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| Guy Ricketts |
 Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:39 am |
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issue 534
"They've got no business even touching that thing. Nobody does. Nobody but him".
-- Spider-Man (referring to hoodlums trying to take Captain America's shield.
Good issue and excellent Civil War tie-in.
We really see Peter thinking and re-thinking his position regarding the Registration Act. He's also concerned that Tony most likely is using sensors inside the 'Iron-Spidey' costume to learn about his physiology, evidenced by Tony's knowledge of Peter's 'spidey-sense' - tho Peter never told Tony about it.
Highlight of the issue is the confrontation between Spidey and Captain America. Cap offers Spidey one more chance to switch sides. Unfortunately Peter rejects the offer and he and Cap spar a bit, until Cap is called away by an emergency. Cap has to leave his shield since Spidey webbed it to a wall. Some hoodlums try to take it but Peter scares them away. He relocates the shield with his webbing to a location where only Cap can get it. Peter hopes this sends a message to Cap: the shield represents the country, and the laws of the country decide who is right. And this isn't about moral and immoral, it's about legal and illegal.
Civil War is really quite an interesting series and this title is the best tie-in of those titles I read. I imagine when Cap and Iron Man's titles join the tie-ins they may be better. We shall see. |
Last edited by Guy Ricketts on Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:03 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 7:18 pm |
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issue 535
"Take off the helmet. And tell me that again when I can see your face".
-- Peter Parker (to Tony Stark)
About time a new issue came out!
This issue of Amazing Spider-Man should come as a relief to many fans who have been disappointed with Spidey's actions thus far in Civil War. As the issue's cover suggests, Peter finds himself at odds with Tony Stark's rigidly unwavering policy on the incarceration of any superheroes who refuse to obey the superhuman registration act, and even though it's hardly an unexpected development, he eventually realises that he may have picked the wrong side. A tour of the Negative Zone prison which houses the rebel heroes fleshes out the establishment which was first seen over in Civil War: Front Line in some detail, showing how Iron Man's policies have desensitised him to the suffering which has been caused by the law, and it's interesting to see just how far Stark has fallen since his early opposition to such an act. Contrary to his initial attempts to halt the act's progress, Stark is now judge, jury and jailer for any and all heroes who won't register under the new law, and the issues' opening pages add a new wrinkle to the conflict with a suggestion that both he and Reed Richards stand to profit from their Civil-War-related government contracts.
So far, the pro-registration side is portrayed as close-minded, perhaps even evil, the anti-registration side are downtrodden and have had their civil rights trampled on, and Spidey is caught between his intellectual belief in supporting the law and his gut feeling that what he's doing is wrong. Writer Stracynski makes some attempt to explore the reasoning behind Reed Richards' choice to support registration via a story about the hero's left-wing uncle who chose not to co-operate with the McCarthy-era senate hearings. JMS' story may provide an interesting parallel to the Civil War event, but its placement in the story is a little odd. Would an intelligent man like Reed really cite the incredibly moronic McCarthy witch-hunts as evidence of why it's always a good idea to fully co-operate with the government? Would he really think that his uncle's death, brought on by constant hounding during anti-communist fever, was of his own making and that he had only himself to blame? It's another example of Civil War finding it necessary to radically alter established characters to make them fit the story it wants to tell, but whereas Mark Millar has done this out of a necessity to create two plausible factions in the main Civil War title, JMS really didn't need to try and force another iffy character moment in to make the story stronger.
The issue's final few pages should have Spider-Man fans cheering in the aisles (it did to me!), as while we've all known it was coming, it's nice to see it finally happen. Whether the aftermath of the cliffhanger will be explored in Civil War itself or the next issue of this title remains to be seen, but it opens Spidey's role in the event right up, and again puts him at the center of events. It's obvious Stark has implanted devices to gauge and keep tabs on Peter, as he knows right where he is at this issue's climax. As I've said before, Stark must have some shutoff device built in to the "Iron Spidey" outfit, and hopefully Spidey took the precaution of wearing his original Spider-Man outfit underneath. Or better yet, as Peter is rather mechanically gifted, he found and took out those shutoff devices. We'll see. |
Last edited by Guy Ricketts on Fri Jan 26, 2007 8:51 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 7:19 pm |
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issue 536
Delays, delays, delays. They can be quite aggrivating.
But then an issue comes out, especially one as good as this one, and all is forgiven. Well, almost all.
The highly anticipated falling out between Spidey and Iron Man finally happens. As I expected, Tony did indeed inplant a shutdown device in Spidey's armor. As I did not expect, Peter put in his own contingency for Tony's contingency. I cheered as I saw that, underestimating the sometimes naive, over-trusting Peter Parker, just as paranoid master-planner Tony Stark did.
