Look back Series: Ep 3, ASM #85 - And Now...The Secret of the Schemer

Episode 3 brings us to the first Kingpin story in my collection. Unfortunately for me it's the finale of a three part arc revolving around the conflict between the Kingpin and a new villain that was known as The Schemer.This issue has the actual reveal of The Schemer in the story and it's someone who late goes on to become a bigger threat to both  Spider-Man and The Kingpin during the later years.

This was an arc that was one of the final stories to be penned by Stan Lee, as his time as the writer was drawing to a close. Shortly to be succeeded by Roy Thomas whose first issue was Amaing Spider-Man #101.

Still I've actually only had this particular issue for around 3 years and yep, it's another E-bay pick up. For the age of the issue this is still in a fairly decent condition. a lower grade entry but very readable still. if fact I hadn't even read this issue until just a few short minutes ago. As I've previously said. that's the beauty of doing a series like this, it means I get to enjoy the issue's whilst composing my thoughts on them.Although I'll let you in on a little secret I do have every Issue of Amazing Spider-Man digitally up to issue #530, However this series is only regarding the hardcopy issue's I hold. I do read the digital version as not to compromise the integrity of the hardcopy version of the book. 

As for the Story arc itself it's am interesting tale, of deception and revelation. At some point during this issue every character is engaged in deceit, whether it be The Kingpin, Vanessa Fisk, The Schemer or even Peter Parker.

The issue picks up, with The Kingpin raging over the escape from his clutches by The Schemer who had managed to flee. The reason why the Kingpin is so perturbed is the perception that The Schemer had fled with Fisk's wife Vanessa. Who steps out of the shadows in an attempt to appease the crime lord,



Peter meanwhile is back at his and Harry's apartment studying when, captain George Stacy and Gwen show up as captain Stacy is intent on confronting Peter over the "co-incidences" which enable him to take Spider-Man's pictures in battles. Reasoning, that it's seems remarkable that Peter Parker should be the only photographer that finds himself in this unique position on a regular basis.

It is these aspects of early Spider-Man issue's that really bring home the complexities that Peter faces in maintaining a duel personality and the difficulties in keeping his identity secret. Ther have been none better in the entire history of the series than Stan Lee as writer who have managed to place Peter in a position where he's been consistently questioned about his connection to Spider-Man. Additionally few writers have been as equally adept at  displaying Peters quick thinking in adopting ways to throw said questioners of the scent as to their suspicions. 

In a previous issue this element of the book was illustrated by Peter, quickly constructing a Spider-Mannequin, in order to fool bugle reporter, Fred Foswell that his assumptions as to Spider-Man's identity were incorrect. In this issue however, the deception, is carried out in another manner 

 Using the topic of conversation to his advantage. Peter excuses himself, to his dark room undert he guise of having photo's to develop.

Captain Stacy, however clearly believes that his line of questioning has Peter hiding something, so informs the youngster that he and Gwen can wait till he's finished and they can continue their conversation.  

Once inside the dark room, Peter  puts his deception plan into action by changing into Spider-Man and entering the apartment through a window, pretending that Spider-Man is there to "Have words" with Parker of money that Peter owes him from their "photography deal" 

This wasn't the first time that, Peter used the old, Spider-Man and I have a financial arrangement, excuse as it was the same ploy used to throw Foswell of track previously. 


During this encounter Peter uses, the fear and distrust that the general public have of Spider-Man to play up the menacing role. in order to further distance Spider-Man from the Peter Parker persona.  

Gwen steps in to defend Peter, claiming that Peter wasn't even at the apartment and they themselves were about to leave. 

This plays very well into Peter's hands and uses the fortuitous, element of the encounter to also leave and track down The Schemer, as yet another well tried and tested ploy point of the "Lee era" plays out. That being the convenience of a situation working in Peter's favour to allow him the opportunity to get to work as Spidey, without raising any further suspicion.

 Meanwhile, back at the the Kingpin's apartment. Another person is also questioning how photo's of the previous issue's encounter have made their way into the Daily Bugle without, a photographer even being present, well not visably in any case. when the photo's display that a further deception had taken place, when a picture clearly shows Vanessa Fisk aiding the escape of The Schemer, leading to a further tirade from Fisk. 

Spider-Man, by this point had managed to track The Schemer back to his hideout and engages him in a battle, the culmination of which leads to the villain falling out of the warehouse and seemingly to his death. 

Spidey manages to save him and then proceeds to carry the Schemer to an address, where a reward is being offered for his capture.   

It's at this point that we discover yet another deception, and Spider-Man had in fact delivered the prone villain, not to the police as he thought but back into the clutches of the Kingpin. 

However the sting in the tale comes when, as Spider-Man is trapped beneath a magnetic steel net, The Kingpin attacks the Schemer. Demanding to know the connection between him and Vanessa, The Schemer reveals his identity to be that of Richard Fisk. the couple's son who was thought long dead by the couple. 

The shock places the Crime lord into an instant catatonic state, and during the confusion Spider-Man is able to make his escape through a nearby window, pondering if the Kingpin will be heard from again.

The ending for me seemed at little contrived and rushed and the ease in which Spidey was able to clib from under the net and escape felt a little cheap. granted I'd only read the finale so therefore had not been totally engaged through the arc. Nor did I feel any real shock over the reveal. I had only known of Richard Fisk as being "The Rose" so this was at least an interesting insight into the demons that drove him from the outset.     

 

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