|
|
Post by Doctor Doom on Sept 6, 2007 14:33:37 GMT -5
I don't normally do this for non Avengers comics but I figure this is big enough to be an exception so...
Doom's Deconstruction:
Peter mourns that he should never have revealed his identity, should never have swappes disdes, should never have left his family, etc, and recaps that May was shot by the Kingpin and is dying in a coma. He thinks- he'd do ANYTHING in the world to have just one more day with her. A caption informs us that the world turns on such thoughts- because the universe hears them.
Peter and MJ stand over May's hospital bed. They have her under a fake identity- the doctor notes they seem to have no ID, no insurance, etc- and unless they can get some kind of indication of ability to pay, May will be moved to a charity word. Peter gets angry but he quickly decides he has only one choice- he needs money, he needs to go to someone who has it. As he leaves, the doctor confronts him and explains that he knows he's Spider-Man (Unmasking and whatnot), but he owes Spidey for saving his uncle, so he'll do what he can to stall the hospital so May can stay in that ward until Peter gets back.
Peter swings through the city, out of costtume, to Stark Tower. Access code has changed, so he smashes his way in. Tony is informed there's an intruder though they can't find out who. He pulls on his armour as Peter infiltrates the tower. Peter hears a noise, turns around, and Iron Man crashes into him, crashing them both through the window to outside.
Tony is shocked to see that it's Peter, who reponds by webbing up his repulsor boots. As they both careen out of the sky, Tony uses his repulsor gloves to stop them from dying and instead they both land roughly. Tony wonders what the Hell Peter's doing, and tells him he's under arrest- he turned on his friends and his government and there's a price for that. Peter calls Tony stupid for pointing a blazing repulsor glove that's too heated out from breaking the fall to work. Tony asks if he'll bet his life on that, Peter says yes and punches him in the face.
Iron Man triggers his uni beam at maximum power, so Peter, unable to look through the blinding light, lets fly with everything he has, pouring on more and more web, emptying his inner reserves, unable to see, until... he looks up, and there hangs Tony, suspended by a helluva lot of webbing, unable to move for now. They trade tough talk and Peter rips off Tony's helmet. As Tony tries to tell Peter he doesn't have a chance, Peter tells him Aunt May is dying- he trusted Tony like a father, and now May is dying in a hospital bed and Peter can't pay for it. Tony says he's sorry- he didn't know. Peter says Tony HAS to help him, and guilts Tony a bit. Tony, clearly sorrowful, tells him he's sorry, but there's nothing he can do for May, it would be aiding and abetting a known criminal. He easily breaks free of the webbing, and then apologizes again, but it would undermine all he's tried to do. He lets Peter walk away though, to be with May at the end, but tells him not to come back, then flies away.
Peter shouts after him, and then falls to his knees in despair. He smashes the Iron Man helmet still lying there in frustration. Tony flies back to Stark Tower, in through the shattered window. He sees a picture of them all- the New Avengers as they were, happy and together- with May and MJ there, and Peter and Tony side by side. Then he asks Jarvis to do something for him. At the hospital, Peter tells MJ he can't stand not being able to help May, and outlines his intentions- he's already a criminal, a little more can't make it much worse. HE intends to steal money in order to help May.
Jarvis approaches and says it won't be necessary- as "Miss Morgan" (May's cover name)'s cousin, he... he then sees her in the coma and nearly cracks for a second (They had a relationship earlier in the series), beforr recovering and showing the doctor a cheque or something- his personal account has just seen a deposit of 2 million dollars, which will cover everything. Elsewhere, we see Tony in his "command deck" effectively, slumped in a chair- on all the screens are repeats of that one happy picture of the Avengers. The doctor says with this money they can make May's last days comfortable- Peter refuses to accept that these are her last days, but he's told it's not possible for her to recover.
Peter and MJ go on the roof of the hospital. He wants to solicit the aid of ANYONE in the superhuman community who can help May now- he'll find a way if it means storming Hell itself.
"I love you," he tells MJ.
"I know," she reponds at once. "Be careful."
Then he swungs away from the roof in full SPider-Man costume, MJ looking on behind him, as he reflects that NOTHING will stop her from saving May.
NOTHING.
To Be Continued..
