AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #42
"A Strange Turn of Events"
Recommended (8/10)
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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/$3.75 CAN |
J. Michael Straczynski continues to impress with his sense of humor and down-to-earth humanity on this title. My interest in Babylon 5 is nil, so when he was announced as this title's writer last year, I didn't really pay much heed. Well, I'm paying attention now. With Brian Michael Bendis writing some of the best Spider-Man stories in years in Ultimate Spider-Man, it would be easy to be overshadowed, but Straczynski is holding his own with some sharp scripts.
Spider-Man turns to Dr. Strange for help in tracking down the Shade, the ex-con that has been emerging from the astral plane and abducting street kids and junkies. Strange points Spidey in the right direction, but must tend to dangerous business of his own. As Spidey prepares to face the Shade once again -- this time on some extremely unfamiliar turf -- he also plans to meet Mary Jane at the airport when she flies in for a visit... and perhaps a reconciliation.
Romita's vision of Dr. Strange is striking. He looks almost like a plausible figure, not one from comic-book fantasy. His cold, stoic look matches the demeanor in the script as well. Romita's talent for capturing an atmosphere of the supernatural is as strong as his penchant for dark, urban settings, and the two collide here in a inky, dynamic and creepy result. Jason Pearson's eerie cover may have nothing to do with the story within, but it's an effective, striking image that will help this issue stand out on the shelves.
At its heart, the plot is a simple one, a typical super-hero scenario that we've seen before. So why is such a familiar plot so entertaining? Stracyznski dresses it up with some sharp dialogue and moments of hilarity that somehow don't interfere with the foreboding, dark atmosphere. Dr. Strange's acknowledgement of Spidey's behavioral limitations was great, as was the title character's attempts at meditation and patience.
The greatest strength of this issue -- and of Straczynski's run in general -- is the down-to-earth moments that portray Peter Parker as an ordinary joe, not an extraordinary costumed hero. Peter is desperate to see his wife once again, but there seems to be a trepidation there initially as well. Does he feel betrayed? Guilty? It also fades away, though, as his need to just be with Mary Jane takes over.
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