Just as good as Spidey vs Iron man was, we have terrific interaction between Peter, mary Jane and Aunt May. These three are on the lam, choosing to support peter and face this together, rather than let Peter go it alone. Terrific.
And the return to Spidey's classic threads. Of course he can't trust his red and gold outfit anymore (can you say "homing device"?), and besides, going back to his original design helps clarify his new standing. Especially when Spidey bravely interrupts a newscast to speak to the public again, this time to explain his stance against the ridiculous Registration Act. And even though Tony wears his helmet, you can see him stewing inside his armor. His words, which close out this issue says it all: "You heard him", Stark says. "Bring him in".
Hey, Tony: Easier said than done, my friend. |
Last edited by Guy Ricketts on Fri Jan 26, 2007 8:55 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:24 pm |
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issue 537
A lot of this issue seemed to be just a side story for the main Civil War, setting up with Captain America and the Anti-Registration team getting Spidey back. Though most of the pages deal with the Civil War storyline, more of an impact is made with the side-stories: Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin, has become more active during the Civil War (check out Civil War: War Crimes). Now he’s found Spider-Man and ordered a hit on Spidey, Aunt May, or Mary-Jane (whomever the hit man finds most convenient). Of course, the issue winds up with May and Mary Jane in the assasssin's scope.
The art was very good. With there being so much to this story, Artist Ron Garney did a very good job of conveying what the characters are thinking and feeling through their facial expressions without going overboard. A good example of this is in the scene where Cap quotes Mark Twain to Spidey. Most of Peter’s lines are jokes, yet his face reads how serious he is taking the situation.
This title is perhaps the best of the Civil War tie-ins that I have read. It is consistantly good, and I hope whomever replaces writer J. Michael Straczynski can continue this level of quality after Civil War is over.
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 6:59 pm |
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issue 538
Beautiful issue!
The fact that the events of this issue coincide nicely with the events of Civil War issue seven really helped immensely.
In it we have Peter and Mary Jane talking on the phone, with Peter explaining that whatever will happen is going to happen soon. He describes the battle between both factions of heroes and villains, the champions for registration and the champions against it.
While the battle between heoes rages in New York, Kingpin has a hitman watching out to hit Peter when he returns home. This hitman is told that Peter is the main target, but that Mary Jane and Aunt May could wind up being included - or substituted.
Nice scene at the Daily Bugle, as J. Jonah Jameson has all possible headlines on his board including "Captain America Killed", "Iron Man Killed", and the like. Apparently he gets word of the results, because he chooses one to go with and tells someone there to run it. Loved that scene; said it all without giving it away.
Peter does return home, and the hitman gets he and Mary Jane in his sights. Peter senses something wrong and throws himself and MJ to the floor, just as the shot goes off.
He and Mary Jane are unscathed, but...the bullet has hit Aunt May.
J. Michael Straczynski has written another Spidey-gem, handling the Spidey-centric events of Civil War while deftly dodging any real details as to the outcome of Marvel's big event.
The artwork by Ron Garney and Bill Reinhold is beautiful work and makes this fantastic read so much more enjoyable. This book was one of the bright spots this week.
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 4:38 pm |
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issue 539
We knew Marvel would get Spidey back in his black costume again, what with Spider-Man 3 coming to theaters in a month. Aunt May has been killed before - she got better. Now she's been shot and possibly dying again.
I still enjoyed this issue.
Peter Parker has had enough of the Civil War bull-poop and assaults on he and his family and is going all "Batman" on his attackers. To let the criminal world know this with visual aid, Peter dons his black and white Spidey outfit.
But first, he gets Aunt May to emergency, and hunts down the sniper by violently questioning criminal after criminal. Peter Parker is not taking it anymore, he is pissed off and no longer joking around as he pounds the crap out of the criminal element.
Of course, Kingpin is the one who placed the order for the hit on Peter and/ or family, so there is definitely a confrontation coming between the two down the road.
When Peter does don the black costume, it is in a next-to-final splash page with rain and lightning added for further dramatic effect. Spider-Man, not Spidey, is on the warpath, and it is no longer a joking matter.
This story is good enough that I can easily forget the two points I raised at the beginning of this post. I enjoyed seeing Peter pushing back, and frankly wonder why it took so long for Peter to snap. With all the crap that has happened to the poor guy over the forty-plus years, this is what pushes him over the edge.
I liked it. |
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| abomination |
| Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 6:26 pm |
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| Chintzy Beatnik |
| Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 6:30 pm |
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I'm officially done with Spider-Man post-One More Day.
