Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Art by Ron Garney; Bill Reinhold; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Art by Ron Garney
SUMMARY:
Having publicly revealed his secret identity weeks before, Peter Parker is now a post-Civil War fugitive. Beginning the five-part Back in Black arc, Marvel Comics released this same-named issue for April 2007. In the seconds after Aunt May’s assassination, Peter instinctively retaliates to force the hidden sniper’s retreat. Desperately leaving his critically-wounded aunt in a hospital ICU unit, Peter leaves his wife, Mary Jane, is left to handle the necessary logistics.
In full-on vengeance mode, Peter forsakes his costume to brutally investigate the assassin’s firepower used in the crime. An incarcerated Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk calmly receives an update on the triple-hit he has ordered on Spider Man and his loved ones. Meanwhile, Mary Jane faces dire news re: Aunt May’s medical condition.
Note: There’s an odd continuity gaffe. In one scene, Peter advises Mary Jane to quietly register Aunt May into the hospital under her maiden name – ‘Fitzpatrick.’ May’s maiden name has been previously established as ‘Reilly;’ which is the inspiration for the Spider-Man clone’s ‘Ben Reilly’ alias. ‘Fitzpatrick’ is actually the maiden name for Peter’s own mother, Mary.
REVIEW:
Rarely in the Spider-Man franchise do readers see Peter Parker display such raw intensity (as compared to, say, an average Batman comic). Still, writer J. Michael Straczynski’s storytelling is definitely on its game, as the art squad’s visuals match him page for page. For Spider-fans, Issue # 539 is an absorbing read!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The first page is a storyline synopsis leading up to Aunt May’s assassination. There’s a full-page cover reveal for Issue # 540.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
