The Spectacular Spider-Man #182 (1991)

“The Child Within, Part Five: Reckonings”

Rating: 5/5

Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Artist: Sal Buscema

Spider-Man, Vermin, and Harry all have to deal with their childhood traumas. Vermin was molested by his father. Peter’s parents died and he took the guilt on himself. Harry’s father didn’t love him and was a murderer. Vermin takes his mom and dad hostage, wanting to kill his dad, but he can’t pull the trigger. Spider-Man gets help from Dr. Kafka (now with mask on) and frees himself from the burden of guilt he’s put upon himself. In her office, they find out where Vermin is and Spider-Man swings off to him. They fight and eventually get onto the roof. Green Goblin shows up and knocks Vermin out, telling him Spider-Man is his.