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