Customer Reviews

Amazing Spider-Man by JMS Ultimate Collection, Book 1

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm not sure I'm a fan of the Totemistic powers thing that is introduced in this volume. I like it because I love mythology, but I don't like it because I dislike retcons and actually like the goofy silver ageishness of Spidey's origins. Ultimately what I'd say about this book is that JMS really knows Spiderman and how to write him. He gets the character and what makes him great, the wit charm and humanity are all here in full display.

The art is good but not great, the writing is good though, and ultimately of the two that's much more important.

Straczynski never fails me. His Thor series was phenomenal, and this series comes at a close second in quality. He writes all the necessary material that gives Spider-man motivation for his actions. We get to not only see what makes the spider tick, but there's also a lot of plot diversity here. We get to see Pete as a teacher (amazing idea), and we get a solid cast of villains, some emotions more powerful than the baddies.

I just felt shaken after reading it. It is so rich with feeling and ambition. I can register the complaints about the totemistic powers and the villain choices, but there's a few moving scenes that alone make this collection five stars. I just can't believe I see so many Hollywood writers in business with Straczynski putting all of them to shame. He writes cinematically and gracefully. His work is by far one of my favorites in the medium. The scene in which Peter is speaking to MJ on a plane was the single most sad moment I've read in a comic.

I've only read Spider-Man Blue and the entirety of Ultimate Spider-man. I don't know how the other "amazing" series compares, but this is definetely better than most of Ultimate Spider-man. And may I mention, looking at Romita Jr's art is always a pleasure. The artwork oozes just as much talent as the writing does.

The ultimate collection was definetly worth it. I plan to get all the other volumes and soak up Straczynski's masterpiece.

Plain and simple. If your a spiderman fan from way back or are new and wanna read some great stories pick it. The only thing that will disappoint you is that their only up to volume 2 with volume 3 shipping in april and still 4 and 5 yet to come

This was the start of Spider-Mans come back to me. His comics were finally getting good and we were finally seeing some character development in him that hasn't been done in a long time. Then Brand New Day ruined the whole thing.

I've actually decided to write this review for one reason. In case any non-Spidey fan comes across this book by JMS, and are looking for something Spider-Man related to read or maybe buy for someone, they can read this from a HUGE Spider-Man fan and know that they are buying one of the best Spider-Man stories...EVER. That's right. Spider-Man has been around for almost 50 years. And this story is by far one of the best if not the best. This could be compared to "The Death of Superman." This is Spider-Man's biggest fight ever. I won't say much more than that so I won't give anything away.
JMS writes Peter perfect. This story has the best Spidey action to date, and easily the most exciting comic this side of Bendis's Ultimate Spider-Man. Buy with confidence that the biggest Spider-Man fan there is said it's great and maybe the best.
This collection also has the much sought after World Trade Center issue. This collection is worth reading for that issue alone.

Why is Spiderman interacting with and fighting guys with paranormal and or psychic powers? There's three of them - the first one is some kind of "master" with mimic spidey powers who misdirect a vermin predator to go after Spidey. Then there is the guy with kabbalah powers who suck stray people into a void. Spidey can only conteract with the help of Dr Strange, who is too busy himself, but lends Spidey the hand of V.... to get around Neverland. Although told not to step off the path in the Neverland or face the consequences, Spidey does so but there is no penalty. Big deal.


The 911 story is just a homage to the brave guys and the fallen of that incident. It has nothing to do with Spidey. Doc Ock fighting with his copycat nemesis is a big ho-hum, even when the fight spills over into Hollywood and involves Mary Jane. She is meanwhile making a play for her fellow actor dressed as Lobsterman. I mean, c'mon, would any Hollywood director or scriptwriter do a movie like that? The attempt at slapstick is poor.

Meanwhile, Spidey has to deal with his marital separation from Mary Jane and with Aunt May from discovering that he is Spiderman. The relationships that these three individuals have for each other seems superficial. Aside from the non-stop declarations of "I love you" (must have been used in the dialogue a million times), the sense of acute frustration, dejection and hope is not there. The drawings also don't quite help. Perhaps a more realistic and gritty approach would have delivered a more satisfying product.