Released in 2019, Spider-Man: Life Story was a six issue comic mini-series that took place in an alternate timeline where Spider-Man actually aged since his first introduction in Amazing Fantasy #15 in 1962. The series was written by Chip Zdarsky and penciled by Mark Bagley, and this past August the duo added another addition to the Life Story timeline with Spider-Man: Life Story Annual #1.
It might not seem like it would make that much of a difference, but time manages to provide the web-slinger with a much different outlook on life due to a multitude of shocking events he endures - and the same can be said for the heroes and villains Spidey has come into contact with over the decades.
Beware of spoilers to Spider-Man: Life Story below.
Gwen Stacy Finds Out About Peter
Though Mary Jane Watson may be the woman Peter eventually married, it was Gwen Stacy who he first fell for. Gwen unfortunately died in issue #121 of The Amazing Spider-Man in 1973.
In this timeline however, she managed to find out about Peter's life as Spider-Man when he rushes to see off Flash Thompson as he heads to war. And with this newfound knowledge, we later found out in the second issue that the two had married, seemingly happily ever after.
Captain America In Vietnam
Ever since Captain America's appearance in Captain America Comics #1 in 1941, he has devoted his life to protect his country and all those who were beaten down by the bullies, no matter who they were. So it wasn't shocking to see him defend the innocent villagers in Vietnam during the war.
His heroic reveal at the very end of the first issue as he struck down an American soldiers before they could shoot an innocent woman, he proclaimed that they are in his protection. What makes this scene shocking however is his demand for the soldiers to make sure they tell Iron Man.
The Clone Reveal
Spider-Man's "Clone Saga" story arcs have divided fans, especially in the 1990s, with the many interwoven issues that related to the subject. Here with Gwen still alive and married to Peter, some fans thought there might be a chance that this event may have been overlooked in this timelines. But that wasn't the case.
During Harry Osbourne's fight with Spider-Man in Miles Warren's lab, it is discovered that Miles had created clones of Peter, Gwen, and Norman Osborn. And when Peter's clone is the only survivor, it is revealed that the woman who died in the lab was the real Gwen Stacy.
Harry's Death
When it was revealed that the "clone" of Peter Parker - Ben Parker - was the real Peter Parker, it sparked a rage that had yet to be seen in the wall-clawer. However, during the scuffle with the notorious Doctor Octopus, the villain tried to strike Peter and instead hits Harry Osborn who dove in the way to save his friend.
This outcome was very different than how Harry died in the Marvel continuity at the hands of the formula that once gave him his strength. But what stayed the same was in their death both versions of Harry still expressed their love for Peter.
Clone Switch
With the reveal that Ben was the real Peter all along, a shocking turn of events in this series saw the clone give up the life he had lived for years so that Ben could have his shot as the owner of Parker Industries. It is a heartfelt moment that one would think would be avoided, especially with how controversial the past Clone Sagas have been amongst fans.
A great decision however was the very end of Peter and Ben's encounter together, being the reveal of the Scarlet Spider-Man mask that Ben (the real Peter) brought out of his pocket. This is a great nod to the continuity of the comics, one that seemed Chip Zdarsky was trying to hide as best he could until the very end.
Death of Ben Parker
Unfortunately readers were not able to see both versions of "Peter" live out their happy lives for very long. In issue five of Life Story, right after we see Ben get the shot to live as the real Peter Parker, he is killed by the villain Morlun.
With Ben's death, it revealed to the world that Peter Parker is Spider-Man and forces Peter to come out of hiding and explain everything to the Daily Bugle. But, it also provided a small exciting flashback of Peter once wearing the Scarlet Spider-Man mask when he was helped victims during what can be assumed to be the events September 11th.
Stark Vs. Old Avengers
Throughout Life Story an interesting aspect has not only been the differences in Peter's life, but those around him. So issue six was incredibly exciting to see as many of the aged heroes like Luke Cage and Hawkeye square off against Captain Marvel, She-Hulk, and the rest of Tony Stark's forces.
Earlier in the series readers were able to see a large double-page spread of the exciting battle of the Secret Wars. But this shows a much more different set of heroes with great designs by Bagley.
Kraven-Venom
It should come to no surprise to anyone that the famous Spider-Man storyline, "Kraven's Last Hunt," made an appearance in this timeline. But, there were still enough changes made to it that provided enough unexpected moments to keep fans entertained. And one of them was the reveal of a symbiote-clad Venom.
After being absent for a few issues, Kraven returns when an older Peter and Miles Morales are in space dealing with a space station owned by a disappeared Tony Stark. The crazy twist here was that Kraven was only a skeleton with the symbiote using him as nothing more than a puppet.
Miles and Doctor Octavius
What Life Story did exceptionally well was leading the reader to believe that the reader to believe that certain storylines were going to cut out or forgotten. But the fantastic artist team here never skipped a beat and instead switched the script and provided surprises till the very end.
Instead of having Peter have his mind taken over by Doctor Octavius like in the infamous "Dying Wish" storyline that led into The Superior Spider-Man, it was Miles who had his conscious infiltrated. This led to an exciting fight between Spider-Men.
The End
Finally after an abundance of well plotted references and twists, Life Story comes to a end with Peter saving Otto and Miles while attempting to keep the space station alive long enough to activate its Doomsday Pulse that will shut down Doom's technology worldwide. But it comes at a great sacrifice and a little help from a very familiar symbiote.
It might not be a surprise to some that Peter was not given the chance to live out the rest of his life in peace. But there are still some who read these comics and liked to believe that these costume clad heroes at least get that much as a thank you.