Web of Spider-Man #42

Published in August 1988, Web of Spider-Man #42 arrived during a transitional period for the Spider-Man titles as the character moved toward more grounded, street-level narratives. This specific issue features a standalone story by Gerry Conway, who returned to the character he had famously written in the mid-1970s. The narrative reflects the darker, grittier tone that was becoming increasingly prevalent in late 1980s Marvel comics, shifting away from cosmic threats toward the complexities of Peter Parker's personal life.

The cover art and interior illustrations were handled by Alex Saviuk, an artist whose clean, classic style defined the look of the Web of Spider-Man title for several years. Saviuk aimed for a consistent, recognizable aesthetic that maintained continuity with the broader Spider-Man mythos of the era. The issue was received as a solid, reliable entry in the ongoing series, appreciated by readers for its focus on character development and the steady, professional draftsmanship that became a hallmark of Saviuk’s long tenure on the book.