodiment of the universe: Eternity.

[@BossEnosch]

The moment was adapted really well in The Spectacular Spider-Man

[@SnapperChannel]

Another great video once again. Steve Ditko will be missed as one of the greatest artists in the comic book industry. Also, any plans for Ultimate Spider-Man in the future?

[@MattDraper]

Thank you! I think I'd like to cover USM at some point, but no plans yet. If you haven't seen it yet, go to Owen Likes Comics' channel and check out his "Rise and Fall of Ultimate Marvel" series, it's great and covers USM!

[@SnapperChannel]

I did see the “Rise and Fall of Ultimate Marvel” video. Can’t wait for part 2!

[@kaptainkoffee9074]

Superman and Spider-Man are my heroes because even in the face of impossible odds their humanity is what shines through their power. Love, trust, compassion: these are the traits of a true hero.

[@Mayhem5150]

When done right, Spider-Man stands alone atop the superhero mountain in my eyes.

[@jefferickson5833]

I remember, as a kid, wondering why Aunt May always looked 100 years old. My aunts seemed like teenagers compared to her. That's why I never had a problem with Marisa Tomei being the new Aunt May.

[@bobtwichew3103]

Who would have a problem with Marissa Tomei playing Aunt May? Even in her older age still hot as a baker.

[@RSpracticalshooting]

Yeah, she's supposed to be the sibling of her parents, unless she was actually her parent's aunt and she was technically Peter's great-aunt.

[@nicktroisi6347]

11:03 will forever be one of the most iconic moments/panels in comic book history. Just looking at it gives me chills. “It's not how you hit the mat. It's how you get up” - Jack Murdock

[@brandonchao9145]

One of my all-time favorite Spider-Man moments. Thanks for a great analysis!

[@MattDraper]

One of mine, too. Glad you liked it!

[@natewatson6962]

Cried watching this, absolutely masterful and makes you so happy to see spider-man come out triumphant. They killed it.

[@TheTocuba]

Honestly, I kind of hate how Spider-man: Homecoming adapts this moment (I still liked the movie though). In the comic, Spider-man managed to gather the strength to lift the rubble because he knew he had to save a loved one. In Homecoming, his key motivation is proving to Stark that he doesn't need the suit. That's far less compelling.

[@captainjakemerica4579]

No this moment was used greatly in the movie also

[@thomasstull868]

No it wasn't used greatly in the movie.

[@captainjakemerica4579]

bull to the shit on that

[@camh9780]

Matthew Wu it just feels like it’s in there for fan service.

[@rssilverio]

I personally read the scene as Peter realizing that sometimes there will be no one to help him and that scene was him learning to rely on his own power and become his own man. It's more powerful if you read it like that. I mean Peter turns down joining the Avengers later, so his motive in the movie isn't solely to impress Stark like so many claim.

[@smileysuburban8146]

This story is just one of many that explains why i love Spider-Man so much

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Favorite Stan Lee story and Spider-Man comic ever this is why I love Spider-Man Homecoming so much such a great tribute to this amazing moment!!!

[@vincentfranklin17]

I'll be honest. Spider-Man inspires me a lot more than Superman. Supes is just too perfect for my tastes. Spidey goes through not only superhero trials, but the everyday trials we have as people. Money troubles. Relationship troubles Insecurities we all have. He is superhuman, and at the same time, so human it hurts.

[@MattDraper]

I feel the same. Superman is the ideal to strive to be, but is hard to relate to as a normal person. Spider-Man is trying to be the best he can, even when it seems impossible.

[@vincentfranklin17]

@@MattDraper Exactly!

[@vincentfranklin17]

As much as I love DC, I love Marvel a bit more. I find them more human, and relatable.

[@alstarspass]

Vincent Franklin why I love Spider-Man. He's a regular guy doing what he can to make things better!

[@emmanuelmondesir1314]

Personally I disagree. Superman inspire me more BECAUSE hes so perfect. Spidey basically allow you to be a bit mediocre if you still make the best of it. Superman makes you want to be better.

[@jakenap7184]

Ditko is still my favorite artist for Spider-Man and those first 38 issues are brilliant.

[@CoinOpTV]

yay Spidey!

