Comics Amazing Spider-Man #559 spoilers. I'll read it so you don't have to

[Kirk Langstrom]

Here's my biggest beef with the book right now.

Aside from the "paint by numbers" plotting, for all practical purposes, Peter is basically Mephisto's *****.

Mephisto completely destroyed the best thing in Peter's life, and gets away with it?

That's real hard for me to get around. I certainly dont mind the villain having the upperhand for a bit, and letting the hero take his lumps, but this was basically a total victory for evil. I dont know about the rest of you, but there's too much of that going on in the real world for me to have to put up with it in my entertainment as well.

And why would Harry be brought back in a deal constituting the restoration of Aunt May. I mean, what would that have to do with...anything?

I just dont get it. And while i can certainly agree that the book is well written, and some what "fun", it just doesnt feel like Spider-Man anymore.

 

[MyPokerShirt]

I love Dan Slott's writing but there are so many holes here:

Spider-Man couldn't catch a non-powered girl and during the chase he stumbled and fell -- PAH! JUST GIVE HER POWERS DAMNIT -- STOP WEAKENING SPIDER-MAN TO SUIT YOU.

The lack of spider-sense use -- "oh look at me get battered in the head by a bouncer"

The idiocy of both Harry and the bouncers -- "duh... we wont check the camera for the memory stick" -- IDIOTS

The guys with cameras ARE ACCESSORIES TO A ROBBERY. Whyt would they wear shirts declaring it??? Why weren't they apprehended??? It's like the idea of a live-streaming villain got in the way of common sense. Jeez.

Stupid sixties "lets blindly believe the daily bugle and blame spider-man" stuff. I hate that. Every writer has done it. ENOUGH!! It's too easy to do. Spider-man has so many cliches lazy writers can fill a book with them: malfunctioning web-shooters, use of spider-tracers and webbed up camera, being misunderstood and hated by the police and new yorkers, the 'parker luck' sh#te, a new villain beating him to prove they can cut it.


This issue had well-written, witty dialogue, interesting characters (except Harry's *****es, who i can't tell apart and dont care about) and good artwork (although Peter and Harry looked terrible and need a redesign) but as usual there were inconsistencies in the plot that made me lose my suspension of disbelief. ah.

Oh yeah and I thought it was explained peter used electromagnetic fields to stick to walls -- why does he need to take his shoes off??? (and no, movie-goers, don't tell me he has little hairs on his hands and feet, that doesn't fly with me, this aint the movies!!)

 

[MyPokerShirt]

I can't wait for this issue... that goes without saying.

For the first time since Roger Stern wrote this book, I'm looking forward to each and every next issue.

I don't get this. Seriously man, what are you reading that I'm not? It's been pretty bad with the exception of Dan Slott's stuff, but even that isn't perfect and did you read the Freak stuff?? And you liked it?? Really??

 

[Themanofbat]

I don't get this. Seriously man, what are you reading that I'm not? It's been pretty bad with the exception of Dan Slott's stuff, but even that isn't perfect and did you read the Freak stuff?? And you liked it?? Really??

I have made comments on all this issues since BND started, and the Gale/Freak issues were definitely the weakest, in my opinion.

I guess I feel like I'm reading Spider-Man comics the way they were meant to be... a little serious, but a LOT cheeset, with some cool Spidey action, victories & mistakes & all... These ARE comics after all, and they don't necessarily have to have the same "real life" dark drama that we've all been accustomed to... I'm enjoying them because they are "fun".

'Nuff said.

 

[MyPokerShirt]

Well I guess if I read them blindly without looking at the plot holes then yeah they have been fun, i'll give you that

 

[Themanofbat]

If you admit it's nostalgic, you should be able to admit that nostalgia has a very limited appeal, and no business has ever been able to sustain business going back to the well for too long. It happens in wrestling, automaking, movie producing, television....nostalgia is good for a fun, temporary boost in sales and interest, but not for long term success.

