Amazing Spider-Man #563 Spoilers and Discussion

[Matt Linton]

SpoilerA brawl breaks out between Spidey and various villains (many of whom I don't recognize) until it's ended by the owner of the Bar With No Name. After a little convincing, he directs Spidey to the Bookie's house in New Jersey. There, the Bookie's dad tells Spidey his son is being tortured by the Enforcers at Coney Island - said torture being broadcast back to the Bar so that bets could be taken (a nice touch). Fitting the lighter tone of the arc, the torture consists of being strapped to the propeller of an airplane and spun around until he pukes, and being knocked around with bumper cars while baseballs are thrown at him.

Spidey shows up (with the Bookie's dad in tow) and Spidey's plan to swing in, grab the Bookie, and swing out is foiled by Lester, who of course is taking odds on the Spidey/Enforcers fight. Once the bet is revealed, both Spidey and the Enforcers call a truce, and Ox agrees to turn himself and the others in to the cops for the damage they caused when Spidey saves his life.

It also turns out that the Bookie has some info on the Spider-Tracer murders, and he agrees to look into things to help Spidey out.

Spidey gets Lester to agree to donate the money he made from the bet to the FEAST center and all is right with the world.

Oh, and in the set-up for a future story, a man at the FEAST center trips over Mr. Li, and in doing so he somehow has a permanent leg injury healed.End Spoiler.

A fun little arc. Nothing earth-shattering, and Gale is still the weakest of the Brain Trust, but he's toned down a lot of his more annoying traits, and I really do like how he writes the Enforcers.

McKone's art was excellent throughout, and I'm looking forward to more Spider-Man by him.

Overall, I'd probably give the arc as a whole a B.

[Nyssane]

Loved it. I am super-super happy that this didn't end badly (as most Bar With No Name stories do), and I love almost all of the villains that Gale used (not a big fan of Condor, sorry). The Enforcers were really neat, but part of me wished other villains were used instead, since the Enforcers were used elsewhere. Still, it was great fun and I'll definitely be getting more Amazing Spidey. <3

One thing that irked me, though... Scorpia last week was drawn in her Spidey/Black Cat mini costume. Yet, in this issue, she's back in her old 90's costume. That's odd, since when Spidey busted into the Bar at the end of last week's ish, Scorpia was still in her new costume. STRANGE. Scorpia's new costume is way hotter, she should never go back to that old fug costume.

[Splatt]

Nice little arc. I had fun with it. Probably because there's no Freak.

[1WEBHEAD]

Nice art, but this issue suffers from Gale's boring, dumb story.

Once again, Gale pulls out the Mexican stereotype and dissappoints.

Is this better than his Freak issues? Yeah, but that's not saying much since it isn't difficult at all to improve on garbage.

The dialog is beyond cheesy. None of this felt genuine at all.

The jokes were flatter than Aunt May's wheat cakes and Joey Q's anti-drugs/smoking is distracting even if it is admirable in my eyes.

I wish they would just replace Gale. Gale isn't the only "big name" who can write a funny Spidey.

I am probably being too harsh on Gale, it's hard to impress me with a BND spidey story right after I've read Slott's Paper-Doll/MJ story . . .

Another thing that annoyed me was the cover. Sure it looks nice, but the word balloons and cheesy banners just make itself look foolish.

I don't know how to take BND seriously when Marvel doesn't. . . .

WHatever, it was just two issues, IZ'm just waiting around for Slott's "New ways to die".

[Theophilus]

The issue itself seemed like an acceptable placeholder until the big summer arcs kick in.

What's interesting is that even though the issue itself was mediocre, it did have a single one-liner that was laugh out loud funny:

"Who knew that the true path to peace lay in adult beverages? Other than Tony Stark, I mean..."

[Fabio13]

Eh, I'm not a fan of Gale's BND but his recent story has been adequate.

I so hope that the "future major plot point" involving Mr. Li and the crippled man isn't turning that guy into the Anti-Venom.

[CyberHubbs]

Gale's arc was a big improvement over his Freak story, even though I thought he'd make a great Spidey villain in the vein of Rhino and such. I'd put it a notch or two above decent and adequate.

Plus, it made Nys happy. I dig his quirky opinion on a comic more than I do some other posters.