It's a bunch of crap. Instead of having fans buy one of three monthly books, they're basically forcing us to buy all 3 issues of the one book. If we want the complete story that is.
I know that me dropping one title won;t affect Marvel in the least, but it's still kind of sad, I've been buying issues of Spidey off and on for quite some time. No more. |
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| George Mutch |
| Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:50 pm |
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I suppose I'm lucky, DC get my regular week in - week out money, while marvel seem to get my trade money
I'll continue to get the spidey trades as they seem to be collecting arcs and not titles |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2007 6:44 am |
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issue 544
This begins the "One More Day"storyline...
This issue begins with Peter Parker blaming himself for the current situation: due to his revealing Spider-Man's true identity to the world during Civil War, Aunt May took a bullet meant for him. She is now on life support at the hospital.
Peter's wish is to have Aunt May come back from the brink of death that he might have one more day with her. Get it? Got it. Good.
Due to the Parker's low finances, Aunt May will soon have to move to a more "economical" wing of the hospital. This angers Peter, of course, and insists he will find a way to get the money to keep May where she is. The doctor has recognized Peter, and since Spidey once saved his uncle he promises he will stall May's transfer as long as he can while Peter dashes off to gather the money.
Peter seeks out Tony Stark, a man not only with the cash he seeks but the man he blames for getting him to reveal his Spider-Man identity publicly - and leading to May's current condition. He soon finds himself fighting Iron Man (surprise!) and despite great difficulty manages to encase Shellhead in several layers of his webbing. Peter explains to the captive Stark that his Aunt will die in a charity wing without Stark's financial aid. Tony regretfully refuses to give a dime, saying it would compromise his position regarding the fugitive heroes, which includes Spidey. Getting free from the webbing, Iron Man lets Peter go free this once out of respect for May, but warns Peter he will take him in should he return.
Later, talking with Jarvis, Tony seems to have an idea.
At the hospital, Peter tells Mary Jane that he is considering any possible way to get the needed money - suggesting he will even consider stealing it. He figures that he is already a criminal due to the Registration Act so he may as well. Suddenly, Jarvis appears and offers to pay for his "cousin" May's medical needs. While Jarvis leaves to fill out the necessary paperwork, the doctor informs Peter that there is no real hope to bring May back to conciousness - but Peter refuses to accept that. He leaves the hospital in his red Spidey outfit, swinging into the morning sky...
Okay, first of all, this storyline would have sooooo much more weight for me had Aunt May not already died once some years back. I mean, that really takes the wind out of the sails for me. Because otherwise, this is a well-written story. J. Michael Straczynski has really tugged at the heart strings here and shown us a Spidey I don't recall ever seeing before. Peter is so upset, he can't even make quips when he confronts Iron Man. And Stark himself, who finds his hands tied by bureaucracy and his own morals, yet again finds a way to help without technically betraying them. Nice.
Now I guess I will get Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man issue 24 for part two... |
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| abomination |
| Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 6:54 pm |
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| all that i can say about the ending of OMD is no big surprise. I am a huge spider-man fan and the way this story was done was extremely disappointing. Way to go Marvel!!! |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:21 am |
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issue 545
"One More Day - Part Four"
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski & Joe Quesada
Pencils: Joe Quesada
Inks: Danny Miki
Inks pages 23-31: Joe Quesada
Peter and Mary Jane discuss their options regarding the deal Mephisto made with them. Mary Jane tells Peter that this simply could be Aunt May’s time, but Peter is unable to accept that. Then they just hold each other in silence as the the time of reckoning approaches.
Mephisto appears to them on the first strike of midnight. Peter needs more details and asks Mephisto how the deal will work. All he tells him is that the stitch in time that is their marriage will be erased and everything else will be the same. When Mary Jane gets angry that they are not going to get enough, Mephisto adds that Peter’s public identity as Spider-Man will also be erased. Mary Jane then agrees, but suggests to Mephisto something more to give to Peter for the happy life he deserves. What it is that she offers is not revealed to us.
Time has run out, it is time for an answer, and Peter forces an agreement to the deal. Mephisto then cruelly reveals the other possibilities that visited Peter yesterday and torments Peter and Mary Jane by showing them the daughter they might have had!
With only moments before the chimes end and the deal becomes final, Mary Jane tells Peter that their love will find a way to be together again.
They kiss, perhaps for the last time and she tells him: "Face it tiger, you just hit the jackpot". Then this reality fades away.
Another reality fades in.
