'Spider-Man: Far From Home' Is Beyond Amazing and Spectacular

If Spider-Man: Homecoming is amazing and spectacular, then the sequel Spider-Man: Far From Home must be beyond so, for it’s definitely a step up.  It’s a movie that only gets better and better as it progresses.  I had quite a blast with it; there was no moment in it that I didn’t like.

'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' Is Amazing and Spectacular

The title of this review is the same as the title that I gave my review for Spider-Man: Homecoming.  It’s because Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is also worthy of being described with those two adjectives that have been forever attached to the iconic comic book character.  In fact, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is much better than Spider-Man: Homecoming.

The New 'Spider-Man' Animated Series Spins the Mythos with Mixed Results

The Spectacular Spider-Man was an awesome show.  From 2008 to 2009, it ran for two seasons before being abruptly cancelled, breaking the hearts of its viewers.  For many, it’s the pinnacle of Spider-Man cartoons.  It’s smart, sentimental, and exciting; and despite being primarily kid-oriented, it succeeded in being universally appealing to Spidey fans of all ages.  In my mind, the 90’s animated series is slightly better, but it’s most likely due to nostalgia and the fact that, among all Spidey cartoons, it was the closest to reflect the comic books.  However, as a show per se, The Spectacular Spider-Man has the superior quality.   It’s for that reason that, since a season 3 is looking to be impossible, it’s my benchmark to whatever new Spidey cartoon is out there.

I didn’t like and follow Ultimate Spider-Man because: a.) it was crafted to exclusively entertain kids, and thus, it was too goofy and juvenile; and b.) it was the show that was made in order to replace The Spectacular Spider-Man.  However, the subsequent Spidey cartoon caught my interest.

'Spider-Man: Homecoming' Is Amazing and Spectacular

There’s probably no other fictional character that I got to care for more than Spider-Man.  In fact, there was a time where I thought that a great disservice was being done to the character that I was compelled to write at lengths about it.  I’m deeply fond of Spider-Man.  Not only do I adore his terrific characterization and mythology, but I actually consider him as a role model; he genuinely inspires.

That’s why, I admit, I’m biased of my assessment here.  I’ve always been when it comes to Spider-Man media.  Heck, I even consider Spider-Man 3, The Amazing Spider-Man, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as good movies, an opinion that many will disagree with.  Nevertheless, I truly have had tremendous fun with Spider-Man: Homecoming.  So far, it’s the best movie I’ve seen this year.  And I doubt that it will fall from the top 5 in my year-end list for best 2017 movies – guaranteed top 3 even!

Spider-Man: Homecoming is not the best Spider-Man film ever made.  That remains to be – and might likely forever be – Spider-Man 2.  But it’s a pretty good one, and deserving to be described with the same adjectives that Spider-Man is most identified with: “amazing” and “spectacular.”

Tom Holland Should Date Brie Larson, and Team up with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield (Or "What I Want to See After 'Spider-Man: Homecoming'")

The debut of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War blew me away.  He hasn’t even had his own movie yet, but with just a couple of scenes in Civil War, he has already impressed enough for many to declare – including me – that he’s the best live-action depiction of the character yet.  And this opinion is further being constantly enforced by every new detail being released and announced about next year’s Spider-Man: Homecoming.

As a huge Spidey fan, there are a lot of things about the character’s mythos that I would love to have Marvel do in future movies.  However, I have two fantasies – two unlikely and strange fantasies – that I badly want to see happen the most.

What Can Christians Learn from Spider-Man

Jesus Christ is the ultimate standard of every Christian.  But through our earthly heroes – whether real or fictional – we receive reflections of the good and praiseworthy qualities that we can fully see in Jesus Christ.  And, at the same time, the good and praiseworthy qualities that we find in our heroes – real or fictional – are traced back or projected towards our admiration of the supreme worth of Jesus Christ. 

As far as I can remember, Spider-Man has always been one of my most favorite fictional characters ever.  However, it’s not only because of the coolness and uniqueness of the character that I get to love Spider-Man but, most importantly, because of the admirable qualities that make him a genuine role model despite of being a fictional character.  And Christians can learn some really deep lessons from Spider-Man. 

WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

Let’s start with the most obvious – Spidey’s iconic motto: “With great power comes great responsibility.”  From what I’ve written about it before:

It simply means that responsibility always accompanies power, and the amount of responsibility is directly proportional to the amount of power; hence, the greater the power, the greater the responsibility.  And what is this responsibility?  To do the right thing, of course!  If you found yourself possessing the capability or are in the position to do the right thing, then you should do it.  Or as Martin Sheen (as Uncle Ben in 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man) put it, “…if you could do good things for other people, you had a moral obligation to do those things.  That's what at stake here.  Not a choice, responsibility.”

Therefore, if Spidey is put in a situation where he knows he can do something good, he jumps into it with no hesitation.  When facing a difficult choice, but it’s apparent that it’s the right thing to do, he will still choose it.  He takes responsibility of the good he could do with the power he found himself having.      

In the same way, we Christians have been given much “power” (2 Timothy 1:7, Acts 1:8, Philippians 4:13, Ephesians 3:20, Luke 10:19, etc.), hence, we should act on the “responsibility” that has been entrusted to us (Matthew 28:19, Matthew 5:13-16, Luke 10:30-37, Hebrews 10:24, Titus 2:7-9, etc.).  Nonetheless, we should not think that we have to immediately go “save the world” (besides, saving the world was Jesus’ job, not ours).  Yes, Spider-Man has been instrumental or has contributed to saving the world a couple of times.  But it’s only because of his consistent willingness to take responsibility and do his best in every chance he can do good that he developed the moral instinct and preparedness to do good in whatever scenario, regardless of being big or small in scale.  Likewise, we should just do the best we can in doing good whenever the opportunity or situation calls for it – whether it be small or big (Luke 16: 10).

