Spider-Man: Reign

If you've read any of my other reviews, you know I don't like to summarize the story, and give things away. In that spirit, I'll only give away the premise of the story. Reign takes place years into the future where Peter Parker (Spider-Man) is old. But being old, is not the reason why Peter hangs up the Spider-Man gig. His life-long love, Mary Jane, dies of cancer from the radiation that gave him his "Spider-powers." Out of guilt, he retires, and lives alone in his apartment, while New York, crumbles down around him, and eventually, is ruled by a fascist dictator, with his own military police. What makes this story so moving, is that you really see a reflection of Spider-Man, the hero, in his city (New York), or vice versa. While Peter Parker is in shambles over his guilt and loneliness, so too is New York. But not all New Yorkers are have given up, and you will be surprised to see, who (more than one person) stand up for him. While Spider-Man sees the injustice and abuse of power by the city officials, he is reminded again, why he originally put on the mask in the first place. While all this is going on, Peter's inner turmoil begins a healing process. Peter is reminded that his fight for justice is not just about him- its about the people he swore to protect. The story itself is good, but the writing is superb. To be honest, I'm not familiar with the author/artist, but Kaare Andrews definitely has a gift for words. The script is moving, and after reading this, I defnitely want to pick up more of Andrews' works. Pick it up, I highly recommend this book.

A four-issue prestige format mini-series about a flagship character's "final days" in a dystopian future? While Kaare Andrews may have intended this as a "Dark Knight Returns" homage (witness the reporters' names..."Miller Janson"?), the story rises above mere tribute and takes on a life of its own as the series progresses. It's no surprise that Mary Jane is gone--Spidey's clinging to her tombstone on the cover. Although I've never been a fan of the airheaded model, Andrews crafts a tragic love story here that will bring a tear to the eyes of even the most hardcore MJ-haters. All of Spidey's major villains are here (except for one noticeable exception, Mr. Norman Osborne). Without spoiling any of the surprises, one villain makes his creepiest appearance ever. Needless to say, if you are a Spider-Man fan (especially of the ol' blacksuit-era), you need to read this collection.

okay, some odd 20 years ago DC wanted to reimagine one of there older characters and take off all the stains of adam west, yes i'm talking about batman, and yes the book was Dark Knight Returns, the future interpetation of an aged batman who is ready to take his city back, even if that means going thourgh mutants, a "reformed" Joker, the gotham P.D., and even his best Friend Superman, this was a tale that reshaped the whole psychology of The Batman, and now Marvel has finally done the same thing For there greatest hero Spider-man, not giving anything away, its old spiderman, turned his back on his identity, and must fight his emotions over the death of mary jane, all the while an old villian returns to finally take out spider-man, Batman now has major competition for the darkest story.

I really enjoyed this view into spider-mans late life. I wish I could see more of this darkness, however I can't imagine an addition to this series. They really pulled out all of the tricks for this one.

Spoiler Free: Okay enough already with those comparisons, they're absolutely correct comparing the two. Once you get past that, does this work stand on its own two feet and deliver an excellent story, memorable portrayals of the characters, fitting and great art, a tone that works well for the story, and superb writing all within the Spider-man universe? Yes, on all accounts it does. For fans of Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Returns, Blade Runner, The Lorax, and Unforgiven alike - Reign offers us a look into individuals denying the truths, haunted by their past and actions that can't be undone, with brief and rare moments of hope in a world of a society and government gone awry. Many of the actions parallel sentiments you can feel in the moment, past and future. Everything about this story bleeds feelings and emotions you can sink your teeth into and relate to from the pit of your stomach. We see chances at redemption, chances to look forward and leave the past behind, and chances to do the right thing even if it's the hard thing to do. That is what I got out of reading it anyways, I'm a big fan of these types of stories and the ability of people to make tough choices and get over ghosts of the past with actions that speak louder than words. To go aginst the judgments of others, to find the truth or inner strength and accomplish more that they thought possible. Reign delivered all this, powerful stuff from an unexpected source.