The Amazing Spider-Man #219 (1981)

“Peter Parker–Criminal!”

Rating: 4/5

Writer: Denny O’Neil
Artist: Luke McDonnell

Peter tries to do an exposé for the Daily Bugle about how weak the security at the prison on Ryker’s Island is. It’s more of a revolving door than a prison. So he breaks in to get pictures of criminals escaping (Jonas Harrow and Gargoyle being led by someone he doesn’t recognize), but gets caught by the guards in the process. They confiscate his camera and throw him behind bars with bail set at $50,000. Aunt May (with the help of her nursing home) bails him out. He changes into Spider-Man and goes back to the prison. Jonas Harrow and Gargoyle are leaving again and Spider-Man follows them to a pawn shop where a janitor sold Peter’s camera after he stole it. The camera contains evidence of the escape attempt and whatnot. After a battle, Spider-Man gets his hands on the film from the camera that will clear his name.