Amazing Spider-Man #539

March 19, 2007

Quick Rating: A Qualified Good
Title: Back in Black Part 1
Rating: A

As May Parker clings to death’s door, Spider-Man goes on a rampage.

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Pencils: Ron Garney
Inks: Bob Reinhold
Colors: Mat Milla
Letters: Cory Petit
Editor: Axel Alonso
Cover Art: Ron Garney
Publisher: Marvel Comics

So “Back in Black” finally begins (nearly two months after it started in the other titles) right on the heels of last issue. May Parker has been shot, and Peter understandably goes a little nuts. After tearing through the city to get her to a hospital, he goes on another tear – sans any costume at all – on a bloody path to find out who shot her.

This book is hard to gauge. On a surface scan, it’s done quite well. This all takes place within the hour or so after May is shot, and Peter’s reactions of panic and rage are perfectly understandable and even in character. The reason this book gets a “qualified” good from me is really a matter of nerves about where the storyline in general is going. The return of the black costume is handled quite well, but the issue ends with a proclamation that has me quite nervous. A few years ago, I would have thought it pure bluster that would ultimately leave the character surrendering to his better nature, but the way Marvel’s stories have played out lately, I’m genuinely afraid that the story may be heading towards a real betrayal of the character’s values, and that frightens me. As for May herself – well, you don’t want to get too spoileriffic, but it seems that this won’t be quick, whatever happens… and that, at least, is as it should be.

Ron Garney’s artwork is still quite impressive to me. I know a lot of fans haven’t been happy with his work on Amazing Spider-Man, but I’ve been a fan of his since his magnificent Captain America run, and his work here is just as solid. His storytelling skills are good, and the emotion on the characters’ faces (Peter and Mary Jane, predominantly) is quite compelling.

So basically, this is a good issue. I just hope that by the time we get to the end of the story, opinions haven’t changed retroactively.

Rating: 7/10