Lets welcome another new back issue reviewer: Bruce Buchanan! Bruce plans on reviewing the issues after the two infamous death issues, and there is plenty of change in store for Peter Parker and the Spider-Verse!

The landmark issues Amazing Spider-Man #121-122 stunned readers with the deaths of Peter Parker's girlfriend Gwen Stacy and arch-foe the Green Goblin. Issue #123 not only deals with the aftermath of these shocking events, but also spins the plotline forward with the first hints of Harry Osborn ultimately becoming the second Green Goblin.

The issue begins just moments after the end of issue #122. The police and the press have discovered Norman Osborn's body. A mysterious man, whose face is hidden, has removed Osborn's costume before his body is discovered, meaning the Goblin's secret identity will go to his grave. The mystery man realizes that Norman Osborn's death will spark a public backlash against Spider-Man.
"If I hadn't removed the Goblin's costume, all this would be over," the man thinks. "Now it is only beginning...and the death of Spider-Man will be its end!" J. Jonah Jameson certainly is doing his part to fan those flames. He and Osborn were long-time associates and Jameson naturally blames Spider-Man for murdering Osborn. Joe Robertson, as usual, plays the role of objective journalist, noting that the evidence isn't conclusive. But the angry publisher isn't listening. He wants revenge on Spider-Man - and a newspaper article on Luke Cage sparks just such an idea.

Jameson hires Cage to bring in Spider-Man. The inclusion of Cage in this month's story was an effort to boost sales for Cage's own title, "Luke Cage: Hero For Hire." In fact, the events of this issue are referenced on the splash page of Hero For Hire #12, which came out the very same month as this issue. The actual scene where Jameson goes to Cage's office is hilarious - and clearly inspired by the "blaxploitation" films of the era such as "Shaft." Cage throws a man down the stairs past a terrified Jameson, while Cage delivers some tough-talking street jive: "Mister, when Cage says no, he means no! And that, brother, is the end of it! Dig?" Yeah, Luke, we dig - you and Spidey are going to rumble before the end of this story. Cage tracks down Spider-Man remarkably easily. He explains that Spider-Man spends most of his time in three areas: the Daily Bugle, the university and Peter Parker's neighborhood. It's Saturday, meaning there's no school, and Cage figures if Jameson is paying him to track down Spider-Man, the hero probably won't be near the Bugle.

Spider-Man is plenty angry and bitter over Gwen's death, so he's certainly not backing down to Cage. The two have a lengthy brawl on the roof of a building - it's a pretty brutal fight, given that two heroes are involved. Spider-Man refers to Cage as a "mercenary" and "a clown who sells his powers - like some cheap, third-rate thug." Those words don't sit well with Mr. Cage. Round 1 ends inconclusively when Cage is knocked through a skylight. But Cage says Spider-Man has made this personal and he intends to finish the job. The fight resumes on the Empire State University campus. Cage shows up at a party and calls out Spider-Man, not knowing if Spider-Man is really there or not. But he is and the two slug it out some more. Spider-Man realizes that Cage isn't a bad guy and there's no reason for them to fight. He webs Cage up and apologizes for calling him a money-grabber.

The rest of their conversation takes place off-panel, but Cage decides to call off the job. In another pretty funny scene, he goes into Jameson's office and returns his $5,000 fee by stuffing it into the surprised publisher's mouth. We also have some developments in Peter Parker's personal life. He and his friends attend Gwen's funeral. Mary Jane comforts Peter during this tough time, foreshadowing their eventual romance. Also, Peter encounters his roommate and best friend, Harry Osborn, for the first time since Norman Osborn's death. Peter tries to speak to Harry, but Harry gives him the silent treatment. The seeds have been planted for Harry's transformation into his father's successor as the Green Goblin.

As for the relationship between Spider-Man and Luke Cage, there is plenty to follow in the years to come, including being members of the New Avengers. Also take a look at Marvel Team-Up #75 for a memorable Spider-Man - Power Man team-up.

All in all, a satisfying follow-up to perhaps the greatest two issues in Spider-Man history. Writer Gerry Conway manages to give the previous events their due, while setting up key future storylines.

Reviewed by Bruce Buchanan.

Story also depicted on splash page of Hero For Hire #12.

Reprinted In:
Marvel Tales #100