Ultimate Spider-Man: Popular
Issue: #68
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Mark Bagley
Inker: Scott Hanna
Colors: J.D. Smith

At the Baxter Building, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm are having a meal. Johnny's sister Susan is telling him that he needs to finish high school and get his diploma. Johnny points out that Sue didn't finish high school; she counters by telling him she has four doctorate degrees. Johnny refuses to finish high school. He points out that all four of them are going to be superheroes and he'll be rich, not to mention surrounded by hot girls. Sue says that being a superhero might be a cycle; they could be popular one minute, and then be old news the next. Johnny needs the education so he doesn't end up as a has-been. Sue says she and Reed Richards can home-school Johnny if he wants, which gets a negative reaction from both Reed and Johnny. Johnny finally gives in, but decides he wants to go to an out-of-the-way place like, maybe, Queens.

At Midtown High School, Kong has just tripped Peter in the hall. As Peter confronts Kong, the kids in the crowd around them start chanting "Fight, fight!" Peter and Kong conspicuously don't start fighting. In the midst of all this, Liz Allen notices a new boy opening his locker and decides she's in love. A teacher breaks up the crowd in the hall. After a verbal exchange with Flash Thompson, Liz calls Mary Jane Watson aside and asks her to tell the new boy that Liz likes him and wants to meet. MJ initially turns her down, but after some persuasion, MJ agrees.

Johnny is sitting in the cafeteria grumbling about the food. He decides to improve it by heating it up with his powers. His phone rings; it's Reed, who tells Johnny that his watch is a monitor, and that he can't use his powers in front of the other kids. At this moment, MJ approaches him and Johnny hangs up the phone. After some awkward attempts at conversation, MJ admits that Liz sent her over to ask Johnny to meet them after school. Johnny accepts, and we see him start to talk to Liz later in the parking lot outside. Peter and MJ stand off to one side, planning a fancy date at an expensive restaurant. Finally Liz walks over and says that everyone is getting together at Rockaway Beach on Friday night.

On Friday evening, everyone sits around a bonfire. Liz and students from another school discuss the Green Goblin attack on Midtown. Johnny asks if they saw Spider-Man during the attack. Spider-Man is one of Johnny's heroes. As Johnny is talking, Liz notices that his arm is on fire. The flames spread until Johnny is completely engulfed.


Submitted By: Seldes Katne