DO THE RIGHT THING.  NO MATTER WHAT.

An integral facet established by Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee, for the character to make him relatable is how his alter ego, Peter Parker, is constantly struggling with personal troubles such as financial difficulties and getting bullied (especially during his earlier days).  Moreover, his personal life is even affected negatively because of prioritizing the good he does as Spider-Man – he’s always late on appointments and school, benefits and opportunities are sacrificed, and even his relationships with the important people in his life suffer.  It’s as if he can’t catch a break.  What’s even worse is, due to the works of haters like J. Jonah Jameson, any good that he does is unappreciated by the public as he’s branded as a “menace.”  But regardless of the circumstance he’s in or any consequences it might cost him personally, he makes no excuses and he will do the right thing at every opportunity. 

Facing difficulties is always part of being a Christian.   But even in the midst of whatever degree or form of difficulties, just as Spider-Man constantly brings justice to the being of his Spider-Man identity, we should likewise constantly uphold our Christian identity.  We, Christians, are to obey Christ’s commandments and pursue God’s glory in all things.  With the same consistency and selflessness that Spider-Man displays in doing the right thing, so should we likewise display in doing right in every situation.  No.  Matter.  What. 

Doing the right thing is often not easy.  There will be times we will be sacrificing a personal benefit or advantage.  And there will be times that a good deed will go unappreciated.  And there will be even times when the right thing to do is an unpopular one.  But we learn from Spider-Man that we ought to do the right thing, no matter how hard it proves to be. 

For us Christians, if it’s worth doing for God’s glory, then we need to do it.  Even at the point of death (Revelations 2:10).            

PRESS ON.  NO MATTER WHAT.   

Spider-Man displays inspiring resiliency.  Whatever antagonisms and difficulties he faces as both Spider-Man and Peter Parker, he continues to fight on.  He will do the best that he can in any situation to do the right thing and to overcome the challenges in front of him.

But he does fall sometimes.  He gets discouraged.  There are times he wishes that he never became Spider-Man.  There are times that he wants to quit – or even had quit.  Despite the spider-powers, he is human after all and subject to human failings.  However, he never permanently stays down.  He eventually rises back to his feet.  Stronger than ever.  He presses onwards.  He continues being Spider-Man.    

Resiliency – and, most importantly, faithfulness – in all circumstances is necessary for a Christian.  In discussing my life slogan, “Keep Calm and Press On”, I wrote, with regards to Philippians 3:7-14:

Despite the tremendous amount of hardships and struggles that he had undergone in his life, Paul remained enthusiastic, resolute, and kept moving forward.  Why?  For he understood the great value of this future prize that God has set for him in Heaven, and that no earthly pleasure or glory can ever come close in matching that.  So he worked hard for the glory of God – storing riches in Heaven that will last for eternity – rather than seeking earthly pleasures and glory that are all temporary anyway.  In everything, he gave it his all, no matter what.  He knew that every sacrifice, every pain, every drop of effort, is going to be worth it; the glory and happiness that he would receive as reward far outweigh the sufferings that he experienced in this world while working for God’s glory.

While Spider-Man probably only has a noble – but incomplete – sense of altruism that keeps him fighting, Christians have the advantage of having an infinitely valuable Heavenly Prize to look forward to – a Reward that will more than make up for all sacrifices done in this world.  Hence, don’t Christians have more reason to fight for?  Don’t Christians have more reason to be resilient about?  Don’t Christians have more reason to rise up after falling?  Don’t Christians have more reason to press onwards?  Don’t Christians have more reason to continue upholding their Christian identity? 

BE JOYFUL.  NO MATTER WHAT.  

With the many problems that he experiences in his life, and with his strong sense of duty of doing right no matter what, it would come to no surprise if he ended up being a burdened and grave superhero.  But, ironically, he is quite the opposite.  Spider-Man is one of the most joyful superheroes around.  Yes, there are some times that he feels that being Spider-Man is a curse, but as I’ve mentioned earlier, he eventually gets over his brooding.  Most of the time, he enjoys being Spider-Man and delights in what he does.  And that is reflected on his cheerful, goofy attitude when he goes around doing his Spider-Man duties. 

In the same way, despite the hardships, there is much to rejoice about as a Christian (1 Peter 1:8, Philippians 4:4, Luke 10:20, etc.).  I no longer need to go at length discussing how or in what ways.  Yes, we have crosses to bear (Luke 9:23), and pain and struggles will always be part of the Christian life, but there is much joy in the presence of Christ.  And it should be apparent for the world to see as we live out our Christian identity and do our Christian duties.

Chain of Thoughts: February's 'Spider-Man' Happenings

Last February was a big Spider-Man month.  First, the epic “Spider-Verse” concluded. Second – and most importantly – Marvel and Sony reached a deal to bring Spider-Man to the Marvel Cinematic Universe!   Here are my musings…

Part 1: Spider-Verse

→ “Spider-Verse” wasn’t perfect.  But it had a lot of good things going for it.  I greatly enjoyed the premise and the story, and I’m mostly satisfied with how everything unfolded.  Seeing all of those Spider-Men (and –Women) banding together was awesome.   However, I don’t believe that it made true to its promise to feature “every Spider-Man” ever.  But I have to give props to Dan Slott and his people, for it was obvious that they truly tried.  There were plenty of delightful surprise participants. 

