Amazing Spider-Man #519-524 Talkback (Spoilers)

[Spider-Man]

A new storyline begins!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #519

http://comics.toonzone.net/solicitations/2005-04/marvel/t-amazingspiderman519.jpg

Written by: J. Michael Straczynski
Pencils & Cover by: Mike Deodato

"New Avengers" Part 1 (of 6). Trump Tower has nothing on Spider-Man! Hold onto your hats, True Believers! Springing out of the pages of NEW AVENGERS, you won’t believe what the fickle hand of fate has in store for Peter Parker, Mary Jane, and Aunt May…

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[Fett One]

I enjoyed the scene when Aunt May and MJ get introduced to the Avengers. I especially likked how May reacted to meeting Cap. Her conversation with Jervis was also nice.

Once they got into the Hydra stuff, this started to sound more like an Avengers comic then a Spider-Man comic. As long as this story is good, this won't bother me too much.

[Chad Bonin]

Good Spidey stuff, but... everytime I saw Hydra, I kept imaging the Lizardmen from Jonny Quest/Harvey Birdman.

... and I love just what Petey and MJ do as soon as they're moved in.

[Spider-Man]

I liked this issue right up until it turned over to Hydra for the last half of the comic. Is it me or did the comic suffer a serious drop in quality when the Hydra plot was introduced? The art looked really rushed and just poorly done. It was the usual great quality during the first half when Peter, Mary Jane, and Aunt May move into the twoer and then the quality change hit like a brick wall.

Aside from the mediocre last half this was a pretty solid issue. I like how JMS is handling the Avenger here much more than how poorly Hudlin did over in Marvel Knights: Spider-Man. He's doing a great job!

[Chosen Raven]

An alright issue. I liked the dialogue between Spidey and Wolverine(though the setting kinda throughs me off since Wolverine hasn't joined the Avengers yet in their own comic).

When the story suddenly switched to the Hydra it....just stopped seeming like a Spider-Man comic. Though it is interesting that Hydra is creating evil copies of the Avengers(at least, that's what it looks like).

I was kinda dissapointed, because I thought Spider-Man was revealing his identity to the world in this issue. Still, it was alright. The story arc itself has potential to be really good.

[randomguy]

I skimmed this issue on the stands and couldn't help but bring this up: didn't Aunt May sell her house at the beginning of Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #1? I could overlook a continuity error like that if it took place a while ago, but... it was only a year ago.

Come on, JMS. Get on the ball.

[Chad Bonin]

I believe she bought it back at the beginning of the last ASM arc.

[MJC]

Decent issue (at least until Hydra came in), but isn't moving the family into the mansion a little bad for Spidey's secret ID?

[Spider-Man]

Decent issue (at least until Hydra came in), but isn't moving the family into the mansion a little bad for Spidey's secret ID? I think it's going to be explained how he's able to move in without compromising his secret identity. I'm looking for a decent explaination too but I wouldn't be surprised if they just gloss over the fact.

Looking back at the issue I can't say I really like how Deodato drew Wolverine in those close up. It seemed to be lacking something. Now that didn't ruin the issue for me whatsoever but it sort of stuck out abit.

[Xurk]

The first thing I noticed about this comic was the cover. Apart from the fact that I thought it was pretty amusing [the stance, especially with Aunt May like that], I noticed that Mary Jane's nipple is drawn poking through the fabric of her T-shirt. Why?
That seemed really odd on the cover of a Spider-Man comic. Is it just me?

Anyway, I was really enjoying this issue at the start. The dialogue was good, the artwork looked nice, and I was anxious to find out what kind of things were going to happen after they moved into the Avengers mansion. It started out good, Wolverine commenting on Mary Jane, May and Cap respecting each other, MJ and Peter doing you know what straight away ;)
I also liked how at the beginning of the comic Peter kept rambling about May being in shock, and she said "I am not senile and I am *not* in shock", all the while looking very stern, with Peter's following "Yes Ma'am :sweat:", that was great :D
The only thing that slightly bothered me was all the Avengers in costume while being introduced. I gather they all know each other's ID now, so wouldn't MJ and [especially] May be a bit taken back by their costume appearances? It's not like it had a storywise-purpose, like they were off to battle or something.

