Reviewer : Tim Byrne
Story Title : N/A
Writers : Mark Waid & Tom Peyer
Penciller : Savador Larroca
Inker : Danny Miki
Colorist : Liquid!
Letterer : Cory Petit (VC)
Editor : Tom Brevoort
Publisher : Marvel Comics
Well, the House of M cross-over really kicks into gear this week, with the second issue of the mini-series proper, and this, the first issue of Spidey’s independent mini-series.
In this world, mutants rule the earth, and humble ‘homo sapiens’ have been pretty clearly relegated into second place.
As was made abundantly clear at the end of House of M #1, Peter Parker’s life is completely different to that which we as readers have known for so many years. He’s married to Gwen Stacy, and the father of a healthy toddler. Peter is rich, famous and respected. Captain Stacy is alive, well and just demonstrating another of Peter’s awe-inspiring scientific inventions.
Perhaps most jarringly, J. Jonah Jameson, though as abrasive as ever, is now a humble employee, working as Peter’s intrepid publicist.
This is all very interesting, but the major pieces have yet to really fall into place. It is clear that the main dramatic tension in Peter’s life comes from the fact that, unbeknownst to all, he is not a mutant, but instead a boring old kid from Queens that had a small encounter with a radioactive spider at a science exhibition.
The problem with these kind of ‘alternate universe’ stories, is that there is more a sense of intellectual gameplay rather than emotional resonance. Despite what Joe Quesada and his mob have been promising, it is hard to see how events in this alternate reality will have any lasting impact once the ‘real’ Marvel universe returns. With this being the case, it is very difficult to feel emotionally invested in the outcomes for these characters.
That said, this issue is generally well-written (with the above being more of an editorial quibble). I particularly like the fact that Peter is drawn as a flawed character, with his power over Jameson clearly resulting in some arrogance. The depiction of Captain Stacy is also interesting.
The final page certainly sparks some interest, and it will be fun seeing what this unlikely duo has in store.
The art by Larocca is cartoony and functional. The depiction of Rhino is a loud, tropical shirt is particularly hilarious. My one difficulty is that Gwen Stacy still looks like she is in high school, when I presume that, like in the ‘mainstream’ timeline, she would be around the age of thirty.
Count me in for the remainder, at least.
