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Well, Joe Kelly and Phil Jiminez's "American Son" five part story arc started today with issue #595.
Here's a recap for those who don't want to buy it
Seriously, having read this, I'd have to say this was actually a pretty decent start to this storyline. The dialogue is good, with each character's voice distinct, and Jiminez's artwork is also nicely done (although, there was a mistake with Spidey having no webs on his mask in one panel, and there seems to be a bit of wasted space in some cases). I do, however, have a few misgivings mixed in with the good, though, especially since I think we can already see how the pieces are starting to fit even though it's only been one issue.
Still, reservations aside, so far, American Son is starting off on a pretty good note.
Here's a recap for those who don't want to buy it
The issue starts off Peter and Harry kicking back, barefoot, and relaxing in Central Park. Harry mentions to Peter that his favorite temperature is seventy-six degrees Fahrenheit. Why? ask Peter. Because, Harry explains, that's the temperature that's statistically proven to be the point in which people began to feel warm and start removing their clothes. Just before the reader might start thinking Peter and Harry have just turned gay all of the sudden (I know, I know, it's a cheap joke, but I couldn't resist) Harry spots two gorgeous babes and decides to flirt with them, using Peter as his "wingman" much to Peter's embarrassment. Harry basically tells these women that Peter is too shy around women because he doesn't know how to start a conversation, then tells him he has five seconds to come up with a good pickup line. Peter nervously tells them he's a photographer and the two women give him dirty looks, to which Peter tries to explain he doesn't take "those kind of pictures." Harry then tells the girls that not only did they cost him a cup of coffee, but that he lost a bet with Peter that, despite being gorgeous, they would be shallow. So, he and Peter pretend to leave when the two girls insist they're not shallow and "can we start this over." And yes, this ends up with Harry getting both of their phone numbers. (Yes, folks, this scene has essentially made both Peter and Harry how they were portrayed in the Spider-Man movies. Not to mention makes Peter look like a dork in front of his pimp of a best friend, Harry, because, hey, in the eyes of the braintrust, Peter as the loveable loser is "COM-O-DY".)
Anyways, Peter marvels at how Harry managed to pull off getting the girl's numbers, and also asks Harry if his newfound positive outlook is all for show. Harry admits that this might have been the case a few months ago (no dobut referring to finding out Lily was Menace and his falling off the wagon again) but now he's got a new outlook and is going to take it one day at a time. Peter remarks in the narrative captions that this is why he loves Harry (no not in THAT way) and why he's his best friend. However, the "bromance" is spoiled when the "Dark Avengers" craft soars overhead. Peter complains about how there's just no getting away from Norman Osborn, but Harry just brushes it off, saying his dad and his Avengers can have the sky while they'll do fine in "the real world."
We cut back to Frontline, in which Peter, at the staff meeting, tries to pitch an idea to Ben Urich on an expose expossing Norman Osborn, only the staff doesn't take it seriously. Urich asks Peter what evidence he has and Peter starts listing off how Norman's jail sentence had been communted under sealed executive order for him to run the Thunderbolts that are staffed with "psychopaths" that violate civil liberties, how he's such as good "nazi" (and thus already loosing the agrument because he used the Godwin's Law) he was promoted to HAMMER without any congressional oversight (although he says Senate and Congress as though they are two different things in the United States Government), that he hijacked the Avengers, and--just in case everyone has forgotten--he was the Green Goblin. Norah Winters responds to this by handing Peter a note which reads "Righteous hostility is totally hot. Take me out to dinner and lets go punch Nancy Pelosi in the face." (LOL)
Urich responds that, as much as he wants to take Osborn down, they still need to follow the golden rule of journalism--proof before print (yeah, like that's stopped your fellow reporter Sally "Captain America is irrelevant because he doesn't know what MySpace is" Floyd). He also points out that Obsorn's records are sealed, that he's protected by both the Patriot and Registration Acts, and that people have forgiven Osborn despite being the Green Goblin because he stopped an alien invasion. Peter then says that Urich is just scared like everybody else. After a moment of silence, Urich responds not to mistake professionalism for fear, and that Frontline can't afford to go out half-cocked. Essentially, they have to get something legit on Osborn done "smart" and done "right." Norah, after the meeting is over, asks Peter what up with him, and Peter blows it off as he leaves. Norah then muses that Peter is "doth whine too much" and says "knock knock, Ozzy" thus implying she's going to do some digging on her own (thus essentially confirming that Norah is Lois Lane with blond dye job--or at least Chole Sullivan.)