The nostagic thing could be hit or miss with comics, depending on how Marvel approaches it...

I find the ASM books to be very "current", but yet read in a very nostalgic manner, which will be very appealing to the old schoolers, like myself and clonesy, and perhaps with the younger crowd, as it was for people like my self and clonesy when we were younger.

Maybe I'm using the wrong word (I'm more of a math guy, and linguistics are not my fortée), but Marvel has felt like their Spider-Man books have been very "wrong" to them for quite some time, and while they want to preserve as much of the rich Spidey history as possible, they probablt feel that the old winning formulas are the ones that will work on Spider-Man for "long term sales effects". They may be wrong, and only time and sales will tell, but they've been wanting to try it since the early 90's... and Spider-Man is their property and I can't complain that they want to try it... I must say, OMD was a donkey ball suckfest at how they got there, but we'll see where it goes from hereonin.

Sorry for the delay, I guess your initial post did get burried.

 

[Themanofbat]

Well I guess if I read them blindly without looking at the plot holes then yeah they have been fun, i'll give you that

What plot holes?

If you're referring to how they've altered things from the past (like Harry's ressurection and the marriage), we've been told that explanations are on the way. But everything still occured the way they did, and the people who knew Spidey's identity THEN (thus explaining the story itself) have simply forgotten. But again, I'm hoping for explanations down the road.

So for now, I'm going to enjoy them for what they are... pure fun Spider-Man stories.

And I'll let go of the "read them blindly" jab this time, even though I didn't even insult you at all, but I'd appreciate a little more respect for my reading tastes, as I've given the same respect for others who read the things I couldn't care less about.

Thanks for your time.

 

[Themanofbat]

Which part? Just an enemy being around constantly set off the Spider sense in the past, and dodging a punch from a bouncer isn't gonna give yourself away as Spider-Man.

Oh and you were proven wrong on how fast Spider-Man can run. I'd go through each part, but you're significance to me is microscopic.

The part about how all the snow was melted in the previous issue, when it is clearly there in the comic to see (ASM #558), and the part about how you claimed it was stupid that the NYPD HAZMAT Unit guys took the sign down MOMENTS after loading Freak up (thus revealing that they were Oscorp), when it was clearly AFTER they brought him to Oscorp (there was a roof above them as they unload where the junkyard was in an open area), or the rant about Spidey tracers (when it's a weapon he's used issue after issue since the begining of his career ), or the blatant assumption that Bennett claims to know that Peter is Spider-Man , and how would Peter react to PaperDoll as an enemy if we don't know (yet) that she's his enemy at all....

Those parts...

 

[moraldeficiency]

The part about how all the snow was melted in the previous issue, when it is clearly there in the comic to see (ASM #558), and the part about how you claimed it was stupid that the NYPD HAZMAT Unit guys took the sign down MOMENTS after loading Freak up (thus revealing that they were Oscorp), when it was clearly AFTER they brought him to Oscorp (there was a roof above them as they unload where the junkyard was in an open area), or the rant about Spidey tracers (when it's a weapon he's used issue after issue since the begining of his career ), or the blatant assumption that Bennett claims to know that Peter is Spider-Man , and how would Peter react to PaperDoll as an enemy if we don't know (yet) that she's his enemy at all....

Those parts...

hmmm, after looking over the issue yesterday I'd say:

you're wrong about the snow, there was a layer not just spaces. I'd attribute it to just a typical error in spacing and time and not a big one, but it was there.

you're right about freak, he was being unloaded.

the spider tracers is a somewhat valid point for him to make especially with the tracer murder thing going on, but really not a very big deal.

you're right, bennett just thinks pete's resourceful.

Paper Doll or anyone with enough power would trigger pete's spidersense as a possible danger. Hulk has triggered pete's spidersense in the past when he in no way meant him harm. He's used that in that way before to feel out potential threats, it should have triggered something. You've seen it in the past where pete's felt "uneasy" about someone without knowing why.

