Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Art by Mike Deodato; Joe Pimentel; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit
Flashback Art by Mark Brooks; Jaime Mendoza; & Brian Reber
Cover Art by Gary Frank & Richard Isanove
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Skin Deep, Part 1 of 4,” Marvel Comics released this issue for February 2005. High school teacher Peter Parker briefly advises scientist/inventor Charlie Weiderman in his former classmate’s efforts obtaining a sizable grant from Tony Stark. After Charlie awkwardly exaggerates to Stark the level of Peter’s involvement, Stark trusts Peter’s friend at his word.
Peter recalls how his new high school classmate, Charlie, was mercilessly bullied and was likely abused at home. Worse yet, young Peter was grateful that the hapless Charlie became the favored target of the same bullies who had previously tormented him. Despite their personality similarities, Peter regrets even joining at times to his lonely classmate’s detriment.
In the present-day, Peter is instantly suspicious when Stark Enterprises contacts him for a project update. Specifically, Stark’s company erroneously believes he is supervising Charlie’s liquid body armor experiments. Realizing that Charlie’s deceptions include testing vibranium without proper safety measures, Peter angrily gives his ambitious friend an ultimatum. Yet, it may be too late.
REVIEW:
Reminiscent of Stan Lee-Steve Ditko’s Spider-Man plot playbook, writer J. Michael Straczynski solidly updates the concept. Specifically, one can sense what’s coming from the get-go: how young Peter’s friend secretly displays a darker, more ruthless side before later succumbing to a bizarre science-related disaster.
Still, Straczynski’s choice to devise the plot from an adult Peter’s remorseful perspective is well-played. Clearly, Straczynski excels at making Peter’s down-to-earth personality relatable to fans — i.e. his own shame re: poorly treating Charlie years before. Such attention to plausible personality traits makes it easier to forgive this storyline’s general unoriginality.
Furthermore, including the use of actor Jason Priestley‘s likeness to model Peter’s facial features, this issue’s art squad does excellent work. Despite all its formulaic elements, The Amazing Spider-Man # 515 still delivers a terrific read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Marvel’s Joe Quesada offers a brief “Cupo’ Joe” column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