Peter Parker wakes up late for a surprise welcome home party and races down to see Aunt May making him breakfast in their old house in Queens. Peter races on his bike to the city and enters a penthouse apartment where Flash and dozens of other people are gathered. Peter catches a glimpse of Mary Jane Watson standing alone. Flash asks Peter if things are still rocky with her, and Peter tells him that that he thinks she will never forgive him for - -
- - and in bursts Harry Osborn! The guests all yell "Surprise!" as he walks out of the elevator with two beautiful women. He introduces Lily Hollister as his girlfriend and Carlie Cooper introduces herself to Peter. He notices Mary Jane leaving on the elevator Harry just got off of. Harry then gathers his friends together and they all drink a toast to a Brand New Day...
So this was the big controversial story. I can see why. Suddenly wiping away all this Spidey history was a bold step. I am not sure how I really feel about this yet. I think I need to absorb this a bit before I really can react. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 1:27 am |
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| Chintzy Beatnik |
| Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 2:51 pm |
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| I read the issue. It was just kind of okay. I've read much better Spider-Man stories and all it really does is set up a new status quo that involves me having to buy three issues of Amazing Spider-Man a month. It wasn't that good and I really disagree with their decision to "erase" the marriage and all of the other stuff as well, including bringing Harry back. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 5:35 pm |
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| Over the past few years I often found myself missing the Spidey of old, the unattached, angst-ridden young adult who fought super-villains with webs, fists and quips. I especially missed that Spidey after the "Clone Saga","The Other", and even "Back in Black". But what was done was done, and I generally subscribe to the axium that says "You Can't Go Home Again". Sure, Peter Parker is now the old Spidey who is single and uses web-shooters, but it doesn't read the same. The problem, to me anyway, is that I recall the stuff before "One More Day". That really taints this "fresh new start" to the Spider-Man mythos. It can never be that good old Spidey again. And I am not entirely happy with the "cheat" of having Mephisto just wiping years of Spidey history away. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 5:44 am |
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issue 552
Written by Marc Guggenheim, pencils and covers by Salvador Larroca, variant covers by David Finch.
, meet the villain from the fifth Spider-Man movie today, the next great Spidey Villain... Menace! But that's not all! The mysterious Jackpot makes her "Brand New Day-Debut!" Plus the mystery of the Spider-Tracer Killer deepens.
32 pages, $2.99. |
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| Chintzy Beatnik |
| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 5:23 pm |
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I finished reading Amazing Spider-Man #546-548, the "Brand New Day" story arc.
You know, it was a pretty good read. Of course, I can't help but think that all Marvel would have had to do is put a really quality creative team on each of the three ongoing series before the whole "One More Day" debacle and the books would have sold well too.
I am interested to see how they collect the series in hardcover and trade paperback format after this first storyline (which is getting the HC treatment along with Spider-Man: Swing Shift and an early Dan Slott Spidey story). |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 2:38 pm |
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I am playing a little catch-up, using some income tax refund money to pick up some comics I've been missing. One book was Amazing Spider-Man issue 546, and I really enjoyed it. So much so, that I am glad the title releases three times a month. I think Marvel is doing this to help focus on one storyline rather than have the shock of the events of OMD further muddied by three seperate Spidey stories in this new reality. I know, they could do that with Friendly Neighborhood and Spectacular, just as they did with OMD.
True.
I am only guessing, but I think Marvel wants to start Spidey's new lease on life off under the one masthead, do that for a while before they start putting out multiple Spidey titles again. I like that they are having this storyline run through three issues each month. I suppose it would be a different story if I didn't like this storyline, but I do. I like the more lighthearted writing, that Harry is back, that Pete lives with Aunt May (temporarily), and the art is great. It has a Frank Quitely quality to it, and it finally makes Aunt May look like a real woman instead of a realistic version of Miss Grundy from Archie Comics.
This was a nice status quo issue, and J. Jonah having a heart attack? Priceless - since I know without reading further that he will be okay in the long run and the hospital patient from hell.
Good stuff. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 3:38 am |
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issue 552
Written by BOB GALE
Pencils & Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
Variant Cover by ADI GRANOV
BRAND NEW DAY continues with two new web-slingin' creators: Oscar-nominated screenwriter Bob (Back to the Future) Gale and artist extraordinaire Phil (NEW X-MEN, Infinite Crisis) Jimenez! What starts as a petty theft from a local Soup Kitchen turns into a chase that results in the birth of a brand-freaking-new Spidey villain -- and we mean "Freak" literally! Plus: more JJJ! More Daily Bugle -- oops, we mean DB! Repercussions from the actions of new villain, Menace! Curt Connors! And -- what you've really been waiting for, true believer -- Peter Parker does his own laundry! Will those stains come out? And what ARE those stains anyway? Find out in "Just Blame Spider-Man!" |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:51 am |
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issue 553-554
 
Written by BOB GALE
Pencils & Cover by PHIL JIMENEZ
More as Spidey battles the threat of Freak and his personal life falls apart around him. |
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| Chintzy Beatnik |
| Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 11:52 pm |
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| Chintzy Beatnik |
| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 11:13 am |
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So she's back. So soon...