Example: Supaidāman and Leopardon!

→ I also appreciated a lot the inclusion of the cartoon-y, lighter versions of Spider-Man – like Spider-Ham, the Spider-Man from the Hostess snack ads back in the 70’s and 80’s, the Spider-Man from Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (there were many deaths among the ranks of alternate Spider-Men but this one was what disturbed me most), the Spider-Man from the campy 60’s animated series version, the lil' Spider-Man from Bullpen Bits/Mini Marvel (just a cameo though), the Spider-Man from the popular Capcom crossover arcade games, the newspaper strip Spider-Man, and the Spider-Man from the Ultimate Spider-Man TV series.

→ Too bad that Marvel’s Sony deal couldn’t have happened earlier (or the Spider-Verse story couldn’t have happened later) for it prevented the use of the Spider-Man from the awesome Spectacular Spider-Man TV series (which, if I understand it right, is co-owned by Sony).  The writers, however, used a clever approach in referencing the cinematic versions of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield.

Along with a mention of the Spider-Man: Turn of the Dark version

→ It seemed that the Spider-Man from the awesome 90’s animated series was not included (if he was, I haven’t caught sight of him).  Even if I’ve always had the skepticism in me of the truthfulness of the claim that all Spider-Men will make an appearance, I was still surprised that that version was not given a part in the story.       

→ I acknowledge that the featured “Spider” characters have been extensive already.  But I was really expecting a Spider-Army of Captain Britain Corps proportions, especially in the climactic battle.  But the mass of the Spider-Army – which I presume were the recruits of Miles Morales’ team (his was the only logical contingent that could have brought all those Spidey cameos in the final battle) – were mere “glimpses” during the chaos.  The ambiguity of the attendance and quantity of the different Spider-Men in the final battle was likely to be Slott’s way of implying that “every Spider-Men ever” were participating in the climactic battle.  It’s kind of disappointing, really.

The best look of the assembled Spider-Army during the final battle was from Spider-Verse #2.       

→ My biggest nitpick with “Spider-Verse”, however, is that my most favorite alternate version of Spider-Man – Spider-Man Noir – was sidelined early in the game.  Bummer. 

→ At the end of “Spider-Verse”, what does Otto’s instruction to his Anna Marie AI mean?  Did Otto Octavius prepare a contingency plan to reclaim Peter Parker’s body?  Will it activate after a hundred days?  Is SpOck or Dr. Octopus set to return?  Will I be compelled to write a series of love-hate blog posts once again?  

Uh-oh.

→ I was hoping that something awesomely creative was intended for Silk.  But being “The Bride” is not enough at all.  I still have the same issues on her as before.  If she would have been a Spider-Woman replacement for Jessica Drew, then that would have been a lot, lot better for the character.  At this point, for me, she just seems to be a gratuitous additional Spider character that made the crowd of present Spider-characters feel more crowded and contributes in the diminishment of the uniqueness of Spider-Man.  Silk, however, is popular enough to receive her own ongoing series.  Hopefully, my opinion for the character might improve during this series’ development.

It was really funny that these two still commit PDI even in the midst of their Spider brethren.

→ The Spider-Woman Gwen Stacy introduced in “Spider-Verse” was also popular enough to receive her own series.  She’s indeed an intriguing character that deserves more exposure so that her character and universe can develop further.   The only bad thing about it?  Spider-Gwen is a stupid, unimaginative title for the series.

→ Spider-Woman rocked in “Spider-Verse”, and she has her costume updated afterwards.  I’m kind of split regarding the change.  I already got used to the original look, but she definitely was in need of a costume upgrade.  Best thing about it was the banter between her and Carol Danvers as they make fun of each other’s past costume choices.

Hahahaha.            

→ In the aftermath of “Spider-Verse”, some of the Spider-Men, led by Spider-UK, decided to continue teaming up, and their adventures are going to be the basis of the Secret Wars’ spin-off series, Spider-Verse, coming later this year.  That’s cool.  I definitely want more team-ups of different Spider-Men from different universes.

Part 2: Spider-Man Joins the MCU
    

→ I got wind of the announcement that Marvel and Sony has agreed to let Spider-Man join the Marvel Cinematic Universe while browsing my Facebook newsfeed on an afternoon, after a tiring work-day.  After reading the headline, I went…

It was a surreal moment for me.  I’ve always wanted for Spidey to be in an Avengers film.  (But, to be honest, I will give this up in a heartbeat for a Spider-Verse movie instead.)

This scene is from the Avengers 2 trailer, and someone edited Spider-Man in.  Cool.

→ I’m very excited for some news on how Spider-Man will be introduced to the MCU.  But I hope that Spidey’s inclusion to Marvel’s Phase 3 plans won’t sacrifice the development schedule and quality of the originally planned Marvel movies. 

→ When announcement that it’s almost definite that the next film version of Spider-Man won’t be white, my elation transformed to horrified distress.  And it’s not a racist thing.  It’s simply an ignorant, bigoted thing for someone to accuse another of racism simply because he prefers Spider-Man to be white.  (Heck, I myself am not even white.)  It’s just that Spider-Man is my most favorite character that has originated from comics, and I just want Spider-Man to be as accurate and genuine as possible when translated into the big screen.  It is imperative that that Spider-Man should be Peter Parker because the qualities that made me love the character is essentially founded in him.   

