The Spectacular Spider-Man # 190 1992 VF/NM

The Spectacular Spider-Man #190 (1992) is a highly acclaimed standalone comic book issue published by Marvel Comics with a cover date of July 1992. Titled "The Horns of a Dilemma!", this issue bridges the gap between major story arcs by focusing heavily on psychological character studies of two specific figures: Harry Osborn and the Rhino.

Plot Synopsis

The story picks up in the chaotic aftermath of Harry Osborn’s latest breakdown. Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Ashley Kafka attempts to initiate intensive therapy sessions with an imprisoned Harry mycomicshop.com. During a tense breakdown, Harry turns violent, forcing the authorities to transfer him to the Vault—a maximum-security prison designed specifically for superhumans.

Even locked away behind bars, the Green Goblin’s psychological warfare continues mycomicshop.com. Harry uses his immense wealth and resources to secretly hire the Rhino (Aleksei Sytsevich) to track down and brutally harass Peter Parker mycomicshop.com.

When the Rhino ambushes Peter, an intense street battle erupts mycomicshop.com. Rather than rendering him as a mindless thug, writer J.M. DeMatteis injects deep complexity into the Rhino's character backstory spiderfan.org. For the first time, readers learn that Aleksei is acting out of desperation following the fall of communism in Russia, hoping to scrape together enough cash to legally bring his family over to the United States to start a crime-free life spiderfan.org.

The issue also features supporting character appearances by Liz Osborn, Normie Osborn, and the Molten Man

Creative Team

• Writer: J.M. DeMatteis, celebrated for adding psychological depth and tragic weight to Spider-Man's rogues' gallery
• Artist (Pencils/Inks): Sal Buscema, whose iconic, expressive work defines the '90s era of the title
• Colorist: Bob Sharen