Still playing ASM catch up, here's my feelings on #559-560.
559-
So..Dan Slott returns, who wrote that OK first BND arc, which seemed cooler than it was because of the amazing McNiven art.
I'm not loving the Marcos Martin pencils, but they do have a certain flair to them. Having said that use of panels on pg 8 in which Spidey reclaimed his camera from a building was really cool. Petey getting the paparazzi gig was a no brainer considering how good he has been at getting Spidey shots all these years. Bobby Carr seen at speedtrack with Kirsten, heh.
I was starting think this issue was pretty unremarkable, being host to a lame super villain, when I got to the scene were Petey started his paparazzi career. I enjoyed Pete's cockiness until he got caught. About the camera- the muscle would have made sure they got the memory card, So that was kinda dumb. Also Bennet continuing to get Pete's name wrong is wearing very thin, but it was good to see him get paid. The stalker weirdo Paperdoll does not seem too interesting to me and overall I thought this issue was pretty whatever.
560-
After last issue, the unusual pop art stylings of this cover (which like all covers we get too see months in advance) now make sense.
Cool.
I am immediately impressed with the panel layout on pg 1 and as I progress through the first few pages I come to realize that Marcos Martin's style is not only growing on me, but is also pretty slick. However nifty pencils alone is not enough to make me rate this issue.
While reading the scene with Pete and Harry at the Coffee Bean I wondered if they are ever going to attempt to address Harry's presence in the book, you know, why the f**k he is alive?!?! I find it pretty damn annoying, and one of BIG reasons I am unable to fully enjoy ASM now.
So the big ending- MJ being Bobby Carr's fun piece for the weekend.
It will be interesting to read #561 and see what, if anything gets revealed about MJ's background, more specifically what she believes she has been doing for the last 5 or so years instead of being married. I take it everything is as it happened in real time 616, except after MJ returned to NYC in ASM#242 her and Peter did not reunite. Ok that's all fine, but does this mean she has no memory of any romantic relationships for 5 or so years?... Wouldn't this be a bit weird?.. Same thing for Pete- in his mind has he been a social ****** for 5 years? ...
Unfortunately I get the feeling her perception of the past, and Pete's, will not be addressed any time soon. Meanwhile the writers will try to figure something out. We have had some cool new villains, Spidey being funny again, some cute easter eggs, but when you get right down to it there is no foundation to any of this. No logic, No sense.
Haha, this book is such a piece of crap..