[ EU ] Uncle Ben is never killed , and the lesson Peter Parker learns that night is that he can use his powers for personal gain and stick it to those who cross him . Because of this , Spider-Man becomes one of the most feared villains in the Marvel Universe .

**SPIDER-MAN: MENACE, OR MURDERER? ** 
 
 -- - 
 A J Jonah Jameson Editorial 
 
 It is hard to write this. Most papers talk of the Spider-Man only in respectful words. However. The Bugle stands proud, in the heart of New York. And we refuse to kowtow to a masked monster who robs banks. 
 
 When he first appeared, most in the media lauded the masked man as a hero. And why would n't we? He helped defeat The Kangaroo. 
 
 The Bugle stated its suspicions, but we were silenced. The young superhuman, possibly a mutant with connections to the Wolverine based on similar costume design, was a potential Avenger, and the UN Security Council exercised veto right over our publication of what could turn the boy into a villain. 
 
 Well. Guess what. He did. 
 
 A good part of Manhatten now lives under feudal rule. The police still patrol. Various superheroes still defend it. But, despite this, a web-slinging maniac assists villains get away with crimes, in exchange for a cut of the profits. 
 
 Why do we speak of this, now, 15 years after the villain's debut? 
 
 Because my own son, was brutally killed by the Spider-Man. Yes. The astronaut. 
 
 He was mutated into a wolf-man with some tech the Spider-Man had, and the battle was staged to look like a heroic fight. 
 
 My son's neck was snapped, and his body was hung over the Brooklyn Bridge, as a symbol to bring fear to the citizens of our once great city. 
 
 Well, guess what. Spider-Man. You ca n't stop the presses. You ca n't stop us fighting you, at every point. 
 
 You have power. But you are irresponsible. 
 
 I would n't stand a chance if you came for me, murderer. But funny thing is... You have a secret identity. You hide behind a mask. I can slander and accuse Spider-Man of everything the world over, and it would n't be illegal. 
 
 People of New York. Do n't trust the Spider-Man. 
 
 There is an initiative coming. It will help us defend against his predations. 
 
 Spider-Man. Come at me, bro, as the youth say. I am protected by the Spider-Slayers. You've taken everything you could possibly hold hostage. So fight me, here, in the Bugle offices, like a man. 
 
 This has been J Jonah Jameson. If I'm dead by the day this comes out, then I've been hit by the Spider-Man. 
 
 -- - 
 
 `` Parker, what are you doing? Oh, thanks for the coffee. Hey, while you're in here, take this message to Robbie, front page news tomorrow, thanks to your picture.'' 
 
 `` Yes, sir.'' 
 
 `` Good man. *slurp*'' 
 
 A frozen moment occurred. Mr Jameson looked at Peter Parker. 
 
 `` This coffee tastes of almonds.'' 
 
 `` It's probably just the instant, sir.'' 
 
 ``... Oh, god dammit. You're Sp-'' 
 
 *thud* 
 
 `` Help! Anybody! JJ's just fallen down!'' 
 
 Peter could n't help but grin as he pretend-panicked around the soon-to-be-deceased rabble-rouser. 
 
 Maybe he'd actually go on that date tonight with Betty Brant. She'd be pretty distraught at seeing her boss dead. Seemingly, of a stroke, an issue he had had building for a long time: the rare toxin in the coffee was barely detectable if you knew what you were looking for, and non-lethal over the short term, and was sometimes actually found in real coffee. Prolonged exposure would either cause superpowers or death, more likely death. It was one of the components of the Steve Rogers Super Serum, or so some said. 
 
 The Spider-Slayers entered the room, and Peter walked past them, acting as though he was in shock. 
 
 *You mess with the Spider who has experience in biochemistry, Johnny-boy, you get bitten by its fangs. *
