SuperSearnold - Comic Book Reviews

Greetings from your friendly neighborhood Searnold [Shár- Nŭhld]. Welcome to my comic book review blog - thanks for tuning in. Today is Wednesday, October 8th, 2008.

Today’s Issue:
It’s Brand New Day Week installment #4 with Amazing Spider-Man #555 - #557, published by Marvel in April, 2008. This was written by the last of the Spidey Braintrust, Zeb Wells (New Warriors, Robot Chicken - have you noticed most of the Spidey Braintrust has non-comic-book experience?) with art by Chris Bachalo (Generation X, Uncanny X-Men).

Premise:
A Mayan God has created an insane blizzard in the middle of April. In the midst of it, Spider-Man must enlist the aide of Wolverine and a homeless guy named Vern to prevent a crazed religious nut from sacrificing more innocent people to said Mayan God.

The Awesome Parts:
Stories as good as this are the reason why humans have told stories since the dawn of time. Seriously - this story has everything that a good story should. Humor abounds. Action and serious danger (obviously Spider-Man wasn’t going to die - but there are a slew of guest stars in this story who might have - I’m not telling.) There were unseen twists and turns. There was a great relationship triangle created: there’s a cop named Vin who is vehemently anti-Spider-Man. But he’s met Peter Parker and likes him. He also likes (and I mean LIKES likes) Carlie, Peter’s friend. Carlie - it would appear - likes Peter. And when Vin tells Carlie that he’s looking for a roommate (implying Carlie), Carlie suggests Peter. Oh - there are certainly all sorts of shenanigans prepared to ensue.
Finally - the REAL reason this story is one for the ages - we see Peter Parker’s heart. (I mean that figuratively - he doesn’t get his chest ripped open.) Peter Parker is the nice guy that we all wish we could be. He sacrifices himself time and time again for no reason other than he truly cares about his fellow man. And I’m not talking about when Spider-Man puts himself in danger of freezing to death or being killed by a Mayan God to save innocent lives. I’m talking about when he allows homeless man Vern to keep the jacket he stole which was a gift to Peter from his Aunt May. Or when Peter gives Vern his last $20 - which he needed for eating that week. Peter Parker - not Spider-Man - is a true hero. And to be reminded of that part of our humanity is why we tell stories.

The Un-Awesome Parts:
There are SERIOUS problems with continuity in this story. Namely, Pete’s adventures with the Avengers, and how they don’t make a whole lot of contextual sense with this whole Brand New Day thing. At least the editors had the balls to note that this story was conceived before Brand New Day, but had to be delayed. But still - irreconcilable continuity problems? Shame on you. You should know better than that. Also - Spider-Man trecking through the snow has been done before. You’d think (living in New York) that he’d insulate his suit to prevent from freezing to death. Finally, they’ve been dragging out this “Spider-Man is wanted as the main suspect in a series of murders” story for far too long. Waaay back in the first arc, all we got was a little teaser that there have been 5 dead bodies found with Spider-Tracers on them. Since then, there have been no developments. They sure talk about it a lot, but there have been no further leads. Peter hasn’t investigated the matter further. It’s like they put this together just so the police would have a reason to go after Spidey - but they already DO! He isn’t registered! I’m okay with the story - but they need to move it forward - it’s remained stagnant for far too long.

My Recommendation:
Absolutely. Everyone needs to read this story. If you believe that superhero stories are crap - read this story. If you believe there is no edifying value to comic books - read this story. If you believe that Brand New Day is the worst thing to happen to comic books since ever - read this story. It will change your mind. You don’t need to know anything coming in. You don’t even have to have read any of the previous Brand New Day stories for this tale to stand alone. It is a piece of literary art. Everyone needs to read this story. Seriously - it was great.

That’s it for today. As always - that’s for reading - see you next time.
-Searnold

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