 

[carnageehw]

If you're referring to how they've altered things from the past (like Harry's ressurection and the marriage)

I literally cried at the end od Spectacular 200 (it was 200, right?) when Harry died. It might seem weird, but it was the culmination of such a great, unique and personal arc. So while I know we are waiting for answers, it really seems like such an anti-climactic way to bring back what to me (i'm not that old) was the most important Spidey death. That, combined with the wait and see approach, I just know will underwhealm me.

So for now, I'm going to enjoy them for what they are... pure fun Spider-Man stories.

I'm really curious what you will think of the books in a few years, if they keep this direction. I've said that the books are kind of fun as a random spidey book (but that it all seems wrong given the context of Petes life), so I can totally understand why you like it, and why it appeals to nostalgia. BUt I wonder if this nostalgia will wear off if they ever have Peter in a relationship, when they decide to have him move out, or get a better job, because at SOME point, he's gonna have to.

I mean, I don't actually expect you to know, that's pretty impossible but it's interesting to wonder if you'll ever get bored with a Spidey constantly in these situations, or it will be "here we go again" if they do start to grow him again.

 

[Themanofbat]

Here's my biggest beef with the book right now.

Aside from the "paint by numbers" plotting, for all practical purposes, Peter is basically Mephisto's *****.

Mephisto completely destroyed the best thing in Peter's life, and gets away with it?

That's real hard for me to get around. I certainly dont mind the villain having the upperhand for a bit, and letting the hero take his lumps, but this was basically a total victory for evil. I dont know about the rest of you, but there's too much of that going on in the real world for me to have to put up with it in my entertainment as well.

And why would Harry be brought back in a deal constituting the restoration of Aunt May. I mean, what would that have to do with...anything?

I just dont get it. And while i can certainly agree that the book is well written, and some what "fun", it just doesnt feel like Spider-Man anymore.

It wouldn't be the first time in the Marvel Universe (or even with Spider-Man) that the bad guy gets away with it.

Like it or not, Norman killed Gwen and he's now working for the government... he got away with it... Doc Ock killed Captain Stacy, and while he's gotten jail time, it's not ever going to take that death away, and Spdiey will feel that pain, thereby making him "get away with murder"...

We all know that Mephisto was used as a tool to return Spider-Man to his roots, and whether or not we'll be seeing him back in the Spidey books at any time, this is where we're at (he has been screwed by Spidey before, so you never know when he'll be back), and just be thankful that you're getting fun Spidey action for the next while (with the hopes of explanations that we're being told will come soon enough).

And as far as Harry's meaningless ressurection? Well, I thought (and still do) the same thing of Norman's, and that turned out well (for most readers), and I believe there will be more than meets the eye with Harry's return...

Remember, Harry & MJ used to date and we're a bit of an item pre-ASM #100, so maybe Harry and MJ will hook up again (Pete's best girl being with his best friend? Oh, the heartbreak that will cause... which will work well for Mephisto)...

Hang in there, mon capitaine... I doubt very much that Harry's return is as meaningless as it might appear to be currently.

Cheers...

Mike

 

[carnageehw]

Paper Doll or anyone with enough power would trigger pete's spidersense as a possible danger. Hulk has triggered pete's spidersense in the past when he in no way meant him harm. He's used that in that way before to feel out potential threats, it should have triggered something. You've seen it in the past where pete's felt "uneasy" about someone without knowing why.

To be fair, the Spider sense is one of the most inconsistently written powers in comic book history.
Basically, whichever way is easier (go off, or not go off) is the way it's used.

 

[Themanofbat]

hmmm, after looking over the issue yesterday I'd say:

you're wrong about the snow, there was a layer not just spaces. I'd attribute it to just a typical error in spacing and time and not a big one, but it was there.

I agree there was more snow in last issue than the previous one, but the guy said it had ALL melted in ASM #558.

Paper Doll or anyone with enough power would trigger pete's spidersense as a possible danger. Hulk has triggered pete's spidersense in the past when he in no way meant him harm. He's used that in that way before to feel out potential threats, it should have triggered something. You've seen it in the past where pete's felt "uneasy" about someone without knowing why.

