The Amazing Spider-Man # 347 1991 VF/NM

The Amazing Spider-Man #347 (1991) is an iconic, milestone issue in Marvel Comics history titled "The Boneyard Hop!". Published in May 1991, this issue serves as the grand finale to a two-part storyline where Peter Parker faces off against Venom (Eddie Brock) in a brutal, isolated battle for survival.

Plot Synopsis

Following a previous ambush, Venom kidnaps Spider-Man and maroons him on a deserted, tropical island that was once the site of a 1940s mining operation. Eddie Brock's master plan is simple: cut the web-slinger off from all civilization, friends, and the Avengers so they can have one final showdown to the death with no interruptions.

Throughout the dense jungle and the abandoned island ruins, Spider-Man realizes he cannot overpower Venom through brute strength alone. Facing grim odds, Peter cooks up a clever psychological ploy. He uses the island's infrastructure to stage a massive explosion, leaving behind a burned mannequin dressed in a spare costume. Believing he has successfully killed his hated adversary, a satisfied Venom decides to remain on the island in peace, allowing Spider-Man to secretly escape back to New York and giving the ongoing symbiote saga a rare moment of definitive closure.

The Iconic Cover

The issue is heavily celebrated for its famous cover art by Erik Larsen and Randy Emberlin. It features a grinning Venom holding a skull wearing Spider-Man's mask while reciting a twisted version of Hamlet's famous speech ("Alas, poor Spider-Man!"). This cover has been homaged and parodied dozens of times across the comic industry over the last few decades.

Creative Team

• Writer: David Michelinie.
• Penciller: Erik Larsen (during his highly acclaimed run following Todd McFarlane).
• Inker: Randy Emberlin.
• Colorist: Bob Sharen