Chi-Town’s Notes: ASM # 12/813

Back by popular demand, it’s Chi-Town’s Notes!!!  Yeah right, let’s be honest, I have never been that popular, nor was there any kind of demand for me.  Truth is, Mark is out of town and asked me to fill in.  Since he still blames me for the lack of a letter section, he says I have to make it up to him and this seems like a good way to do that.  I can’t wait to wear my “Mark Was Wrong” tshirt that on I got on ebay.  Let’s dive right into “J.Jonah.Jameson, this is your life!”

Credit Where Credit Is Due

Story Title: Lifetime Achievement part 2
Writer: Nick Spencer
Penciler: Ryan Ottley
Inker: Cliff Rathburn
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramanga
Cover Artist: Ryan Ottley and Laura Martin
Designer: Anthony Gambino
Asst. Editor: Kathleen Wisneki
Editor: Nick Lowe
Published: Dec. 19, 2018

The Story – Pay Attention, This Will Be on the Test

J.Jonah Jameson and Spider-Man are trapped in room designed by Arcade and paid for by a mysterious benefactor.  Narration plays out as we get the life story of J. Jonah Jameson.  The abandonment by his father.  The death of his two wives.  His career as a journalist and the rise to the top as EIC of the Daily Bugle.  The narration continues to play tribute for Jameson’s accomplishment, especially when when he wrote articles on how much a menace Spider-Man was. 

We continue with the narration praising Jonah about the super villains he helped created along with the Spider-Slayers.  Turns dark when they call Jameson a traitor for now praising Spider-Man as a hero and then the monsters come out to end both their lives.  Great fight between Scorpion and Spider-Man and Jameson even helps by taking control of the Spider-Slayers and have them attack the bug-men.  All seems like they won the fight when a giant figure crashes through the roof.  The Big Man! 

What Passed

Spencer delivers who Jameson was back then to now.  The characterization is spot on and I like how Spider-Man, though being a big part in the his book, gives contrast to what they are both seeing.  I love how Jameson is trying to defend himself against his actions that he made in the past.  Kinda like a parent justifying their actions with “It was the time back then!” to their kids after they grew up when they are upset at them.

Another plus was Spider-Man and the Scorpion fight.  I haven’t see something like this in a looong time.  Spider-Man kicks butt in his own book, but Scorpion delivers some mind blowing hits.  Thank our artist Ryan Ottley for that!  His penciling surely proves why he is becoming such a favorite to this title and we Crawlspacers are loving his artwork!

I also like how Spider-Man gives his thoughts as Jameson walks down memory lane.  I may have been all good for Jameson, but Peter remembers things differently.  Spencer once again delivers the humor that Spider-Man should quip out via his point of view.  Imagine a roast of J.Jonah Jameson, where Jameson remembers things fondly, Spidey chimes in with “I’m glad ONE of us thinks so.”

OOTI (Onomatopoeia of the Issue)

Jonah typing away on his keyboard.  Gives a good background noise compared to the usual fighting words you would see.

What Failed

Not a lot.  We had our set up issue now we are on the main course of this arc.  Spotlight on J. Jonah Jameson and a pretty good history lesson for those new readers who don’t know ol’ bunky that well. 

One the things that can be said is the Spider-Man spider sense isn’t going off that much during Spencer’s run and I do agree.  Will give you that, but that more of an nitpick than anything.  Easily looked over when you are enjoying the story so much.

Bad Villain Spotlight

The Human Fly folks!  Mark is more of the bad villain expert than I am..like I said, tshirt I bought on ebay, but the Human Fly definitely takes the trophy home.  A classic Jameson villain he helped create and a fun fact, the second Human Fly became was a superhero. 

Analysis for the Issue

This is your meat and potatoes issue folks, so dig right in.  We get how Spencer is treating Jameson in characterization and if feels damn good.  He’s still the JJJ that we know, but now he’s on the other side of Spider-Man as an ally.  The fights are also pretty good that even George would like and once again that credit goes to Ottley on the pencils!  The blows, kicks, and dynamic art really pops out of the panels.  Mark has said this before, but this Spider-Man has an 80’s feel to it, YET still feels very modern.  He has found a way to make Spider-Man fresh for new readers yet re-refreshing for us long time fans.  Giving character backstory isn’t always an easy thing to do but Spencer manages to deliver this as a roast to JJJ with Spider-Man making comments that would make anyone smile. 

Lack of Mary Jane Watson

How DARE Dark Mark have me review this issue with lack of Mary Jane!  He knows I’m a huge fan of her an the relationship between her an Peter.  He gives me the issue where Jameson relives his past.  If Spencer does do an issue where it’s MJ going down memory lane, Mark better hand that to me with a big red bow attached to it!!

Final Grade

I give this one an B+.  The characterization of Jameson is good and spot on and the fights are much more eye popping. 

What’s Next?

Is The Big Man aka Frederick Foswell back from the dead?!  He’s after Spidey and J. Jonah Jameson in the next issue with Scorpion back for round two.  Still late for dinner, will Spidey and his frienemy make it out alive?  Will the guests revolt against the Kingpin for only eating what left at the salad bar?! 

Nick Lowe has asked people to let the Spider office know how they are doing by sending an email to spideyoffice@marvel.com and to make sure you mark it “OK to print”. If you get published (proving that I DIDN’T ruin that for everyone), make sure to draw our attention to it!

STAN “THE MAN” LEE

From beginning to the end of this book.  We remember a great man that created so many beloved characters.  Including our very own…Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.  It was Stan that made him “Amazing.” 

Excelsior!