[Muscles Coleman]

Just read it, thought it was a little bit of a letdown over the previous week's issue. No big deal though, it was entertaining. The art was lovely. They can't all be winners.

[beachball8]

Found it a bit boring. A bunch of super villains in a bar???

[DeadXMan]

Found it a bit boring. A bunch of super villains in a bar???

What were you expecting, two priests and a Rabi?

[CyberHubbs]

Found it a bit boring. A bunch of super villains in a bar???

They gotta drink somewhere, don't they?

[Muscles Coleman]

Yeah, again this whole thing was kind of "meh" to me. Looking forward to the lady Kraven arc and him teaming with DD, then of course New Ways to Die.

[CyberHubbs]

Yeah, again this whole thing was kind of "meh" to me. Looking forward to the lady Kraven arc and him teaming with DD, then of course New Ways to Die.

I thought it could have been bigger. Especially since it had all those unused z-listers just floating around.

Avengers: Initiative has proven that z-listers can be revived and made cool again. Using the villains in the bar for something a bit grander than just fodder held more interest to me than NWtD. Then again, I'm not much of a Venom fan.

[Mr.EZ]

The story seemed kind of old-timey to me.

[Mister Mets]

I thought it was okay, but below-average for BND.

It's not really done in comics, but Bob Gale probably needs a script doctor, as some of the dialogue and sequences comes off as clumsy and unpolished, especially when recapping prior events. Still, there was a decent amount to enjoy, including Ox's reason for surrendering.

Mike McKone's art was solid, but usually unremarkable. Though he does draw a cool Spidey.

[Muscles Coleman]

I thought it was okay, but below-average for BND.

It's not really done in comics, but Bob Gale probably needs a script doctor, as some of the dialogue and sequences comes off as clumsy and unpolished, especially when recapping prior events. Still, there was a decent amount to enjoy, including Ox's reason for surrendering.

Mike McKone's art was solid, but usually unremarkable. Though he does draw a cool Spidey.

I found Ox's reasons to be unclear and weird. Maybe you can illuminate them for me.

[Dr. Chaos]

I thought it was okay, but below-average for BND.

It's not really done in comics, but Bob Gale probably needs a script doctor, as some of the dialogue and sequences comes off as clumsy and unpolished, especially when recapping prior events. Still, there was a decent amount to enjoy, including Ox's reason for surrendering.
I've been trying to figure out why I've developed such a distaste for Gale's writing (which admittedly was better here).

Aside from the general cheesey dialogue (with an occassional good quip) I think theres just a certain amount of levity and weightlessness that his stories tend to give off.

Wrong atmosphere? Can't quite put my finger on it.

[Matt Linton]

I found Ox's reasons to be unclear and weird. Maybe you can illuminate them for me.

Spider-Man saved his life, and he figured a short time in jail would be preferable to a stay in the hospital (which would have been likely had they taken on Spidey). Plus, he has a good bail bondsman.

[Muscles Coleman]

Spider-Man saved his life, and he figured a short time in jail would be preferable to a stay in the hospital (which would have been likely had they taken on Spidey). Plus, he has a good bail bondsman.

Ah alright - that still doesn't really float with me though.

[DeadXMan]

The Hood is his bondsmens

[Tobias Drake]

Initially I found it strange that Spidey had absolutely no knowledge of the Bar With No Name, given that he paid a visit to it in Punisher: War Journal to pay his respects to Stilt-Man. Then I remembered it's Punisher: War Journal and nobody really gives a crap what happens there. :tongue:

[Mister Mets]

Spider-Man saved his life, and he figured a short time in jail would be preferable to a stay in the hospital (which would have been likely had they taken on Spidey). Plus, he has a good bail bondsman.

Yeah. "The good bail bondsman" line sold it for me.

[DeadXMan]

Initially I found it strange that Spidey had absolutely no knowledge of the Bar With No Name, given that he paid a visit to it in Punisher: War Journal to pay his respects to Stilt-Man. Then I remembered it's Punisher: War Journal and nobody really gives a crap what happens there. :tongue:

if you read slott's she hulk the bar decide to go mobile after The punisher poisoned and set fire to the clientèle. Spidey knew of that bar. not it current local. :tongue: :tongue:

[The Shadow]

I thought it was a fun issue.

