Synopsis: Its part two on the road to ASM #600, and our story begins in the traditional Straczynski manner. After a little quarrel with a certain troublesome waiter, Peter and MJ sit down to a meal in city restaurant. Mary Jane feels its time for her to get a job again, but that means she might have to go away for a while. Of course, she’ll stay if it might tear them apart again. Peter agrees, letting his wife resume her career. The ol’ Parker luck kicks in, and before their dinners are served, Pete must go to help in a police chase. As Spidey swings into the streets, an elderly man spots him, “Meshugge.” He says to himself. The old man walks into a cellar shop, overhearing his client’s phone call, and hands him a suit jacket.

Later that evening the old man manages to track down Spidey in the streets. They go to a deli, and talk over a cup of coffee. The man’s name is Leo Zelinsky. He’s a tailor who specializes in super-powered guys; both heroes and villains. He sees the heroes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays; the bad guys on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He guarantees privacy for his costumers, but this time, things are a little different. He heard a new costumer of his, calls himself Killshot, talking on his phone about a plot to assassinate the District Attorney tomorrow, at the Boys and Girls Club award presentation.

Leo’s grandson, Michael, knows he could do something to stop him; it’s what his father would’ve wanted. Leo can’t let the police know, otherwise his business would be ruined. He can’t go his hero clients either; it would ruin the privacy policy. So, he went to Spider-Man.

Before Peter went to bed that night, he tried to take some of Leo’s advice in his costume accessories. While testing something with his mask in the mirror, he sees Venom’s reflection on the glass. Later MJ notices Pete’s wearing his mask to bed… “You have got to stop having coffee so late at night.” “I’m hip.” He replies.

The next day, Spidey stops Killshot just in time before he shoots the DA. The web-slinger’s forced to save a man put in danger by Killshot, and the villain escapes. He heads for Zelinsky’s place, and puts and put a gun to little Michael’s head. Leo pushes him out of the way, but gets hit in the arm. The next second, Spider-Man arrives to take down the rogue. After the cops arrive, everything’s taken of. Before Spidey leaves, Leo hands him a design for a new look.

Opinion:
The Bad: Mary Jane’s leaving again? She only returned in the books recently! Also, Killshot is probably the least thought-out of all Straczynski’s villains, but you could tell he tried.

Pearson’s cover was almost an insult, especially compared to Romita Jr.’s excellent interiors.

The Good: A very nice little tale, original, nothing too big, too small. No continuity glitches. (Yes!) Those moments at the mirror and in bed with the mask were hilarious! Leo was a loveable character, and I love the way he interacted with Spidey when they talked at the shop. The scene reminded me of moments from certain 80’s back-issues. And like last issue, the villain was more of a secondary plot in the story, while the actual character interaction and situations were the primary meaning of the entire issue. A nice twist, compared to JMS’ usual formula. The art was excellent! JRjr handled everything just right; everything he drew looked fantastic! The colors were pretty strong too. A great effort on Milla’s part.

Notes: - The waiter that appeared in the beginning of the issue was the same waiter in ASM V2, #51, but at a different restaurant. He could be up to something.

- The costume design Leo handed Spidey at the end of the issue, was of the same costume the future Spider-Man wore in ASM #500.

Rating: **** Four star issue. (Out of five possible stars)

Reviewed by Willi Gerrard

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