I'm amazed at how much discussion this single image has given to the message boards. Of course, I'm sure that it won't do anything here, but anyways. Interesting. |
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| abomination |
| Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 9:31 pm |
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| quite interesting..... |
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| Chintzy Beatnik |
| Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 11:27 am |
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abomination wrote: quite interesting.....
Guess I was wrong.
Someone is paying attention.  |
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| abomination |
| Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 4:25 pm |
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| I love Spider-Man he has been my favorite character since childhood even before i started reading comics. |
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| kenjeffrey |
| Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:05 am |
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| Spidey is the reason I ever started reading comics. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 9:39 pm |
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Chintzy Beatnik wrote:
I'm amazed at how much discussion this single image has given to the message boards. Of course, I'm sure that it won't do anything here, but anyways. Interesting.
No reason to say that, I'd posted quite a bit on BND even when I couldn't really afford to buy the issues. As this image strongly pertains to that storyline, it should seem a natural that it will be covered pretty heavily, especially when the books release... |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 12:12 am |
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issue 575
"Greta, for real...did you have a urinal puck omelette for breakfast? Or did something die in your esophogus?"
- Spider-Man
"Family Ties"
Joe Kelly - Writer
Chris Bachalo - Pencils
Tim Townsend - Inks
As it seems that making super-villains more menacing is the latest trend in comics (at least at DC and Marvel), in these pages old Spidey villain Hammerhead is the latest to get a menace-makeover. Our hero has a new enemy named Mr. Negative, and he has given Hammerhead a much more powerful new skeleton - in return for doing whatever Mr. Negative asks.
These days, the Daily Bugle is simply called DB and is news of a more exploitive nature. Peter Parker now works for its competition, Front Line, and his boss is another former Bugle employee, Ben Urich. Peter is teamed with Harry Osborne's girlfriend, Norah Winters, to do a "community events" piece for the paper, so they are sent to a community center.
Meanwhile, Hammerhead and his new strength brutally attacks a gang in the Bronx.
At the community center, Peter befriends a little boy. But his older brother,a gang member, doesn't feel the same. This concerns Peter, who as Spider-Man decides later to check in on his new friend. It turns out that his friend's older brother and some members of his gang are heavily armed and watching for an attack from the new Hammerhead.
Sure enough, Hammerhead shows up, and he beats these guys to a pulp like he did the other gang. Spidey decides to step in and discovers just how powerful Hammerhead has become. Hammerhead now beats Spidey into a pulp and down into a bloody mess...
This issue was pretty damn good. It has light-hearted moments, action moments, character moments, funny moments, and doggone heavy violence moments. I find it funny without being a funny book, and the dialogue is cute without being cutesy. I cannot rave enough about the art work. When I flipped through this issue at my LCS, it was the art that got me to hold onto it. If the issues that follow are near as good as this one, I am back reading Spidey every issue! |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 8:35 pm |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:08 pm |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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issue 578
"Unscheduled Stop"
Mark Waid - writer
Marcos Martin - artist
Have I mentioned that this book is really good again? It certainly is, but nothing is absolutely perfect.
I have no problem with the story at all, but it is a bit familiar. Going back to the early days of this title, there was a story about Spidey being crushed by an incredibly heavy weight, only to triumphantly free himself from the wreckage. Minor pick, I know.
After the very amusing, entertaining first three pages the issue proceeds to show Peter and a bunch of innocent people stuck in the subway, and the heroic measures Spidey goes through to save them all. It ain't easy being ol' Webhead after all.
Waid captures the drama and tension of this unfortunate event, nicely balanced with some of Spidey's trademark humor, and deftly captured by Martin's pen. Martins' art is perfect for this book, even having somewhat of a resemblance to Steve Ditko and John Romita, Jr.'s style.
The appearance of classic Spidey villain Shocker and the bombshell at the end was terrific, really making this fine issue even better. This is a beautiful issue, and a perfect example of great visual storytelling as well.
I have to say, ever since the this book restarted following the controversial BND bump, Amazing Spider-Man has been firing on all cylinders. It is more light-hearted and fun, but without sacrificing the drama or tension needed to complete the experience. As long as this continues, count me in to be here each issue... |
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| Chintzy Beatnik |
| Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 8:41 pm |
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Senior Utopian and Iconic Member
Joined: 19 Jan 2007
Posts: 1342
Location: Iowa
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I ordered several of the hardcovers of Brand New Day.