I reached the pages about Hydra and at first it was okay, I was expecting them to do a few pages of Hydra, then switch back to the Avengers Mansion, and so forth. Imagine my disappointment when more than half the comic ended up being a Hydra speech with almost no artwork [lots of static work]. I kept wishing turning to the next page would bring me back to Peter and MJ.
The only interesting thing about the Hydra pages was that it seemed like they're cloning the Avengers?? As they've stayed away from clones for so long in the Spider-books, this is odd. Just like how they touch upon Clone Saga characters in this years Marvel Handbook, and the Jackal appearing in another Marvel title...

[Spider-Man]

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #520

http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0505/ASM520_cvr_col_sm.jpg

WRITER: J. Michael Straczynski
PENCILS: Mike Deodato
INKS: Jose Pimentel

THE STORY: "NEW AVENGERS" Part 2 of 5. An explosive story in the Mighty Marvel Manner! In this tale for the ages, written by Stupendous J. Michael Straczynski and penciled by Magnificent Mike Deodato, Peter and the family are forced to deal with the radical changes in their lives.
Straight from the pages of the New Avengers!

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[Fett One]

I liked the part when Aunt May tells off Logan. I never thought I'll see the day when he gets told off by an old lady. It was also nice to see that Spidey was the one to figure out what Hydra is up to.

[King_of_doom]

i like the part of the avengers evil clones.

[Chosen Raven]

I'm a bit late posting on this, but...

I thought this did a pretty good job of remaining a Spider-Man comic even with all the time spent on the other Avengers. I can't say I like the look of Hydra's super villians though. Their plain color scheme just makes them look so...plain. Can't say much for their names either. The Bowman? The Hammer? Karl would have had a cool name(Tactical Force) if he just would have used it(I did like his personality though).

Anyway,this looks like it could be a good arc and I'm definitely interested.

[Spider-Man]

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #521

http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0605/ASM521_COV_sm.jpg (http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0605/ASM521_COV.jpg)

WRITER: J. Michael Straczynski
PENCILS: Mike Deodato
INKS: Jose Pimentel

THE STORY: "MOVING UP" Part 3 (of 6). Spidey just can’t seem to catch a break these days. He’s got a great new pad and a cool new clique – so what’s the big problem? Oh, not much-- just a nefarious worldwide organization with an ingenious plan to conquer the world! Hail HYDRA!

[Chosen Raven]

Sort of a "meh" issue. That's alright, I guess, since its main purpose is to set the stage for things to come.

You'd think Spider-Man would have realized that the guy with the Hydra ring and the business man were in league together, what with the talk of Hydra higher-ups being business men and all(sounds very Illuminati-ish). I liked the talk Peter had with Cap. That's one of the main things I'm liking about the Spider-Man/New Avengers thing. His interaction with other superheroes.

I'm eager to see Stark's reaction to the tabloid story(I have a pretty good idea of what Peter's is going to be). It's all a set-up for Spider-Man to reveal his secret identity, I'm sure.

[Fett One]

I also liked Spidey's interaction with Cap. I'm curios to see what happens when everyone finds out about the tabloid article.

[Spider-Man]

This issue seemed a bit mediocre. The highlight for me is easily the tabloid subplot. I can't wait to see how that will affect Peter and Mj and their plans to stay with the Avengers. It's been great to see him there interacting with the team on a consistent basis but this will definitely force some changes into that. I don't think we'll see him reveal his identity like some people have been speculating but it will make this harder for him.

[Chosen Raven]

I don't think we'll see him reveal his identity like some people have been speculating but it will make this harder for him.
Woah, wait a sec...you mean, Spider-Man revealing his secret identity wasn't officially announced? I thought for sure it was posted in this forum somewhere. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been so sure. I must have misunderstood something....