The thing about Peter's Spider-Sense is that it works as to how the writer makes it work... I'm sure we can go over a billion spidey books and pick apart times where his Spider-Sense should have worked and it didn't... I know I can... so I can overlook it happening again (I really hope it's not consitantly "off" though), but to claim that a story was garbage based on that comment is akin to saying 1/4 of ALL Spider-Man comics are bad because it's happened so many times in the past.

To be fair, the Spider sense is one of the most inconsistently written powers in comic book history.
Basically, whichever way is easier (go off, or not go off) is the way it's used.

See? even carnageehw agrees with me on this point...

 

[moraldeficiency]

To be fair, the Spider sense is one of the most inconsistently written powers in comic book history.
Basically, whichever way is easier (go off, or not go off) is the way it's used.

I would agree with that 100% it's right behind Doc Strange's power level and and wolverine's healing factor in the way it can work, work too well or just be completely ignored.

 

[carnageehw]

See? even carnageehw agrees with me on this point...

It must be a Canadian thing

 

[Spider-ManHero12]

Yeah i'm loving Martin's artwork too it's got a wonderfully retro vibe to it.

Yeah, his art sort of reminded me of Steve Ditko's art work.

Originally Posted by Miken Ayers

Umm, you do realise that you're not changing my opinion right? An opinion is an opinion, not fact.

 

[stillanerd]

Okay, a little prognostication time: Obviously, Robert Carr's "mystery girlfriend" is going to be Mary Jane. Peter, right when he is about to take the picture of him and his new girlfriend will see her and suddenly have a crisis of conscience, realizing that, as much of a jerk Carr is, he can't exploit his ex-girlfriend like this. But at that moment, Paper Doll comes on the scene and Spidey springs into action and manages to save Carr and MJ's lives. Carr is slavishly thankful, offers Spidey money, but Spidey blows him off saying that he didn't do it for him. MJ, to Spidey's surprise, is upset over how he could have made the situation worse. Despite this, Peter tells Bennet that he didn't get the photos and learns that a competitor did. Peter then tells him that he wants off the "Papparazzi" beat and to go back to Spider-Man photos despite it being less money, thus Peter's regains his "integrity," thus providing a valuable "After School Special" lesson. Meanwhile, MJ tries to call Peter and gets Aunt May on the phone, telling her that it's really important that she get in touch with Peter, but May tells her he no longer lives there. (This, while not exactly stated, is another hint that MJ is Jackpot and that she was assigned to Carr as his "girlfriend" to keep on eye on him because he was being stalked and that Spidey interfered.) Okay, maybe that's a bit too predictable, but what do you expect from an internet poster who came up with something right off the top of his head?

Oh, and since the Spider-Tracer killer was referenced, even though it probably will have nothing to do with the overall story, I'll just come right out and say who I think it is: it's Kraven the Hunter back from the dead.

P.S. About Screwball: I'm sure quite a few people noted the blatant parallel between her and Spidey, in that just like Peter took pictures of himself as the agile Spider-Man making wisecracks along the way, she takes pictures of herself as an agile thief committing crimes--albeit with a webcam--making wisecracks along the way. Too bad she didn't have an arachnid inspired motiff because otherwise she would really be the anti-Spider-Man.

 

[Blader5489]

P.S. About Screwball: I'm sure quite a few people noted the blatant parallel between her and Spidey, in that just like Peter took pictures of himself as the agile Spider-Man making wisecracks along the way, she takes pictures of herself as an agile thief committing crimes--albeit with a webcam--making wisecracks along the way. Too bad she didn't have an arachnid inspired motiff because otherwise she would really be the anti-Spider-Man.

Interesting. I didn't notice that at first.

 

[MyPokerShirt]

What plot holes?

