Despair

• Writer - Peter David
• Penciler - Andrew Wildman
• Inker - Stephen Baskerville
• Lettering - Ken Lopez
• Colorist - Megan McDowell
• Separations - Malibu
• Editor - Joey Cavalieri
• Editor in Chief - Bobbie Chase

Summary

  Miguel O'Hara searches through the rubble that was the White House, and all he finds is Tyler Stone's nameplate. Back home, Tyler Stone makes his rounds through Alchemax, asserting his return. He includes a death sentence upon his son Kron. On his own rounds, Spider-Man spies some Thorites burning a Spiderite in effigy. Among them is the Vulture, who leaves when the Public Eye arrive. Spider-Man learns that the Spiderite was none other than Kenny, the one whom he first met after the accident that created him, the same one he was helpless to stop from his "leap of faith". He dies there knowing that his hero is no corporate stooge.

  The Net Prophet visits Father Jennifer, and learns that she misses him. Tyler Stone tells Miguel he will be taking over, and Miguel gladly complies. At Dana D'Angelo's funeral, Tyler is conspicuously absent as Gabriel leaves some powerful words about Dana which cut deep into Miguel. When Miguel speaks, he can't find any words, so he walks away. Coincidentally, Miguel meets Loreen, Kenny's wife, who unknowingly gives Miguel some much needed confirmation. He decides to keep his position at Alchemax, endeavoring to lead a more humanitarian corporation. When Tyler "reveals" his fatherhood, Miguel is nonplussed and dismisses his dad.