The View of Doom: Thoughts Coming Very soon!
|
|
|
|
Post by Doctor Doom on Sept 6, 2007 16:43:04 GMT -5
The View of Doom: Whoah. First thing';s first:
The relationship of Tony and Peter, which JMS has been building for years, comes to a fitting close. It's been a central theme of this title for some time and played a BIG part in Civil War while never really coming to any sort of conclusion, so it's nice to see the pay-off. The emotion from both of them- the sense from each that the other betrayed them, comes off very clearly.
Tony is written very well in this issue, which SHOCKED me. I apologize to JMS here and now for what I've said about him before- I'm so used to seeing a badly depicted Tony that to see JMS write this has floored me. Whether because he feels a need to even the scales what with his pretty heinous portrayal of Tony in Thor or for some other reason I have no idea, but it was well done- showing us how complex Tony is. He didn't just say no at first out of spite, he had a real reason- and STILL he let Peter go, to be with his Aunt. In the end, he did the right thing, and that's what I love. My boy Tony is a hero!
The fight itself was well enough done. Okay, if I'm honest Iron Man should have won with ease, but to it's credit the issue DID show Tony breaking free and imply he would have destroyed Peter if the fight had gone on, so there's that- I just find it dififcult to believe he'd be restrained by the webbing for so long. The power glove burning out I can buy though.
It was a lovely little throwback to the "New Avengers" arc in parts- we saw Tony remembering it, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he's thinking a little about Steve when he does- he doesn't want to lose Peter as he once lost Steve, I think. And Jarvis' relationship with May, which I had forgotten with, is brought back! Jarvis got a nice page or two, more than he's been in Avengers of late, and they were well done.
There's a problem with this issue, in terms of how little happened. 25% of what's supposed to be the biggest Spider-Man story of all time and on the surface, all that happened is that Peter got money to pay for May's treatment. But if you look deep, there's a lot more. This is JMS's last story and he just wrapped up one of his biggest plots- the Tony/Peter relationship. I think capping those plots is more important than a momentous blockbuster.
Also, one thing done well is the feeling that this really is his darkest hour. Though less rammed in than last issue, it does feel like he's never been more alone and afraid- all he has left is MJ, who remains steadfast and loyal and the PERFECT wife, which is fitting. It does seem like poor May is going to die and Peter's going to get one last day with her, possibly at the expense of MJ. It was a set up issue which set up the main dilemna of the plot while also wrapping up a big plot point, so I wouldn't say not much happened, not really.
The art- ah, the art. I wasn't expecting much from Joe Q, not being a fan of his style, but this issue's art was very good. Not amazing, but good. Certainly better than I thought from previews. I do have to say though- the double pager of Spidey swinging away at the end WAS amazing, to my mind- a BRILLIANt spread.
Nothing too momentous in this issue, but this was groundwork- very well written groundwork at that... the shocks are round the corner!
Doom decrees that this issue shalt be given... Nine Gold Dooms Out Of Ten
|
|
|
|
Post by Doctor Bong on Sept 7, 2007 13:48:22 GMT -5
But the thing is... and I KNOW some will say (not without reason...) that it's the same old-same old "blah-blah"... BUT, nevertheless... it still holds true (for me): any one with an I.Q. this side of the dumb Hulk could have told Peter that this, or something very similar to this, was bound to happen if he ever went public with his secret... and Peter's a genius, so IMO it makes it so very hard to believe...
Therefore, in my book it can't be construed as true good storytelling, since the roots of the present story are, always in my opinion, utterly flawed...
|
|
|
|
Post by Doctor Doom on Sept 7, 2007 14:46:58 GMT -5
I have to disagree, because the thing is, if Peter had stayed on Tony's side, it wouldn't have happened. AT THE TIME his unmasking made sense as he and his family were protectedin Stark Tower, which meant they *were* safe- nowhere is this more exemplified than in the fact that the Kingpin waited until they had left the tower to order a hit.
The Unmasking alone wasn't responsible, it was that in conjunction with his defection. On their own, each made sense, but it was when they were put together they spelled doom for May or MJ.
|
|
|
|
Post by goldenfist on Sept 26, 2007 9:33:12 GMT -5
And Quesada finally has the chance to end the marriage of Peter
and MJ.
Not many people in the comic buisness liked the marriage, Alex
Ross thinks that when a super-hero get's married it makes him/
her less appealing.
|
|
|
|
Post by balok on Sept 26, 2007 13:21:27 GMT -5
Unless Aunt May never leaves Stark Tower, it could and certainly would happen. What's kind of Amazing is that so far, only the Kingpin has taken advantage of it. One would expect by this point that Peter would be constantly fighting off attacks by enemies determined to punish him through his family.
But this isn't Tony's fault. It's Peter's, for being too stupid to see the consequences of his own foolishness, or perhaps too blinded by respect for his shiny new father-figure.
It seems out of character for modern Tony to sit slumped in a chair over anything. Most recently he's been too full of energy for that. Plus, the fact that he started the whole SHRA sort of argues that he cares more for his idealized autocracy than for any of the personal relationships he burnt to build it, so it makes little sense that he'd be moved by a picture of the New Avengers as they once were. He hasn't got that in him, or he wouldn't have done what he did.
Once the secret identities in Tony's database get out - and realistically, they must - it will happen to others.
|
|
|
|
Post by balok on Sept 26, 2007 13:25:52 GMT -5
And Quesada finally has the chance to end the marriage of Peter and MJ. Quesada should just give the twenty-somethings what they want, based on what's selling, and have someone murder her. Bloodshed sells, at least these days. Perhaps Hawkeye could stab her through the neck with an arrow. |
|
|
|
Post by thew40 on Sept 26, 2007 17:01:30 GMT -5
Why do you just assume all twenty-somethings want MJ and Peter broken up?
And beyond, what's so wrong if they did?
Why do you even care? You don't read comics anymore anyways.
~W~
|
|
|
|
Post by balok on Sept 29, 2007 15:37:51 GMT -5
Why do you just assume all twenty-somethings want MJ and Peter broken up? Chiefly because they're the group Quesada is exclusively selling to. He has cut loose older readers. And he wants them broken up. All of his actions are understandable if one assumes his sole motivation is profit (as opposed to creative integrity, love for the medium, respect for all fans, etc.). Given that he wants them broken up and he wants to sell to twenty-somethings only, one must assume that he has learned somehow that this is what twenty-somethings want. Both Marvel and DC have elected to cater to twenty-somethings, in fact. And both are making their comics bloodier each year. And sales are up. One must therefore conclude that twenty-somethings like bloody comics, the more blood, the better. If you're a twenty-something and this does not apply to you, keep in mind the difference between individuals and aggregates, and how things may be true of aggregates that are not true of individuals. And beyond, what's so wrong if they did? Nothing. But it irritates me that comic book companies have jettisoned the interests of all their older readers to steer their ships exclusively by what their younger readers want. I regard it as a betrayal, considering that I have bought their product for decades. It is among my chief objections to Quesada, in fact - that he has betrayed me. Why do you even care? You don't read comics anymore anyways. I don't read *bad* comics. I keep track of certain comics against the admittedly faint hope that one day, they will be good again. That can't happen until Quesada steps down. Ideally, with him goes Bendis and Millar, who are also part of the problem: Bendis because he's simply not a good writer, and Millar because his particular style is wrong for quality 616 stories. He fits in the Ultimate Universe, a place of backstabbing and unpleasant people, and should return there. |
|
|
|
Post by balok on Sept 29, 2007 15:47:31 GMT -5
A scene that irritated me in this issue (which I finally read - I get few enough books now that weeks sometimes pass before I get to the shop) was Tony slumped looking at monitors displaying that picture.
Tony, you maneuvered yourself into a position where you had two choices: the crown, or your friends. And you picked the crown. Uneasy lies the head, and all that. You're a king, now, whether you wanted to be or not, and kings do not have friends, they have associates. Even the Mighty Avengers aren't your friends; they're your vassals. It's a little late now to decide you haven't got the belly for it. In fact, since it's been almost a year, it's a lot late to decide that. Quit moping, it's unbecoming in a king.
Can anyone argue that, except for the dwindling number of anti-registration rebels, the superpowered community cannot do aught by regard Tony as their de facto leader?
