I still think that the original Archer & Armstrong comics were some of the best things I ever read. But this one - with its purposeful curves, laugh out loud hysterics, and ability to tackle some REAL issues - was a real punch in the gut to read. For many good reasons. The first time I read it a few years ago, I actually put down the last book, and then picked up the first again. The full read was that brilliant. It had attention of the comic public, won awards, and was underneath the great comics exodus of the nineties. It holds up rather well, too. Outside of a few dated references - the Katie Lee & Regis one - it could be read through today - and enjoyed.
It wasn't just funny. It was different.
Of course, after I read through it, I went back and purchased the entire Black Panther run written by Priest at the same time. In fact, I went to a terrible dealer near here, and added Black Panther to a pull list - JUST before his run was canned. And it reads nearly as well. But something entirely different - funny - tragic - and serious all at the same time runs through the comic. It tells the story back and forth a hundred times. It forwards back and forth - and tells bits and pieces of the story. It lays down the origins - and I can't help but wonder all of the pieces that Priest probably put into the book - and were never completed to fruition. IF YOU ARE LISTENING - PUBLISH THIS STUFF ALREADY, OKAY?
Back to the start up
I like that the comic brings the separation of Peter Parker and Gwen - but can't SOMEONE like both of them? The issue is pretty good - and has started to take some steps toward bettering itself. Where once the villains or heroes would give some convoluted crazy insistence of something - now the Kingpin cuts someone off, and essentially tells them, whatever. I don't care. As long as it works. I also liked comparing the rescue of Gwen and her father from under the falling bucket. Spidey's recollection - and comments that if something happened to her. It's almost as if her death is being set up this far in advance. The Kingpin also plays a signficant role - but it's easy to see the mismatch here. All of the sneaking around, and henchmen almost seem to play a bigger foil against the Osbornes than Spidey.
Easy choice here.
Quantum & Woody is much better. And I am prejudiced.