A Sad Day

A hero died recently. He died honorably and heroically. This man is Peter Parker and he died saving the people he loved the most from his most hated enemy, Norman Osborn aka the Green Goblin.  Sure, he wasn't the main stream version of Spider-Man and there are a good number of people who don't know about this version of Peter. But that doesn't matter; this version of Peter was my main stream version.  I grew up with this Peter and I was and still am devistated over his death. I hope that Peter will return at some point but I trust Bendis. 

I've read the issue enough times now so I believe it is time to give my review on this monumental issue.

Review

Well, I went to my local comic book store right when it opened and sped home to read this issue.  Boy, it did not disappoint.  We start with MJ trying to sneak out to go find Peter but her mom won't let her.  Meanwhile, Peter is swinging May and Gwen away from the Goblin and pleads with Gwen to get May out of there. Pete, getting weaker by the second, wakes up Johnny and starts Goblin versus Human Torch round 2. Unfortunately, the Goblin easily wins this round, absorbing the fire power Johnny had.  Peter and Osborn continue to throw down until MJ conveniently shows up with a dump truck and subdues the Goblin. After a quick kiss, Peter uses the truck to pound Osborn into a pulp. The truck explodes and Peter is flung away from the scene. One by one, Johnny, MJ, May and Gwen show up at Peter's body as he gives his last words.  Peter tells May that what's coming is perfectly fine, as he did what he couldn't do before; he was unable to save Uncle Ben but he saved her. And with that, Peter passes away as the burning corpse of Norman Osborn smiles, knowing that his mission is complete.

Heart-wrenching. That is the only word that comes to mind whenever I read this issue.  This is one of the most powerful issue of a comic that I have ever read.  And, honestly, I believe that this issue is in the top 5 of my all-time favorite comic issues, despite the tone and outcome.  Bendis and Bagley knock this finale out of the park. I can't believe that there was a time where I dreaded the return of Mark, but now, I'm so happy that he came back for this arc.  What else can I say about this duo that hasn't been said? Absolutely nothing, as this is, in my opinion, the perfect comic book. I cannot grade this issue due to the fact that the emotional ties are too strong. If you are reading this and have not read the Death of Spider-Man arc, DO IT. You won't be sorry. Especially seeing as all the cool varients are coming out this week. 

More Death of Spider-Man stuff to come this week, including Top 10 arcs, my opinion on the overall arc, and my theories for the future of Ultimate Spider-Man.

RIP Peter. You will be missed.








 

A Comic You Should Be Reading

It's well documented on this here blog that I love Spider-man comics, both Amazing and Ultimate (and probably soon to be Avenging).  But, just recently, I discovered another comic that has become a new favorite of mine.  That would be Avenger's Academy, written by Mr. Christos Gage and illustrated by Sean Chen and Tom Raney. 

When they introduced the Avenger's Academy, it was when the Heroic Age started and they rebooted the entire Avengers line, having the Avengers, New Avengers, Secret Avengers, and AA.  I went for Avengers for Bendis and John Romita while also going for New Avengers purely because of Stuart Immonen. Secret Avengers really wasn't in my interest and AA seemed like it wouldn't last. However, it did. I dropped New Avengers a few months ago when Immonen left and, while I still get Avengers, I needed something else to get. Then Amazing Spider-Man #661 rolled around.

When it was announced that the AA was going to be in ASM #661, I was ho-hum about it. I never read the book and really didn't know what to expect. To put it nicely, I was blown away by the two issues. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the kids of the Avengers Academy. That led me to picking up Avengers Academy #14.1 a few weeks ago. Now here I am, adding Avengers Academy to my pull list.

For those who are not reading this book, pick it up. It is the best $2.99 book on the market these days. Gage is writing the heck out of it and, though I have only seen one artist's work on the book, I know that the art is amazing.  I'm looking forward to getting the past issues of AA and for the future, which looks to be a really fun ride.

Throwing My Hat Into the Ring

Well, in two weeks, Spider-Man will die.



This will be the look of the new Spidey, drawn by Sara Pichelli. However, will it be Peter Parker under the mask? It all depends on who you ask. Some say that it is the death of "Spider-Man", not Peter so there is no way he can die. Others believe that Peter will bite the dust. Me, I'm hoping that Peter lives and there are a few hints that Bendis has given that support this view.

- Gwen is said to be having a big year. Why would she still be in the book if Peter is dead?
-As I stated early, it's the death of "Spider-Man", not Peter. So Peter could technically "kill" Spider-Man but remain among the living.
- Captain America will have a big part in the book. This will be explained more later.
- The Zodiac Key was introduced and really hasn't played a big part in anything. What was the point of introducing it during the prelude to DoS and not do anything with it?
- Peter has yet to have trained with Thor. Why introduce the super hero schooling to only kill the character who is being taught?

So, what's going happen in Ultimate Spider-Man #160? Well, the cliffhanger in #159 was the Goblin leaping at Aunt May and a beaten down Peter.  So Pete, being as hurt as he is, tries to get himself and May out of the way but cannot, having May get burnt to a crisp and Peter, in a rage, beats Norman to death.  However, with his neighbors and possibly the paramedics and police watching, Peter must go on the run, possibly leaving New York for a bit.  Fury learns about what happened and, thanks to the Spider, has a way to make it look like Spider-Man has died and allow Peter to don a new suit, ala "Back in Black". Since Peter has nowhere to go, Captain America offers to be his guardian/mentor since he feels guilty for May's death. 

So to summarize my theory. Aunt May dies. Peter kills Norman. Spider dies. People think it's Spidey. Peter dons black costume. Cap "adopts" Peter.

More than likely, I'm way off. But that's the fun part about theories. You can be way off and it makes you think "why didn't I think of that?" and Bendis is a master of those situations. I cannot wait for Ultimate Spider-Man #160, whether it be for better or worse for Peter Parker.