THE SINS OF THE FATHER
Chapter IX

This episode, aptly titled Tombstone, brings Spider-Man into the heart of the Daily Bugle’s moral centre, as Robbie Robertson’s past collides with his present. The episode reveals Robbie not merely as editor, but as a man scarred by history, forced to face the spectre of his childhood friend turned criminal.

Tombstone, once Lonnie Lincoln, embodies the cost of choices made in youth — a life twisted by crime, chemicals, and vengeance. His return threatens not only Robbie’s family but the integrity of the Bugle itself, dragging Spider-Man into a battle where loyalty and betrayal are inseparable.

This conflict, however, is deeply personal. Robbie must confront his son’s entanglement with the Bandana Gang, while Spider-Man fights to protect both Robbie and Randy from Tombstone’s grip. It is a struggle fought not only with fists and webs, but with truth, courage, and the human heart.

Tombstone is not simply a villain’s tale, but Robbie Robertson’s crucible — a reminder that the Bugle’s conscience is forged in trials, and that even in the shadow of crime, family and integrity endure.

Alisa Silvermane hires Tombstone to destroy incriminating photos linking her to her father’s crimes. Meanwhile, Spider-Man stops the Bandana Gang during a carjacking, only to discover one of them is Randy Robertson, son of his friend Robbie.

Tombstone invades Peter’s home searching for the photos, terrifying Aunt May before escaping. Spider-Man pursues him across the Brooklyn Bridge, but is hurled into the water. Realising Robbie holds the only other copies, Peter warns him — and reveals Randy’s involvement with the gang.

Robbie confronts his son after catching him with a revolver, and soon receives a call from Tombstone. At their meeting, Robbie recognises his old childhood friend Lonnie Lincoln, presumed dead after falling into chemicals years earlier. Tombstone demands the Silvermane story be buried; when Robbie refuses, Spider-Man intervenes, saving him as the building collapses.

Randy, drawn deeper into the gang, is revealed as Tombstone’s pawn. Robbie is lured to the Spaulding Chemical Plant, while Madame Web warns Spider-Man that some battles must be fought with the human heart. At the plant, Tombstone threatens to hand Randy to the police unless Robbie kills the story — but Robbie reveals it has already been published.

Spider-Man reaches Randy first, convincing him he has been set up. Robbie sounds the alarm, and Spider-Man defeats Tombstone, leaving him webbed for the police. In the aftermath, Robbie and his family begin to heal, facing their troubles together.

Alfonso Ribiero, famously known as Carlton on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, voices Randy Robertson, as well as a younger version of his father Robbie.

Madame Web reminds Spider-Man that he’s fought Tombstone twice before, in Tablet of Time and Ravages of Time.

This episode features one of the few appearances of a normal average firearm in the series, rather than a laser.

Thwip Quip: “I didn’t say I was finished with you rockhead!” And on the interfering Madame Web: “I don’t know why this strange mystic decided to be my adviser but I really wish she’d just leave me alone and get her own talk show.”

ROBBIE ROBERTSON: THE BUGLE’S HEART

First appearing in Amazing Spider-Man #51 – the same issue that introduced the Kingpin – Robbie Robertson is the quiet strength at the heart of the Daily Bugle. Where J. Jonah Jameson blusters and rages, Robbie steadies the ship. He is the voice of reason in a newsroom often consumed by hysteria, the man who tempers Jameson’s vendettas with integrity and compassion. In a paper that thrives on sensational headlines, Robbie insists on truth, balance, and humanity.

As city editor, Robbie is more than a manager of stories — he is a guardian of values. He nurtures young reporters, protects them from Jameson’s excesses, and ensures that the Bugle remains a place where journalism serves the public rather than personal grudges. His relationship with Peter Parker exemplifies this: Robbie recognises Peter’s talent and courage, offering him guidance and respect when others dismiss him. In doing so, he becomes a surrogate mentor, a figure of stability in Peter’s chaotic life.

Robbie’s strength lies not in volume but in conviction. He is a man who has faced prejudice and corruption, yet refuses to compromise his principles. His history with villains like Tombstone reveals his resilience — a reminder that he has fought battles both personal and professional, and emerged with dignity intact.

In the mythos of Spider-Man, Robbie Robertson is the conscience of the Bugle. He embodies the idea that truth matters, that compassion belongs in journalism, and that amidst the noise of Jameson’s crusades, there must be a heart that beats steady and true. Without Robbie, the Bugle would be a hollow machine; with him, it remains a newsroom with soul.

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