We then cut to Spidey telling Wolverine how they are going to break into Avenger's Tower when Wolverine interupts him with a rap on the head (Spidey's reaction is pretty funny, BTW). Wolverine, reminds Spidey that the New Avengers tried the direct approach before and why is Spidey gunning to go at it again. Spidey tells Logan how it's all his fault, that all the times Norman was the Green Goblin, he had the chance to kill him but didn't take it. Logan then asks whether Spidey is looking to bring a man out of power or to kill him because those are two different things. He then tells Spidey guys like themselves play "the long game"--that while it comes to "bullets and blades" with punks and life or death situations, it's patience that brings "establishment guys" like Obsorn down every time, even makes a George W. Bush crack while he's at it, followed by a mutual fist pump between himself and Spidey (Gee, I wonder who Kelly voted for last election?) Spidey comments about how weird it is to hear Logan talk about patience and makes sense, and Logan tells Spidey he's been around long enough to see everything once. However, as he goes, he tells Spidey that when Norman falls and Spidey has a chance to give Norman his due, that Spidey should end it...permenantly.
We next see Peter, Harry, J. Jonah Jameson, Aunt May, and Jonah's father, Jay, at Gracie Mansion, with Harry taking pictures of Peter and Jonah. Peter and Jonah verbally spar back and forth while posing, while Aunt May helps to fix Jonah's hair, and Harry jokes that maybe he'll title Peter and Jonah's picture "brothers" and how he's sent it online. Jonah pulls Peter aside and tells Peter that they have to work together to stop the wedding of Aunt May and Jay. Peter, however, says that both his Aunt and Jonah's father appear very happy and that they should, despite their mutual dislike, they'll just have to get used to the idea of being cousins.
A final guest arrives at the mansion and it's Norman Osborn. Obsorn gives Aunt May and Jay a toast, Peter insists to Harry he didn't know his father would show up (jezz, it almost sound like Peter is his boyfriend), and Jonah attempts to brown nose Osborn by inviting him to sit next to his dad (so much for those who wanted to see Jonah and Obsorn go at it. Continuity falls victim yet again!) Jay, however, tells his son that May and him have to be going, but Jonah urges him to stay since Osborn is the most powerful man in the country. Osborn, however, tells Jonah that Aunt May and him have some history that might make her uncomfortable and decides its best if he leaves. Jay takes the opportunity to call Osborn a "professional thug" and that he "hides his lust for power and contempt for the people behind the American flag" which of course, impresses Peter (and thus cements the idea that Jay is a total Marty Stu). Osborn makes a dig at the fact that Jay was "dishonorably discharged" from the military, promting Harry to finally ask why his dad is here. Osborn tells Harry that since Jonah told him Peter was bringing Harry (because, you know, its a "bromance") and that Harry refused to answer his calls or letters, that he wanted to see Harry because he's his son and to make him an offer...he wants Harry to join the Avengers. (Gee, guess we know who the new NFL Superpro known as American Son is going to be. [sarcasm]What a shock.[/sarcasm]). Harry however, laughs in his dad's face and nonchanlantly walks away (wow. Harry stood up to his dad for once in his life. You know, of course, that's not going to last). Peter, however, in narration, knows that Norman Osborn won't give up that easily.
We then cut back to Harry at his apartment, talking to himself about how his father didn't get to him, when who should show up but everybody's favortie hermathoridtic goblin knock-off Menace (ugh!). Harry wants to know what Lily is doing there and Lily, after musing that maybe she just wants to say hi or kill him, talks about how hard it is think, and tries to wrestle control of herself from being influenced by the Goblin formula. She manages to transform back into Lily, and reveals to Harry that she didn't come to fight but to show him something (and based on Harry's reaction, I'm guessing you know what it is, right?)
We cut back to Norman in his limo talking to his assistant Ms. Hand. She wants to address Bullseye/Hawkeye's poor public opinion while Norman wants to talk about his son, when Spidey shows up to rip off the roof of the limo and--in a homage to Amazing Spider-Man #39--tows Norman behind him in his webbing. Spidey then proceeds to beat the crap out of Norman--who doesn't fight back mind you--while Spidey tells him that they're no longer playing by the old rules and tells him that Harry is no longer his son and that he's not going to be another person he takes him away from him (Okay, I'm really starting to rethink that first scene in the park--because taken out of context, it's as though Spidey is acting like Harry's his boyfriend. Ah, but remember--"bromance!")
