“Sins Past Part Four”
Written by: J Michael Straczynski
Pencilled by: Mike Deodato
Inked by: Jose Pimentel
Colorist: Matt Milla
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Assoc Editor: Warren Simons
Editor: Alex Alonso
When I was nine years old, Spiderman changed my life. The book known as “Amazing Spierman” changed my life. I saw a friend with some issue, and I knew I had to have it. There was something about Spidey that was so cool to me. So from that moment on, I was hooked. I have read just about every Spiderman book ever since. From issue #332 on, I have read this book. I’ve stayed with it thru thick and thin. I love some of it, and I’ve hated just as much. But always, I give it a chance because I feel some sort of loyalty to the book. Mock me all you want, but I feel a sort of connection to the book.
When J Michael Straczynski took over the book a few years back, he promised changes. So we got a new look at Spidey’s origins. And it was kind of cool. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but I dug it. And as of issue #509, we;ve been given another new look into one of Spiderman’s most important characters, Gwen Stacy. Every once in a while, she is brought back to the forefront, and always to lackluster results, because we never really see anything new…just that she sort of haunts Peter Parker’s every move.
But that all changed with this story. Now her kids are attacking Spiderman. And yeah, that’s a little weird. But even moreso, is the mystery surrounding who is their father, and why on earth they are attacking Peter Parker. So with this issue it is revealed that the father is Norman Osborn. Yeah, that one…the one in just about every other Spiderman story. BUt you know…it works. J Michael makes it fit. He makes this story very logical,and it fits with every other story to come before it. I know the Spidey purists are upset about various elements here, but speaking as a big Spidey fan, I’m happy with it. I’m delighted that some things are changing. I like the book and the character, but some things have gone stale, and now they are brought a little more up to date.
Deodato’s art is pitch perfect with the story, and I really can’t wait for the next installment.
Sorry for making this so short. But I don’t want to give too much away. A big part of my delight with this story has been seeing it unfold. So do yourself a favor, and experience if yourself.
Final Word: Great issue all around. It may turn off a few people, but it’s very enjoyable.
