Failing to kill the Beyonder (PPSSM #111, ’86), Thomas Firehart returns to New Mexico where his uncle tells him he was fated to fail. In a distant galaxy, an alien armada attacks the Beyonder. He destroys them, their home planets, and anyone who ever heard of them. Realizing the higher beings constantly observe him, he resolves to eliminate them too. He begins with Mephisto who challenges him to a contest. If Mephisto can fi eld a champion worthy of life, the Beyonder will not destroy his realm. Beyonder gives him Spider-Man, while taking Zarathos, who must get Spidey to renounce his responsibility. While investigating a stolen car ring, Spidey overhears a plot to kill Kingpin and plans to rescue him but Zarathos intervenes with images of the Green Goblin, Peter’s parents, George & Gwen Stacy, and Uncle Ben attempting to persuade him to give in. Ill, with boils covering his face, Spidey still shakes Zarathos’ influence off and prevents Kingpin’s assassination, thus winning Mephisto’s wager.