How Did Gwen Stacy Die?

Gwen Stacy’s death is perhaps ones one of the saddest and most notable deaths in comic book history. Once Peter Parker’s longtime girlfriend, her sudden and tragic death changed the course of Amazing Spider-Man and shocked readers. Even Stan Lee himself discusses this unexpected outcome in an interview with Kevin Smith. But how did Gwen Stacy die, and why is it significant?

The decision to kill off Gwen Stacy in the iconic comic story known as The Night Gwen Stacy Died involved a complex mix of creative opinions and editorial influence. According to insights from those directly involved, the conversation began with a suggestion to eliminate Aunt May. The minds behind this initial idea included writer Gerry Conway and inker John Romita Sr. However, they soon realized that removing Aunt May would fundamentally alter the narrative dynamic, as Peter Parker wouldn’t need to worry about her anymore, thus losing a significant source of his struggle and youthful role.

Switching gears, the creative team considered other impactful choices, namely whether to kill Mary Jane Watson or Gwen Stacy. Romita Sr. suggested Gwen as the more appropriate character to face this fate. Mary Jane, being a comedic character at the time, was not seen as central to the dramatic depth required.

Conway’s recollections add layers to this narrative, revealing some contradictions. By some accounts, it was Romita who initially put Aunt May on the chopping block, a decision Conway disagreed with, eventually influencing the ultimate decision to target Gwen. On other occasions, Conway recalled initially contemplating Gwen’s death after discussing Aunt May with editor Roy Thomas.

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, was consulted but reportedly distracted with other business at the time. He later expressed surprise and regret over Gwen’s demise, not fully realizing the agreement he had given. Romita’s version suggests that convincing Lee was a more extended process, and he remained upset afterward.

Conway later explained that Gwen and Peter’s relationship was considered “too perfect.” Taking it further, such as through marriage or revealing Peter’s secret identity, would diverge from Spider-Man’s core theme of personal turmoil. Killing Gwen was seen not only as an act to sever an inappropriate coupling but also as a means to reemphasize Spider-Man’s life-defining struggles with tragedy.

In The Comics

To find the answer how how Gwen died, we must turn to Amazing Spider-Man 121. The issue starts with Harry Osborn in a bed while at home, ill from drug abuse. Mary Jane and Gwen Stacy are both visiting him. Peter attempts to visit as well but Norman Osborn, Harry’s father, catches him outside Harry’s door and makes it clear that he is not welcome in his home. Peter thinks about Norman Osborn being the villain The Green Goblin but has amnesia preventing him from remembering. After leaving we see Norman on the phone and his company’s stock continues to decline another thirteen percent, which makes him angry with beads of sweat on his forehead.

Unfortunately Norman Osborn suddenly remembers that he is The Green Goblin and because he blames Peter for what happened to him and his son, he decides that Spider-Man must die. Gwen waits for Peter to come back to his apartment while we see The Green Goblin from outside the window approaching from his flying glider. Meanwhile Spider-Man is sick due to the cold climate while he was in Canada, and this is effecting his focus and balance while web-slinging. He goes to his apartment and sees that Osborn took his girlfriend. He uses his spider-sense to find The Green Goblin on the top of The George Washington Bridge in New York City. This is when we begin to find out how Gwen Stacy passed away.

Spider-Man approaches and The Green Goblin basically tells Spider-Man to kill himself or else his girlfriend bites the dust. Since Peter is sick and has a bad sense of balance, he decides to cut the fight short by grabbing his enemy with his web shooter and with all of his spider-strength he pulls him toward him and punches him with everything he has. Goblin falls toward the Hudson River but uses his remote-controlled flyer to recover. Spider-Man thinks his best bet is to pick up Gwen and run. She seems to be in a state of shock. The Goblin flies by and whacks her off the bridge toward the water. Spider-Man tries to use his web-shooter to catch her and manages to get her leg. Unfortunately, her suddenly stopping in mid air caused her head to swing back and her neck to snap, therefore killing her. This is how Gwen Stacy dies.

The Green Goblin returns on his glider and calls Spider-Man a romantic idiot. He explains that she was dead before his webbing reached her, and a fall from that height would have killed anyone before they struck the ground. Spider-Man holds his fist in the air while cradling Gwen Stacy’s body with his other hand. He says that he killed the woman that he loved, and for that he is going to die. So it is clear that the Green Goblin accomplished his goal in emotionally hurting Spider-Man.

Gwen Stacy’s death is historically significant in comic books because it was not often when recurring characters would die, and her death was sudden. She was significant because she was Peter Parker’s first true love, and the most influential relationship in his life. If you love Spider-Man comics you should try to collect this issue (Affiliate Link), however it’s very pricey due to its popularity.

The comic book community was taken aback by the death of Gwen Stacy. Her demise was unprecedented, as she was a significant character, the beloved partner of a major hero with a massive following. This event shattered the norm where superheroes rarely encountered such harsh failures outside of their origin stories. Many consider this storyline as a pivotal moment that signaled the transition from the optimistic Silver Age of Comics to the more somber and realistic Bronze Age.

In the aftermath, a pattern emerged wherein female characters associated with male superheroes often faced grim outcomes, a trend that came to be known as “The Gwen Stacy Syndrome.” This significant storyline left a lasting impact, as reflected by a fan poll that rated the issues depicting her death among the top tier of all-time greatest stories in comic book history.

