Why I LOVE The Amazing Spider-Man: If This Be My Destiny

[@GOODYGOODGOOD789]

I literally remember cheering all throughout the third issue because I couldn't help but feel overjoyed at Spider-Man's triumphs because of all the perfect built-up, and his failure. You know I hate to be the bummer and bring up the Zeb Wells run once again but I feel like in this case, I can't resist. In both this and the Zeb Wells run absolutely nothing goes Spider-Man/Peter Parker's way, and several big differences make that run reviled, and this beloved. First off everything that goes wrong in this comic feels natural, relatable, and well written, meanwhile in the Zeb Wells run it feels like he and Nick Lowe and bending over backward to make Spider-Man/Peter Parker's life miserable and all of it really contrived non of it's earned or feels relatable and it relies on blatant and frequent character assassination to the highest level to even exist. Also, this story ends with Spider-Man/Peter Parker's life not being perfect, but him still triumphing despite his failures and losses and the fact that his life isn't perfect, and most importantly: Spider-Man/Peter Parker learns and grows throughout this story and this really is when you can see the character maturing which is sad because in these three issues (you could say there's three actually), he shows more growth and maturity than in all of both Dan Slott's and Zeb Wells' run combined which really shows the big issue with post-OMD Spider-Man stories (aside from Nick Spencer's run), and that's Spider-Man acts less mature that he does in even Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's run despite one of the main points of the character (regardless of what Nick Lowe might say), is maturity and he's a character that progresses over time because he's constantly moving towards different environments and stages in life and so he matures. This makes it a huge issue when Zeb Wells' and Dan Slott's Spider-Man is such a flat and static character, and when bad things happen to him I really don't care because he doesn't act like Spider-Man/Peter Parker meanwhile in If This be my Destiny he's well written and acts like the character so I actually feel something aside from laughing so hard at the stupidity I actually (ironically) enjoy the story (like The Room), sighing in frustration and at the story's pathetic incompetence, or just getting really mad which is all I feel when it comes to post-OMD Spider-Man/Peter Parker (again aside from Nick Spencer's run). So, that's why I feel like comparing these two is important for showing what makes a good and bad Spider-Man story. Also, what do you think of the KZbinr Finnsuto II who has done several reviews of Spider-Man including this story?

[@mnstash]

I wish I could write a comment as good as your analysis man, thats some great comparison work! It is very sad how we might genuinely never see a story quite like this one for a very very long time. I haven't kept up with his channel but from the one video I did watch I enjoyed it!

[@GOODYGOODGOOD789]

@@mnstash Thanks for letting me know.

[@ArachnidYouth]

God I miss this Spider-Man. Life was way more balanced for Peter in the old issues, yeah hes been shit on by life but it was never mean spirited torture. And he still always gets back up and tries to push through his struggles. He doesn't sulk around like a wimp. He actually gets stuff done

[@mnstash]

This in many ways was the defining story for spidey, it's such a shame how lost it now all is within his modern books! at least we got these still to look back on

[@jonathanl-j4i]

Well said. This is what annoyed me the most about the recent run. ASM was never about Peter’s life just sucking. It was about the challenges he faces, both as a hero and civilian, and how no matter how bad things get he rises above the odds and fights on. He is always broken down to be built back up. The recent run was just being broken down and down and down. If the loss of MJ had left him just saying “this hurts more than anything… but I understand her decision… and now must get on with my life… keep going. No matter how hard it is…” then many of us would have accepted the break, knowing that one day things will come round again. But instead we had Peter miserable and defeated, running away to lick his wounds, returning to need constant rescuing by others, to constantly torture himself over MJ, continually failing over and over, his misery constantly thrust in our faces. And what is the reward for SM and for readers now near the end of the run? His great triumph? A victory over Green Goblin’s spirit that required the aid of others and which rang hollow when it praised his steadfastness, given the constant absence of it throughout the run - and a totally undeveloped and rushed new relationship which is not built up in any meaningful way, and leads only to him walking away from his duties as SM to let villains go. Why did they ever think anyone would want to read this? The evisceration of SM’s indomitable spirit? The only conclusion we can draw is that they did not want us to. This can only have been done for one purpose and one purpose only which is to forever lay to rest the hope for Peter and MJ. To send her the way of Betty Brant. I cannot think of any other reason.

