Ebenezer Laughton, better known as the Scarecrow has been around the Marvel Universe for quite some time. Since his debut in Tales Of Suspense #51 where he battled Iron Man, he has popped up in several other titles. X-Men, Captain America, and Ghost Rider/ Captain America: Fear are just some, but it took some time for him to meet Spider-Man. Chronologically speaking, it didn't take too long at all for these two to match-up, but the tale went "Untold" until June of 1997. The Scarecrow turned out to be more than a formidable foe for Spider-Man as he created an alliance with one of Spider-Man's greatest nemesis as well.

The "Spider & The Scarecrow" begins as a shadowy figure jumps from rooftop to rooftop with a bunch of black crows following him. The figure arrives a padlocked door and picks it clean. Inside, the figure orders the crows to take the many valuable objects in the apartment as the man's face come in to focus. If you'd just opened the comic to this page, you might think you are in the middle of a Wizard Of Oz comic, but THIS Scarecrow definitely does have a brain and he uses it well! He opens a wall safe and takes cash, jewelry, and more. He and his crows dashes into the night, then we cut to the next afternoon where we see a young Peter Parker walking down the street. A limousine pulls up by him and the window rolls down revealing Daily Bugle publisher J. Jonah Jameson. Jameson wants Peter to take some pics of the Scarecrow who is recently on a crime spree. At this time, Peter's Aunt May is ill and his first responsibility is to her, but he tries to think of a way to take the pictures without getting into a fight. Later that night as Spider-Man, Peter finds the Scarecrow on a rooftop of a penthouse apartment. As Spider-Man prepares to take some pics of the Scarecrow entering one of the residences, the Scarecrows black crows find and attack him sending him through a roof and into the apartment where the Scarecrow is. This is a big surprise for the Scarecrow, but Spider-Man does not want to fight. The Scarecrow begins to believe what many are saying about Spider-Man being a coward based on the events in Amazing Spider-Man #17-19.

The Scarecrow begins to tell his story of how he was once a variety show contortionist.  One day, he used his skills to stop a robber that was being chased by Iron Man as told in Tales Of Suspense #51. He then realized that he was the equal of an average hero-type, but figured that crime paid better. He flew the country after being defeated by Iron Man, but he has now returned. After the chit-chat, Spider-Man attempts to leave but the crows bring him back down to the floor where the Scarecrow is. The Scarecrow realizes that the Green Goblin made headlines by making Spider-Man run away and he does the same trying to get the publicity. After changing back to Peter, he arrives at his home where he gets an update on his Aunt's health. She is doing better, especially with her best friend Anna Watson at her side. He then goes into his room and throws his costume in the garbage which is consistent with the events that took place in the memorable Amazing Spider-Man #18. Later that evening, the Scarecrow is at it again. He dashes from rooftop to rooftop again with his pet birds until he runs into a surprise visitor: The Green Goblin! The Goblin was last seen in Amazing Spider-Man #17 then a cameo in #18 before showing up here, and he states that he is there to "scout" out talent. He offers the Scarecrow a spot in his gang as the Goblin plans on taking over the criminal underworld as told in Amazing Spider-Man #23. The Scarecrow thanks him for the offer but takes a pass on it, wanting to act solo. The Goblin flies off on his goblin-glider stating that the Scarecrow had his "chance" and that he will regret this night when the Goblin becomes the King of Crime!

Early the next morning at the Parker residence, Peter is surprised to find his Aunt out of her wheelchair. She is feeling much better and testing her legs out trying to walk. Doctor Bromwell is there and states that she is doing better, again similar to the events in Amazing Spider-Man #18. Feeling much better about things, Peter later suits up as Spider-Man and finds the Scarecrow again, but this time, he means business! Spider-Man leaps in front of the Scarecrow greatly surprising him. Spider-Man tries to grab the Scarecrow, but his contortionist abilities make it a much harder task. Next, the Scarecrow sends his gang of crows at Spider-Man, and then runs away down the street. Spider-Man catches up to him at which point the Scarecrow accuses Spider-Man of playing the part of a coward and tries to hit Spider-Man, but misses badly. As Spider-Man prepares for a knock-out punch, he tosses the Scarecrow one of his web fluid cartridges as a "souvenir".  The Scarecrow breaks it in half  making the insides of the cartridge expand rapidly and knitting himself into a huge roll of webbing. Spider-Man then makes his leave with the cry that "Spider-Man is back--And I'm here to stay"!

Spider-Man returns home and takes out the costume he previously thrown into the garbage. Again, nicely jiving with the events at the end of Amazing Spider-Man #18. The Scarecrow has yet to face Spider-Man again, but lets not count it out! The Green Goblin makes his next chronological appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #23 where he begins to execute his plans on becoming the King of Crime!