Amazing Spider-Man #31 is definitely one of the most significant issues in the history of Spider-Man. It also begins one of the greatest storylines in the title's long run. "If This Be My Destiny...!" is the first part of what will be remembered as the Master Planner storyline. Just who the Master Planner is will be revealed next issue, but that does nothing to detract from this historical issue. The storyline has everything in it, great writing, great great art, action, drama, introductions and one of the greatest series of panels illustrating Spider-Man, his determination, and everything that he stands for.

Right off the bat, Spider-Man begins the tale by battling purple-clad henchmen of the Master Planner near a ship dock where they are  stealing radioactive atomic devices. Spider-Man jumps into a helicopter where the henchmen attempt their getaway and gets a good shot of sleeping gas from them. After a message from the Master Planner, the henchmen resort to Plan "G" and drop the atomic devices into the ocean below where we discover there is an immense underwater base hidden from all to see. More henchmen swim out of the base to retrieve the devices dressed exactly like the henchmen in the helicopter, where Spider-Man continues his battle. The copter's rotor blades gets damaged and it begins to plunge into the water with Spider-Man just below. Spider-Man shoots a web into the huge helicopter and throws it into the ocean before him evading it completely. Back in the base, the Master Planner is now much more concerned that Spider-Man has gotten involved and  deems it vitally important that no one suspects who he is nor what his purpose is until his plans have been completed, but we do not see who is speaking these words.

Now we cut to a very important beginning in the life of Peter Parker: His first day of his campus career at Empire State University.  The day includes filling out forms, purchasing textbooks, registration, and the fine surprise that Flash Thompson will be attending the same University. Back home, Aunt May dramatically takes a fall and doesn't get up. Peter takes her to the doctor where he learns that she is going to have to go to the hospital for awhile. Peter is devastated and his mind is on her at all times the next day when his first actual classes begin at the University. In one little innocent panel we meet two characters for the time that would go on to be MAJOR supporting characters in the Spider-Verse (or the "book of the dead" for you long-time readers!). Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy. Harry is a preppy student with bow-tie while Gwen is an ex-beauty queen from Standard High School and they both meet Flash Thompson. Peter soon walks by without saying a word or noticing any of them with his mind on his ailing Aunt. Throughout the science class they are all attending, Peter is in his own little world ignoring everyone else, giving them the wrong impression of who he really is. They play a trick on him in Science class messing with his chemistry experiment, and when the experiment goes haywire, he gets a warning from Professor Miles Warren in another innocent little panel. Warren is not named in this issue but it is the same character who will go on to be a major factor in the Peter's life as Professor Warren and as the Jackal. He is the "Father" of the clone saga as we learn much later on. It is also interesting to note that Gwen Stacy, even at this very early stage, states to herself that "she can't help feeling attracted to Peter". We all know that they will go on to become a major item until her infamous death at the hands of the Green Goblin in Amazing Spider-Man #121. Back at the hospital, Peter learns from the Doctor that his Aunt is not in good condition and is going to remain at the hospital for more testing.

Cut to the Daily Bugle where publisher J. Jonah Jameson is desperate for news and tells reporter Frederick Foswell to bring some to him. Before doing so though, Freddy changes to his alter ego "Patch the stoolie" and goes out searching. Also at the Bugle, Ned Leeds wants an answer from Betty Brant concerning marrying him and it is a long time before they actually get married in Amazing Spider-Man #156.

Now back to action where Spider-Man has a talk with "Patch" where information is relayed that there will probably be robbery at Pier Six that night. Probably turns to definitely when Spider-Man witnesses the Master Planner's Henchmen attempting to steal cargo from a ship at the pier. This time Spider-Man is prepared for the sleeping gas  by wearing a dry chemical filter over his mouth and nose. The henchmen resort to dropping a cargo boom on Spider-Man but he evades it quite easily. Finally a net catches Spider-Man but he just as easily rips through it, but the henchmen get away diving into the water.

Meanwhile in two much different locations, bad news is in the making for Peter Parker and Spider-Man. First, in the underwater fortress, the Master Planner is very angered that Spider-Man has interfered with the cargo that he could have used from the ship that he could have used for his research on radiation effects. The M.P. plans on unlocking the secrets of atomic radiation which will enable him to rule the world. He will tolerate Spider-Man no more and the next time he interferes, it will be his last! Second, at the laboratory where Aunt May's tests are studied, the doctor's have come to a conclusion that Aunt May cannot last much longer. Be prepared next issue for a doozy as the storyline gets cooking!

This issue will always be at the top of most, if not all, Spider-Man and comic collector's lists. Both for the read and for the collectibility, you can't get much better than this. Snag a Marvel Tales #170-172 if you could for a little as a couple of dollars. You will not be disappointed. Or go for the Spider-Man Essentials II where they are reprinted as well as many other issues in black and white. We will learn just who the Master Planner is next issue so just be patient!

Reprinted In:
Marvel Tales #24
Marvel Tales #170
 Marvel Masterworks Vol. 16
Spider-Man Essentials II