Warning: SPOILERS for Amazing Spider-Man #42
The Marvel Universe is full of powerful objects and artifacts. From the Infinity Stones to the Darkhold, Marvel lore is lush with items that can do just about anything. These objects have been wielded by heroes and villains alike, and while some have managed to make it to the big screen, there are many more that fans may have never heard of. And one of those artifacts has just returned in Amazing Spider-Man #42 - the Lifeline Tablet.
The Lifeline Tablet, engraved with a formula for a serum that grants health, youth, and godlike powers is deemed as an object too powerful for human use. This serum allows the user to reach the full evolutionary potential of their being, in addition to the rejuvenation and healing properties. However, while the healing powers are permanent -- the omnipotent powers are temporary. They are temporary because the humans who gain these powers cannot properly wield them. Because the object is too powerful for human use; but there is always a human that wants power.
After the last villain, Hammerhead tried to wield its powers and achieve divinity, Spider-Man and Doctor Strange banished the Lifeline Tablet to another dimension. The heroes thought the threat of the tablet was gone, but it has now returned to Earth in fragment pieces. A public record's keeper was able to decipher the location of the fragments and asked the villain turned "hero" Boomerang to protect them. Boomerang then asked Spider-Man to help him find them before Mayor Wilson Fisk. The Kingpin was actually the first villain to go after the tablet long ago before it fell into the hands of the mob boss Silvermane. He wanted to use its powers to turn back the clock and make him young again, however it worked a little too well. The tablet's powers did not go well for the mob boss because, again, it is too powerful for humans to use.
The dynamic duo was making good progress until they came face to face with Gog, a classic Spider-Man villain who hasn't been seen in years, ever since he too was banished to another dimension - much like the Lifeline tablet. See the connection? ASM #42 then goes on to give a truly sad and tragic backstory that will definitely pull on your heartstrings. This tragic tale not only explains the tale of Gog, but also his connection to the Lifeline Tablet and how they both managed to make it back to Earth-616.
With Gog's purpose of protecting the tablet, his current fight with Spidey and Boom-y (Hey, his fans are called Boomers) may be a misunderstanding. Is there a team-up in the future? We will find out in Amazing Spider-Man #43!
Amazing Spider-Man #42 is available now from Marvel Comics.