Throwing My Hat Into the Ring

Well, in two weeks, Spider-Man will die.



This will be the look of the new Spidey, drawn by Sara Pichelli. However, will it be Peter Parker under the mask? It all depends on who you ask. Some say that it is the death of "Spider-Man", not Peter so there is no way he can die. Others believe that Peter will bite the dust. Me, I'm hoping that Peter lives and there are a few hints that Bendis has given that support this view.

- Gwen is said to be having a big year. Why would she still be in the book if Peter is dead?
-As I stated early, it's the death of "Spider-Man", not Peter. So Peter could technically "kill" Spider-Man but remain among the living.
- Captain America will have a big part in the book. This will be explained more later.
- The Zodiac Key was introduced and really hasn't played a big part in anything. What was the point of introducing it during the prelude to DoS and not do anything with it?
- Peter has yet to have trained with Thor. Why introduce the super hero schooling to only kill the character who is being taught?

So, what's going happen in Ultimate Spider-Man #160? Well, the cliffhanger in #159 was the Goblin leaping at Aunt May and a beaten down Peter.  So Pete, being as hurt as he is, tries to get himself and May out of the way but cannot, having May get burnt to a crisp and Peter, in a rage, beats Norman to death.  However, with his neighbors and possibly the paramedics and police watching, Peter must go on the run, possibly leaving New York for a bit.  Fury learns about what happened and, thanks to the Spider, has a way to make it look like Spider-Man has died and allow Peter to don a new suit, ala "Back in Black". Since Peter has nowhere to go, Captain America offers to be his guardian/mentor since he feels guilty for May's death. 

So to summarize my theory. Aunt May dies. Peter kills Norman. Spider dies. People think it's Spidey. Peter dons black costume. Cap "adopts" Peter.

More than likely, I'm way off. But that's the fun part about theories. You can be way off and it makes you think "why didn't I think of that?" and Bendis is a master of those situations. I cannot wait for Ultimate Spider-Man #160, whether it be for better or worse for Peter Parker.