AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #38 (Best of the Week!)
"The Conversation"
Highly Recommended (10/10)
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Marvel Comics
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Pencils: John Romita Jr.
Inks: Scott Hanna
Colors: Dan Kemp
Letters: Comicraft
Editor: Axel Alonso
Price: $2.25 US/$3.50 CAN |
Though I never much cared for Babylon 5, I have to admit that Straczynski has done some interesting work with this Spidey title. Sure, the notion of a whole line of Spider-Men seemed more than a bit forced, but some strong scripting, characterzation and moody art made it work. And the writer's quick response to the events of Sept.11 in this title's pages was nicely done.
Forget about all of that stuff, though. It's in this issue that Straczynski shows us what he's really capable of. This is a powerfully human story that's easy to relate to despite the title character's amazing powers and the implausible history that he and May Parker share.
May Parker calls her nephew Peter to tell him she's coming over, that they have something vitally important to discuss. He worries about what she might say, never knowing that the woman who raised him has finally discovered that he is the man behind the mask of Spider-Man. Emotions run high as a confrontation that's been almost four decades in the making finally takes place.
There are no explosions, no webslinging acrobatics and no vile men hiding in the shadows for Romita Jr. to depict in this story. This is all about emotion, and he conveys the roller-coaster ride that the two Parkers share wonderfully. The usually dark tone of the Romita/Hanna/Kemp collaboration doesn't intrude on the thoroughly human quality of the script, nor even the lighter moments. Though it's Straczynski's script that shines, all involved in the production of this issue have a great deal to crow about.
The first thing that struck me about this issue was the humor. Straczynski has injected this emotionally-charged story with a significant bit of levity. And you know what? It's a brilliant move. It reinforces the honest and genuine quality of this story. We've all experienced those moments when emotions are running high and tears are running freely when all of a sudden, something ridiculous just strikes you and the mood shifts to a different extreme in a moment of cathartic relief. Straczynski has certainly experienced it, because he recreates that special brand of moment here.
When reading this book, forget everything you've learned about Spider-Man from comics and television over the years. Throw it out; it doesn't matter. Straczynski presents a different vision of these two characters -- notably when it comes to Aunt May -- in order to maximize the impact of the story. How she reacts and speaks here may not jibe with the impression of May Parker drilled into your skull, but it doesn't illegitamize those cherished stories from before. This is simply a different perspective, and it's an entertaining and powerful one.
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