At some point I plan to start actually reading my comics again.  |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 8:49 pm |
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Chintzy Beatnik wrote: I ordered several of the hardcovers of Brand New Day.
At some point I plan to start actually reading my comics again.
You know, I have found over the past year that keeping up with my comics reading has been more difficult than ever, though I don't feel any busier nor buy more comics than in the past. Usually I would have them Wednesday and finish by Saturday - or even sooner. Now, I have unread books from weeks ago.
Maybe it's a sign to move on to trades of certain books... |
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| kenjeffrey |
| Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:26 pm |
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Fully Licensed/ Highly Respected Utopian
Joined: 18 Aug 2007
Posts: 245
Location: The Twilight Zone.
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I'm now more up to date than I've been for years. At the start of BND I was really pissed with it all but I stuck with it (I'll be a Spider-fan until I pop my clogs). Spider-Man is once again right up close to the top of my read list.
I still don't like what they done to the title but they've done it so well that I've just got to stick with it. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:52 pm |
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I found the ending of the previous Spidey reality, particularly the removal of Pete and MJ's marriage, a minor irritation at most. And the issues since then, with a single Peter Parker from the old days, have been fun and lighthearted, making them so much more enjoyable to me. I think the change itself was a very good one, as it seems writers were written into a corner, stuck with dark and gloomy stories which do not make use of the lighthearted Spidey I knew and enjoyed as a younger reader.
And yes, what they are doing now they really are doing so well. I am loving every issue... |
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| kenjeffrey |
| Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 12:24 am |
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Fully Licensed/ Highly Respected Utopian
Joined: 18 Aug 2007
Posts: 245
Location: The Twilight Zone.
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| The good old days are back. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 2:43 am |
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Site Admin
Joined: 27 Dec 2006
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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issue 585
"The police want you dead or alive. I just made up my mind which one it'll be."
- Menace
"Character Assassination - Part II"
Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Artist: John Romita Jr. with Klaus Janson
This was one of the most exciting issues in a long, long time. Not to slight the recent, previous issues in any way, but this issue had it all.
Thanks in part to jolly old J. Jonah Jameson, Spidey is sought by the police in connection to the "Spider-tracer killings", simply because his trademark tracers were found on murder victims.
In fact, he was nearly caught and has been shot because of this. He has made it home and is trying to recover.
During that shower, Carlie believes she has found more spider-tracers under Vin's bed. Since Pete shares an apartment with Vin, he can't help but overhear.
He also overhears that Menace has been spotted at a campaign rally. The hero in Peter Parker forces him to forgo medical treatment for his bullet wound, fight unconciousness, and go after Menace.
After a long and violent battle where Spidey can barely stay concious, Menace takes down our hero and lets the police shackle him up and be taken into custody.
Later, at Hollister campaign headquarters, Harry Osborn makes a shocking discovery regarding Menace...
I cannot rave enough about this issue. Seeing Spidey neglect his own welfare to stop his dangerous new foe was exciting to the max. The panels showing him fighting to stay awake, especially the ones with the spots showing his suffering, were so powerful they made me feel lightheaded. It was one of the best sequences I have seen in comics in a long, long time. It was very theatrical and had a great and steady flow to it that felt real and natural. Too real.
Poor Spidey. Shackled by the unsympathetic police as a murderer while he tried to stop the real bad guy. This was classic Spider-Man, told in a very exciting way.
John Romita, Jr.'s artwork is simply phenomenal here, telling the story in a very fluid way. I always loved his dad's work in this book years ago, and now his son is really knocking my socks off as well.
Spider-Man is alive and well - and I just couldn't be happier...
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:33 pm |
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issue 586
"I love you. And I can't wait to be Mrs. Osborn."
- Lily Hollister
"Character Assassination Interlude: Daddy's Little Girl"
Marc Guggenheim - writer
Barry Kitson - pencils
Karl Kesel - inks
Man, did I jinx this book or what?
I heaped so much praise on last issue that I fear I may have jinxed this issue. Last issue truly deserved all the praise I gave it and more. Among many plot developments, it had a heroic Spider-Man fighting to stay concious, badly injured, rushing off to stop the villainous Menace. Classic Spidey all the way.
This issue...quite the opposite. It feels like the story stalled. Granted, the title includes the word "interlude", which basically means "taking a break in the story", but still...
