Ace Spencer grew up in poverty in the slums of New York. His mother was forced to become bedridden while Ace was a teenager, and Ace raised his brother and sister on his own. At some point, Ace joined a gang called the Reapers, and later became their leader.

Ace soon found out that he was mutant and quit the gang. Ace found work as a freelance security guard. Later, Ace witnessed a gang shooting by his brother, who had since joined the Reapers. Ace was sought by the New York police and Spider-Man. Spider-Man ultimately confronted and battled Ace, finally convincing Ace of his responsibility to help others, beginning with turning in his brother.