Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 2) #36 (477) Review

Amazing Spider-Man #36
PLOT: The attacks of September 11 impact the Marvel Universe. It was only natural and fitting for Marvel which has used New York as not only it’s real life headquarters but also has made the city a central part of its fictional universe to want to acknowledge events in some way. Spider-Man as the most recognizable Marvel character and who is deeply rooted in New York City was the obvious choice for a vehicle. Apparently hearing of events like the rest of us Spider-Man arrives on the scene to survey the devastation and help with the rescue. There is little or no dialogue in the issue, only narration which is supposed to be by Spider-Man but is clearly the voice of J. Michael Straczynski. He does a fine job, too. Sometimes he gets a little preachy but he delivers many memorable lines and observations.
LIKES: The fleeing couple admonishing Spider-Man for his failure to prevent the attacks is devastating. The artwork by John Romita, Jr. is staggering and I’m glad Marvel went with the glossy magazine paper. This helps enhance the art. The scene with Captain America is a gem. It is very powerful. Straczynski does a good job portraying the real life rescue workers as the true heroes without being heavy handed. He also is careful to express American strength and character is found in much more than military might. He also provides a sensible explanation of how such attacks could occur in a world populated by super powered beings.
DISLIKES: Though this book is clearly out of Marvel Universe continuity it is out of place to have Doctor Doom and Magneto shed tears for the loss of life. Both have been responsible for even more carnage. Kingpin and Doc Ock I think fit. To my knowledge neither have done anything that has resulted in such wide spread loss of life. JMS could have used plenty of super villains of this ilk to prove his point without Doom and Magneto.
RATING: 5 out of 5 webheads just for even tackling an issue like this and for pulling it off in a dignified and respectful manner.