→ The counter-argument is to point out that Peter Parker already had two different cinematic depictions before.  Well, that may be true.  But this is a different thing.  This is the first time Spider-Man will be teaming up with other Marvel heroes in the big screen, and I badly want it to be Peter Parker having this cinematic honor.  Miles Morales has to wait.

→ Of course, none of those qualities that made Peter Parker integral as Spider-Man is because he is white.  So am I good then with a non-white Peter Parker?  Still, a no.   Peter Parker/Spider-Man is such an important, iconic character that accuracy on the race is still a significant part of his individuality as much as what his sex is.  Making Peter Parker black or Hispanic makes me as uncomfortable and upset as making him a girl instead (like “Petra Parker.” Ugh).  In the same way, I will be extremely upset if Sherlock Holmes is depicted as an American woman instead of a British male (heck, I hate “Joan Watson” of Elementary, even though I find the show entertaining).  Sex and race might not be the most important substances of what makes a character special, but they are still a big part of how the character is consciously defined.  Changing the race or sex when depicting a character – especially if it’s an iconic one like Spider-Man – in another medium could take a lot out of the character.

→ So, please, please, Marvel.  Let Peter Parker be the Spider-Man of the MCU.  And white.         

Sony Should Adapt 'Spider-Verse' to Revitalize Their 'Spider-Man' Franchise

Click to enlarge for this art’s full magnificence

The future of Sony’s The Amazing Spider-Man franchise is shaky and unclear after the unsatisfying performance of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 in both earnings and critical reception (for the record, personally, I still liked it despite its flaws.  But it was likely because of my extreme loyalty to Spider-Man).  It’s so “shaky and unclear” that rumors of Sony’s next step for their Spidey franchise range from insanely stupid ones like an “Aunt May” movie to insanely delightful ones like teaming up with Marvel Studios to bring Spidey to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  At this point, Sony is still unsure of where to go after ASM2.   

Well, if anybody from Sony can read this, I have this free, crazy suggestion for them to dramatically rejuvenate the franchise as early as possible: let them adapt the “Spider-Verse” storyline!

“Spider-Verse” is Dan Slott’s ongoing Spider-Man mega-event wherein different Spider-Men (and “spider” characters) from different universes band together to face the threat of Morlun and his kin, who are hunting and consuming people across the multiverse that belong to the “spider totem.”  I am currently enjoying it a lot so far, and I think that its premise could work well in making an epic Spidey movie.    

Sony should proceed with ASM3.  Keep the continuity of the first two Amazing Spider-Man movies, but abandon everything related to the “Sinister Six” or Oscorp.  Don’t mention anything about Oscorp or the Sinister Six anymore.  The movie will pick off Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man years after the last movie (the movie can start with a montage of short glimpses of his adventures during the gap between the movies).  Later, Morlun is introduced to the story.  Peter Parker has no idea where this new villain came from; let Morlun’s background be a mystery for a while.  The only thing that Peter knows is that Morlun wants to feed on his spider life force.  To get to Spider-Man, Morlun will threaten Peter’s love ones.  They fight.  Spider-Man experiences the toughest, deadliest fight of his career.  He wins; Morlun is seemingly vanquished.  After the denouement – in a post-credit scene – Spidey is swinging around New York, when, suddenly another Spider-Man swings and called out to him.  Astonished and startled, Garfield’s Spidey jumped to engage the second Spidey in battle.  After a brief skirmish, the newcomer Spidey was able to calm Garfield’s Spidey.  The second Spidey removes his mask, revealing the face of – dum-dum-dum – Tobey Maguire!  “The war is just starting,” Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man says.   Roll credits.  Two years later, The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Verse happens.                   

Wouldn’t that be mindblowing?

Aside from getting the chance to see Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man and Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man together, here are other awesome implications of a Spider-Verse movie, where different Spider-Men from different universes will team up:

• Andrew Garfield playing different Peter Parkers, a la Tatiana Maslany’s fantastic performance in Orphan Black.   There is no need for a lot of them (a big roster will probably me too crowded, too messy).  Three or four different Andrew Garfield-played Spider-Men is enough (as long as one of them is Spider-Man Noir). 
• Miles Morales and Miguel O’Hara in the big screen!  For me, “Spider-Verse” is the best approach of bringing these two alternate Spider-Men into the big screen.  I don’t think that a stand-alone Ultimate Spider-Man or Spider-Man 2099 movie will work just as well.   
• One of the players in “Spide-Verse” is “Spider-Gwen”, a Spider-Woman from an alternate universe where Gwen Stacy is the one bitten by the radioactive spider instead of Peter Parker.  Emma Stone killed as Gwen Stacy, and her returning to play an alternate spider-powered version of the character is going to be exciting. 
• A CGI Spider-Ham!!! 

If Sony really want to replicate what Marvel Studios has accomplished so far with the MCU, Spider-Verse is probably their best opportunity to do so.  They want an ensemble of superheroes like Marvel Studios’ Avengers?  Boom, a superhero team made up of different Spider-Men.  They want a shared universe?  Boom, they get a shared multiverse.  They want an answer to Rocket Raccoon?  Boom, Spider-Ham. 

$$$!      

Do it, Sony!

It’s ambitious, but if pulled off, “Spider-Verse” could turn out to be the most epic thing ever accomplished in the history of superhero movies.  

RE: ASM #4's Introduction of Silk

Unbeknownst to Peter Parker, the irradiated spider that gave him his Spidey powers was able to bite another one after it had bitten him.  This other recipient of spider powers was some girl named Cindy Moon, who has been locked down by Ezekiel (an important Amazing Spider-Man character back when J. Michael Straczynski was the writer for the book in the 2000’s) in a bunker all these years to prevent Morlun (another important character in Straczynski’s ASM run) from going after them.  Per the “Original Sin” event (wherein the supposed secrets of the Marvel Universe has been revealed in an attempt to introduce new characters and retcon old ones), this fact has finally been made known to Spider-Man.

