“The Rules of the Game” (Main Story)

Peter Parker is torn between his responsibilities as Spider-Man and his personal life. His friendship with Flash Thompson is under tremendous strain now that Flash is suspected of being the Hobgoblin, and this gnaws at Peter throughout the story.

Meanwhile, Matt Murdock (Daredevil) has been pushed to the brink — his life systematically dismantled by Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin. Peter visits Matt at a homeless shelter and is shocked at the state his friend is in. Murdock’s suffering and the injustice behind it ignite Peter’s anger.

Peter suits up as Spider-Man and confronts Kingpin directly at his headquarters. Fisk is calm, collected, and chillingly honest. He explains that Spider-Man’s actions inadvertently help maintain his criminal empire — when Spider-Man clears the streets of smaller criminals, he actually makes Fisk’s operations smoother.

Despite Spider-Man’s threats, Fisk makes it clear he’s not afraid. The confrontation ends with no immediate fight, but with a sense that the war between them is inevitable.


“Cry of the Wendigo” (Backup Story)

During a brutal winter storm, Spider-Man witnesses the kidnapping of a diplomat’s young daughter. He pursues the kidnappers through icy streets, battling exhaustion and bitter cold.

The child tells Peter the legend of the Wendigo — a spirit that claims those who sleep in the snow. The tale becomes more than a story as Spider-Man nearly succumbs to the elements.

He rallies, defeats the kidnappers, and saves the girl, returning her safely to her family. In the distance, the shadowy form of the Wendigo disappears into the storm — leaving Peter wondering whether it was merely legend or something real.