10 Times Marvel Was Forced To Change Spider-Man
3. The 9/11 Issue
In 2001, J. Michael Straczynski and John Romita Jr. were putting together a very emotional story where Aunt May finally discovered her nephew and Spider-Man were one and the same. May learned the truth in Amazing Spider-Man #35 after she found Peter unconscious in his room, wearing his costume. The following issue was supposed to pick up straight after, with May ringing Peter, telling him the two need to have a serious discussion.
While the creative team were writing this story, 9/11 happened. Even though Straczynski and Romita Jr. were in the middle of a major story arc, they felt it would be insensitive not to acknowledge the tragedy that brought the nation, and the rest of the world, to a standstill.
As a result, Amazing Spider-Man #36 focused entirely on how the superheroes of Earth reacted to the attack on the Twin Towers. Throughout the issue, we see many heroes, including Spider-Man, helping relief workers and firefighters at Ground Zero. Even though the story could've felt rushed or forced if it was mishandled, Amazing Spider-Man #36 was met with a lot of positivity from readers, who felt it was suitably thought-provoking and moving.