    

Afterwards, Spider-Man proceeded to bust her out of her bunker. Hence, after getting glimpses of Cindy in the past issues, she has finally made her full appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #4.   

And the first characteristic we learned about the character is she can swear like a sailor.

We, through Spidey’s commentary, also get to evaluate her powers.  She’s faster than Spidey, but apparently less strong.  She also has a more potent spider-sense.

I like how Spidey describes it as “Matrix/bullet-time good,” made the whole initial-display-of-powers process interesting.  

Aside from the spider-speed and spider-sense, she can wield organic webs from her fingertips, which are more versatile than Spidey’s web formula.  At one point, Silk got to catch Spider-Man by making a web with a barbed tip, much to Spidey’s amazement.  She even used it to construct herself an impromptu costume.

Since the “Spider-Woman” and “Spider-Girl” names are both taken, this new Spider-character’s name is “Silk.”  Frankly, “Silk” doesn’t work for me.  It sounds boring, dumb, unremarkable, and lacked impact.  Also, I hope this improvised web costume of hers isn’t a permanent look, which I find unexciting and dull.

As mentioned earlier, Ezekiel hid Cindy Moon to keep Morlun away.  For mere moments after Spidey freed Cindy from her bunker…

So one of the purposes of this character’s creation is to put the epic “Spider-Verse” into motion, and she is, obviously, going to play an important role in it. 

And in the last page of ASM #4, we understand Morlun’s “Spider-Bride” remark a little bit better.    

Whoa.  Silk is going to be Spider-Man’s new love interest?  This development – their spider-senses giving them a special empathy for each other, compelling them to be drawn to one another – is the most intriguing thing about Silk’s addition to the Spider-Man mythos.    

So, overall, my first impression of Silk is… well, I’m not yet sure.  I would have definitely welcomed her warmly if there is no Spider-Woman character already, or that she was meant to become the new Spider-Woman or Spider-Girl character.  The “Spider-Bride” angle and the “Matrix/bullet-time good” powers show some promise for this character.  It is possible for something awesome to happen out of all of this. 

On the other hand, there are aspects I don’t like.  Again, I would have been excited if she was going to be a new Spider-Woman, but she isn’t.  At this point, to me, it feels like that this character’s conception has been gratuitous.  The Marvel Universe (Earth-616) is getting crowded with Spider-types already, and this present Spider-characters population kind of sips a little out of Spider-Man’s uniqueness as a character.  More so with Silk, since she shares the same origin as Spidey’s.  Furthermore, it feels like Spider-Man’s characterization has been cheapened with Silk receiving better spider powers from the same irradiated spider that bit Peter.  

I hope Dan Slott (current writer of ASM) would properly develop this character well and would have a brilliant justification for her inclusion in the Marvel Universe or, at least, in Spider-Man’s world.  I think I will be satisfied with, at least, significant character depth and smart plot purpose for Silk.  These would probably make me love this new character eventually.  But if she was created merely for the sake of having something shocking to reveal for “Original Sin” and as a catalyst to kick off “Spider-Verse,” then I would probably dislike her instead.   For now, it’s still too early to really tell.  

RE: Superior Spider-Man Part 7 (Or "Final Evaluation: 'Superior' Has Been Fun Overall but the En- OH, SWEET MOTHER OF ZEUS, SPIDER-VERSE IS HAPPENING!!!")

For your reference:

Part 1 - “Why Peter Parker Should Remain as Spider-Man” (December 2012)

Part 2 - “I Admit That 'Superior' Has Been Actually Pretty Cool So Far, but I Still Prefer the Return of 'Amazing'” (April 2013)

Part 3 - “Enjoying it, but I'm Madder Than Before!” (July 2013)

Part 4 - “New-Look Superior Spider-Man Upped the Ante!” (July 2013)

Part 5 - “Peter Parker's Death Anniversary” (December 2013)

Part 6 - “Peter Parker is Indeed Coming Back!” (February 2014)

Finally, it’s over.  As promised, I will make one final evaluation of Superior Spider-Man. 

I actually don’t have much to say.  It was a passable finale.  But that’s it: it was just passable.  It merely sufficed, but it’s hardly a glorious ending.   It seemed dumb, rushed, and underwhelming. 

Look, I hated the SpOck concept much because the sly ploys and lying from Dan Slott and Co. instilled in me the idea that it was going to be a very long status quo; if so, this would dilute and smear the awesome quintessence of Spider-Man.  But despite my apathy for it, I also enjoy and acknowledge its originality, good entertainment value, and action-packed pace.  In that sense, Superior Spider-Man is actually quite kickass.  Heck, it was engaging enough to compel me to write lengthily about it in six (five, if you don’t count the first one since that was a piece prior Superior Spider-Man’s actual run that argued it was a terrible idea) different occasions prior to this one.  With that into consideration, I expected nothing less than a conclusion that is at least as exciting and enjoyable as it has been from the start.   

I was expecting the means of Peter Parker’s return to be more creative and mindblowing.  I was expecting the final confrontation with Green Goblin to be more dramatic and grinding.  I was even expecting for Otto to go out in a blaze of glory.   That in that final battle, the two of them would work together – with Otto’s tactical efficiency and Peter’s heroic instincts and resolute courage – in one body as Spider-Man against Green Goblin and his minions.   Then in the end, Otto will provide some form of “preparing” for Peter for the life he had left him.