As those of us who read last issue, the identity of Menace was revealed to be none other than Harry Osborn's girlfriend Lily Hollister! This issue picks up from there and is essentially a long conversation between she and Harry (who discovered this secret with us last issue).
This shift in focus would not aggravate me near as much as it does if the story of Lilly Hollister and her fall into villainy was actually interesting. Unfortunately, it is not.
On the contrary, it is one of the most uninspiring origin stories in some time. Childhood trauma? Yep. Accidental exposure to substance that enables both super-human strength and brings on insanity? Got it.
Yawn.
And this issue's not-so shocking conclusion failed to shock me. In fact, it kind of disappoints me to be honest. It sends a growing, developing character backwards in his development. I would have preferred something daring and new... |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:02 am |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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issue 587
"Okay, then. Simple choice. Commit to what could be a lifetime of being on the run, or let your friend rot in jail for the rest of his life. Which looks to be about twenty minutes. Did I say it was a choice? My bad."
- Spider-Man
"Character Assassination - Part III"
Marc Guggenheim - writer
John Romita Jr - penciller
Klaus Janson - inker
Whew! The jinx is over, and appears to be limited to last issue - I hope. In any case, this was one damn good issue.
The issue before last left us Spidey fans with a cliffhanger: Spidey was arrested, Carlie had discovered that Peter’s roommate Vin may be the Spider Tracer Killer, and Menace’s true identity was revealed. After last week’s story interlude (and misstep) into the character of Menace, I am really looking forward to see where these story threads were going.
The Spidey-in-Rykers story is playing out beautifully. There is even a semi-surprise appearance by Matt Murdock as Spider-Man’s lawyer. It is a bit of a legal stretch (even for the great Matt Murdock) that the judge allows Spider-Man to keep his mask on. Not only is he on trial for murder, but he’s also in violation of the Super Human Registration Act. Small quibble there on my part.
I love the exchanges between Spider-Man and Murdock; they are light (mostly) without being camp or morose. Spidey is in trouble, but we don't become drowned in it.
I also really liked the conversation Spider-Man has with the guard about when Spidey saved his life while fighting Doc Ock. It may sound a bit corny, but it works here.
The other plot line this issue concerns the truth about the Spider Trace Killer. As I am trying to move away from spoilers, I do not wish to givetoo much away, but we learn that Vin has gotten himself in too deep. Though Carlie tries to do the right thing, it appears she has dragged herself into a more dangerous situation. It works, because the idea of why the Spider Tracer Killer is out there is solid.
I rarely remark on art, but I could not conclude this without commenting on John Romita, Jr’s art. It is beautiful as always, and I always enjoy seeing his (and Klaus Janson's) name on a book - especially one I read.
At the end of this issue, we see Spidey getting himself into another pickle because he just cannot stop being the good guy. Some might call this foolish, but I call it heroic and selfless - just the way I like my Spidey.
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 2:18 pm |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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issue 588
"If I thought you were your dad...if I thought you were ever once and for all capable of giving into the 'Osborn curse'... I wouldn't be your friend. I couldn't."
- Peter Parker
"Character Assassination - Conclusion"
Marc Guggenheim - writer
John Romita Jr. - penciller
Klaus Janson - inker
This is the fourth and final chapter of this story arc, and it is a doozy. Guggenheim has this final chapter to wrap up several story threads, and he successfully pulls that off without missing a beat or making it feel rushed. This was one fine issue.
Once Spidey learns the guards are paid off, he breaks himself and friend Vin out of jail, and even steals a police car. This is all after taking on several tough inmates while suffering from bullet wounds and bone fractures. Spidey really is amazing.
But he isn't done there.
Spider-Man learns of another appearance by Menace, and so once again ignores his own wounds and sets off to take down the powerful villain. Once again, he is beaten to a bloody mess. But this time, he finds himself rescued by an unexpected source, and this leads to Menace having his - her - identity revealed on live television.
Vincent Gonzalez does the right thing and takes in his cop co-conspirators, clearing Spidey and Carlie Cooper of the "Spider-Tracer Killings".
And there is a really nice scene between Peter and Harry Osborn near the end that really adds more depth to their complicated friendship.
this is a very nice ending to an almost perfect story arc, and makes me smile when I close the book after reading it, reminding me just why I have loved Spider-Man for all these years... |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 7:06 pm |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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New writer Dan Slott discusses the upcoming arc with the Fantastic Four:
http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20605
I was actually wondering just how much Brand New Day would affect Spidey's relationships and friendships with other heroes. This looks to be addressing that question. Cool. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:03 pm |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 9:07 pm |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
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Of course, I believe it is John Jonah Jameson and Aunt May Parker.
