Previously…
After meeting Ezekiel, who opened Peter’s eyes regarding his origin, and then eventually defeating Morlun, the being who wanted to feed off his life-energy, the energy of the spider within Peter, he swings home battered and bruised. As he sleeps, Aunt May walks in and sees his broken unconscious body and the remnants of his Spider-Man costume on the floor. After some thinking, she decides it is time for them to talk…

Synopsis
Peter puts the phone down and wonders what May wants to talk to him about. She comes in and immediately tells him that she knows… that she knows he is Spider-Man. Peter is then forced to approach the subject and tells her about Uncle Ben’s death. He has to explain to her why he is doing it. She then bursts into tears, admitting that she is the fault for his death. Apparently they had an argument before he left and she feels the guilt Peter does. Peter then says to her that he has a duty, to the people and to the memory of his Uncle. Then Aunt May asks how it happened, how he got his powers. Much later, May decides it is time to leave to think things over but tells Peter that she loves him and that they both need to be strong. Peter then dons his costume and swings out into the night, determined never to lie to her, or let her down again.

Highlight
The whole damn thing!

Comments
This is perfect. It takes some doing to write an honest confrontation between the two most famous characters in Spider-Man history and pull it off as superbly as this!

So Aunt May and Peter are on a level playing field. They both think that it was their fault that Uncle Ben dies. This is huge! Straczynski redefines Peter’s life again by making Aunt May the focus of his strength. Huge! Aunt May has to deal with the consequences of having an un-liked super-hero nephew! Huge! Peter’s acceptance of Aunt May acceptance seems all too simple, he is not aware of her feelings. She is suddenly the strong one, and really has been all of this time! Huge!

What an issue! The ramifications of this will echo for years and not just because Aunt May knows but because of the way that she knows; the very issue is phenomenal and will forever be one of my favourites.

One of the most important issues written in a long time. Straczynski pulls another one out of the bag, but this time I can’t see him topping it. Or anyone else for that matter.

JRJR shines again throughout and the closing page is as best as you will see.

The only thing that lets this down is the cover. Something a bit more legendary would have been a lot more fitting. A JRJR or a Campbell at least!

Rating
Cover - 2 / 5
Overall - 5 / 5

Reviewed by Adam Rivett

Back Return to Reviews Home Return to the Homepage