About Heroes

Amazing Spider-Man #546
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Steve McNiven
Cover: Steve McNiven

Last issue saw the conclusion of “One More Day” and I dubbed that issue the worst Spider-Man comic I ever read. Now realize I’ve read the Clone Saga, I’ve read Spider-Man Chapter one, I’ve read the Howard Mackie and John Byrne Spider-man reboot from 1999. I’ve read some shitty Spidey stories, but One More Day was the worst. Now the Brand New Day begins and it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
I like Dan Slott, I have wanted him to write Spidey for years. But man, not even Stan Lee can make this new status quo work. The issue opens with Peter kissing some girl in a club. Things get worse as we learn Peter doesn’t have a job and is living with Aunt May. He went from a successful teacher and scientist to a bum. Peter hasn’t been Spider-Man in 100 days and the Daily Bugle is struggling to make it without Spider-Man photos. A random mugger is going around with a Spider-Man mask on wanting money. Peter goes out with Harry and his new girlfriend. Harry gives Peter money and a woman named Mia kisses Peter so she can work her way into the Harry Osborn crowd. Peter whines about how he is too young to marry someone and MJ is hardly mentioned. Aunt May is working in a soup kitchen and apparently interested in politics. Another new girl named Carlie is introduced, she is friends with Harry’s girl Lily. Peter runs away from Mia and jumps outside to find Carlie. The spider-mugger robs them and instead of suiting up, Peter follows the guy and chases him into the soup kitchen Aunt May is working at. Peter can’t find the mugger and Aunt May thinks he is a poor dear since he is missing his shoes (his excuse? He was mugged) and the founder of the soup kitchen takes pity on Peter. Later, Peter goes to the Daily Bugle, Peter bitches with Jonah and Jonah has a heart attack. Next we have three back up stories featuring Jackpot, Aunt May, and Harry. There is also a two-page spread explaining the new status quo.

Thoughts/Comments:
Man, what a letdown. This issue felt nothing like the Peter Parker I’ve known and loved all these years. Peter comes off as this irresponsible child instead of the proud man and hero I’ve known all these years. Every scene with Harry Osborne was naseuating, and the fact the issue opens with some random drunk girl kissing Peter makes fans of the Peter/MJ marriage feel like they are kicked in the nuts once more. Jonah and Peter bickering was also weird. Jonah always had some respect for Peter even if he wouldn’t admit it. Remember the Trial of Peter Parker during the clone saga? Jonah totally footed the bill to help Peter out with his lawyers. Remember the issue of Amazing after Peter unmasked? Jonah told Robbie that Peter was the one man who was always honest with him, the last honest guy alive. None of the respect these two have had over the years was shown. Peter having to bum money off Harry was weak and I hate that Carlie was introduced so Peter can have some fling with her. Plus, I know it isn’t confirmed MJ is Jackpot but it looks like that is coming. MJ as a disco looking hero is a terrible idea. I also find it weird that Peter didn’t suit up to stop the mugger, he just came off looking more sad and pathetic. The back up stories weren’t all that great and I could have done without them if it saved me a dollar. Like I said before, I like Dan Slott and Steve Mcniven but even they can’t make this work. I give this issue and new direction a D, the art alone saved it from an F.