Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Art by Clayton Crain & VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Art by Clayton Crain
SUMMARY:
Entitled “The Book of Peter,” Marvel Comics released this Back in Black issue for October 2007. Watching over a comatose Aunt May in a New York hospital’s ICU, a disheartened Peter reflects over being bitten that fateful day by a radioactive spider. He is soon relieved by his wife, Mary Jane, to go out and get some fresh air. Taking his frustrations out on a secluded dumpster, Peter is approached by an enigmatic, ravaged-looking stranger – though unacknowledged, he’s visually reminiscent of a corpulent Michael Morbius.
Over an awkward lunch and then off to Robert Moses Beach, where Peter once had fond childhood memories, the stranger reveals the pertinent truth. Despite inevitable mortal tragedies, why does Spider-Man, and, more importantly, Peter Parker matter? Peter & Mary Jane’s possible future is teased, but May’s fate in the present-day grimly remains uncertain.
REVIEW:
Conveyed as an It’s A Wonderful Life-type story, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa leaves the grisly stranger’s identity (is he supposed to be God? Or an angel?) to a reader’s own inference. This clichéd scripting device works well enough, as Peter must again be reminded that Spider-Man has made far more a positive impact in the world than he realizes.
Including the cover image, the art squad’s high-caliber visuals enhance this well-played story. Curiously, several panels later in the story suggest artist Clayton Crain relied upon Charlie Sheen’s likeness for some of Peter’s close-ups. At a minimum, it’s an intriguing artistic choice.
Though it doesn’t break much new ground, The Sensational Spider-Man # 40 suggests that Peter Parker’s destiny still has tantalizing possibilities. Hence, this insightful issue should be a welcome hit among Spider-fans.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The credits page includes a brief Spider-Man intro.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars