Synopsis
Peter is shocked at Ezekiel’s flippant disregard for his safety. Ezekiel says that his offer was declined and now there is nothing he can do about it. He wants to keep away from Morlun himself, as he still knows no way to defeat him. Spidey swings off to face Morlun again, alone. Morlun continues to taunt Spidey by threatening innocents and the fight rages on. Spidey manages to phone May, telling her that he loves her. He then turns round to face Morlun for the last time, unafraid and unrelenting. Suddenly Morlun is struck down, by none other than Ezekiel! Ezekiel then manages to draw blood, with a brutal punch to Morlun’s face. Morlun comments that Ezekiel is not “pure” but that doesn’t stop him from, after a brutal 2-on-1 fight, eventually draining the life-force from him. Ezekiel falls into the sea, lifeless, and Spidey swims after him, searching for the body. Morlun goes off for a cappuccino. After 20 minutes of looking for him, Peter gives up. He then realises that Ezekiel may have bought him a chance and, taking the piece of wood on which Morlun bled, returns home. Study of his blood gives Spidey an edge and, changing his costume, rigs a fake meltdown at the Nuclear Power Plant, evacuating it and allowing him to access the equipment needed to take Morlun down for good.

Highlight
Peter reaching critical mass!

Comments
Ezekiel is starting to be a character to reckon with. Whether he is dead or not does not matter; the fact is that Straczynski has moulded a character from Peter, Spider-Man and Uncle Ben who seems immediately familiar yet has so many unanswered questions that you just want to see so much more of him. The “I have responsibilities line” as he walks off to his board of directors, as well as the retort to Peter’s quip as Ezekiel joins the battle, both hark back to Peter’s attitude yet twist them in such a way that Peter turns into the mentor and emotionally knowledgeable one, even though Ezekiel knows all about Morlun. The Uncle Ben similarities have been mentioned in previous arcs and Peter’s reaction to Ezekiel’s demise is the way Spider-Man should handle death.

Where Straczynski makes this issue so flowing and complete is the little devices he uses. The way thoughts and words blend and connect different scenes together (the “You seem rather distracted, sir” bubble for example) is magnificent and reinforce the ideas of character connection. The quick phone calls are also a show of emotion and compassion that Ezekiel seems to lack. The quick message to the school is brilliant, showing Peter’s impact on a few students already and grounding the super-powered battle (which still takes up the focus of the issue) in the real world. The cappuccino line is also classic - callous and funny at the same time.

Capturing the essence of Spider-Man is what this arc seems to have set out to do. In cleaning up the mess of his predecessor, Straczynski has already brought in the teacher in Peter, the hero in Peter, his ability to never give up in the face of real and surmountable danger, his willingness to sacrifice himself and now the scientific nature of Peter’s brain. He has never been a Hulk-like slugger, even though he can hold his own. He has been a thinker and rooting the probable solution to the Morlun problem in science is perfect Spider-Man. It really is!

JRJr’s Pencils continue to be stunning and there is absolutely nothing to criticise or complain about. No matter how hard I try to find something! The cover is a little boring, even though Campbell knows how to draw a perfectly insect-like Spider-Man. The composition could just be a little bit more… full.

Rating Cover - 3˝ / 5
Overall - 4˝ / 5

Reviewed by Adam Rivett

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