—Black TarantulaI have a plan that will draw her even deeper into my web -- by proving to her, beyond all shadow of doubt, that our intentions are truly above reproach.
Appearing in "Keeping the Faith!"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Mary Jane Watson-Parker
- Benjy Parker
- Peter Parker
- Chesbro
- Team Spider
- Black Tarantula (Fabian LaMuerto)
- Sandra Healy
- Courtney Duran
- Moose Mansfield
- Edwin Jarvis
- Darkdevil (Reilly Tyne)
- Kaine
Antagonists:
- Canis
- Lady Octopus (Carolyn Trainer)
- Big Ben (Barruski) (First appearance)
- Mr. Bellasandro (First appearance)
Other Characters:
- Elan DeJunae (Photo)
- Venom (Eddie Brock) (Referenced)
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
Synopsis for "Keeping the Faith!"
Mary Jane Watson-Parker has a panicked reaction when she unexpectedly sees Spider-Girl in an unfamiliar all-black suit. May tears her mask in two quickly. Peter Parker reacts quickly to his wife's distress, but realizing it's just May, the family starts to calm down.
Canis destroys a punching bag while venting his frustrations about Spider-Girl to [Carolyn_Trainer_(Earth-982)|Lady Octopus]]. He would be the new Kingpin and enjoy greater control of his criminal organization, if not for Spider-Girl. Lady Octopus says she could take out Spider-girl and straighten out Canis's disloyal criminal network - if he will just trust her with the list of his associates. For now, Canis is not willing to do that, fearing that Lady Ock plans to supplant him. Canis calls his agent Big Ben - a dapper fellow who affects a fake British accent - and tells him to gather Canis's men.
Within the Parker residence, Peter Parkermakes tea for May. He perceptively notes May's habits have changed of late: she is up early, she comes home long after dark, and has had a sudden costume switch to the black suit that freaked out her mother. Peter barely explains a bit of May's parents' history of dealing with black-suited menaces. Peter asks if May needs to talk about anything. May feels in over her head regarding Canis and Lady Octopus, and nearly speaks up about it, but when MJ joins them in the kitchen, May turns immediately to apologizing for the earlier misunderstanding. Seeing to her sleeping brother soon after, May considers if her alliance with Black Tarantula is worth the risk.
The next morning, May is woken by a call from June with Team Spider. Word is that Canis is trying to assemble his criminal organization, and they would like Spider-Girl to attend the office. May gets out of bed and has to pick between two ruined costumes: the tattered red and blue one, or the new black costume with a ripped-up mask.
Black Tarantula confers with his servant Chesbro about Spider-Girl. While Chesbro is concerned about Spider-Girl missing a training session with Elektra, and failing to give an excuse to June, Black Tarantula feels Spider-Girl owes no one an explanation. Nevertheless, Chesbro feels this behavior is strange. Tarantula, sitting before a chess board, says he will draw Spider-Girl deeper into their web with a plan to prove to her that his intentions are 'above reproach.'
May runs into Sandra Healy at Midtown High. Sandra is still giving May the cold shoulder over May's opposition to her abusive boyfriend. May and her friend Courtney are surprised to find Moose uninterested in an offer of a coffee date from Courtney; Moose says he has a few things on his mind. May excuses herself to take a call from June.
Up on the roof, May changes into Spider-Girl, using the red mask from one of her father's suits, with the body of her black suit. She visits Avengers Mansion and confesses to Jarvis that she hates her hyrbid costume. Spider-Girl hopes to see Stinger for help, but Jarvis tells her that the Avengers are away on a mission. She takes a call while she swings away, thinking it's June, but she is instead summoned to a rooftop meeting with Darkdevil and Kaine.
The two male heroes criticize Spider-Girl's current fashion, but then get into their real issue: they hear she may be entangled with the Black Tarantula. Spider-Girl only confirms their fears when she deflects by saying they don't tell her all of their secrets. Before she can leave, Kaine shows Spider-Girl a photo of Elan deJunae - someone who once worked with the original Green Goblin - whom he knows is in town. Spider-Girl has seen her with Normie recently, but she does not disclose this to Kaine.
Spider-Girl crashes a Canis gang meet-up in the back of a bakery, flanked by Team Spider agents. She notes in narration she had failed to reach Normie en route, and quickly deals with a variety of gun-toting bad guys. Bursting into the storefront, Spider-Girl is faced with Big Ben holding a hostage at gunpoint. June says she can take him out with a gunshot, but Spider-Girl will not allow anyone to die. Big Ben applauds Spider-Girl's morality, but notes they are all in a dilemma now because he fears surrender will mean he will die quickly once in jail. With a flick of her wrists, Spider-Girl webs up Big Ben's guns, and then pulls the hostage to safety. When June moves in to seize Ben, he demonstrates that an umbrella he had been carrying has a concealed gun. Spider-Girl's spider-sense warns her too late, and June takes three bullets in the chest. Spider-Girl delivers a knock-out blow to Big Ben, and sees to the wounded June.
Later, at Black Tarantula's command center, Team Spider learns from Spider-Girl that June's bulletproof vest saved her life. The police were even pleased to capture some of the crooks present at Canis's meet. Even Big Ben, who feared he would be killed if he went to jail, will get extra protection, Chesbro says. Things seem to be working out very well for Spider-Girl for cooperating with Black Tarantula.
April surprises Spider-Girl with a closet full of costumes - a large stock of both her classic Spider-Girl tights, and the black suit, all neatly hanging for her. Spider-Girl is grateful, and is ready to get back to work.
At Lady Ock's hideout, Canis is furious over the capture of his men, especially Barruski (Big Ben). Lady Ock assures him that she is all Canis needs to ensure the loyalty of his crime network. Canis agrees to disclose details of his criminal network to Lady Octopus, and she pledges to eliminate Spider-Girl.
Notes
- The issue has a brand new feature called Spider-Girl and her Amazing Friends at the end, which profiles some of May's high school pals. This first profile is of Courtney Duran.
