The Jackal Throws Spiderman Off the Same Bridge Where Gwen Stacy Died

ASM 147. This was a strange plot. The Jackal knows Spiderman's identity, but, Spiderman not only doesn't know this, but he very frequently doesn't even know that Jackal is scheming to kill him. He's the one behind these attacks. This time, the Tarantula is his partner. They both throw Spiderman off the same bridge where Gwen Stacy fell, with the Stacy clone looking on. The Jackal is a real sicko. He cloned Stacy out of an obsession with her, and also so he could get at Peter Parker. The idea was that Parker (Spiderman) couldn't fight as well because he was confused and concerned with the new Stacy. The Jackal also wanted to have Parker die in the same way Stacy did, with her clone looking on. Like I say, a real sicko. In the next issue, we find out who the Jackal is.

Professor Warren is the Jackal!

ASM 148. Here is it revealed that the Jackal is professor Warren, one of Peter Parker's science professors. This was a good story line -- probably the best for Conway. The professor became deranged and obsessed with Gwen Stacy. He blamed her death on Spiderman. It's not crystal clear to me how the Jackal discovered Parker's identity. As I write this entry, I'm only remembering the story: I read it at least a month ago. But I don't remember it being clear then, either. It could have something to do with a science teacher from Parker's high school, Warren's brother, who had become suspicious one day when Parker had changed into his costume in the gymnasium. But that was back in the Ditko days: I'll have to dig that up. Either way, it just added more to the intrigue.

The best part about this villain is the way he struck. He was in the background for many issues, teaming up and using others to act for him. And you never really knew who he was or when he was coming next. You never really knew what he was up to. The epitome of fear is ignorance. It was a great script, the way they had the Jackal operating through others, without Spiderman having a clue. Here, we get to see who this character really is.

Professor Warren Dies

ASM 149. Another day, another death in Amazing Spiderman. Parker's college professor, turned evil, is no more.