Web of Spider-Man # 33 1987 VF/NM

Web of Spider-Man #33, published by Marvel Comics in December 1987, launches the three-part psychological thriller "Life in the Mad Dog Ward". Written by Ann Nocenti with pencils by Cindy Martin, the issue is famous for its haunting cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz.

Plot Summary: "What’s the Matter with Mommy?"

The story explores the dark side of the Kingpin's empire, focusing on a private mental institution used to "disappear" inconvenient people.

• The Conspiracy: Frank Gibbs, an underworld figure, has his wife Vicky committed to the Mad Dog Ward to keep her from exposing his criminal dealings to the authorities.
• Spider-Man Intervenes: Peter Parker encounters the Gibbs children desperately chasing an ambulance carrying their mother. Deciding to investigate, Spider-Man tracks the family to the asylum's rooftop.
• The Cliffhanger: During a chaotic struggle, a guard drops one of the Gibbs children from the roof. Spider-Man dives to save her but is shot twice in the chest. He collapses, leaving his fate—and the children's—uncertain as the story continues in The Amazing Spider-Man #295.