Spider-Man: One More Day

yes, this story is a hard hit on everyone's head. yet, as the author explains in the direct version of the comic book, one that needed to be done to keep the characters alive and non-static. i had no idea that this turn of the story would be taken, and even if you know that straczynski considers himself a hired gun, the story is very emotional, dense, and most of all -- totally logic in terms of comic book logic. being a biologist who chose this profession mostly because of peter parker's university affiliation, i do not feel that this story takes forbidden turns. comic books have a life of their own, and since MJ completely survives this hell ride (pun intended), i think all is still good and enjoyable in marvel universe. plus, new options emerge which is a good thing in comic book AND real life. i mean -- come on!

There are two way to enjoy this book: The first is to read this as a one shot. On its own merits, it's a beautiful but tragic story about the unforeseen consequences of altering fate/destiny. (Spoiler:) Peter and MJ believe they are only sacrificing their marriage and love in exchange for Aunt May's life when they strike a deal with Mephisto (the devil), only to realize later that they have also sacrificed the life of their future daughter. The second is to read it as part of continuity and understand that all moments shared between Peter and MJ that now officially didn't happen are in fact what gave weight and true meaning to the couple's sacrifice. I lied. There is a third way to enjoy this book and it comes in two parts: 1. Don't read interviews in which Marvel employees reveal that the storyline didn't occur to explore the huge ramifications of altering history but simply to make Peter a bachelor and drive-up sales. 2. Don't read the proceeding storyline "Brand New Day" because it is a complete yawner ... you will end up being upset that the true sacrifice paid by Peter and MJ leads to the birth of generic Spider-Man stories, old plotlines and boring villains. (If you want to read new stuff that reminds you of the good ole Spidey days, I highly recommend Robert Kirkman's "Invincible" published by Image Comics ... it is everything ASM aspires to be and way more.)

This book has the new status quo of spiderman, because he is in a really difficult crossroad, becuase his aunt is close to die because a bullet that was shooted to kill Peter Parker, and the devil himself offers to save his aunt, in exchange he has to separarte of Mary Jane and he will have his secret identity again (becasu he unmasked during the civil war) the devil's reason is that the love of Mary and Peter is a treasure for the devil because this love is so pure and especial, this story close an old spiderman era and begins a new one(Brand new day), the art of Joe Quesada is incredible dinamic and GREAT. The resaon why Quesada (also editor in chief of Marvel) wanted to did this is because he wanted to rfresh the character and atrack new readers, if you like spiderman then this is a MUST HAVE, annd of course I can't wait to read Brand New Day.

If you take the controversy away from the story, it's actually a well crafted story. You can't help but have your eyes water just a little when it fades to black on Peter and MJ. Not to mention that this story leads into Brand New Day, which to me is the Spider-Man book I've been wanting since I started reading comics.

Well I'll be honest I don't read spider man often. or marvel for at matter, so the whole thing with revealing their identities for some law is new to me. I just randomly got this book and gave it a read. Though I love Dr. Strange and he shows up in here, which is a plus right away. I won't go into the story much since everyone else seems to have done that in their reviews. I just think that this is a good story about possibilities and fate and compromise. Giving up what you have to get back what you think you want, and refusing to let go of things that make you happy. But in the long run, wind up losing something that is going to be of more value than what you gave up. He makes a deal the devil and loses something very important to him (peter that is) and gets what he thinks is what he wants. He saves aunt may's life. But the telling of this story is really what is great. It's got a little of the "this could be your life" element in it, it's got dr strange in it, and then of course the devil himself. Definately worth a read. You may not agree with the ending, in fact I would hope you don't. He doesn't do something silly like sell his soul, and besides that's been done to death. He goes deeper and worse. And that's what may this a great read for me.