[@blovett0814]

After really taking this to thought, "With great power comes great responsibility" isn't just Spider-Man's mantra, it's also a call to action for humanity. "Great power", to me, isn't simply our unique talents but also our prized possessions such as our voice, our brain/knowledge, and even experience and that it is our responsibility to use it to not only benefit ourselves but to contribute something meaningful whether it be protecting and caring for our loved ones or taking a stand against injustice. Matt Draper, your videos especially on Spider-Man (including Spectacular) and Superman have really made me see that Spider-Man's (really Stan Lee's) quote can apply to anyone. Spider-Man has always been my favorite superhero and your videos are high quality stuff. I will gladly subscribe to your channel! 👍🏾

[@yoursonisold8743]

I almost love the pages after lifting the wreckage more, because after basically tearing every muscle in his body, Spidey doesnt even catch a break. He gets swept away by water currents straight to Ock's minions which he has to fight completely exhausted (to the point where he isnt even lucid enough anymore to realize he's won) and all while protecting the serum. Then he still swings to Connor's place and makes the cure with him before swinging to the hospital at record speed to deliver it. The man could literally not be running on fumes any more than that, yet he still comes back as Peter to check on May right after. I think the only other times in the old comics where he was pushed this hard was when he had to somehow singlehandledly stop the Juggernaut and when he fought Firelord, one of Galactus Heralds (and won).

[@cha5]

I remember reading TASM #31-#33 to my nephew from my Marvel Masterworks Edition when he was six years old just showing him the pictures and reading the text and dialogue of each character to him in the style of a radio play, It was something that really got him into comics back then. He’s in his late teens these days, But Spidey is still his favorite comics character bar none.

[@KillerTacos54]

FANTASTIC video! Spider-Man is my absolute favourite CHARACTER of all time! Please do more Spider-Man related videos. Some recommendations are Back in Black, Sensational Spider-Man (2006) Annual #1, Amazing Spider-Man (1999) JMS run for comic story lines. My biggest complaint with the adaption in Spectacular Spider-Man was that there was no consequences regarding Aunt May. This is the same with Homecoming which should've had more consequences than a hijacked plane for Peter to really accept that responsibility.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you! I will definitely be doing more Spider-Man videos in the future, but no story is set yet, so we'll see what happens!

[@devinjabairemoss]

“Everybody loves a hero. People line up for em, cheer em, scream their name, and years later they’ll tell how they stood in the rain for hours just to get a glimpse of the one who taught them to hold on a second longer. I believe there’s a hero in all of us. That keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride. Even though sometimes, we have to be steady and give up the thing we want the most… even our dreams.” - May Parker

[@branco6942]

Steve Ditko was fantastic very underrated Steve felt Peter Parker alias Spiderman more than any other artist R.I.P. Big Man !!

[@randydaniels9297]

I've never actually read this particular arc, but I had seen the iconic panels of Spider-Man trying to lift the machinery. It is truly inspiring and you cover so well.

[@spider-man6932]

I always love it when the new Spidey media references the cover panel of the Amazing Fantasy #15 and the moment where he lifts the wreckage in Amazing Spider-Man #33

[@andylikesstuffchannel]

Spiderman is up there with Superman and Batman

[@alessiodelcastillo1613]

In my opinion this is not only the greatest Marvel comic of all time . . . but the greatest comic ever

[@jozefserf2024]

Me too

[@Ishida1694]

Pure, distilled, Spider-Man. This did my old fan-boy heart some good to listen to someone cover an OG Spidey story. I hate how much they've cheapened the "brand" these days.

[@zaidahmad2018]

Wonderful. Another reason why Spider-Man will ALWAYS be my favorite superhero of ALL time. 😎💜💚❤💛💙

[@andrewcabrera505]

Dude. I got literal chills just watching you describe this video

[@richardfairlamb9728]

I reread this recently and you can really feel the stress Peter is going through. You also see his real power unleashed against The Master Planner(Doc Ock) and his men. Spider-Man is so angry, he just tears through them. Great issue that still really holds up and defines his character and motivations better than any other story.

[@Rollbrand370]

When he showing the pictures I was like come on Spiderman come on and after reading it I want Peter to do it I can feel the thrill that Stan Lee felt when he saw these pictures that Steve Ditko made. Steve Ditko was amazing RIP

[@scienceteam9254]

knowing the ending of spider-man (ps4) makes this even sadder

[@AldenRDavis]

Rest In Peace, Mr. Stan Lee

[@davidsnow2420]

I was fortunate to grow up during the Silver Age. Dad bought me my first comic when I was 6--- Spiderman #8. Even as a young kid, I could tell the difference between the quirky, offbeat Marvels and DC comics. Spidey 31-33 was transcendent and inspirational, the high point of the series. When Steve Ditko left Spidey after #38, I was crushed. He was always my favorite artist, his nutty, hallucinatory style ideally suited for titles like Spidey and Dr. Strange. He was Spidey's best artist. After Marvel, he did some of the best work of his career for the Warren Magazines, Creepy and Eerie in 66 -67. His black and grey washes for a series of way out surrealistic fantasies are gorgeous. An insanely gifted genius.

