Title : Taking Wing – Conclusion
Writer : Peter David
Penciler : Scot Eaton
Inker : John Dell
Colorist : Matt Milla
Letterer : Cory Petit (VC)
Editor : Axel Alonso
Its been a little while, and thanks to the boys at Comics R’ Us in Melbourne, Australia for doing their best to get their comics to us on time. There have been some real distribution problems, resulting in a lack of reviews for you, both of my loyal readers.
Mitchell, the loyal manager of my store, has constant (respectful) disagreements with me on certain titles, and this one provokes most of these friendly contests of will.
We are both admirers of Peter David’s work, but Mitchell views this title as the exception, and not worthy of his time.
I, on the other hand, have greatly admired Peter David’s work. Rising above the horrible editorial restrictions of the ‘Other’ cross-over, he has crafted some stories with real heart, that fully utilise Spidey’s rich history, and the panorama of supporting characters that are simply crying out for greater support.
Although a flow-chart is needed for planning exactly how this story keys into the larger Civil War timeline, Peter David has certainly taken full advantage of Spidey’s unmasking, writing tales that utilise the supporting cast, and their various reactions to this.
This story, which involves the Vulture, ‘Flash’ Thompson, Betty Brant and the surprise return of Deb Whitman, is remarkably true to the template of the various character as they have grown over the years. Deb, in particular, comes across as a rounded character, and someone who is continually bound by the financial and other realities of life.
This issue opens with Spidey plunging to earth after an encounter in mid-air with the Vulture.
His second-by-second descent is narrated by Spidey’s sub-conscious, along with the spectators on the ground. Its an interesting story-telling conceit, and one that uses the unique abilities of comics.
This isn’t really an action issue though, more revolving around the human reaction of the cast to various events. The above-mentioned ability to tap into the history and emotion of characters really makes this story come alive.
The story has a conclusion that makes you smile, and is completely true to both the good and bad points of a number of characters. Kudos to all.
The art of Eaton and Dell is generally exaggerated and ‘cartoony’. I would only state that Deb Whitman is a little ‘too’ gorgeous for my taste. One of the most humanising aspects of Deb’s character was always the fact that she was one of the few women in the comic who was pretty without being the classic ‘hourglass’ supermodel.
Generally well done though, and a fine story, with all parts contributing to the whole.