[Spider-Man]

Woah, wait a sec...you mean, Spider-Man revealing his secret identity wasn't officially announced? I thought for sure it was posted in this forum somewhere. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been so sure. I must have misunderstood something....
There was huge speculation around the time that Aunt May found out that he would go public but it never happened. A few other heroes discovered his identity but it was nothing serious. I hope it sticks this way because I don't think anything good would come from him going public. The headaches with The Daily Bugle would just be the beginning for the ol' Webslinger.

[Xurk]

Once again, the Hydra stuff in this issue kind of bored me [the part[s] with meetings and such], although their plan was kind of interesting, I'm curious how far they're going to be able to get it underway before it inevitably is stopped. Since I've never read those Avenger comics referenced, with the evil 'clones' [sounds like something I saw in Power Rangers back in 1994...], I'm patiently waiting for them to take the stage, it should be interesting.

I though the parts with MJ were the best in this issue [although the Cap conversation was nice], except I'm not sure if she would tolerate Logan calling her 'sweetcheeks' ;)
Very interested in where that tabloid subplot is going!

[Spider-Man]

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #522

http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0705/ASM522_COV_sm.jpg (http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0705/ASM522_COV.jpg)

WRITER: J. Michael Straczynski
PENCILS: Mike Deodato
INKS: Jose Pimentel

THE STORY: It’s an action-packed extravaganza as the hordes of Hydra make a final push to take over the United States!! And it’s up to everyone’s favorite red, white, and blue web-slinger to make sure that "HAIL HYDRA" isn’t the new national anthem!

Comments? What are your thoughts?

[Fett One]

It may of been out of character but I thought it was funny that Pete pushed Logan out a window.

I wonder what is affecting Spidey? First he loses his balance and then he starts to think of a lot of weird things, even for him (which even he commented on). I can't wait to see the next issue, especially with how this one ended.

[Chad Bonin]

For some reason, I have a feeling Peter's weirdness is a lead-in to The Other.

... and pushing Wolvie out a window was pretty damn funny.

[King_of_doom]

... and pushing Wolvie out a window was pretty damn funny.
I agree with you in that, more when Jessica and Luke cage were talking about the unbreakable glass.

cant wait for the next issue! this coming issue spidey really got his hands full with the Avengers clones and in Marvel Knights.

[Chosen Raven]

Ugh. Took forever for this issue to arrive in the mail.

It was alright. Better than last issue. I'd have to say that Peter throwing Wolverine out the window was definitely the high point.

Peter reacted exactly as I thought he would to the tabloid story.

The middle seemed to drag a bit. I don't know if Peter's talking to himself was a running gag, or if it was meant to lead into the "The Other". If it's the former, it went on to long.

Still, that was quite a cliff hanger at the end. Can't wait for next issue.

[Spider-Man]

I'd have to say that Peter throwing Wolverine out the window was definitely the high point.

The middle seemed to drag a bit. I don't know if Peter's talking to himself was a running gag, or if it was meant to lead into the "The Other".
The scene with him and Wolverine and the unbreakable glass was definitely hilarious. Good to see that JMS can make these two characters play off each other so well.

That weird babbling to himself did seem a bit misplaced. It is possible that it good be a subtle lead in for "The Other" crossover in October but it just didn't feel right in the comic. It dragged like you said and just felt out of place. There were some parts that were flat out not funny.

But that cliffhanger has me really looking forward to the next two parts. Funny to see the evil version of Thor when he's currently six feet under in the Marvel Universe (until his new comic in 2006 that is).

[Chosen Raven]

There were some parts that were flat out not funny.

I thought that was especially true of Peter's "You see inspector, I was right! The butler did it!" line. The only thing funny about that remark was the look I gave the comic when I read that line.

[Spider-Man]

I thought that was especially true of Peter's "You see inspector, I was right! The butler did it!" line. The only thing funny about that remark was the look I gave the comic when I read that line.
I actually re-read that page a couple times just to try and wrap my head around it. It really stopped the issue dead in it's tracks. The only thing good about that page was how well Deodato made Spider-Man look reciting even the stupidest of dialogue. Did anyone else get a Romita Jr. vibe from Deodato's Spider-Man in this issue?

