Synopsis
A man, holding a woman hostage in a car, gets his humiliating comeuppance when Spidey intervenes. The following day, Peter’s first teaching science at his old school, his class seems to be going ok - he notices a few minds honed in. He is called to the principal’s office and introduced to a benevolent financial contributor, Ezekiel, who has just donated $100,000 to the science department. At lunch, Ezekiel lets on that he knows much more about Peter’s powers, that Peter actually bridges the gap between spider and man, acting as a totemistic force to the spider itself. Ezekiel points out that Peter’s enemies have tries to bridge the gap between animal and man to project a false sense of power - lizards, octopi, rhinos, scorpions - all act as pretenders. Peter is the real deal. Ezekiel says that his own powers come from an impure source, a story he is not willing to tell just yet. Ezekiel explains that another totemistic force is on its way to hunt Peter and drain his force from him, and there is nothing he can do to stop him. He takes him to his office block, explaining how he learnt Peter’s identity and where his money came from, and eventually offering him a specially constructed safe-house. Peter declines, telling him that with power comes responsibility and with responsibility comes his entire city. Later that evening, carnage ensues and Peter swings to the scene. There he is suddenly hit harder than ever before and, looking up, sees Morlun.

Highlight
The last page and the pizza!

Comments
Absolutely brilliant! I buy the totemistic origin completely, it fills in some gaps to be perfectly honest, and the way Straczynski uses Spidey’s other villains (ones that have been in the books since the beginning) as proof of his argument, gives it immense credibility and argues with the original thinking of Stan Lee all those years ago. The art is flawless, making a conversation filled with intricacy and importance as entertaining as a fight scene or a love scene. The way Morlun is built as one of the biggest threats Spidey has ever faced also gives great credit to JMS as a writer - hits harder than the Hulk, “He will kill you, Peter”, “nothing’s funny anymore.” - all build next issue, and the fight, as unmissable.

I was glad the teacher thing was mentioned again, credit to Straczynski for managing to fit a true-to-life classroom scene into such a packed book. Great technique in not giving away the entire mystery of Ezekiel as well. We get enough to make his story credible but have enough questions remaining (like how Ezekiel used his powers to create his fortune) to maintain a sense of doubt and distrust as to why and how this man suddenly appears at the right time, presuming Peter will do as he says. The little snippet of Ezekiel’s own past hints at something he himself was talking about - pretenders. If Peter is the real deal then Ezekiel, as a pretender is going to want to side with him however he can. Surely? Also, liking a lot the humour Straczynski is injecting. Spidey always was a joker and passing comments and funny web-designs help to set up a parallel to the seriousness the situation becomes at the close.

One more note on pencils - Romita’s beautiful full page shots of past gods, past foes and the specific graphical links between having Peter and a spider side by side all accredit and accompany the storytelling in a subtler way than other artists, which really brings the visual and literal creative process together. It is a partnership that works so well together already.

Finally, hats off to the colourist. Looking back at issues before JMS came on board, the art looks flat and dead. Here it comes alive with a suitable brightness and delectable tones which make JRJR’s art all that much more stunning.

Perfect overall score, for a perfect book.

Rating
Cover - 5 / 5
Overall - 5 / 5

Reviewed by Adam Rivett

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