Amazing Spider-Man, The (1963 series) #110

Though he saved Flash Thompson’s life last issue, Spider-Man stresses that Flash is also attracted to Gwen. Spidey then realizes that he never got any pictures of his recent adventure either! Spidey throws his camera in frustration before realizing what a dumb move that was. He attempts to catch it with his web but misses, and the camera ends up getting caught by someone else! Spidey swings down to find a very agile man who introduces himself as Martin Blank. Martin is amazed that even a freak like him could help the Amazing Spider-Man! Spidey tries to reassure Martin that he’s not a freak and that he has plenty of his own troubles but Martin doesn’t believe him. Martin heads back into his temporary residence, depressed about his odd appearance that always leads to fights and misery.

Martin thinks about his childhood, growing up in an orphanage. He always got picked on by the other kids due to his odd appearances, but felt some solace by visiting the monkeys at the zoo. Eventually, he aged out of the orphanage and got a job at a circus, prancing around in an ape suit to amuse the children. He tried to show them what a good acrobat he could be, but they only wanted him as someone to laugh at. After only a week, the laughter and ridicule got to be too much for Martin, and he ditched the circus after collecting his first and only paycheck. With his only money nearly gone, Martin isn’t sure what he’ll do, before his recent meeting with Spider-Man gives him an idea!

Elsewhere, Spidey collects his clothes and heads back to his apartment, where Gwen and Aunt May are waiting for him. Aunt May in particular is shocked at Peter’s haggard appearance, but Gwen reminds her that she promised not to baby Peter so much. Gwen tells Peter about the talk she had with Aunt May about coddling him but admits she never meant to make her feel guilty. Suddenly, the strain of the last few days overtakes Peter and he passes out. Just after, Harry and Flash arrive, and Gwen defends Peter from a joke Flash made about him. She tells them that Peter is the only man she’ll ever want. Unfortunately, Peter doesn’t hear this and briefly awakens just to see Gwen leaving with Flash after Harry suggested he take her home, seemingly confirming his worries!

Peter then has long and fitful nightmares about losing both Gwen and Aunt May, eventually waking with a shout! Harry tells him he’s been asleep for 12 hours and Peter realizes he should check on Aunt May. He calls her place but there’s no answer and we see that she left a note for Peter. Peter then rushes out to swing to her place as Spider-Man but is stopped on the way by Martin in his Gibbon costume. Martin tells Spidey that he wants to be his partner which, coupled with his appearance, causes Spidey to laugh. This angers Martin and Spidey admits that he often feels silly in his own costume. Unfortunately, Martin takes this the wrong way and attacks Spidey. Spidey easily breaks his grip and after Martin tries once again to attack him, Spidey just swings off, causing Martin to break down in frustration. Unbeknownst to Martin, he’s watched by a mysterious figure who plans to harness his power and hatred to bring about the death of Spider-Man! To be continued!