|
|
|
|
Post by Doctor Doom on Sept 29, 2007 17:24:40 GMT -5
So let me get this straight. Millar has to go because he can write great comics, but you HATED one of his series, ergo he may never write comics again. Did you read his MK: Spider-Man run? There's a reason it's widely considered one of the best Spidey stories in recent years. And totally 616 at that. Totally wrong. Tony, you *were manouvered* into a situation where you had two choices; choosing to help your fellow protectors or choosing to help the people you protect. In full knowledge that if you chose the former, BOTH groups would suffer. Had he joined the anti-registration cause, it could have caused nothing but bad effects for all super humans. Pretty much all dialogue between them so far would disagree. Tony is in a pretty friendless situation right now but it's less due to his personal actions and more due to the fact that even after the friend list was halved by Civil War, three of the closest ones died horribly and one of them joined a super villain. Which may go some way to explaining why Tony is not a King. Well, considering he seems to have very little say in what happens at Camp Hammond, which is a pretty d**n massive force, and considering he has no powers Nick Fury didn't have... I dunno, did you think Nick Fury had to be regarded as de facto hero leader because HE could order them around at any time? More the fact that you've convinced yourself they want to get rid of older fans. Apparantly there's a LOT more young fans out there than I thought. I know all the guys but one working at my LCS are 30 or older and... well, two of them actuall actively persuaded me AGAINST buying Countdown. Which on one level is bad business but on another impressed me because it showed a concern for quality over just sales. (May not be that commendable in a retailer, true.) Much like Marvel themselves in fact.  |
|
|
|
Post by balok on Oct 1, 2007 9:24:38 GMT -5
So let me get this straight. Millar has to go because he can write great comics, but you HATED one of his series, ergo he may never write comics again. I don't like what he did to 616, so I want him out of there, yes. You have correctly interpreted my opinion, but what's your point? Did you read his MK: Spider-Man run? There's a reason it's widely considered one of the best Spidey stories in recent years. And totally 616 at that. Nope, never did. Won't change the fact that, with Civil War, he made me dislike him and hold his ability to handle 616 in low regard. Totally wrong. Tony, you *were manouvered* into a situation where you had two choices; choosing to help your fellow protectors or choosing to help the people you protect. In full knowledge that if you chose the former, BOTH groups would suffer. Had he joined the anti-registration cause, it could have caused nothing but bad effects for all super humans. We don't, of course, know this for fact since that path remains unexplored. Doubtless when Marvel publishes the What-If that justifies the direction it took its stories, you'll have some canon evidence of this, but you haven't got it yet. The problems Tony and Reed "foresaw" were years off. But they rushed into a solution, and it was a poor one, since it disdains the rights of a minority to privacy. Tony didn't get maneuvered into anything. He made all his choices consciously, because he was convinced he had all the answers. The man's arrogance led him to take up the crown. It's his now. Pretty much all dialogue between them so far would disagree. He runs them. Anyone who actually befriends Tony, given his history of betrayal, would be foolish. Even the people who think he was right cannot help be realize, on some level, that he is not trustworthy. A big part of friendship is trust. Tony traded his ability to be friends with people for what he regards as a greater good. He did that consciously. That means he hasn't got friends, and as leader of the MA that makes the other members his vassals. Tony is in a pretty friendless situation right now but it's less due to his personal actions and more due to the fact that even after the friend list was halved by Civil War, three of the closest ones died horribly and one of them joined a super villain. It's exactly due to his actions. He sold out his friends for what he regards as a greater good. This point was made in both Frontline and in this issue of ASM, and even a little bit in Thor. He made that choice. All I'm asking him to do is not mope about it. Well, considering he seems to have very little say in what happens at Camp Hammond, which is a pretty d**n massive force, and considering he has no powers Nick Fury didn't have... I dunno, did you think Nick Fury had to be regarded as de facto hero leader because HE could order them around at any time? We can be reasonably sure Tony knows what's going on at Camp Hammond, unless you contend that Hank isn't keeping his old associate in that loop. Either Hank is keeping Tony at arm's length (perhaps because he doesn't trust him) or Tony is okay with Camp Hammond running as it is - he has had time to *at least* lodge objections, if he has them. More the fact that you've convinced yourself they want to get rid of older fans. Apparantly there's a LOT more young fans out there than I thought. I know all the guys but one working at my LCS are 30 or older and... well, two of them actuall actively persuaded me AGAINST buying Countdown. Which on one level is bad business but on another impressed me because it showed a concern for quality over just sales. (May not be that commendable in a retailer, true.) Much like Marvel themselves in fact. My friends in the hobby are around my age, and generally do not like the direction Marvel has gone. Neither do some acquaintances of similar age from the FLCS. Other folks there, younger than me, and folks like you and thew40, also younger than me, love it. I think it's fair to say that Marvel seeks to court the younger audience and doesn't care if it loses the older audience, based on my admittedly limited samples. And yeah, I'm bitter about it, because I feel like I supported them for a long time and caught a knife in the back from Quesada by way of thanks. Probably about how folks like Spider-Man, Luke Cage and The Hulk feel about Iron Man and Mr. Fantastic. |
|