[@kevin-2.1]

This is one of the best Spider-Man comics around. Spider-Man has this great determination to save his aunt, whatever the cost. Not only that, but he isn’t a weakling for when it comes to fighting supervillains. Good video dude 🕷️🕸️❤️❤️

[@mnstash]

thank you :) yeah this story displays his power so well, when hes this ticked off no one should really be able to stop him! if this was written now doc ock wouldve beaten him half to death

[@CrudderNutter]

The perfect video for a lunch break. These old comics are genuinely something else.

[@mnstash]

this one in particular was so revolutionary! not only for spidey comics but the entire genre as a whole!

[@borvekharsyntiew986]

I love Michael J. Straczynski's reference to this crucial point in Peter's life. He's exhausted, beat up but he knows that despite his condition, his sense of responsibility made it possible for him to lift that burden once again to save Aunt May. And then along with Dr. Strange, making him relive all those moments that defined him as the hero - Spider-Man.

[@mnstash]

so many amazing stories all stemming from this character!

[@borvekharsyntiew986]

@@mnstash like Stan Lee said, Peter Parker is a character that almost everyone can relate to. Peer pressure. Relationship problems. Money problems. Family problems. All this while trying to be a good person.

[@mnstash]

exactly is apart of what makes him so special :)

[@TevyaSmolka]

Such a great classic story of Spider-Man.

[@mnstash]

easily top 5 for me of all time

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@mnstash indeed 🥰

[@MrPonytron]

Stories like this is why Spider-Man is my favorite superhero ❤

[@mnstash]

a true inspiration!

[@BrandontheAwesome]

When the boy became a man. A Spider-Man, if you will. They can try all they want, but Peter Parker is the one and only Spider-Man.

[@mnstash]

one of the most defining moments of his entire career! a perfect spidey story from start to finish

[@BrandontheAwesome]

@@mnstash Modern Spidey is a far cry from what what he once was!

[@mnstash]

yep! shame we won't get him back for a very long time

[@BrandontheAwesome]

@@mnstash Yeah, it's a shame. But... there's always the old stuff, isn't there? Always something to hold on to.

[@edg4441]

Another great retro review. This is one of the greatest story arcs of "TASM". It's only 3 issues, not some long-drawn-out storyline that takes 30 to 60 issues to tell. The Silver and Bronze Ages were the best in comics History. The formula used by Lee and Ditko were far superior to the talentless hacks use today to deconstruct and humiliate Spider-Man. A great mix of Peter's personal life and Spidey action back then. It'll never be recaptured by today's Marvel writers. This 3-issue storyline shows again why Betty Brant wasn't a good match for Peter, and why Gwen Stacy and MJ were introduced in "TASM". MJ would be the one who could accept Peter for who he is and the fact he was Spider-Man. The Black Cat couldn't accept his Peter Parker identity, and Peter couldn't tell Betty or Gwen he was Spider-Man. In these early issues, we never knew who the Rhino was dating or the difficulty dating through today's social media apps like in the recent "ASM" issues. It was completely different. Keep up the great work. Cheers,

[@BrandontheAwesome]

As someone who loves Bronze Age Batman as well, I agree. Comics back then were way better.

[@kevin-2.1]

Are you talking about Screwball helping Rhino with the dating apps?

[@BrandontheAwesome]

@@kevin-2.1 Figures. If it's going to be cringe, Screwball's gotta be involved. Am I the only one who knows how to write her properly? Cause I have some ideas...

[@mnstash]

ive always had if this be my destiny as one of my top top top spidey stories, its a comic ive really wanted to make a video on for ages now purely from how much it means to me and im so glad to see that you and others have enjoyed it because I did put alot of effort when it came to trying to capture my love for it!

[@spiderbro617]

Honestly, this was so amazing…this is one of those stories that would go on to define who Spider-Man is as a character and what makes him so special. It’s stories like these that Nick Lowe and Zeb Wells completely forget when they’re writing their trash stuff, and I think they probably want us to forget it. But it’s truly dedicated fans who remember these stories and always remember the true core of what makes a hero a hero. Also, I actually have a theory that this story is going to adapted into Marvel’s Spider-Man 3. Think about it, Doc Ock is coming back, and he made a tease to “The Final Chapter”. How could they not adapt this phenomenal story, am I right?

[@BrandontheAwesome]

@@spiderbro617 Ugh, they'll just screw it up.

[@spiderbro617]

@@BrandontheAwesome Possibly. But I wouldn’t count Insomniac out yet.

[@BrandontheAwesome]

@@spiderbro617 I would. They hired Sweet Baby Inc. to write the story, the same people behind SSKTJL. Also, watch the infamous Mary Jane interview.

[@spiderbro617]

@@BrandontheAwesome Oh…we’re screwed.

[@BrandontheAwesome]

@@spiderbro617 I've done my homework. Insomniac is also on record saying they want Miles to be the main Spidey of their universe. So... yeah.

[@step2807]

This isn't just a Spider-Man comic. This is THE Spider-Man story. The line while lifting the rubble is what I say when I need to keep going and never give up. Spider-Man is the greatest Hero

[@MS7000_]

Great video man. I love your “Why I love” videos.

[@mnstash]

Glad you like them! I might try to make it a more regular thing maybe once a month

[@cryo9017]

Now this is spectacular.

[@mnstash]

amazing, sensational even

[@rcbmmines4579]

I remember reading the first 50-100-ish issues of TASM when I was a kid too and absolutely loving this arc and recognizing its influence in plenty of Spider-Man media. Props to Steve Ditko, with even Stan Lee admitting he was behind almost the entire debris sequence, but no matter who did more, both together crafted a great run, character and legacy.

[@mnstash]

It’s a all round masterpiece from that duo! I honestly don’t think anything comes close to it from the sliver age it’s my favourite by a mile

[@_spartan11796]

Iconic

[@liamlizar7878]

This is the best mix of peter on demon time and peter being the greatest hero there is

[@mnstash]

Lee and Ditko truely nailed it🤝

[@Darkkoala95]

Love the use of spider-man lotus' music. Awesome video man.

[@mnstash]

Thanks! The soundtrack is flawless man

[@SkullRy_Comics]

This is where Peter makes up for getting Ben killed Even with all the impossible odds against him, he refuses to let Aunt May down He has the power, so he has the responsibility

[@mnstash]

Hes so stupid though all he had to do was tell doc ock to knock it off

[@SkullRy_Comics]

@mnstash I bet all those hands Ock has remind Peter of a certain someone

[@sixxsixx5410]

God the legend of marvel nail it.

[@bigdoubleu117]

The only issues I always have with these superhero stuff, is why do they never tell the people closest to them what's going on!? Obviously not about the Spider-Man related stuff, but it was kinda annoying he told nobody about Aunt May. Instead, letting everyone think he's an asshole. I get not wanting a pity party, but telling them later and hoping they'll understand isn't how people should handle stressful situations.

[@mnstash]

I can see that as a reasonable con of the story! If I were to defend it maybe he was that laser focused on aunt may he had no idea of his surroundings. Peter is pretty notorious for being pretty unaware in his personal life especially in spectacular Spider-Man during the 70s

[@mrrobohobo1377]

this is just a great video. I really liked hearing you talk about such a amazing moment

[@mnstash]

Thank you so much glad you enjoyed! :)

[@Stilladude]

Truely a great story :)

[@mnstash]

It really is!

[@eddiesamakovski8216]

Classic issues great review and enjoyed the vid keep them coming cheers

[@mnstash]

More to come thanks!!

[@avlis101]

I'm gonna read this for the first time. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@mnstash]

no worries! this is definitely a must read :)

[@ShybiNeo]

what a banger!!!

[@mnstash]

its amazing, spectacular even!

[@King018-i3u]

Yo

[@mnstash]

hey!

[@LucasDarkGiygas]

thanks for the video

[@mnstash]

No worries!

[@czms922]

Definition of IF I WON'T WHO WILL

[@mnstash]

hes so badass in this story