Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #509 Review

Amazing Spider-Man #509 (#68)
“Sin Past-Part One”
Writers: J. Michael Straczynski
Penciler: Mike Deodato Jr.
Inker: Joe Pimentel
PLOT: The Ezekiel saga has come and gone.  This issue introduces a new storyline, as well as a new artist in Mike Deodato Jr.  The beginning of the issue has MJ auditioning and getting the part for a play at a small theatre.  While having breakfast at Aunt May’s, Peter finds that an old letter from Gwen Stacey was mailed to the house.  The letter was written from France, where Gwen was before coming back to New York and ultimately dying.  The letter is very cryptic, and only one page was sent.  The one page informing Peter that she had something VERY important to tell him.  Peter suspects that someone is messing with him, and sent it to him now on purpose.  On a visit to Gwen’s grave, two masked assailants attack Peter.  They want to punish Peter for his past crimes, which are currently unknown.  They were unaware that Peter Parker is Spider-Man, until he uses his powers to get out of the situation.

LIKES:

• Even though I am one of JRjr’s biggest fans, I would be lying if I did not say that I loved Deodato’s art in his debut issue.  It will be a transition period, but Deodato does add a breath of fresh air.
• I can hardly believe my eyes.  A Marvel book in the year 2000 actually catering a story on continuity from many decades ago.
• You can color me intrigued with this issue. JMS has got me hooked and guessing on how this story will turn and evolve.

DISLIKES:

• Uggg…Bring back the classical Amazing Spider-Man logo.
• The drawing of Spider-Man on the cover doesn’t look remotely like the build of Peter Parker in the book, which is a good thing.  Tone down on the crazy muscles on top of muscles, Mike.

FAVORITE QUOTE: Masked stranger to Peter Parker “Come to apologize for your sins, Parker?  Because if you did…you’re too late.  Way too late.” 

RATING: 5 webheads out of 5.  This was an excellent start to a new storyline that is bound to have serious ramifications to Peter Parker’s life.

Reviewed by AC-WEB (Ariel Chaidez)