Writers Fiona Avery and J. Michael Straczynski help Peter Parker to get in touch his with his after-school special, Boston Public side in a saccharine but ultimately satisfying read. The writers explore Peter Parker's new life as a teacher and how now both aspects of his double-life are dedicated to helping people. This issue -- which stands up well on its own despite the "To be continued..." blurb on the final page -- also features some of Romita's best work on the book in some time.
On his way to school. Peter Parker encounters a student, Melissa, and he immediately spots a soul in trouble. Curious, he checks into her background, and he decides to help her achieve her academic dreams. Unfortunately, he soon discovers that his life has crossed her family's before, but it was on a night when he wore his Spider-Man costume. Peter realizes that the task he's undertaken is more challenging than he imagined.
There's a fantastic two-page sequence in this issue in which Romita really captures the title character's agility. Though the layout could have more clearly indicated it was a two-page spread, the sequence is quite impressive. But the real visual standout here is the dark, reflective and peaceful splash page that serves to end the issue. The page is poster-worthy. It says a lot about the character. One can see the creepy quality of his powers and costume, the reflective nature of the character and dynamic life he leads above the city streets. Romita also brings an appropriate energy to Melissa.
Although the script lacks subtlety, the only real problem with this story is the appearance of Ezekiel, the title character's new mentor in the all things arachnid. The character's reappearance is sudden, and no context is provided. New readers will definitely be thrown for a loop. It was an inaccessible element in an otherwise well-crafted issue.
What makes this issue worth reading is the writers' success in tapping into what makes Spider-Man who he is, what drives him forward: guilt. It's rather difficult to go mining in his Uncle Ben's death time and time again, so here, they explore a different, new guilt. It's far from ground-breaking, but it recognizes what the character is all about. Furthermore, while there's a reflective, even sorrowful tone to be found here, there's also a sense that life is a good thing. Peter Parker celebrates potential and the future here, and though far from subtle, this super-sweet story will nevertheless bring a smile to the reader's face, due in part to the strong personality the writers inject in Melissa.
