The Ultimate Amazing Spider-man
The latest issue was brilliant. Why can’t they have Ultimate Spidey published thrice monthly instead?
It somewhat makes Amazing Spider-Man superflous. USM is more daring, and fun. They should have just left this title for the younger spider-fans and left the MU the way it was 
Amazing or Not: Brand New Day
“It’s amazing to me that no matter how long I’m in this business, the fans can always surprise me. Not that they’re upset about the end of the Spider-marriage–no, that I expected. But the fact that you guys in general are so mad that you’ll pick at any possibility for a fight, sling any insult at any person whether they’re involved with the book or not, throw around hyperbole so bombastic that it would make Stan Lee himself blush, and just generally be looking so desperately hard for reasons to vent your ire took me completely aback.”
Tom Brevoort, in Blah Blah Blog.
Harsh words, buddy.
Brevoort later went on to say this, which precisely sums up my feelings:
“This is a break-up, a funeral for something that you loved. It’s grief and pain, funneled into rage. ”
Why am I so Upset?
The revelation in Civil War was what I believed to be one of the greatest moments in comics. Despite knowing about it happening, my jaw still dropped. I’m angered that this was undone – though as its not directly related to MJ, perhaps it could still be undone.
When reading Civil War, I knew I was reading comic genius. The storyline was daring and opened the way for brilliant stories in the MU. It feels like they have taken the easy way out. I wouldn’t have objected if they had allowed Peter Parkers revelation to complete its arc.
After reading Friendly Neighbourhood Spiderman, I felt somewhat better that the minor storylines had been tied regarding how the school, and press, would react. Yet I still feel cheated – the Spidey universe had the chance to really change and really show off great writing/drawing.
For me Mephisto seemed a cop out. I had no idea who the heck he was and to be, it didn’t appear to be a good story. Possibly due to Queseda and JMS, or other things. It may have been more interesting to have an extra issue explaining their future.
I accept the break up of the MJ/Spidey marraige.
From what I’ve read the marraige was a rush. Divorcing wouldn’t have worked – even if ultimately it was for his safety. The very reasons for divorce – so no-one could hurt the one he loved – would ruin the chance for future relationships.
I accept that the marraige aspect of Spider-man had to be removed. I do understand the reasons. I also understand that by doing it this way, it opens up ways for new romantic characters to be introduced to the Spider-Man Mythos.
The marraige couldn’t be eradicated in other ways that would have allowed for a easy tie up. This could have wrecked the flow.
What about the ultimate Universe?
The ultimate universe existed where there was both the carefree Peter and the Adult Peter with a child. Why not somehow provide a happy medium between the two?
One of the options offered was that for those who wanted to see a grown up Peter, there was the Spider-girl title.
While that does allow for some mature storylines, the stories are still focused on the core of Spider-man: Maturation. In this case however, its their daughter who is finding her identity. We don’t see much of Peter finding his upon retirement.
I admit to LOVING the current Ultimate Spider-man series. I devoured the whole book and will continue to read it – MJ or no MJ.
How could this be fixed?
I don’t care if they continue this storyline as long as they somehow complete the Civil War arc. During the F.N Spider-man stories, I was crying and cheering as he confronted those who didn’t know about his identity.
My fantasy involved Spider-man going slowly insane as a result of the Aunt May shooting. Whether Aunt May died or not, this could have the potential to really showcase some great comic book writing.
In this imagining, he was placed in a mental hospital as a result of PTSD. As part of his treatment, the treating doctor removes his memory of his aunt and wife.
There could be some great repurcussions down the track but at least he could have had the option of regaining his memory as they explored some great story arcs. Instead, we get a close up of Parker giving JJJ mouth to mouth.
In Conclusion:
It was easy to ignore the history I haven’t yet read, hold back the anger at discrediting the minor story lines I had.
I am new to the marvel universe and got into Spider-man because of the movies. As such, I wasn’t overly attached to MJ. In the movies, I was tiring of her rather quickly and would have loved for Spidey to hook up with a fresher character.
There are, and will be, great mini series that will explore these issues in depth – if the audience demands it.
I hope the new direction is strong enough to make the minor faults, and great story-lines missed, worth it.
I will still be reading Amazing Spider-man. I am confident that Marvel will do what they think is best for the long term propspects of a series. I’m reading some of the great storylines in the other titles and hope that BND soon comes up to par.