PETER PARKER: THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #306 REVIEW

Writer:  Chip Zdarsky

Artists: Adam Kubert and Juan Frigeri

Editors:  Nick Lowe

E.I.C:  C.B. Cebulski

Crawlspace Reviewer: Chi-Town Spidey

Crawlspace E.I.C: Brad Douglas

We’re Back!  The time traveling shenanigans are OVER!  So Spidey, Teresa, and Jonah have come back to stop the alien invasion known as the Vedom.  Okay, that sounds too much like “Venom”.  Vedom flying robots have sapped the city’s power and are attacking anyone that leaves their home and they even kidnapped H.E.R.B.I.E!  Quick rescue by Spider-Man…

..the Fantastic Four Fan Favorite little robot is rescued.  Spider-Man smashes the Vedom robot and retreats with Teresa and Jonah and confronted by Daredevil!

The Man without Fear takes Spidey and his crew through the sewers to the subbasement of the Baxter Building.  Spidey is greeted by T’Challa and hands him the means on what can be used to defeat the Vedom.  A small capsule that was retrieved in the past that has a fail-safe on it.  When introduced via a consciousness (a biological host) who can override the Core’s internal programming on the Vedom’s mother ship.  Spider-Man uses it and passes out everyone thinking he’s dead.  Scene goes to Agent Mintz and Ironheart talking to the Tinker.  Tinker seems to be one step ahead though and takes over Ironhearts armor, uses her to escape.

Peter wakes up and feels the power going through him.  He see’s every one of his memories flooding his mind and Teresa helps him and walks him through it.  To use these memories to help control this power.  Think of the love ones he has and needs to save.  He thinks of Mary Jane and instantly gains control.

Once he thinks of MJ, he pulls a He-Man “I have the power!!!” moment and can do anything!  He uses the rest of his good memories to fly up to the ship knowing full well that he won’t be coming back alive.  He has to throw himself into the core of the ship, but the Tinker is there waiting for him!

You know what’s great about Spider-Man.  He takes responsibility for himself.  He takes all that burden so no one else does it.  He fights to protect and does what needs to be done, even if it means laying down the ultimate sacrifice.  ZDarsky makes that happen in this issue! 

Pleasantly surprised it’s good to see Spidey being Spidey!  He knows what needs to be done and just does it.  I can nitpick a little bit saying Peter should of considered the responsibility of being a brother and nephew to his family, but I suppose if the world is in danger he is putting his needs behind so others can live on.  That’s what makes Spider-Man.  He’s feeling the guilt of his mess up over in the other alternate time line and is taking action to make up for that.  Bravo points to Zdarsky for making that happen.

Teresa Parker.  Lover her or hate her, I happen to actually like her.  It’s good to know that she’s a loving sister helping her brother get through this.  She actually care very much for her brother.  Family is important and Spider-Man is all about family as well.  I like the dynamic between the two and frankly this reviewer thinks Teresa is a good thing for Peter.  Mary Jane is his soul mate and is supposed to keep him grounded, but Teresa acts more like his conscious.  Reminding him of who he is.

Speaking of Mary Jane…well done Zdarsky!  Love the last panel of MJ and then Peter believing he can do anything after think of that woman.  Take it as you will, but I’m looking at this from a positive side.  Hoping to see more of MJ is Zdarky run (if this title isn’t canceled).  Good potiental stories in the future if they play it right.  I can see MJ and Teresa being best friends and honestly, hope that happens!

Kubert does a good job and Frigeri handles the finishes nicely!  This is a good solid issue!