Peter Parker is defined by his luck, both good and bad. While Spider-Man often laments “the old Parker Luck” bringing misfortune, the odds also often turn in his favor. A prime example of this arose during his battle with Doctor Octopus in Superior Spider-Man #4.
Written by Dan Slott, with art by Mark Bagley, Superior Spider-Man #4 centered around a psychic battle. Otto Octavius took over Peter Parker’s body once before, intent on proving himself the better man. He sought to repeat this feat, albeit for the somewhat noble purpose of saving the woman he loved from a supervillain he empowered.
Naturally, Peter had prepared for this, determined to never let another villain take over his life again. Peter had learned how to fight in his mindscape and how to use the terrain to his advantage. Indeed, he had psychic defenses he didn’t know existed, including a memory of his Uncle Ben to watch his back. This turned out to be the work of an unexpected ally, who gave Peter the edge he needed to soundly beat Doc Ock.
Spider-Man Has a Second Peter Parker’s Memories
The battle was won by Doctor Peter Parker. This variant of Peter Parker was never bitten by a radioactive spider, but still used his science to help people as a hero. This disproved Doc Ock’s assertion that Peter was only able to do what he did because of a lab accident.
While Otto Octavius may be more intelligent, he is not the Superior Spider-Man. It is Peter Parker’s drive to help people and his willingness to “fight the good fight” that make him a hero. It is that drive, rather than spider-powers, that define Spider-Man — and mark Doc Ock as a poor pretender.
Superior Spider-Man #4 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
