Amazing Spider-Man                                                                                                             

No.38 (479)

"The Conversation"

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Pencils: John Romita jr.

Inks: Scott Hanna

    You know, this issue makes me glad they brought Aunt May back, no matter how hokey the plot device was.

    While J.M. DeMatteis wrote a touching death scene for May years ago, one where she and Peter had a final moment of honesty as she lay dying, what J Michael Straczynski's been doing with the character since he's taken the reigns has been superb. She has actual depth.

     No superheroics in this issue, but some heroic moments nonetheless as May confronts Peter with the sure knowledge that he's Spider-man, and they come to grips with each others' secrets. A plausible and compelling revelation's added to the story of Spider-man's origin in the process, as is a natural and amusing notion that had crept into May's head concerning her frail, socially awkward nephew with a secret in the closet.

     Straczynski's  been doing an excellent job with this series, and this could be his best issue yet. If you haven't tried Spider-Man before, or perhaps just haven't tried it in years, this is the best time in... 15 years or more to give it a try.

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                                                                                                                                          ---Mike Norton