In this issue, Author Joe Kelly moves all the pieces into position for the American Son story arc to come charging out of the gates. I actually enjoyed this installment better than last issue. With dad by his side, Harry enters deeper into the world of the Dark Avengers. Norah, Parker’s co-worker from Frontline, takes his rally cry against Norman Osborn to heart and goes undercover in the Avengers Tower. The weakest pages are between JJ Jameson’s dad and Peter Parker. Panels are wasted as JJ senior tells Peter why he deserted the Army. Who cares? We get it! He’s a stand up guy. Enough already. Peter makes a bold move in this issue to infiltrate Norman’s sanctuary. Don’t want to give it away because it was pretty sharp.
After just one issue, this arc sees the talents of a new penciller, Paulo Siqueira. The change was noticeable. At times, faces were disproportionate and oddly angled. However, most of this issue was drawn well with some notability good splash panels.
This one is set-up for the real action, but enjoyable nonetheless. Spider-Man and Norman Osborn were bound to throw down sooner or later. So far, this is a solid arc. If there is a one-shot with Aunt May’s wedding, I am not buying it.
3.5 out 5
Damn, the Fantastic Four highjack this issue from Spider-Man. I’m not a big Fantastic Four fan so this one didn’t thrill me. I believe that when you have a team- up issue, certain rules of etiquette, on behalf of the loyal fans, should apply. In this case, the unwanted Fantastic Four rudely crash into the pages of my beloved Spider-Man comic. Okay, be kind to our guests; I’ll give them a shot. However, they came into Spidey’s world and the story should remain in Peter Parker’s realm. Instead, the FF kidnap Spider-Man on a field trip to the Macroverse. That is such FF bull crap and one of the many reasons I don’t get that title. If writer Dan Slott wanted to do this story, it should have been Spidey making a guest appearance in the FF.
Slott also addresses the elephant in Peter Parker’s room, the effects “Brand New Day.” No need to moan about BND, because what the editors wanted to achieve (even though it’s means they were trite and cheap), they did. Spider-Man is back to a golden era of possibilities, unfettered by a marriage and a web of multiple storyline entanglements. However, the after effects of “Brand New Day” infect this story. Torch seems to remember knowing Spidey’s secret identity, but can’t grasp why he doesn’t remember. I have to give Slott credit; his method for crafting this reveal is worth reading.
“Brand New Day” sets Spider-Man’s world in a dilemma that can’t be brushed aside. There are major plot points that must be addressed or the series loses its credibility. On the other hand, can’t we give Spidey a new start and leave it at that? A year post-BND and this comic rocks. Hopefully, it doesn’t derail. Slott’s a skilled author so I am hopeful, yet cautious.
Not a great issue, but not bad enough to make me lose my faith in our Web-Head’s entertaining run.
2.5 out of 5