[@kforcer]

Wow, great video--you do justice to what is arguably the definitive superhero comic-book arc as well as possibly the greatest single issue of any superhero comic.

[@mcsafetyedits9298]

So glad that a channel like this exists

[@MrHEC381991]

RIP Steve Ditko.

[@missyshrimp222]

Oh my god! You bless us with another video!

[@MattDraper]

Thank you, you're too kind!

[@deathh9879]

Great job, my friend. I am always pleased to see a video of yours in my in-box. It's quite a coincidence that you did a video on this particular story. I was actually doing research with this story to do a drawing honoring Steve ditco and his passing. Thank you so much. My favorite video of yours is the all star superman one. The swamp thing one is definitely a close second. Thank you so much for your video essays. I can't wait for more!

[@MattDraper]

Thank you! That sounds awesome. I would love to see that drawing when you’ve finished it!

[@tysonasaurus6392]

Man the way aunt may used to be illustrated is strangely witch like. Like she always looks kind and soft but it’s combined with old witch like features, it’s kinda unsettling *shivers*

[@EdgardoSalas]

I really love your videos. They're very optimistic. Hopefully we'll see a video-essay on Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you! I'm a big fan of Spider-Man 2.

[@captainjakemerica4579]

My all time favorite Stan Lee Steve Ditko comic and Spider-Man comic and moment

[@Mephiestopholes]

I noticed the attempted nod by Rami's S-M2, BUT, S-M Homecoming did make me cry its example.

[@sigmasix3719]

Ditko did the art and seriousness and Lee added the soap opera and slang.

[@kieranholmes8086]

Remember when Homecoming adapted this and everyone ate it up simply because of the visual despite the emotional power and motivation being completely different and more shallow. I know this wasn’t your intention behind the video Matt so sorry for bringing it up lol great video once again!

[@MattDraper]

Lol it wasn't my intention, but you're right, he wasn't motivated by nearly the same amount of stakes as in the comic. I like Homecoming, but I'll always encourage friendly disagreements and debates.

[@Jose-se9pu]

And the train scene already did it 13 years before in Spiderman 2, being a lot more meaningfull

[@ginge641]

@@Jose-se9pu Yep. Lives other than Peter's were on the line in that scene.

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

@@ginge641 Lives other than Peter's are on the line in Homecoming too, if he didn't get out and Vulture stole the stuff in the jet, who knows what could've happened.

[@ginge641]

@@sebastienvondoom8615 Lives weren't directly in danger. There wasn't a group of civilians in danger nearby.

[@digioverlord]

Damn, One of the most inspiring scenes of any super hero story ever. Up there with Allstar Superman. Great job bud! I need to read more early Spider-Man Stories. I hate 60s DC comics, but I love Marvel stories from this time xD

[@darrylwiggins1156]

I have given away and lost a helluva lot of comics from youth but gotta tell you,The final chapter issue is one i held onto throughout the decades.Spiderman's speech about rallying yourself and never giving up in order to fulfill your goals while feeling trapped has always stayed with me.I owe lee and Ditko a lot.

[@faherty87]

Loved that. Spidey is a huge source of inspiration to me.

[@alessiodelcastillo1613]

RIP Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

[@Nexion3653]

DUDE THANK YOU

[@harsyakiarraathallah2222]

It's Always a Giant Stuff of Metal that will be Spider-Man's Greatest Foe.

[@garyhosty9874]

very good - also the scene when he saves the train after the fight with doc ock in the seond Tobey McGuire movie had a hint of this historic moment init..

[@daddylonglegs8712]

Please do Guardian Devil by Kevin Smith next.

[@MattDraper]

I'd love to do Smith, Bendis, Mack, and Brubaker's Daredevil runs sometime soon. Probably a video for each.

[@quinnmaloney3113]

This is the KZbin account I’ve been looking for for years. Keep up the great work!

[@Nexion3653]

I didn't even know u did this one omg can't wait to watch it big fan of your work

[@Karls_Clips]

So glad you finally did a video on the greatest story of Spider-man in my opinion.

[@alessiodelcastillo1613]

This is without a doubt the best comic in Spider-Man history.

[@TheTiger2311]

Uncle Ben didn't say "with great power comes great responsibility "the narrator say that!

[@judeconnor-macintyre9874]

No, Spider-Man remembers that Uncle Ben once said that, so while he didn't say it on panel he did say it.

[@SpideyRules-pq6be]

I love this channel.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you, I'm glad that you do!

[@edwintomane3044]

This is an incredibly well done video! Thank you so much for making this! Learnt a lot. (:

[@UmBelenense]

spiderman looks like a rocky balboa of the superheroes gallery

[@YalkYalk_]

Great video as usual, probably your best one yet! Also your use of music from HOME always makes me happy thank you

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! I may love HOME a little too much, if that's even possible.

