Synopsis
Peter travels to the airport with MJ, who is on her way to an interview in LA. He keeps talking so that she cant say good-bye, like last time, but she eventually leaves him with a ‘See ya, Tiger!’ When she gets there, she discovers that the part has already been taken and that she is seen as just a dumb model. On his patrol, Spidey is having a slow night so decides to see what a squad car is up to. They are staking out a bike thief – oh the importance! Spidey makes a quick call to MJ but gets her machine. His is interrupted by his Spidey-sense which goes ballistic when he notices that the kid stealing the set-up bike has a gun. Spidey quickly intervenes, chasing the kid and giving him a speech about the danger of guns and how to stand up for himself without them. Back in LA MJ returns Peter’s call, lying to him that she turned down the part.

Highlight
The funny/loser cops and the tenuous relationship between MJ & Peter.

Comments
On its own, this issue is very neat, compact and tells an almost perfect story. The pencils are as typically classy and suitable as ever and the writers do a good job of conveying the relationship between Peter and MJ, their importance to each other and the little bit of caution that MJ still has brilliantly. I don’t think she should have told him the truth, it makes it more real that way. That she still has this niggling doubt is something that makes MJ a more interesting character.

The solicitations for this issue were wrong, which is something not completely expected from Marvel, as they implied something to do with Ezekiel and his return. This is in fact taking place next issue, and I am guessing the two following issues after that. This would complete JRJR’s run on the book and would not only be a welcome return of the character but would let the brilliant artist go out with a bang.

Speaking of art, the cover for this issue is very unique and very very good! The angles and perspectives JRJR seems to conjure up show just how familiar he is with this character and the way he moves and I know I speak for the masses when I say he will be sorely missed. Deodato Jr has some legend to live up to!

The one, fairly major, complaint I have about this issue is that it is yet another interlude type issue. These one-shot stories are all well and good when they are done well, as this one is. But there seems to have been too many of these little stories that have no real impact on anything in particular lately. The stories with May and the costume maker (#501 & #502), and this one, are brilliant snippets of Parker life, but they seem to draw away from the importance of Ezekiel that Straczynski has been setting up throughout his run. Even the next arc is only three issues long, and I just feel that it is about time Amazing readers got their teeth into something heavy.

Vibes is another quality issue with only the general “big” picture spoiling it overall.

Rating
Cover – 4 / 5
Issue #505 Overall – 3˝ / 5

Reviewed by Adam Rivett

Back Return to Reviews Home Return to the Homepage