Not many things can actually put a stop to Spider-Man, but when Peter Parker had a price put in his head, acting in his famous suit meant he might get killed. A lesser hero may have decided it was time to lay low, at least until he could prove his innocence. But not Spider-Man.
The superhero is, after all, founded on the principles of responsibility. Regardless of which Spider-Man villains awaited him when he left his apartment window, Peter Parker could never stop being a hero. But if he couldn't thwip through the skyline, what could he do? The answer, apparently, was to assume not one, but FOUR new costumed identities.
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The story arc "Identity Crisis" pits Spider-Man against the bounty placed on his head by Norman Osborn, after he was framed for the murder of a criminal named Joey Z. Osborn was the one truly responsible for the murder, but when the public was convinced Spider-Man was behind the crime, Peter knew he would have to clear his name himself. In order to do it, he assumes four vigilante personas were based around specific strengths and traits.
Two of the identities, the Hornet and Prodigy, he played as heroes. The Hornet persona represented Peter's love of science and gadgets, also allowing him to use his Spider-wit and wise-cracking when fighting criminals -- and he could fly! Hornet was based off a jet pack he got from the electronics wizard/inventor ex-criminal Prowler a.k.a. Hobie Brown. But wise-cracking would end up being Spidey's downfall when fighting the Vulture. As the Hornet, Peter reverted back to his snarky ways too completely, causing the Vulture to recognize being called "Vulchy" by the hero -- and blowing Spider-Man's cover as a result.
Prodigy let Peter play 'Superman,' the classic brand of hero he knew from the comics he read growing up. This identity was based on Peter's high moral compass that was at the center of Spider-Man. Straight laced and square jawed, this hero had no flaws, and he was a complete square. The other two identities, Ricochet and Dusk, Peter played as criminals. Ricochet embodied the exuberant approach to the seriousness of his line of work, utilizing Peter's acrobatic skills, letting him literally bounce around his foes. He paired the costume with discs that he could throw and ricochet off objects and people. Finally, the alien-acquired Dusk suit allowed Peter to portray the secretive, stealthy, and undetectable side of Spidey.
In the end, of course, Spider-Man was able to return to the role he was born to play. Still, it's a nice reminder that no hero becomes their most iconic version instantly, or without trial and error. Want to learn more? Pick up a copy of "Identity Crisis" from Marvel Comics now!