I'm of two minds when it comes to this new, much-ballyhooed story arc. On the one hand, it's yet another story that's founded on old stories, on the gimmick of exploring nostalgia. Everything old is new again... not one of my favorite approach in super-hero comics. On the other hand, there's no denying that this is an emotionally powerful script that focuses more on the human side of these characters rather than the colorful costumes and amazing abilities. So what is it... a good read or a poor one? Well, tipping the scale in the issue's favor is the grounded and moody artwork of Mike Deodato.
Mary Jane has decided to leave the superficial world of the movies behind and focuses on taking her career in another direction: the stage. The problem is that after multiple auditions, she's getting nowhere fast. Fortunately, some advice points her in the right direction. As MJ and her husband Peter celebrate, the latter receives a mysterious letter care of Aunt May. It's an unsettling voice from the past, and it not only opens old wounds but opens the door to a mystery. Who sent the letter and why?
Those who sampled Deodato's art on the latest Incredible Hulk story arc ("Big Things, featuring Iron Man) might not be so enthused to see the artist's name among the credits for this comic book. Fortunately, his work here is much stronger than those recent efforts on the other Marvel title. I'm reminded of Stuart Immonen's style here. Deodato offers a realistic approach here, with a strong likeness of a real-world celebrity adding to the realism. He also captures Mary Jane's and Peter's emotions incredibly well. One can see the change in MJ when she delivers her best reading at the audition, for example.
I honestly don't care for the plot development that serves as the catalyst for this story arc, but I have to admit that the emotional fallout for Peter is compelling. I love how it makes him appreciate Mary Jane all the more and how it makes him nervous about his relationship at the same time. Still, the espionage riff that arises later in the book gets in the way of that emotional conflict, and I suspect the former plot element will prove to be the focus as the story arc continues.
Straczynski makes a smart move by opening the story with a grounded look at a young woman's efforts to carve out a niche for herself, to make her dream come true. It's a well-crafted scene that allows a supporting character to shine before she's eclipsed by super-hero action and subplots resurrected from the 1970s.
