What If….? (Vol. 1) # 19
What If Spider-Man had never become a Crimefighter?
Writer: Peter Gills
Penciller: Pat Broderick
Inker: Mike Esposito
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Roger Silfer
Cover Date: February 1977
Rating: 
This week, I’ll take a look at “What If…? # 19” from the first volume, which will answer the question “What If Spider-Man had remained a celebrity?”; In the reality that we all know, Spider-Man embarked on a career as an entertainer shortly after receiving his powers, but after failing to stop a burglar from running away, he soon discovers that the man who shot his Uncle Ben was, in fact, the same burglar he let get away, thus leading him into a road of heroism. In this alternate reality, however, we see that Spidey stops the burglar………only it’s done for the sole purpose of gaining publicity.
This story is a very unique but quirky one, mainly because we get to see a Spider-Man as a confident celebrity that will do just about anything to keep the fame intact, even when J. Jonah Jameson comes in the picture (And might I add that Jonah’s hatred for Spider-Man in any reality still remains intact); This issue definitely has a “Twilight Zone” feel to it, especially the ending (**NO SPOILERS**). I also like that in this reality, Peter Parker got to enjoy the fruits of his labor, but when tragedy strikes, he finds out that with great power there has to be a great responsibility, and I like how this legendary motto will find its way into any reality. So no matter what path Peter Parker takes, that lesson will always be a part of him.
Well, that’s it for me. Thanks for sticking around and I will see you all next time.
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