The Comic Book Bridge Dilemma

The original issue of Amazing Spider-Man #121 presents an intriguing paradox for fans. The text in the comic identifies the scene as taking place on the George Washington Bridge. Yet, the artwork unmistakably depicts the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Allegedly, this contradiction was later addressed in reprints, amending the text to match the visuals and correctly identifying the Brooklyn Bridge as the setting. I say “allegedly” because I haven’t seen any versions of this story with the text corrected.

Several other titles such as The Amazing Spider-Man #147–148 and Daredevil v. 2 #8 have supported this correction, confirming the Brooklyn Bridge as the true location of Gwen’s tragic fall. In a 2004 television interview, Stan Lee admitted that the artist drew the Brooklyn Bridge, but an editorial oversight led to the initial mislabeling as the George Washington Bridge.

The storyline’s adaptations have taken creative liberties, depicting various bridges. In Ultimate Spider-Man #25 and the Spider-Man movie, Mary Jane Watson is thrown off the Queensboro Bridge. Meanwhile, in Spider-Man: The Animated Series, the event occurs on the George Washington Bridge. Each adaptation brings its unique interpretation, contributing to the rich tapestry of Spider-Man’s narrative across different media.

These variations in the depiction of the bridge highlight the flexibility and enduring impact of Gwen Stacy’s story, reflecting the creative decisions that continue to shape Spider-Man’s legacy.

On The Big Screen

The death of Gwen Stacy in the movie Amazing Spider-Man 2 was a moment that left many fans in tears. It was a pivotal moment that not only affected Peter Parker, but also the entire audience. The way it was portrayed on screen was heart-wrenching and left a lasting impact. However, for those who were familiar with the comic book version of Gwen’s death, there were noticeable differences between the two.

In the movie, her demise occurs during a battle between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin on a clock tower. In the midst of the confrontation, Gwen falls from the clock tower and is caught by Spider-Man’s webbing. As she is being pulled up to safety, the Green Goblin interferes, causing her to fall again. This time, Spider-Man is not able to save her in time and she hits the ground, resulting in her death.

The scene is shot in slow motion, adding to the emotional impact. The use of the whiplash effect as she hits the ground further emphasizes the brutal nature. This scene is a departure from the comic book version, where it occurs on a bridge and is caused by the Green Goblin’s attack.

In the comics, the Green Goblin throws Gwen off the George Washington Bridge. As she falls, Spider-Man tries to save her by catching her with his webbing. However, in a tragic twist of events, the sudden stop from the webbing snaps her neck, resulting in her death. This version is often cited as one of the most iconic and heart-wrenching moments in Spider-Man’s history.

One of the biggest differences between the movie and comic book versions of Gwen’s death is the involvement of the Green Goblin. In the movie, the Green Goblin is directly responsible for what happened, while in the comics, he indirectly causes it. This difference adds a layer of personal vendetta for Spider-Man in the movie, as he must now avenge the death of his love.

Another notable difference is the setting of the scene. In the movie, Gwen falls from a clock tower, while in the comics, she falls from a bridge. The clock tower setting adds a sense of urgency and danger, as the characters are fighting at a great height. It also adds to the emotional impact, as what happened to her is witnessed by many people on the ground.

Additionally, the use of the webbing in the movie differs from the comic book version. In the movie, Spider-Man is able to catch Gwen with his webbing, but is unable to save her from the Green Goblin’s interference. In the comics, the sudden stop from the webbing is what causes her demise. This difference may have been made to give Spider-Man a sense of hope in the movie, as he almost succeeds in saving Gwen.

Despite these differences, both versions are equally tragic and impactful. The movie’s version stays true to the essence of the comic book version while adding its own unique elements. It also adds a personal touch by having the Green Goblin directly responsible for what happened to her.

Gwen Stacy’s death in the movie Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a heart-wrenching and pivotal moment that differs from the comic book version in certain aspects. However, both versions leave a lasting impact on the audience and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that come with being a superhero.

On Television

Gwen Stacy’s tragic demise in the Spider-Man comics has been reimagined and referenced in various television series, each adding a unique twist to the legendary storyline.

Animated Series

• In Spider-Man: The Animated Series, a notable adaptation occurs when the Green Goblin attacks in season 3, episode 14 titled “Turning Point”. (This is the same title as in ASM 121 when Gwen Stacy died.) Instead of Gwen, it’s Mary Jane Watson who is hurled from a bridge from an explosion. In a dramatic twist, she vanishes through a portal, leading Spider-Man to believe she has drowned, mirroring the emotional turmoil of the original tale.
• The Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon also borrows elements from Gwen’s story. Key female allies of Spider-Man, such as White Tiger and Spider-Girl, become targets of the Green Goblin, presenting a fresh take on the iconic threat.

Live-Action Adaptations

• Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. takes inspiration from the story in its third season finale, where the dynamic between Daisy Johnson and Lincoln Campbell echoes the relationship of Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy. The promotional material even creatively nods to the famous comic book cover, heightening the suspense of the storyline.

Other References

• In an episode of a different series, Agatha All Along, the narrative alludes to Gwen Stacy’s fate. A character named Lilia Calderu sacrifices herself in a moment resembling Gwen’s tragic fall, showcasing the powerful legacy of this storyline across diverse story worlds.

These adaptations and references highlight how Gwen Stacy’s death transcends its original medium, influencing multiple series with its dramatic narrative and emotional depth.