[Spider-Man]

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #523

http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0805/ASM523_COV_sm.jpg (http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0805/ASM523_COV.jpg)

WRITER: J. Michael Straczynski
PENCILS: Mike Deodato
INKS: Jose Pimentel

THE STORY: "MOVING UP" Part 5 (of 6). It’s the sensational Spider-Man versus the horrendous hordes of Hydra as the villainous organization makes its final push to seize control of the country! Standing in the way? Everyone’s favorite wall-crawler. But will Spidey have enough left in the tank to take out the group of terrorists and save the day?


Comments?

[Fett One]

I enjoyed Spider-Mans fight agianst the Hydra-Avengers. It was also interesting to see that Spidey's predicament caused Captain America to flash back to Bucky. It'll be interesting to see if that creates any tension between the two of them or cause Cap to want to get to know Spider-Man better.

[Chosen Raven]

Quite a bit better than last issue. The Spidey vs. the Anti-Avengers fight was pretty good(though short). I liked how Spidey's inner dialogue revealed that he considers himself a true Avenger. Heh, I also like how he refers to Tony Stark as "Boss".

And you know, the cover was alot better than last issue's as well.

[Spider-Man]

One thing this issue really had going for it was the old-fashioned super-heroics. No Ezekiel mysticism or anything just a nice classic slugfest. I also noticed this is the first issue where the artwork didn't seemed rushed for most of the way through. In the first few parts the scenes with Hydra seemed incredibly rushed. It may have been the lopsided heavy inking but it looked less detailed than the more quieter scenes. Last issue was enjoyable but this was really a step up.

[Spider-Man]

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #524

http://marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0905/ASM524_FLCOV_sm.jpg (http://marvel.com/comics/onsale/covers/0905/ASM524_FLCOV.jpg)

WRITER: J. Michael Straczynski
PENCILS: Mike Deodato
INKS: Jose Pimental

THE STORY: “ACTS OF AGGRESSION” Part 6 of 6. What horrors do the hordes of Hydra hold in store for the sensational Spider-Man and his teammates? Will the web-head and the New Avengers stop the revitalized Hydra from bringing the United States to its knees…? And if so…at what cost? The pulse-pounding conclusion to the Hydra arc!

Comments?

[Fett One]

It was neat getting to see Stark turn the tables on that tabloid guy. Also the hints about "The Other" is making that storyline look more iteresting.

[MJavert]

I really enjoyed this whole arc...Peter seems to be fitting in well with the avengers and its nice to see Spidey involved in some larger-scale adventurers. I have a question tho...was anyone else's issue missing a bit of dialogue from one of those panels where Peter is reunited with MJ...they're talkinga bout something...then there's an empty panel,...and then MJ is babbling on about polishing silverware...i think they edited a panel. Did anyone else run across the same thing?

Rick

[Stu]

Really enjoyed this issue. I think it set up The Other quite nicely, and actually has me interested in the arc.

The return of Morgan should be pretty cool, but it sounds like Spidey is having something similar to a neogenic nightmare. I really liked him analysing his actions to see if he was actually ill or not.

I find this is one story where The Avengers proved to be useful too, instead of being there for the sake of being there. Whilst I don't care for the art in Amazing, the writing is pretty sharp most of the time. I hope Deodato leaves soon. That Terry Dodson cover last month was a tease...

[Chosen Raven]

I'm a bit late here, but power outages caused by hurricanes make it hard to use a computer.

I'm relieved to see that Spidey's bout of bad dialogue in part 4 may have been symptoms of something he's going through rather than bad writing on JMS's part.

I like Tony and Peter's interaction. Their personalities play off each other well.

Welp, next comes "The Other". Hope it's good.


I have a question tho...was anyone else's issue missing a bit of dialogue from one of those panels where Peter is reunited with MJ...they're talkinga bout something...then there's an empty panel,...and then MJ is babbling on about polishing silverware...i think they edited a panel. Did anyone else run across the same thing?

That panel was left blank on purpose. It's there to show that MJ suddenly stops talking because she notices Tony Stark and remembers what she was about say a page ago.