Today’s Comic> Marvel Adv. Spider-Man #59

Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man #59

Marvel Comics (March 2009)

WRITER: Paul Tobin

PENCILER: Ben Dewey

INKER: Terry Pallot

COLORS: Sotocolor

LETTERER: Dave Sharpe

COVER: Scottie Young

PRODUCTION: Damien Lucchese

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Michael Horwitz

EDITOR: Nathan Cosby

Just as Peter and Chat are starting to bring their relationship together, someone is spying on them. (Nightcrawler, but they never see him.) Sure that he’s from the Torino family that’s been hounding him lately, Spider-Man attack a group of them to get answers. He meets one of the Torinos, grandson of the head of the family. Later, Capt. Stacy tells Peter that they’ve hired a specialist, Bullseye, to finish our hero off, and that Gwen’s becoming more delusional about a relationship with Peter. That night, another spy shows up at Peter’s house, and he ends up bouncing Wolverine all over the area. After a fight with the other X-Men, he learns that they thought he was a mutant, but they were actually looking for Chat, who declines the offer to join because she’s already joined the Blond Phantom Agency…and doesn’t remember she’s dating Peter! (Even her animal friends are surprised by that last one.)

What they got right: Wolverine abuse always makes me happy. The sub-plots with the Torino family, Gwen, and Chat are being handled rather well, although I think I know where the last two are headed. (One hint: Emma Frost.) I really like the interpersonal relationships between the main characters. The art is some of the comic’s best, and I just love that cover.

I also need to add a bonus here that I didn’t notice until putting together my “Best Scene” nomination. There’s an owl that tells Chat about Spidey being attacked by the X-Men. I just noticed that it IS in one of the scenes of the fight! Nice and subtle, something I’ve been learning about during the Art & Story podcasts.

What they got wrong: Nothing yet, but I hope this isn’t some way to end the Peter/Chat relationship in favor of Gwen. I really don’t want that to happen. Also, more proof that MA: Avengers never happened. I really like that comic.

Recommendation: Don’t wait for the series reboot in a few months. It’s only renumbering. Starting reading this title now. This is how a comic is supposed to be!

This is why the Parker residence has so few visitors {click for full size}

I just want to go on record here. I bested this scene not (only) for the Wolverine abuse, but Peter’s portrayal here. Note that he believes Logan to be from the Torinos. That means he believes not only is Peter in danger, but so is Aunt May. Alternately, there’s a comment Peter makes earlier while talking to Chat that Spider-Man is his refuge from Peter Parker and Peter Parker is his refuge from Spider-Man, and how he’s concerned about bringing the two “worlds” together, which is what happens here. It’s a fantastic display of character portrayal, and netted this a five star for story in the ComiXology version of my review.