Still, Otto's end had been a powerful, redemptive moment

The beginning part of Superior Spider-Man was very intriguing (mostly because of its novelty) and engaging, but the ending part was merely satisfactory.   So if I have to grade it, with the beginning and ending parts as the spectrum – the former getting an A- and the latter getting a B – then, my overall grade for Superior Spider-Man is a B+.        

With my anger for it gone (since it ended with Peter back), I can say comfortably that the entire Superior Spider-Man run had been pretty fun and a good addition to the Spider-Man mythos.  It was a brilliant and original concept to do.  It kept me absorbed, that even though I hated it, I was still immensely entertained by and drawn to it – the “love-hate” feeling I had for SpOck has been a unique experience.

Now, onwards to the new era of Spider-Man – can’t wait for Amazing Spider-Man #1. 

Some random musings:

• My favorite moment in the finale was this...

I missed the natural wisecracking of Peter a lot, hence, that was a very thrilling moment for me.  Spidey’s effortless comeback, the Green Goblin’s immediate recognition of his identity due to the joke, and after not witnessing Spidey’s trademark smartassery for a long time, totally made me laugh out loud.

• The last issue had to rely on a degree of inconsistency and dumbness on many details to make the storyline and conclusion stick.  It left a slight feeling of annoyance in me.   

• So Otto decided to remove every trace of his memory – hence, his entire consciousness – from the mind of Peter Parker by the same process he did in eradicating Peter Parker’s consciousness in Superior Spider-Man #9.   So if the consciousness of Peter Parker could come back from something like that, isn’t it reasonable to assume that Otto’s consciousness can actually come back as well? 

• Or is it a different matter this time with Otto?  In the case of Peter, it seems that his consciousness could have anchored itself to the memories of Peter Parker that Otto still retained post-Superior #9 (since those memories were already accessed by Otto prior to the “Parker-ectomy” done on Superior Spider-Man #9).   On the other hand, in the case of Otto, every trace of his memories are erased from Peter’s mind, so Otto’s consciousness has no memory to anchor itself to, as Peter’s did.   So could this have been really permanent this time around? 

• The mechanics of this mind swap is kind of messy.  In December 2012’s Amazing Spider-Man #700, it is clear that Peter Parker’s consciousness died in Otto’s body but was able to transfer all his memories to Otto who was in his body.  Then why was Peter Parker’s consciousness still living on by Superior Spider-Man #1?  The only logical explanation I can think of is that when Peter (dying in Otto’s body) uploaded his memories to Otto (who was in Peter’s body), it was done in a “copy-paste” manner.  Hence, there became two Peter Parker “files” – the “original file” lay dying in Otto’s body, and the “copied file” was integrated back to Peter Parker’s physical brain.  Hence, the Peter Parker we have now is the “copied file.”  If you think of it that way, the whole “mind swap” looked kind of stupid. But, hey, stupider things have happened before to Spider-Man.  Remember in “The Other” arc wherein Peter Parker mutated into a giant spider-mom, and then eventually gave birth to himself?  That was way stupider.         

• The plot and resolution of Superior Spider-Man #31 are in some ways parallel to the conclusion of “Spider-Island”: New York getting overrun by the bad guys and good guys fighting them off; the use of an antidote; Spider-Man teaming up with another Spider-Man; and mini-bots being instrumental in saving the day.       

• I love how Spidey employed mini spider-bots.  I’ve always pushed for their utilization.  I hope that mini spider-bots will be a common element in Spidey’s repertoire.

• And I hope Peter decides to keep a couple of Otto’s cool gadgetries.  I really loved SpOck’s cybernetic goggles and the retractable mechanical spider-limbs on his back.

• Per Original Sin, Marvel’s next mega comicbook event:

In Spider-Man, readers will learn a second person was bitten by the radioactive spider which gave Peter Parker his powers.

At first, I thought it was going to be connected to the ending of 2012’s Spider-Men and that this second person bitten will turn out to be the Miles Morales of Earth-616.  But the teaser art for Amazing Spider-Man #1 shows otherwise, for the second person bitten was a female.   Also, if I remember it correctly, during an interview regarding the Amazing relaunch, Slott mentioned of this, and hinted that this second person bitten had chosen a life of villainy.    Earth-616 Miles Morales turning out to be a villain would have been an interesting development.  

• I think it’s safe to claim that 2014 is a big Spidey year.  There’s the upcoming movie.  There’s the end of Superior Spider-Man and the Amazing Spider-Man relaunch.  The Amazing Spider-Man: Family Business graphic novel has been pretty awesome – a page-turner of a thrilling plot and of gorgeous art.  Then we’ll have a reunion of “The Amazing Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends” trio in Amazing X-Men #7 (I would love a regular series to happen).     But the best of all is the upcoming major Spidey storyline that will start in November…

The concept of different Spider-Men from different realities teaming up is nothing new.  This was done already in the last arc of the Amazing Spider-Man animated TV series and in the Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions videogame.   But “Spider-Verse” is obviously going to be a thousand times more epic than those things, for Slott and Marvel promise that “EVERY SPIDER-MAN EVER” will be featured in this event! 

Every version of Spider-Man. 

Every Spider-Man of every universe.  

EVERY. SPIDER-MAN. EVER. 

Let that sink in.   