Norman then tells Spidey that, compared to what he's done to Spidey in the past that it's nothing compared to the hell Spidey's brought on himself tonight, and that Osborn MADE Harry and can do any damn thing he wants with him. Spidey, remembering Wolverine's words, proceeds to actually land a killing blow on Norman when Norman's cell phone rings. Norman, smirking answers his phone, and shows Spidey that it's Harry and that he's accepted his offer to join the Avengers. Spidey walks away in angry defeat while Norman laughs manically. (Hmm, it's almost like he knew this was going to happen. [sarcasm] I'm sure it's got NOTHING to do with Lily, though.[/sarcasm]
The final page shows Harry telling Lily that he's accepted his dad's offer to gain his trust and (oh no, please no) we see Harry lovingly kneeling at a teary-eyed Lily, with his head and hand resting against (No, no, NO!) Lily's very visibly pregnant belly, promising her he'll take care of her and their unborn son. (ARRRGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!)
(Yes folks, get ready for SINS PAST II!...if Harry isn't the father that is.)
Anyways, Peter marvels at how Harry managed to pull off getting the girl's numbers, and also asks Harry if his newfound positive outlook is all for show. Harry admits that this might have been the case a few months ago (no dobut referring to finding out Lily was Menace and his falling off the wagon again) but now he's got a new outlook and is going to take it one day at a time. Peter remarks in the narrative captions that this is why he loves Harry (no not in THAT way) and why he's his best friend. However, the "bromance" is spoiled when the "Dark Avengers" craft soars overhead. Peter complains about how there's just no getting away from Norman Osborn, but Harry just brushes it off, saying his dad and his Avengers can have the sky while they'll do fine in "the real world."
We cut back to Frontline, in which Peter, at the staff meeting, tries to pitch an idea to Ben Urich on an expose expossing Norman Osborn, only the staff doesn't take it seriously. Urich asks Peter what evidence he has and Peter starts listing off how Norman's jail sentence had been communted under sealed executive order for him to run the Thunderbolts that are staffed with "psychopaths" that violate civil liberties, how he's such as good "nazi" (and thus already loosing the agrument because he used the Godwin's Law) he was promoted to HAMMER without any congressional oversight (although he says Senate and Congress as though they are two different things in the United States Government), that he hijacked the Avengers, and--just in case everyone has forgotten--he was the Green Goblin. Norah Winters responds to this by handing Peter a note which reads "Righteous hostility is totally hot. Take me out to dinner and lets go punch Nancy Pelosi in the face." (LOL)
Urich responds that, as much as he wants to take Osborn down, they still need to follow the golden rule of journalism--proof before print (yeah, like that's stopped your fellow reporter Sally "Captain America is irrelevant because he doesn't know what MySpace is" Floyd). He also points out that Obsorn's records are sealed, that he's protected by both the Patriot and Registration Acts, and that people have forgiven Osborn despite being the Green Goblin because he stopped an alien invasion. Peter then says that Urich is just scared like everybody else. After a moment of silence, Urich responds not to mistake professionalism for fear, and that Frontline can't afford to go out half-cocked. Essentially, they have to get something legit on Osborn done "smart" and done "right." Norah, after the meeting is over, asks Peter what up with him, and Peter blows it off as he leaves. Norah then muses that Peter is "doth whine too much" and says "knock knock, Ozzy" thus implying she's going to do some digging on her own (thus essentially confirming that Norah is Lois Lane with blond dye job--or at least Chole Sullivan.)
We then cut to Spidey telling Wolverine how they are going to break into Avenger's Tower when Wolverine interupts him with a rap on the head (Spidey's reaction is pretty funny, BTW). Wolverine, reminds Spidey that the New Avengers tried the direct approach before and why is Spidey gunning to go at it again. Spidey tells Logan how it's all his fault, that all the times Norman was the Green Goblin, he had the chance to kill him but didn't take it. Logan then asks whether Spidey is looking to bring a man out of power or to kill him because those are two different things. He then tells Spidey guys like themselves play "the long game"--that while it comes to "bullets and blades" with punks and life or death situations, it's patience that brings "establishment guys" like Obsorn down every time, even makes a George W. Bush crack while he's at it, followed by a mutual fist pump between himself and Spidey (Gee, I wonder who Kelly voted for last election?) Spidey comments about how weird it is to hear Logan talk about patience and makes sense, and Logan tells Spidey he's been around long enough to see everything once. However, as he goes, he tells Spidey that when Norman falls and Spidey has a chance to give Norman his due, that Spidey should end it...permenantly.