[@andrewpytko4773]

Peter Parker is Spider-Man. No one else.

[@gnarrcan108]

I love your content Man I see your a huge daredevil guy my dad is. I grew up with daredevil posters and the first run I ever read was Frank Millers run (I became a spiderman fanboy bc I didn’t wanna have the same favorite as my dad). If you liked mark waids run on DD you should check out his flash run if you haven’t, I’d be stoked to see a video on it.

[@Friendlyaminals]

This trilogy comic NEEDS to be adapted into a movie!!

[@kellenorourke2155]

Did you think there was enough consequence in Spider-Man: Homecoming? Excellent video BTW!

[@MattDraper]

Thank you! Interesting question. I feel like things maybe the film had too happy of an ending with not enough consequences, but then again, almost every other Spider-Man movie before this one was kind of a bummer. So I'm ok with Peter having some happiness by the end of this one. How about you?

[@kellenorourke2155]

I feel the film prioritized the comedy and fun over depth but I still think Homecoming is the truest representation of Spider-Man on film.

[@kyleco9149]

Homecoming captured the wackiness and clumsiness of early ditko era.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@kellenorourke2155 Spider-Man 2 is pure Jazzy Johnny Romita in its action visuals.

[@FavioRiveros]

Maguire fan boys din´t notice the tribute to "The final chapter" in Spider-Man: Homecoming!

[@FavioRiveros]

I´ve touched a nerve there! din´t i?

[@ThePinkMan]

@@FavioRiveros No.

[@FavioRiveros]

@@ThePinkMan No to my first comment or to the answer to that dumb "K" comment?

[@Mike-xh2vm]

Wrong, I noticed it, so not everyone. Still not enough to redeem Iron Boy.JR

[@FavioRiveros]

@@Mike-xh2vm Still better then emo dancing cry baby Tobey

[@atlanticgames3197]

dude i give an aplause for the narration , i fell motivated , (sorry for my bad english) in the same way i never give up like spiderman

[@Joshiaherox]

Hey just found your channel while looking for Moore's run on Swamp Thing. Love this video keep up the great work! Can't wait to watch your channel grow.

[@KallMeSensei-_-]

I can’t believe we are getting a version of this for spider man 3 PS5! Spoiler if you haven’t beat the game yet but I’m hyped

[@davidwatkins4709]

Blasting Home behind some brilliant discussion on one of the most iconic Marvel stories in the history of ever. You’re amazing.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you!

[@MMZERO9]

When his back is to the wall, when Peter Parker is tested to his limits, and he steps up anyway-that’s when he see what he is made of, that when Peter steps up, he truly can “do this all day”.

[@landmass123]

i can almost hear tobey's scream as he lifts the rubble

[@zemox2534]

Spider-man's finest hour.

[@sahilhossain8204]

Lore of Spider-Man's Defining Moment - Lee & Ditko's IF THIS BE MY DESTINY momentum 100

[@amedeomodigliani4389]

Love Ditko's work. Great video- earned yourself a sub, great job!

[@metalheadnick555]

I never realized this until now, but this could be why I (and many others) hate One More Day so much... instead of showing Peter look into himself and triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds, he does the absolute batshit stupidest thing and just... give up and take the easy way out.

[@okand6770]

Fun fact: this scene was in Spider-Man homecomimg and spiderman ps4

[@davidgn40]

Right after making an analysis of my favourite Bebop episodes you make an analysis on my favourite Spider-Man chapters??? You're like a psychic!

[@MattDraper]

That’s awesome! Hope you enjoyed the videos.

[@davidgn40]

@@MattDraper of course! Thank you!

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Gosh I love this comic and this video I have it in trade paperback form the video is also awesome

[@Chandasouk]

Matt needs all the views. His editing and voice is butter! You should collab with someone like NerdSync! I think your styles mesh pretty well.

[@MattDraper]

Thank you! I'm a fan of NerdSync, if Scott would ever like to collab, I'd be honored.

[@Chandasouk]

It can't hurt to ask! I just wanna see you blow up and there have been cases where people help him with "fill in" videos too.

[@kirkireland3092]

Really well done videos. Educational. Intelligent. Well edited. Amazing stuff!

[@ARVETDEG]

Steve Ditko wrote and drew the whole issue. All Stan Lee did was add his dialogue as suggested by Ditko. This issue in particular should be given full credit to Ditko. Lee could never come up with that kind of amazing story.

[@brendondellinger355]

My favorite comic book panel of all time.

[@sirgabriel367]

fantastic vid on my favorite character

[@Artvader_AF]

Another great video! Bravo!

[@MattDraper]

Thanks!