The murder of Peter Parker’s Uncle was a
pivotal moment for the young teenager as he
vowed to make sure no harm would ever come
about to another innocent, while also overcoming
a great obstacle of not succumbing to taking
a life himself, as he refused to kill Ben’s
murderer as a means of revenge.
Although Ben’s mentorship and eventual death
helped shape Peter Parker to become the superhero
New York desperately needed, it did still
emotionally affect him as Peter deeply wished
he could see his uncle once more and show
him all the good he had done as Spider-Man.
And his wish did eventually come true, as
there was a time where he did get a chance
to do just that, in the 500th issue of the
Amazing Spider-Man comic series.
This comic issue continues Spider-Man’s
journey of traveling through time as he was
helping Doctor Strange prevent the extra-dimensional
energy being known as Dormammu from ever obtaining
his power, and thus prevent all the destruction
he caused with it.
After a successful mission of helping save
the world once again, Peter was given a gift
by Doctor Strange as a present for his birthday.
As he made his way back to his apartment in
New York City, Peter celebrated his birthday
with his family and friends.
Once the party was over, Peter decided to
finally open the gift Doctor Strange had given
him.
Reaching the top of the roof of his apartment,
he opened the present to find a note that
told him he had 5 minutes to enjoy its gift.
Upon reading the note, Peter heard a familiar
voice call out his name from behind.
He turned around to find Uncle Ben standing
there in the flesh.
Once the shock of seeing his loved one back
from the dead had settled, Peter began to
ask for forgiveness, apologizing that he wasn’t
there when Ben needed him most and that he
failed to prevent his murder.
Ben dismissed the apology, stating that Peter
had nothing to be sorry for and that they
all make mistakes.
Actually, Ben explained that he would only
be disappointed in his nephew if he stopped
reaching for his dreams and began to settle
for less than what he could truly achieve.
That he’d let fear prevent him from doing
what he believed in.
Peter reassured his Uncle that he hadn’t
done that, that he’d been striving to do
his best in what he believed in ever since
his passing, to which Ben was more than happy
to hear.
Peter than tried to tell Ben about all the
powers he had gain since he passed, which
have allowed him to achieve all the good he
has done.
But before Peter could finish, Ben asked him
a serious and deep question.
That despite all the good his nephew claims
to have done with his new abilities, was he
happy?
That despite all the pain he may have gone
through and all the people he has lost, was
he happy with his life?
Upon being asked that question, Peter remembered
all the hardships he’d gone through, all
the people he has lost ever since taken on
the role of Spider-Man.
But despite all the pain he had gone through,
Peter admitted that yes, he was indeed happy.
That he has a good life, and that he never
truly realized how lucky he was to be living
the life he is.
Beyond joyed to have heard that, Ben proclaimed
that was all he ever wanted for Peter.
They then hugged, both admitting how much
they’ve missed each other and their love
for one another.
Finally as the 5 minutes were coming to a
close, Ben began to disappear, saying his
final goodbyes and asking Peter to continue
protecting May.
Peter swore on it that he’ll always protect
her.
Ben’s final words were “I know”, before
fully vanishing.
As he made his way back into his apartment
building, Peter was full of life again as
he realized just how fulfilled and happy he
was.
Something he likely hadn’t felt in a long
time since he took on the heavy burden on
being Spider-Man.