We next see Peter, Harry, J. Jonah Jameson, Aunt May, and Jonah's father, Jay, at Gracie Mansion, with Harry taking pictures of Peter and Jonah. Peter and Jonah verbally spar back and forth while posing, while Aunt May helps to fix Jonah's hair, and Harry jokes that maybe he'll title Peter and Jonah's picture "brothers" and how he's sent it online. Jonah pulls Peter aside and tells Peter that they have to work together to stop the wedding of Aunt May and Jay. Peter, however, says that both his Aunt and Jonah's father appear very happy and that they should, despite their mutual dislike, they'll just have to get used to the idea of being cousins.
A final guest arrives at the mansion and it's Norman Osborn. Obsorn gives Aunt May and Jay a toast, Peter insists to Harry he didn't know his father would show up (jezz, it almost sound like Peter is his boyfriend), and Jonah attempts to brown nose Osborn by inviting him to sit next to his dad (so much for those who wanted to see Jonah and Obsorn go at it. Continuity falls victim yet again!) Jay, however, tells his son that May and him have to be going, but Jonah urges him to stay since Osborn is the most powerful man in the country. Osborn, however, tells Jonah that Aunt May and him have some history that might make her uncomfortable and decides its best if he leaves. Jay takes the opportunity to call Osborn a "professional thug" and that he "hides his lust for power and contempt for the people behind the American flag" which of course, impresses Peter (and thus cements the idea that Jay is a total Marty Stu). Osborn makes a dig at the fact that Jay was "dishonorably discharged" from the military, promting Harry to finally ask why his dad is here. Osborn tells Harry that since Jonah told him Peter was bringing Harry (because, you know, its a "bromance") and that Harry refused to answer his calls or letters, that he wanted to see Harry because he's his son and to make him an offer...he wants Harry to join the Avengers. (Gee, guess we know who the new NFL Superpro known as American Son is going to be. [sarcasm]What a shock.[/sarcasm]). Harry however, laughs in his dad's face and nonchanlantly walks away (wow. Harry stood up to his dad for once in his life. You know, of course, that's not going to last). Peter, however, in narration, knows that Norman Osborn won't give up that easily.
We then cut back to Harry at his apartment, talking to himself about how his father didn't get to him, when who should show up but everybody's favortie hermathoridtic goblin knock-off Menace (ugh!). Harry wants to know what Lily is doing there and Lily, after musing that maybe she just wants to say hi or kill him, talks about how hard it is think, and tries to wrestle control of herself from being influenced by the Goblin formula. She manages to transform back into Lily, and reveals to Harry that she didn't come to fight but to show him something (and based on Harry's reaction, I'm guessing you know what it is, right?)
We cut back to Norman in his limo talking to his assistant Ms. Hand. She wants to address Bullseye/Hawkeye's poor public opinion while Norman wants to talk about his son, when Spidey shows up to rip off the roof of the limo and--in a homage to Amazing Spider-Man #39--tows Norman behind him in his webbing. Spidey then proceeds to beat the crap out of Norman--who doesn't fight back mind you--while Spidey tells him that they're no longer playing by the old rules and tells him that Harry is no longer his son and that he's not going to be another person he takes him away from him (Okay, I'm really starting to rethink that first scene in the park--because taken out of context, it's as though Spidey is acting like Harry's his boyfriend. Ah, but remember--"bromance!")
Norman then tells Spidey that, compared to what he's done to Spidey in the past that it's nothing compared to the hell Spidey's brought on himself tonight, and that Osborn MADE Harry and can do any damn thing he wants with him. Spidey, remembering Wolverine's words, proceeds to actually land a killing blow on Norman when Norman's cell phone rings. Norman, smirking answers his phone, and shows Spidey that it's Harry and that he's accepted his offer to join the Avengers. Spidey walks away in angry defeat while Norman laughs manically. (Hmm, it's almost like he knew this was going to happen. [sarcasm] I'm sure it's got NOTHING to do with Lily, though.[/sarcasm]
The final page shows Harry telling Lily that he's accepted his dad's offer to gain his trust and (oh no, please no) we see Harry lovingly kneeling at a teary-eyed Lily, with his head and hand resting against (No, no, NO!) Lily's very visibly pregnant belly, promising her he'll take care of her and their unborn son. (ARRRGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!)
(Yes folks, get ready for SINS PAST II!...if Harry isn't the father that is.)
Seriously, having read this, I'd have to say this was actually a pretty decent start to this storyline. The dialogue is good, with each character's voice distinct, and Jiminez's artwork is also nicely done (although, there was a mistake with Spidey having no webs on his mask in one panel, and there seems to be a bit of wasted space in some cases). I do, however, have a few misgivings mixed in with the good, though, especially since I think we can already see how the pieces are starting to fit even though it's only been one issue.
Still, reservations aside, so far, American Son is starting off on a pretty good note.
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