Nothing this insidious has happened to Spidey since Aunt May married Doc Ock. When will she learn? |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 6:23 pm |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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issue 612
I've been looking forward to the beginning of "The Gauntlet" for a while now, and it begins here in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 612. This is the storyline where Spidey's rogues have their nastiness and powers amped up. Speaking of amps, the first villain getting this treatment is Electro. While we have had the benefit of house ads and articles warning us of this deadly development, poor web-head approaches the new improved Electro with over-confidence and has to learn his error the hard way. Mark Waid manages to blend in some brief background of our featured villain, plus even a smidgen of sympathy for him with the villainous attack on Spidey that also involves using the public against our hero. And this is only the beginning. I really enjoyed seeing Electro justifying his criminal ways, and Peter's nightmare life with his roommate as well. The artwork by Paul Azaceta is perfect for this story and really gives the story more a gritty and realistic feel. This was a great beginning to what I see as a major change in the Spider-Man status quo. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:55 pm |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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issue 613
Mark Waid has really presented a terrific 'Spidey vs Electro' story for this modern era in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 613. Electro has easily turned an economically wounded, angry public against our hero, using their fear and loathing of Dexter Bennett of DB and his promise to use his electrical powers to bring down both. Brilliant use of the concept, coupled with Mad Thinker's amping up Electro's power to an incredible level makes this one incredible issue! As this issue ends, Spidey is downed, and Electro is persuading the angry city to turn on all their lights and appliances to feed his vengeance against the DB. For me this is classic Spidey spiced gingerly with modern sensibilities in a setting from the real world. Another great outing for your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:57 pm |
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Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 4672
Location: Detroit, Michigan
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issue 614
Spidey faces an amped up Electro as "The Gauntlet" storyline continues here in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 614. Electro is after Dexter Bennett and his DB, and thinking Spidey is dead after last issue, he has the entire city running their appliances to fuel his power further and bring the man and his paper down for good. But Spidey has a perilous plan to hopefully stop his foe in his tracks. The catch: he needs assistance from Mayor J. Jonah Jameson. The battle is rough and nasty, and the end result brings a shocking sight long-time Spidey fans never imagined they would ever possibly see. The increase in Electro's deadly power has Peter prophetically pondering the horrible possibilities should any of his deadlier foes ever receive a similar boost as Electro has. Unfortunately for him - and fortunately for us - that is precisely the theme of this current arc. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:28 pm |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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issue 616
Sandman displays his new abilities against Spidey in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 616. Poor Webhead is trying to rescue a little girl whose mother was murdered, but she is the willing captive of Sandman, making it even harder for him to pry her from the villain's clutches. She sees him as her father, and Spidey as the bad guy trying to break them apart. Nice mixture of pathos, thrills and humor this month, as Sandman's ability to break off into several versions of himself have an unforeseen side effect that provides a clue to the murder mystery as well as the means to hopefully defeat him. This was another fun chapter of "The Gauntlet", and feel it is turning out even better than I imagined it would. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:57 pm |
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issue 617
"The Gauntlet" storyline continues, and in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 617 the focus falls on TWO Rhinos - the original, now reformed Rhino, and a new, deadlier Rhino who wishes to ascend to the title by taking down the original. Naturally, Spidey gets tangled up in all of this (what fun would it be, after all, if he weren't?),... and plenty of mayhem ensues. I also enjoy the different relationships Peter Parker has with his roommate Michele (love/hate - mostly hate) and his workmate Norah, a free-spirited woman/child. I wouldn't mind those troubles. It is refreshing to see a reformed super-criminal apparently stay reformed, and the Rhino mantle picked up by a meaner, more vicious man. Also included is a short story showing Aleksei Sytsevich, the original Rhino's reformation, and how he met his current love, Oksana. Another fine issue that wonderfully tells of a turning point in the career of Spider-Man, and the life of one of his oldest (former) foes. |
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| Guy Ricketts |
| Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:07 pm |
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Location: Detroit, Michigan
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issue 618
One of my favorite Spidey villains gets an upgrade beginning here in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 618, while Mr. Negative's team takes on the Maggia in a gang war. Spidey gets himself involved in the war, but you can't always believe what your eyes tell you. And what is done to Aunt May this issue is really bad news for Peter Parker. Mysterio is back, and this means a whole lot of fun for us readers as "The Gauntlet" arc continues. This storyline and this issue is really a blast for this longtime Spider-Man fan who gets to not only revisit some of the first villains I ever knew way back when, but see them upgraded in this new adventure. This is a new age for Spidey and the Marvel Universe, where the villains are more deadly, and the heroes have to be smarter and work harder. Perfect. |
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