***SPOILER ALERT***
Well it's about Bl**dy time. I've been following the Spider-Man line of books since Civil War (and on and off way before that) - but one thing has really been bugging me of late.
There's just no direction whatsoever to Brand New Day. Well - let me correct that - there's no obvious direction to Brand New Day. For the past two months I've read some of (and this may seem harsh - but remember - it's just my opinion) the worst Spider-Man stories in years.
The 'Back In Black' storyline that followed hot on the heels of Civil War was (at least in the Amazing book) - gripping. What was going to happen to Mary Jane and Aunt May, now that Peter was an outlaw? Would their lives be forever shaken? How could he keep his family safe, after fighting to hide their identities from his enemies for so long?
It truly was wonderful to read. And a hugely bold step for Marvel - doing the unthinkable in permanently changing the life of their most popular character. Or so it seemed.
In reality - it appears that Brand New Day was planned all along. Which I suppose is okay - but I can't help feeling as though I (and everyone else reading Amazing Spider-Man) have been cheated out of what could have been the defining era in Spider-Man history. A man with his family on the line - a roster of evil villains after them from one corner of the Marvel universe to the other - Peter Parker, unable to protect them.
But no. Instead, the Marvel universe (seemingly) got mind-wiped by Mephisto - we're back to year zero, Harry Osborn is alive, Mary Jane isn't married to Peter, the Daily Bugle has been bought and turned into the DB - and I'm about ready to put my fist through the next thing I see.
Not because it's a bad concept. Not because I've been cheated out of good stories. Because the past two months have all been passable attempts at Spider-Man stories - worth of 3 out of 5 scores - at the very most.
But anyway - that brings you up to speed on where I am with Spider-Man at the moment.
This particular book however...
This book - is good.
And I think it's good because it's a story that could have existed in either universe. It's just a damn good Wolverine and Spider-Man story - with funny one-liners and great artwork. And that's exactly what Spider-Man has needed to be for the past two months...! A damn good read. I just hope the next issue keeps it up.
Zeb Wells and Chris Bachalo - I tip my cap to you both.
Pete's Score: 4 out of 5
(very surprised at how much I enjoy the comic - want to dislike it because of the Brand New Day link - but can't)
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