The Museum of Natural Science is displaying an exhibit
of Doctor Octopus’ mechanical arms, miles beyond the range of his control.
However, little does anyone know that Doctor Octopus has been practicing to
increase the range of his control, reaching out with his mind from the Midwest
prison he resides in. He takes control of his arms and they escape the
building, with the police useless to stop them! Just then, Spider-Man arrives
to stop the arms’ rampage, and keep anyone from being hurt. Spidey notes that the
arms seem to be more sluggish than usual meaning that Doc Ock himself must
still be far away. Spidey tries to tangle up the arms but they wriggle free and
smash against a nearby overhang. Spidey is forced to let the arms escape to
keep the wall from toppling on the crowd below. Spidey heads home to try and
get some studying done but inevitably ends up falling asleep.
The next morning, Peter meets with Professor Warren to
discuss his grades. Professor Warren tells Peter that his grades have dropped
dangerously low due to his frequent absences. When Professor Warren asks Peter
if there’s anything he needs help with, Peter assures him that he’s fine. Even
still, Gwen can tell that Peter’s down about his grades and even offers to
coach him if need be! Meanwhile, Doc Ock’s arms finally make it to the prison
he’s been holed up in and Doc Ock uses them to escape! Not far away, J. Jonah
Jameson has convinced his son John to get him a seat aboard a plane that’s
ferrying a Chinese general, General Su, to the U.N. John stresses that General
Su meeting with the U.N. is of the utmost importance and that an interview
would be out of the question. Jonah obviously has other ideas, wanting to keep
the American people informed. Inside the plane, the U.S. ambassadors take every
precaution to make sure that General Su arrives safely.
However, just as the plane takes off, Doc Ock hitches
a ride, something that the State Department could not foresee! Doctor Octopus
disarms the guards inside and quickly takes control of the plane. Doc Ock is
made aware of the General’s presence on the plane and plans to issue a ransom
demand for his safe arrival. John Jameson thinks they should play along for
now, knowing firsthand how dangerous Doc Ock can be. Meanwhile, Peter stops by
the Daily Bugle just as Robbie hears the report about the hijacking. He and
Peter speed to the airport where they meet with Captain Stacy who fills them in
on the situation. The plane is due to land soon but meanwhile, the airport has
been filled with angry protestors. Most of the protestors are against General
Su and don’t want the ransom to be paid, even itching to rush the runway, adding yet
another wrinkle to an already violate situation!
The plane touches down and Doc Ock issues a threat to
kill everyone on board if his demands aren’t met! Peter manages to slip away in
the midst of the angry protestors in order to switch to Spider-Man. Spidey
sneaks onto the plane and quickly blinds Doc Ock with his webs, giving everyone
the opportunity to escape. Spidey tackles Doc Ock while everyone else clears
the plane, finding it difficult to get close as usual. The fight drags on until
Doc Ock reaches out to the plane’s controls, hoping to fly to safety. However,
his control of the plane is shaky and Spidey leaps out of the plane seconds
before it hits the end of the runway and explodes! Doc Ock is seemingly killed,
and Jameson naturally bemoans that no one got any coverage of it. However,
Spider-Man has a nagging hunch that Doc Ock may not truly be dead! To be
continued!