I don’t know if “Spider-Verse” can indeed deliver what is promised.  There are probably several thousands of Spider-Men featured in comicbook medium alone.  And Slott implied that those from other media – like the Spidey from the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series – will be part of it as well.  Moreover, there will also be new Spider-Men making their debuts in “Spider-Verse.” 

Wow.  That’s a lot of Spider-Men.  It will take some epic, innovative narrative for this to work.  Of course, the possibility of “Spider-Verse” turning out a dud is there.  A storyline premise with this magnitude will always have the risk of being a disappointment present.   But at this point, regardless of how it will ultimately turn out, the mere fact that an epic concept like “Spider-Verse” is happening could be considered a triumph already; it’s enough to bring my excitement counter to OVER 9000!!!

RE: Superior Spider-Man Part 6 (Or "Peter Parker is Indeed Coming Back!")

It would have been a hundred times more awesome if the announcement of Peter Parker’s return broke out after Superior Spider-Man #25.   Why?  For this happened…

Nobody was expecting that.  Everyone would have their mind blown by that twist – which was no longer a real twist since everyone knew Peter Parker was set to return prior to reading that issue.  It would have been as electrifying as the last page of the first issue of Superior Spider-Man.   That was a missed opportunity.

Anyway, it’s really happening! Superior Spider-Man is ending; Peter Parker will finally get his body and life back from Otto Octavius. 

When the reports of Peter Parker’s return first leaked, I was thrilled but suspiciously prudent.  But now it has finally been made official, I can relax and just be thrilled about it.  I can’t wait for April!

Here are some key quotes from Dan Slott (writer and mastermind of Superior) during some recent interviews on him when Peter Parker’s return was already established as eminent – plus, my reactions:

“The fan reaction has been brilliant. It's been so polarized and, most of all, passionate. That's great. If Peter Parker, Spider-Man and Doc Ock make you feel this passionate, even if it's pulling your hair out? That's a wonderful thing. It means you care.”

That is so true.  I can’t believe how the whole thing provoked me into writing a lot about it.  I never wrote about a particular topic as extensively as I’ve done on Superior Spider-Man.  And here I am again, writing my thoughts on Superior Spider-Man.  Heck, this is the sixth part already.  And I will probably do a seventh (and, hopefully, final) one on April to wrap things up.         

“One of the great things we got out of Superior is that something happens in every issue. When you look at it, almost every issue or arc had some massive status-quo change for Spider-Man and his world. ‘You just destroyed Horizon Lab? Spider-Man just took over the Raft? What?’ Everywhere you looked around, something happened. Working on the series, we knew from day one that we were jamming our foot on the accelerator and we weren't lifting up. We're firmly on the gas, just going as fast as possible. That's the feel we wanted for this book. It was fun to see readers going, ‘Why is something big happening all of the time?’ That was part of the energy of this book.”

It was indeed mindblowingly fast-paced, I will acknowledge that.  It was one of the positive things about the book.  The exhilarating-car-ride metaphor works.  Good one.    

- “He’s Peter Benjamin Parker – the only one, true, amazing Spider-Man. He’s been a cultural icon for over half a century; did you really think he’d be gone forever? I remember back when I heard about the Human Torch dying in Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four series, and I had plans to write some Spider-Man stories where Johnny Storm would’ve shown up. They changed because of Johnny’s absence, and the scripts I was turning in had Spidey acting the way I felt: ‘Oh yeah, Johnny Storm is dead? Hey Reed! Did you see a body? He’s gotta be coming back.’ I had Spidey in complete disbelief that Johnny was truly dead, but Tom Brevoort said I couldn’t do it that way. ‘What do you mean?’ I asked him, and he explained that I had to be true to Johnathan Hickman’s plans; I had to play as if Peter believed he was dead, to be fair to the other guy’s story.
“That’s very much how this worked as well. This has been in the works since Amazing Spider-Man #700 – the death of Peter in the Dying Wish storyline, the new Superior Spider-Man, all that. I’m kind of new at this secrecy thing, so I practiced the best poker face I could muster. At conventions and signings and public events when people asked if he was truly dead, I had to say ‘yes.’ I had to bellow it while twirling a mustache and acting sinister. [laughs] I had to own it for a good solid year; it’s akin to what they call in wrestling a ‘heel turn.’ As a writer I had to be evil and flat out lie to you. Of course, it was a lie.”
- “To do that for a solid year of my life, that’s the hardest thing I’ve had to do — to look small children in the eye at a convention and lie to them. One of them with an honest-to-God Little League uniform and a quivering lip. Inside, part of me was dying.”
- “It happened at a signing in New Jersey. During the course of that day I hit that scenario about three times. And I had to do it with a straight face. There was one sad little moppet in a little league uniform with a quivering lip who asked if Peter was dead, and I told him ‘sometimes bad things happen to good people. Sometimes the hero doesn’t always win. I’m sorry.’ I went home feeling terrible, but I had to stick to my guns.”

Well played, Mr. Slott.  Well played.
  

That totally makes sense.  Everyone who reads comic books knows that death is never permanent in comics. Every character comes back from the dead, one way or another, when convenient to a current tale.  Hence, there’s the general lack of concern on comic book deaths.  So to remove this sense of smug security on the inevitability of resurrection among fandom, Slott and his co-conspirators had to maintain “kayfabe” as if SpOck (Spider-Ock) was already permanent, or, at least, a long-term status quo.   They had to sell it well to make the whole story experience emphatic to fans.  I admit that that worked brilliantly.  Indeed, with all that gimmick, everyone is more euphoric by Peter Parker’s upcoming return. 

