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The Amazing Spider-Man

The Amazing Spider-Man 700th issue features an "epic turn" for the superhero

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By Gillian West, Social media manager

December 28, 2012 | 2 min read

After 50 years and 700 issues Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, is out of the hero game.

The 700th and final issue of 'The Amazing Spider-Man' Parker's character is killed off in an epic battle with his nemesis Otto Octavius, also known as Dr Octopus.

Described by Spider-Man writer Dan Slott as an "epic turn" Parker's mind is trapped in the withered and dying body of Octavius, who in turn is shifted into Parker's body.

Slott, who has been writing Spider-Man for close to 100 issues, commented: "I've been writing Spider-Man for 70-plus issues. Every now and then, you have to shake it up... The reason Spider-Man is one of the longest running characters is they always find a way to keep it fresh. Something to shake up the mix."

Created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee in 1962, Spider-Man and Octavius' battle sees Parker carry out one more heroic act with his memories enveloping Octavius Parker shows him what it means to be a hero.

Slott adds: "Gone are his days of villainy, but since it's Doc Ock and he has that ego, he's not going to try and just be Spider-man, he's going to try to be the best Spider-Man ever."

Editor Stephen Wacker said that while Parker himself his gone his legacy remains, commenting: "His life is still important to the book because it affects everything that Doctor Octopus does as Spider-Man. Seeing a supervillain go through this life is the point - trying to be better than the hero he opposed. Doc has sort of inspired by Peter's life. That's what I mean when he talks about the shadow he casts."

Wacker also added that the ending sets the stage for 'The Superior Spider-Man' which is set to launch early next year.

The Amazing Spider-Man

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