Spider-Man: Back in Black

After returning from Secret Wars, Peter Parker comes home to a changed New York wearing a mysterious black suit he believes is advanced alien technology. Peter and Ned rebuild their friendship while working as freelance reporters for the Daily Bugle, where they meet veteran editor Robbie Robertson and star reporter Eddie Brock, who is now dating MJ. Struggling with his feelings for MJ, Peter becomes increasingly jealous and frustrated. Meanwhile, New York falls into a massive gang war following Wilson Fisk's downfall, with Silvermane, Tombstone, and the mysterious Mister Negative fighting for control of the city. Peter becomes caught in the middle while volunteering at FEAST, unaware that its beloved leader, Martin Li, is secretly Mister Negative. He also meets Felicia Hardy, aka Black Cat, and begins a dangerous relationship that allows him to escape the responsibilities of being Peter Parker. As Peter's stress, anger, and jealousy grow, the black suit begins responding to his emotions and making him increasingly ruthless. After Peter nearly kills Scorpion during an attack on the Daily Bugle, Daredevil intervenes and warns him that something is wrong. During the final gang war, Peter is forced to choose whether to let Eddie die or save him. Despite his hatred and jealousy, Peter chooses to save Eddie and Ned, proving that his sense of responsibility is stronger than his darker impulses. Peter also rejects Felicia's offer to run away with her, realizing that she doesn't understand the responsibility he carries. After the gang war ends in an uneasy stalemate, Peter is left terrified by what he is becoming. At the Baxter Building, Reed Richards examines the black suit and reveals the truth: it isn't advanced technology, but a living biological organism—a parasite that has bonded with Peter. "It's alive."

Story added by stevenkelly on October 4, 2026