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.