Justin Hammer (Earth-1610)

Justin Hammer was a businessman from the American South, known for running Hammer Industries in New York City around the turn of the millennium. A rival of Norman Osborn and Osborn Industries, Hammer's organization was involved in several public financial exploits, as well as a secretive superhuman program led by scientist John Skrtic. Hammer was killed in 2002 by Doctor Octopus.

Biography

Justin Hammer's fate was ultimately decided by Otto Octavius, an Osborn Industries scientist who sold Osborn trade secrets to Hammer under the table. In the early 21st century, Octavius was put into a coma by an explosion caused by an Osborn experiment; when Octavius awoke, he was deranged and violent, and believed that the disaster was a sabotage from Hammer, who supposedly wanted to tie up loose ends. Octavius, now known as Doctor Octopus, began to target Hammer, making it his life's goal to enact revenge on his supposed enemy. Hammer was soon contacted by agents from S.H.I.E.L.D., who were interested in his alleged connection with Octavius. Hammer denied any association beyond simple acquaintance. Hammer was then responsible for inaugurating the new Big Apple Dome nuclear facility, which was promptly targeted by Doctor Octopus. Octopus targeted the facility's reactor while Hammer was evacuated. Spider-Man also showed up at the scene; he was there to fight Octopus and essentially save the day, but Hammer saw his presence as that of another troublemaker. In reports following the incident, Hammer made no bones about declaring Spider-Man a menace and speculating that he was partially responsible for the attack.

The sudden target of intense media focus, Hammer returned to his office to find Spider-Man waiting for him. Spider-Man scolded Hammer for demonizing him in the media, saying that he was merely there to help. Hammer then received video contact from Doctor Octopus at a Hammer Industries research facility; Octopus killed head scientist John Skrtic and insisted that Hammer meet him at the facility. Hammer took his limo there, where Octopus had gathered a large group of press in an effort to "expose" Hammer for having supposedly orchestrated the Osborn disaster. Hammer's driver tried to escape, but Octopus' mechanical arms grabbed the limo and slammed it, giving Hammer a heart attack and killing him.