Another important effect in the end is that, as Axel Alonso (current Marvel Editor-in-Chief) pointed out in one interview, people who have been taking Peter Parker for granted (after five decades of stories that featured Parker battling a recurring set of villains and personal problems) will appreciate him a little more. 

- “But there’s a twist. There’s always a twist.”
- “On top of that, Peter will have to deal with something else [when he returns]. You always have to throw the left hook. It can't just be what everyone expects it's going to be, or where there's the fun in that? There's always one more thing on top, one more twist, one more bump in the road you did not see coming.”

Uh-oh.  I don’t like the sound of that.  But this development is to be expected. 

Overall, I think I’ve had some new found respect for Dan Slott.  I’ve not yet fully forgiven him – for epic SpOck might turn out to be, it was still a blasphemous thing to do to Spider-Man – but it’s going there.  It depends on how Slott will handle Peter’s return, if all of these will be worth it.  But he had already proved how clever he is.  He clearly knows what he’s doing.  And he knows how to play work on the readers.       

As of this point, there are a couple of questions we can’t wait to have answers for.  The most important is, of course, how Peter Parker will take back his body.  But there are a couple of other intriguing questions: What will happen to Otto Octavius?  Will he end up dead, or will he remain in Peter’s sub-consciousness? 

And what is Slott’s main purpose in marooning Miguel O’Hara – the Spider-Man of 2099 – in the present?  Will he be the catalyst to Peter’s return?  Will he become Otto Octavius’ new vessel?  At this point, I know Slott always has something under his sleeve.  I don’t think Miguel O’Hara was utilized in the story just because.  There’s a deeper reason.

Spidey quitting the Mighty Avengers.

Spidey quitting the Avengers.

Will Peter Parker make amends with the Avengers?  SpOck leaving both Avengers teams he belonged in doesn’t sit well with me.  I hope Spider-Man will be accepted back once Peter returns and explains everything.  One of the most delightful and funniest moments in comics is Spider-Man’s interactions with his Avengers teammates, and it will be a terrible downer if Spider-Man will no longer be part of the Avengers.

What will Peter Parker’s reaction be when he learns that Otto had made him a doctor but had made him hook up with a little person?  Without Otto’s efficiency and organizational skills, how will Peter Parker serve as CEO of his own company?    Will he finally get to reunite with Mary Jane? 

Will Peter keep some of SpOck’s hardware?  I sure hope so!  He should keep the cybernetic goggles and the spider-bots (but make them smaller and less conspicuous, the same size of a common spider).  But the SpOck gadget I really like for Parker to keep is the retractable mechanical spider-limbs.  That gadget is pretty sensible and awesome!  He might also want to keep maintaining a secret lab or “hide-out” (maybe within Parker Industries’ premises), with the Living Brain still on hand.        

I’m extremely excited to learn the answers.  Can’t wait for April – for the culmination of Superior Spider-Man and the relaunching of Amazing Spider-Man.   So see you in Part 7 for my final evaluation of Superior Spider-Man.  Till then.  

Now, that’s what Spider-Man is all about. That’s why Peter Parker is the one and only Spider-Man!

"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility": Spider-Man's Most Inspiring Lesson

You can get tons of inspirational lessons from Spider-Man.   But every lesson you can learn from Spider-Man can be ultimately traced originating from one basic principle, Spider-Man’s trademark mantra: “With great power comes great responsibility.”  It simply means that responsibility always accompanies power, and the amount of responsibility is directly proportional to the amount of power; hence, the greater the power, the greater the responsibility.  And what is this responsibility?  To do the right thing, of course!  If you found yourself possessing the capability or are in the position to do the right thing, then you should do it.  Or as Martin Sheen (as Uncle Ben in 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man) put it, “…if you could do good things for other people, you had a moral obligation to do those things.  That's what at stake here.  Not a choice, responsibility.”

  

You should always do what is right – it’s a responsibility!  That is some heavy stuff.  That’s what “with great power comes great responsibility” is all about.  And a fifteen-year old Spider-Man had to learn it the hard way. 

But because of that fateful event, it made Spider-Man one of the most morally steadfast superhero ever.  Doing good is paramount to him.   No matter what the cost will be, he will pursue the right thing.  Indeed, Spidey sometimes find himself confused in determining or defining the “right thing to do.”  But his sincerity of doing the right thing can never be doubted.   

As long as it’s the right thing to do, Spidey will stubbornly press on.

Nothing will prevent him from doing what is right.  Even if bad stuff and misfortune consistently happen to his life (due to the notorious “Parker luck”); even if his heroics and selfless deeds go unappreciated and unrewarded; even if, in return of saving and protecting the populace, he instead receives ungratefulness and prejudice from them; even if his personal life and relationships suffer whenever he prioritizes his moral responsibilities; even when he’s already exhausted and injured; even if he is facing tremendous hazards, and defeat or death is likely; even if the odds are greatly stacked up against him; and even if doing the right thing is unpopular to the majority, Spider-Man will always be resolute, courageous, positive, and jolly in doing good.

Of course, he snaps sometimes -- gets discouraged, impatient, and bitter. He’s human after all. But he always reverts back to his usual cool.

He puts doing the right thing above anything else.  Even above his self-interests and personal happiness.  In Spider-Man 2 (one of the greatest movies ever), Peter Parker spoke of this (originally from his Aunt May): “Sometimes, to do what's right, we have to be steady and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams.”  It’s very moving.  This added another stirring layer to Spider-Man’s already inspiring character.   

“With great power comes great responsibility.”  To fight for the right thing always.  This is what really puts the amazing on the Amazing Spider-Man.