Marvel's *The Amazing Spider-Man* Vol. 7, Issue #35 has set up what could become the first definitive death of Aunt May in the main comics continuity, a character Marvel has long resisted killing off permanently despite numerous close calls. The moment, written by Joe Kelly, arrives as Peter Parker is being reprimanded by a Department of Damage Control agent over his handling of an out-of-control Ghost-Spider, only for the confrontation to be interrupted by news that May has suffered a stroke.

Aunt May has survived several apparent deaths in the comics before, most notably a supposed demise in Issue #400 that was later revealed to be a genetically altered impostor, an event that also triggered the controversial "One More Day" storyline. This latest development follows on from an earlier emotional scene in Issue #9 between Peter and May, and appears to be building towards a significant milestone: the series' 1,000th issue, due for release on 30 September. Issue #35 is available now.