AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #34 (475)

By: Arnold T. Blumberg
Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2001

Straczynski knows how to tell a story, but then we already knew that. With a few short issues of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, he's managed to reinvent the character by returning him to his determined roots as a fighter who refuses to quit even when the odds are not only against him but in his face. As the mystery of Morlun and his own origins grows, Peter Parker must face an enemy that never tires, never gives up, and sees nothing wrong with threatening innocents just to draw his adversary out into the open. Spider-Man is facing the greatest challenge of his life again but this time, we actually believe that it's just that.

As epic and absorbing as this new story arc is, however, it would be nothing without the perfect Spider-artist to illustrate it, and Straczynski has no worries there. John Romita Jr. carries the skills to illuminate the world of Peter Parker in his blood his father is still perceived by many as the definitive Spider-Man artist but he also has a distinctive style all his own that has developed over the years into something of a hybrid between that of his father and something entirely fresh and unique in its own right. This is truly a Spider-Man for the 21st century, and it's great to have him back again.

While Morlun beats the tar out of our hero, his would-be ally Ezekiel (the other mysterious figure who told Parker that perhaps there was something to the whole radioactive spider story that he'd never considered) wrestles with his conscience. He is convinced that Parker doesn't stand a chance against Morlun, but he is moved by Spider-Man's pleas for help. Can he really leave behind his wealth, his company, his very life as he has known it, and join his brother arachnid in a battle they can't possibly win? What was that Peter always says about "great power?"

This is crackerjack superhero storytelling that captures the very essence of what Spider-Man has always been about. Despite his super-powers and advanced scientific skills, Peter Parker has remained a simple New Yorker who is easily overwhelmed socially and emotionally. He's just an average Joe yes, even with the ability to stick to walls and swing through town on webs confronted by forces beyond all reason. Given the choice between hiding in safety or facing his fears and fighting for what he believes, Peter chooses to struggle against adversity every single time. He is a true hero, and Straczynski has made his heroism palpable again. Now that is a Marvel.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

Grade: A

Issue:No. 34 (475)

Author(s): J. Michael Straczynski, John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $2.25