It’s Alpha! He’s wacky!
“Alpha Part Three: Final Grade”
Written by Dan Slott
Illustrated by Humberto Ramos
Inked by Victor Olazaba
Colored by Edgar Delgado
Lettered by VC’s Chris Eliopoulos
THE PLOT: Alpha’s irresponsibility in a battle with Terminus damages the private jet Aunt May and Jameson Sr. are on. Spider-Man eventually saves them.
LONG STORY SHORT: Peter comes up with some deus ex science to take away much of Alpha’s power, so that he’s officially benched from the super hero celebrity life, and from comics forever.
MY THOUGHTS: This whole story was a waste of time.
What was this all really about? Was this a commentary on teenage heroes? Was it a commentary on teenagers in modern society in general? Was this a story about Spider-Man’s reaction to having a sidekick to be responsible for? Or most probably, was this a belabored and unwanted “Great Power Great Responsibility” morality tale? I’m asking so I can come at this from every possible angle in order to review it properly. As it so happens, none of those options do this story any good because in the end it failed on each account.
This issue can be summed up in three sentences. Alpha screws up. Peter saves Aunt May and Jay. Alpha’s essentially fired from the hero life. There are very few moments of characterization save from Aunt May trying to call Peter when the plane is falling. The supporting cast are mostly there to bounce off of Spider-Man like wooden walls holding up the script. Worst of all, Alpha remains the same from the moment he got his powers to the moment he loses them and essentially back at square one as though nothing had happened. When you have a character become so powerful he’s mentioned in the same breath as the Phoenix, then later exposit that in time people will forget about you, it tells the reading audience that they’ve basically wasted their time. These last three issues could have never happened and nothing would have been lost from it.
What makes this whole bungling of story potential really shameful is the fact that Alpha from his first appearance til now was never a character; he was a plot device. He had two speeds, lazy and obnoxious. People can compare him to Jason Todd and Damien Wayne in the arrogant sidekicks department, but those characters had both personality and motivations. Alpha just existed to give Spider-Man and headache and awkwardly interact with characters of the Marvel Universe. If he were actually a character with effort put into him by Slott, he would argue with Spider-Man after he loses his powers at the end. We’re told that Spidey’s been training Andy. We never see it besides the initial issue, but we’re told that Peter’s “Been training him” in this issue. If Alpha was such the loose canon that we’re told he is, there’s nothing stopping Spider-Man from trying at each moment to sit him down and hammer in his head the responsibilities of being a hero. If he’s unable to do that, Reed Richards should have been notified. I’ve mentioned this in every part of the Alpha story because it’s a contrivance so ludicrous that the story as a whole never fully assembles from the get go. Why is Spider-Man, a mid-tier in power if we’re being honest, given the job to watch over one of the strongest people on the planet? It makes no sense.
Again, Andy could still be the most obnoxious, irritating, infuriating character to read in a comic ever and it would be fine if we were given enough reason to be interested in him. In this issue, he appears in six out of the twenty-four pages of this book. That’s a quarter of an issue he takes up, despite what the cover would have you believe. He’s a plot device, pure and simple. It’s pathetic. If you were a teenager and you were given the power and achieved enough global notoriety to secure all the fame and fortune and sex that you could ever want, then some guy in a bug costume snatches it away, wouldn’t you at least have a screaming match with him? That’s what I would expect, but Slott writes Andy as such a cypher that he’s almost invisible.
I can’t get across enough how badly this story was handled. We spend the majority of the issue watching Spider-Man save Aunt May from a plane crash. Those scenes weren’t too badly written, but that’s not what the cover wants you to expect happen. Where do the creative team get off having an homage to the famous Superman/Spider-Man crossover with Alpha as a stand in if he appears in 1/4th of the comic where he loses his powers? It’s so completely asinine I can barely believe Slott was taking this job at all seriously. It’s like he spends time thinking up plots found on Tv Tropes.com, and transcribes them accordingly just to get through the month. What happened to the Slott of the Lizard 4-parter that preceded this story? As a matter of fact, I can’t think of any Dan Slott Spider-Man script that was as comatose in creativity as this was. I hated the Betty Brant issue, but at least that had some effort clearly put into the story in terms of pushing the characters along. It was misguided, but it had effort.
As for the art, I think I’m growing tired of Humberto Ramos by this point. I still think he’s a good artist, but the bi-weekly schedule of ASM seems to be throwing him off of his game. I haven’t been feeling his models for over a month now, and characters end up looking too cartoonish or just not rendered very well.
This story could have gone in so many ways. It could have truly explored Peter’s perception of himself as a crime fighter by taking on a young partner. It could have impacted New York’s view of the Marvel Universe by having an openly identifiable teenager work with Spider-Man. It could have told stories crossed over in Avenging Spider-Man. It could have impacted the Avengers and the F4. It could have impacted Spider-Man’s villians who didn’t want to rule to world with clones of teenage boys. It could have shown Mary Jane’s perspective at seeing Peter work and mentor someone younger than him. It could have gone down so many roads to engaging and interesting stories.
In the end, what the readers are left with is essentially “Teenagers are self-centered.”
1/5 webs
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I dunno. This story didn’t really have an impact on me one way or the other. I wasn’t expecting much, and that’s basically what I got. alpha seemed like an annoying tool that wasn’t going to last, and he didn’t. Is Aunt may back in New York for keeps now? If so then I’d say that’s one positive development at least.
@ 49: Let’s stick to the merits (or lack thereof) of the issue under discussion. Let’s not get into ad hominem comments.
Back on topic, my initial impression of Alpha was that he was, indeed, created by committee. On several levels, he seemed generic enough to have been something that several people involved could more or less agree upon. Again, this is not uncommon in comics. It’s the execution that matters.
Has Dan Slott solo-created any characters who have caught on? Carlie Cooper ended up being a dud, and now this kid is also a cypher. But maybe they were committee creations.
46 comments and not a Wacker in site.
Much to Don’s chagrin I liked the issue…it was B-, C + range for me. The ending was weak for reasons I’ll explain on the podcast but I enjoyed the rescue sequence.
While the story was mediocre in my opinion, I didn’t hate it… it was quirky and fun at times… and I love the latest cover! 🙂
Honestly that Comic Vine review is one of the worst I’ve ever read. That hardly described what made the issue good and how it did things well, they just listed the sequents of events in the issue.
Dont mean to sound negative, just curious, when did Peter learn japanese(judging from that last panel)?
Wow, Comicvine gave this 5 out of 5. So this ranks up there to the best Spider-Man stories of all time.
http://www.comicvine.com/the-amazing-spider-man-alpha-part-3-final-grade/37-358932/staff-review/
Just wanted to add in response to #39 that I have never seen anything to make me think that Slott is mean or rude. Regardless of how you feel about his writing, he’s always given me the impression he’s a nice guy. Granted I don’t follow him closely or anything, but it just seems to me like that comment was kind of excessive.
Hey there gang,
I’ve been busy but I just checked in on this thread.
First off, the user comicfan used the handle “hate” on comment 39. It’s against the rules to post with multiple id’s. So one warning to him which brings your count up to two.
As far as Bob goes. His IP had been banned before for comments like these. His previous IP was 92.24.186.71 and he just posted with 92.24.181.135. Both are from York, England in the UK. So Bob is now banned. It seems he’s the only one with an agenda, which is to trash the site that banned him after three previous warnings.
I just really hate Dan Slott. He is mean online, rude in public, and his writing is awful. I was so happy when he was driven off formspring, but now he is back and it makes so mad!!! I just hope he is off spiderman after 700 or that it divides into another book so I can read someone else do ASM while he does whatever the hell superior is. I just want him gone.
“Personally I want that kid to come back… as a villain. A Dark Alpha who lusts for vengeance against his former mentor, the man who gave him power and glory and, most importantly, a meaning to his life, only to strip them away. Now THAT would be a story!”
I think that’s where its going. I have a feeling that this kid to going to out Peter to Doc Ock and from there is going to be a major thorn in Spidey’s backside.
@Jack Books: Personally I want that kid to come back… as a villain. A Dark Alpha who lusts for vengeance against his former mentor, the man who gave him power and glory and, most importantly, a meaning to his life, only to strip them away. Now THAT would be a story!
~Lament~
@#35
… like the Jackal?
I read Donovan’s review before I read the actual comic. Why? I have no idea. Anyways, I read the issue and didn’t find it that bad. It was the best issue of the Alpha story, but I admit the overall arc was meh. I enjoyed seeing Spidey save JJJ Sr and Aunt May; holding up the landing gear was pretty cool and I don’t think that’s ever been done in a Spidey comic before. Aunt May moving back to New York is important, seeing as how she’ll probably be integral to issue #700 (Peter’s comment about it’ll be easier to keep her safe since she’s back in New York feels like he just foreshadowed her death).
Can’t wait for Roderick! Death to Phil Urich!
Here’s a real comment: Why would Spidey let this kid loose and unprotected into the world, now un-powered? Aren’t there evil scientists around who would now love to dissect him?
This whole line of arguing needs to be dropped now. The admins have already intervened.
@#28
See, when you get to the point when you make comments like this, t doesn’t matter if you do make valid arguments… which you didn’t… people stop caring.
Alright guys, Bob has been warned but for everyone else it is time to dial this back because I feel like we’re on the brink of a flame war, here. You guys are going beyond disputing each others opinions; you are accusing each other of expressing opinions that aren’t genuine or are made in bad faith. Both sides are doing it and I am requesting that it stop because it is neither polite nor respectful.
Bob:
You can be critical of the review. You can even tease the site about hating the book. But yoy cannot, repeat, CANNOT make mental health jokes about other users on this website. That earns a warning.
guys, there’s stuff like this about you online, can’t you take a hint? http://memegenerator.net/instance/21940694
seeing as all my comments are awaiting moderation I guess I can ask: why are you so afraid of someone with a different opinion? Feel free to censor me, but there’s a word for that….
For example, Fred is actually sectioned under the Mental Health Act
#21, This site is part of a psychologial study of angry people 🙂
Nah, but I find it funny that people on here wear their hatred of Marvel et al like a badge of honour, like you think it actually MEANS something. Unfortunately there are plenty of posters on here who are happy to perpetuate that fantasy.
@#21
You know, you’d probably think differently if you’d scan something besides the comments section of the negative reviews.
Next you’re gonna say there’s nothing BUT negative reviews on this site, right?
I don’t understand, I thought everyone here was proud of their pig headedness and I was complimenting you on it. The Daily Mail has quite a good circulation.
Oh, btw, I liked the issue, didn’t love it, tho would never give 1 out of 5. Careful there Don, your agenda is showing 🙂
“Ahhh, I knew it was coming. Never fails. You’ll also notice he didn’t have a positive rebuttal for the review.”
I notice that, that’s why i called him out on it. Its how they give themselves away.
“I’m not into trashing this site but can’t people around here see some of the seething hate on what’s supposed to be a Spider-Man FAN website?”
People are have a right to their opinions and views Jimbo. People have the right to express their opinions with out being judged by you for being overly negative or overly positive. If you have a problem with coming here, that’s your problem, not the site. People here are friendly and respectful over the difference of opinions and you can have real open conversations about it. You judging the site over what you call “blind hatred” only shows me that you are not tolerant to the difference of opinion and tells me that you are just looking to contemn this site for no reason. The “knee jerk angry nerd rage” comment you made is proof positive of your agenda, so you are not fooling anybody.
@19 I’m not into trashing this site but can’t people around here see some of the seething hate on what’s supposed to be a Spider-Man FAN website? I would probably come here more often, join the message board, and listen to the podcast if it wasn’t for a lot of the blind hatred by people who obviously are never going to like the book no matter what is done in it. It’s not everybody but I’ve noticed there are like 4 or 5 regulars that seem to have made a career out of hating something.
Now I usually let my books stack up into a full arc before I read them so I haven’t read 692 to 694 yet. I do, however, like glancing over pieces of reviews and comments to see how people are reacting. Now not everybody is going to like everything and that’s fine. Also in most places you get some decent explanations of dislike or like. However, I come here, once again, to the premiere Spider-Man FAN site and it’s filled with some of the most sarcastic and derogatory comments. Once again it’s not everybody but a few bad eggs can spoil the bunch.
Some of the people here who seem to have this seething hatred for a fictional character could maybe take a break? Maybe take a step back and analyze what is making them so angry and hateful? Instead of taking the time out of ones day to shoot hatred at something maybe start using that time to speak about something that you’re enjoying. Instead of wasting breath or typing time on hatred maybe go to Kickstarter and find an independent comic creator and SUPPORT them in their endeavor? It’s really just a thought. And, in conclusion, most of the people who do seem to spew this hatred don’t even READ the book…just react to someone else who doesn’t like the book too…and then reacts with the knee jerk angry nerd rage that seems to have taken over like a crappy virus.
Cue further outrage and anger. 😛
@#18
Ahhh, I knew it was coming. Never fails. You’ll also notice he didn’t have a positive rebuttal for the review. Taking a dig at the site was far more important. I feel for you, Don. I really do.
And if they seriously wanted to give him a sidekick, they could have used Mayday…
… wait. They took that option from us. D*****.
“Everyone else’s opinion is wrong and anyone who likes the issue ( CBR, Comicsvine, Ifanboy to name a few ) are clearly sycophants with no taste or are in Marvel’s back pocket. I love this site, don’t ever change”
Talking like a person whose sole purpose is to trash this site.
God, this is better than reading the Daily Mail’s website! 🙂
Everyone else’s opinion is wrong and anyone who likes the issue ( CBR, Comicsvine, Ifanboy to name a few ) are clearly sycophants with no taste or are in Marvel’s back pocket. I love this site, don’t ever change 🙂
@14 Probably not. This was the big anniversary arc, leading into the even bigger #700. I haven’t read it either, so have no informed opinion, but it would be fairly unwise from a career standpoint to screw it up on purpose. And also Slott seems so hugely enthusiastic about the character and his run, I don’t think he would deliberately mess a story up. Even if the Alpha idea was forced upon him, I think he’d be determined to give it his best shot.
Also, if your scenario was true, why would Slott be allowed to write the sidekick out after three issues, which would have been pretty much completed before the first part of the arc was even published? Even if he did do it deliberately to make the idea “disappear quickly”, surely it would take until after the issue was released and badly reviewed for the reversal decision to be made.
@13 You have got to be kidding me!
@14: So this was basically Slott’s Springtime for Hitler?
I can’t even bare to read the title anymore, so my opinion admitedly has little value, but what if slott screwed this up on purpose? Marvel wanted spidey to have a sidekick, and he figured if he screwed it up bad enough, the big brass would let this dumb idea disappear quickly?
All of that wasted space could have been used to do a Spider-man and Black Widow team-up story arc that might introduce Galina Tsarfin as the hybrid clone created from the DNA samples of = Spider-Man and the Black Widow. Thus she could have been Spider-Man’s sidekick who is also a trained warrior like both of her parents.
#3: Just wanna say here, since I’ve seen a number of comments over the years where people say stuff like this, I do understand what you’re getting at and I think it’s important for readers to vote with their dollars. But the flip side is, if folks like us don’t read the issues, the only feedback out there will be places like CBR that just seem to love everything Marvel puts out with little question. I think it’s valuable for some fans who dislike stories like this one to read it anyway and get the message out there about WHY it’s disliked.
i loved the homage to the cover. i still have that from comic from when i was young.
Comicvine seems to have a record of stubbornly endorsing some of Marvel’s worst editorial decisions. This is hardly a surprise, as Marvel has a lot more influence on Comicvine than one might assume. This is nothing new: Creators have been “stuffing the ballot box” with reviewers in one way or another since the earliest days of print.
Comic Vine gave it 5 stars, go figure.
@6 I see a hat-tip to original Superman Vs Spider-Man artist Ross Andru on the cover (on the side of the aerial mast), so pretty sure it’s an intentional homage, not a “copy”. Think it’s just meant to be a cute little cover easter egg, like “The World’s Tastiest Superhero” a few issues back. Don’t see anything wrong with that. Newer readers get to just see Spider-Man fighting Alpha, older-school readers get a chuckle. And “1 Month Of Alpha” is a funny gag.
I knew this story would be bad, but holy shit. Is the basically the low point of Slott’s run? That’s a very bad thing to do just before the 700th issue, and it’s an absolute of an anniversary story.
If the bimonthly schedule is what hurts Ramos, I couldn’t care less since I don’t like him as an artist regardless. The fact that he’s drawing 700 only makes it worse for me/
Has anyone noticed that artist Ramos copied the old Superman vs. Spider-Man DC/Marvel crossover back in the 1970’s.
Is this, somehow, supposed to be impressive to the readers?
On the more prosaic side of life, at least we now have something that ranks may well equal OMD/BND for outright schlock value.
At #4
Macgyver, I didn’t know you liked Spider-man!
People…stop giving your money to Marvel for these horrendous stories. If this book sells enough an Alpha series will be coming next. NOBODY WANTS THAT.
Mac
i just hope it’s over. for good.
“People can compare him to Jason Todd and Damien Wayne in the arrogant sidekicks department, but those characters had both personality and motivations.”
Alpha has personality and motivations, too. His personality is that he’s a dipshit. His motivation is to sell t-shirts and screw cheer leaders.
“I have to go now. My planet needs me.” -Poochie
… Now I feel bad for comparing Poochie to Alpha. Poor Poochie honestly deserves better than that. But Slott sure did drop the ball on this Arc, so hard I’m considering it to be like dropping a Nokia phone on a hardwood floor. Yep, that bad. This… “Alpha Saga” was a just waste of my time and money; filler material at it’s best. To the recycling bin for you.
~Lament~