If you're referring to how they've altered things from the past (like Harry's ressurection and the marriage), we've been told that explanations are on the way. But everything still occured the way they did, and the people who knew Spidey's identity THEN (thus explaining the story itself) have simply forgotten. But again, I'm hoping for explanations down the road.

So for now, I'm going to enjoy them for what they are... pure fun Spider-Man stories.

And I'll let go of the "read them blindly" jab this time, even though I didn't even insult you at all, but I'd appreciate a little more respect for my reading tastes, as I've given the same respect for others who read the things I couldn't care less about.

Thanks for your time.

It wasn't really a jab. I'm just saying that certain stories have been weak but if you ignore them then they've been fun. I actually listed all my problems with the issue earlier. No powers gal beating spider-man, etc. I meant that kinda stuff and the constant 'i'm not gonna learn from my mistakes' nostalgic BS that has been discussed enough.

 

[Miken Ayers]

I must say I rather enjoyed this issue. After the Wells and Bachalo arc, which I didn't thrill me too much purely because I didn't like the art, BND seems to be getting back on track.

In defense of the whole Screwball should be no match for Spidey thing: Well, as already mentioned in this thread, Spidey did say he was holding back. Heck, even Screwball knew he was holding back!

But on top of that, yes Spidey bumbled into the hotdog cart or whatever. But I justify it like this: How many Parkour experts has Spidey come up against before? None. So while he's experienced at chasing down regular grounded thugs, or Super Powered Villains that can fly. I imagined that unexpectedly coming up against someone displaying Screwball's skills threw him off a little!

Also, did anyone get the impression that, as in the Spidey flicks, Robbie has suspicions that Pete is Spider-man?

And on the page showing all the celebrities that Peter has to try and get pictures of, how many can you make out? I recognised Tom and Katie, Britney and I think Lindsey Lohan.

Anyway, can't wait for next weeks issue! Paper Doll is creepy.

Spider-Man's probably more of an urban gymnast than her. Not to mention he could just jump after her, run faster than her, web her etc. Your argument is like saying that just because he never got in a wheelchair bound palsy victim means he'll lose agains the first one he fights. Then again I wouldn't be surprised if people that like this current direction in Spider-Man did pick fights with people in wheelchairs.

If people think Paper Doll is creepy I bet they also put on diapers when Cartoon Network shows Goosebumps reruns.

 

[Miken Ayers]

Well I guess if I read them blindly without looking at the plot holes then yeah they have been fun, i'll give you that

You're gonna have to eat a lot of lead paint chips to enjoy Spider-Man. Remember you won't get those brain cells back.

 

[Miken Ayers]

OOPS double post. Kind of like how the rehashed garbage that is Amazing Spider-Man is like a double post thirty years later.

 

[Donald Thomas]

I don't have to wait. I have it.

It was good. Marcos Martin is definately an artist that I'd love to see on a full time basis. He doesn't do anything splashy, but lays out a comic like they're supposed to be. JJJ once again has the best moment. And I like the idea of[BLACKOUT] PP getting tempted by the taste of papparrazzi (sp?) money. [/BLACKOUT]

Miken, I know that you have an agenda here, but at least play fair. SHH gives you the tools for spoilers. You can use blackout or spoiler tags. If you don't know how to use them, PM me or any of the mods and we'd be glad to give you a hand.

Aloha,
Why did you allow this Neo Troll to high jack the thread?
Spidey rules

 

[iloveclones]

He'll get bored. They always do. And the more he talks (and tries to convince all of us that his reviews cause people to drop the book ), the more it's likely that someone will pick up the book to see the controversy. Mind you, this would someone with no pre-ordained feelings about the marriage. And when it's not the devil that Miken makes it out to be, you'll have yourself a new reader.

The comic has been released for exactly one day, and we're on post #124 talking about it. My review, which would basically be, "I liked it," could never in a million years generate that kind of interest.

 

[iloveclones]

I'm gonna say that again, because I just re-read it and it caused me to laugh. 1 day of release, and 124 posts. Goooood stuff....