Spider-Man Universe #2
In "The Time Before," John Romita Jr.'s dynamic art brings to life a tense clash between Hulk and Spider-Man amidst the rusted rails of a train yard, all while Peter Parker grapples with the devastating news that Mary Jane has died in a plane crash. Writer Howard Mackie crafts a poignant moment where Spidey’s anguish resonates with Hulk, whose own loss mirrors Peter’s pain, leading to an unexpected alliance to save a train hurtling toward disaster. The story closes on a quiet note of relief as Peter learns Mary Jane is alive—thanks to John Byrne’s evocative cover, which captures the weight of the moment.
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Hulk and Spider-Man clash in and around the train yards while all the time Spidey is caught up in the news that Mary Jane is dead in a plane crash. When Spidey voices his concerns during the battle it rings true to Hulk, whose own wife is passed. The battle ends and the two work together to repair the tracks in time to save a train headed in their direction. The story ends with Peter receiving word that Mary Jane is alive.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).