The Spectacular Spider-Man # 139 1988 VF/NM

The Spectacular Spider-Man #139, titled "Grave Memory," was published by Marvel Comics in June 1988. This issue is a significant "Copper Age" key because it reveals the origin of the villain Tombstone (Lonnie Lincoln). 

Plot Summary

The story focuses on the dark past of Daily Bugle editor Joe "Robbie" Robertson: 

• A Haunted Past: Robbie is revealed to have witnessed Tombstone commit a murder many years ago in Philadelphia but remained silent out of fear.
• The Confrontation: Now that Tombstone has surfaced in New York, a guilt-ridden Robbie decides to confront him at Battery Park to make amends for his silence.
• The Tragic Result: Robbie attempts to arrest Tombstone at gunpoint, but the villain easily overpowers him and breaks Robbie's back in an iconic and brutal panel.
• Spider-Man's Role: Peter Parker discovers a taped confession left by Robbie and rushes to his aid, only to find the editor-in-chief crippled and Tombstone long gone. 

Key Creative Team

• Writer: Gerry Conway
• Artist (Pencils/Inks/Cover): Sal Buscema
• Colorist: Bob Sharen 

Collectibility & Pricing

This issue is highly sought after as the first cover appearance of Tombstone and for its major impact on Robbie Robertson's character arc.