Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 5 No. 24: On the couch with Mysterio

Stillanerd’s Nerdy Nitpicks (are there spoilers, or aren’t there?)

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• In case you’re wondering what the structure is that Spidey and MJ have slung their web-hammock across, it’s simply known as The Vessel. It’s also a very recent addition to Manhattan’s Hudson Yard Public Square, so recent that “Vessel” is only a temporary working title.  Of course, my question is why Spidey tried to save it from potential destruction? Some New Yorkers might think he’d be doing the city a favor if he let it collapse.
• You know, considering the times people have seen Spider-Man and MJ together, like that security guard did, and how MJ’s still a celebrity, it’s a wonder no one’s made the connection between Peter and Spidey yet. That or, seeing as how Peter’s also a well-known figure thanks his stint at Parker Industries, wouldn’t they think MJ’s dating two different men at the same time?
• Hmm…who’s “Dr. Winhorst and why is he missing? Why do I get the feeling, given how he was Mysterio’s former state-appointed psychiatrist, that this might be a possible clue towards the centipede-controlling bandage guy’s true identity? If so, then what’s his connection to Spider-Man, especially as we’ve never heard of this guy until now?
• What’s the first sign that Mysterio’s therapy session is, indeed, just a dream? Mysterio is still in full costume. Wouldn’t he still be wearing his prison orange? Then again, he also wore his costume during his court hearing. Maybe Beck’s therapist thought he’d be more comfortable wearing his super villain gear?
• In case you’re wondering, the story in which Mysterio made himself look like a giant is the classic two-part “Madness of Mysterio!” (Amazing Spider-Man No. 66) and “To Squash a Spider!” (Amazing Spider-Man No. 67). The story where he made J. Jonah Jameson believe Spider-Man was literally the Devil comes from “As Dreams Are Made On.” (Webspinners: Tales of Spider-Man No. 1-3). 
• Oh yeah, I’d forgotten Mysterio developed cancer before he committed suicide. Come to think of it, there’s a lot of Spider-Man’s villains who seem to develop cancer, such as The Vulture, Venom, Doctor Octopus, just to name a few.
• It’s interesting how the psychiatrist states what used to be the official (and simplest) explanation for how Mysterio came back to life after “Guardian Devil” back when Dan Slott wrote Amazing Spider-Man. He’s Mysterio; he’s faked his death before, no reason he can’t do it again. Now, however, Mysterio is absolutely convinced (or has been made to believe) he really did die in “Guardian Devil.” Just goes to show a lot can change in the past decade and between creative teams.
• Sheesh, this psychiatrist is really insistent on having Mysterio reveal his “tormentors” real name, isn’t he? He’s definitely a Jungian.
• Normally, I’d be a bit perturbed that, after working so hard to hide his face, the psychiatrist turns out to be just an ordinary psychiatrist. That being said, him seeing that Mysterio was actually telling the truth and still tries to explain it away with an, “Clearly psychiatry is an imperfect science” was hysterical.
• Really, comic? You’re killing off Mysterio? Again? And right on the heels of killing off Kraven the Hunter again, as well? Why do you hate Spider-Man’s top-tier villains so much?
• Kindred, huh? Because this guy sees himself and Spider-Man as kindred spirits, perhaps? Well, as names for bad guys go, it’s got points for originality. Though, it’s kind of weird we spend a whole issue building suspense around revealing a super villain name, don’t you think?
• Oh yes, there’s also a one-page back-up issue that’s apparently a precursor to the upcoming Absolute Carnage. It’s also “Part 4,” which means I’ve now have to track down the previous three parts in different books. Thanks a lot, Marvel!

Let’s hear some of your own thoughts about Amazing Spider-Man No. 24? What do you think of Kindred as the name for our mysterious, possibly demonic villain? Is he a demon? Could he, in fact, be a she? Why is he so interested in Spider-Man? Is Mysterio really dead? And with the premonitions of her own demise, are we looking at Peter and MJ’s relationship being doomed once again?