Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Art by Ron Garney; Bill Reinhold; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Art by Ron Garney
SUMMARY:
Released by Marvel Comics for August 2006, as Marvel’s Civil War approaches, it’s entitled “The Night The War Came Home, Part Two of Six.” Prompted by Tony Stark, Peter Parker reluctantly conducts a press conference to publicly unmask as Spider-Man. While Flash Thompson is incredulous at the news, a quietly seething J. Jonah Jameson is not.
Though Robbie Robertson calmly handles Peter’s shocking revelation, others (i.e. a terminally ill Eddie Brock and Doctor Octopus) gloat sensing potential opportunity. Supported by his wife, Mary Jane, and Aunt May, Peter contends with the instant repercussions inside and outside the super-hero community.
Among the harshest reactions is a multi-million dollar lawsuit alleging fraud from The Daily Bugle. Worse yet, Peter is stunned that, without even asking, Stark announces that Spider-Man has joined his pro-registration task force that will capture those heroes in governmental non-compliance. After saving Mary Jane’s life from a crazed demonstrator turned gunman, Spider-Man’s personal rift with Iron Man deepens.
Note: On the first page, in the letter left-hand corner, Clark Kent’s face makes a partial cameo (the spit curl is hard is miss).
REVIEW:
The art squad’s visuals generally come off as more than sufficient rather than anything remarkable. What stands out instead is a momentous storytelling opportunity in the franchise’s history. Not only does writer J. Michael Straczynski create a genuine sense of unpredictability, the potential for what even long-time supporting characters might do should reinvigorate weary fans to stay tuned in.
For instance, J. Jonah Jameson’s non-buffoonish take re: Peter’s years of deception is one of his character’s best-ever moments. The intriguing feud-in-the-making between Peter and Tony Stark is another well-played element. In that sense, Straczynski’s gamble working this storyline initially pays off big dividends. The Amazing Spider-Man # 533, for this reason alone, should be a keeper for any Spider-fan.
Parental note: The script references that the immense influx of ‘Peter Parker’ searches shut down the Internet, even porno sites.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a half-page “Pulse Headline News” checklist of new Marvel issues.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
Note: The image below is taken from the cover for the trade paperback, Spider-Man: Civil War, which re-used the cover image for Issue # 533.