The story was light, fun and probably Gale's best thus far.

[Cyclopsj316]

Once again, Gale pulls out the Mexican stereotype and dissappoints.



:eek: Ouch.

[yadadaimhollaing]

Not much happened in this issue but I wouldn't say it was bad. That line about adult beverages was awesome :biggrin:

[dcarner]

Initially I found it strange that Spidey had absolutely no knowledge of the Bar With No Name, given that he paid a visit to it in Punisher: War Journal to pay his respects to Stilt-Man. Then I remembered it's Punisher: War Journal and nobody really gives a crap what happens there. :tongue:

Wasn't that the same bar he went to in Web #32 or 33 (the first issue of Kraven's last hunt) I can't believe I remember that.

[ShaggyB]

Spidey should have had a non-alcoholic drink. that would have been funny.

[Jack Zodiac]

I gotta say, despite being disappointed by the turn of events that landed us here, I've really enjoyed "Brand New Day." It's been like classic Lee/Ditko-era Spidey stories, where there's something big, slowly building up in the background, while there are a bunch of fun little fast-paced stories going on in the foreground to keep us interested while everything comes to head.

This issue was a suitable little filler-story after the Paper Doll arc, and it plays off of all the crap we've seen the Bookie digging himself into. And I've always enjoyed the classic version of the Enforcers, so I was glad to see them play a bunch of bumbling misfits again instead of trying to take on Daredevil for The Hood. Decent enough art, too. For a "weekly" book, this series is kicking the hell out of Countdown and really making Trinity look worse than it is.

[Rahul]

The execution in this one was lacking. I dont mind comedy like situations in Spidey(enjoyed them when Wells, Jenkins was writing them), but instead of being funny, it was just by the book. The art is great though...

[BlackToe]

I just read it and I have to say this is my favorite one from the braintrust so far. It actually had me laughing. At first I thought this was going to be a no-name filler issue not to be remembered, but I'm glad they did what they did with it. It showed Spider-mans brains, strength, classic quip powers and his do-gooder attitude that made me like Venom in the first place.

I thought Spidey should've let them go though and had a drink at the bar or something. It is sanctuary after all.

And who's the other funniest super besides Spider-man?

[rocky123]

And who's the other funniest super besides Spider-man?

They'll probably never tell but I'd guess Deadpool maybe.

[Don't pee in the (Dead)pool]

They'll probably never tell but I'd guess Deadpool maybe.

No maybe about it, Deadpool is not just as funny as Spider-Man; he's FUNNIER than Spider-Man. Deadpool's comments on OMD/BND in C&D 50 were just hilarity at it's finest!:evilsmile:

[DeadXMan]

Wade pawns Pete at everything

he has three Gwen clones
had a better chance with both MJ and Gwen at the same time then Pete ever could
didn't need to make a deal to get a supporting cast
being an X-men is better then being an avenger

[Matt Linton]

Wade pawns Pete at everything

he has three Gwen clones
had a better chance with both MJ and Gwen at the same time then Pete ever could
didn't need to make a deal to get a supporting cast
being an X-men is better then being an avenger

Spider-Man: Stars in a book that sells over 200K copies a month, an alternate reality book that sells around 70-80K a month, an all-ages book that's Marvel's #1 subscription title, and has a hit animated series, as well as a billion dollar feature film franchise.

Deadpool: Two cancelled series.

:tongue:

[TheAmazingSpidey]

Spider-Man: Stars in a book that sells over 200K copies a month, an alternate reality book that sells around 70-80K a month, an all-ages book that's Marvel's #1 subscription title, and has a hit animated series, as well as a billion dollar feature film franchise.

Deadpool: Two cancelled series.

:tongue:

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Matt Linton]

If I really wanted to be harsh I'd have added:

Spider-Man: Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

Deadpool: Created by Rob Liefeld.

[Dr. Chaos]

You're a bad man, Matt, and you've made me cry. :frown:

[DeadXMan]

Marvel Girl's panties > Spidey Buggy

[CyberHubbs]

Marvel Girl's panties > Spidey Buggy

Spider-Mobile goes up walls > Marvel Girl's panties sticks to walls.

[Leocomix]

I can't get all the complaints. The story was funny, the art was great. My only complaint is where are the supporting characters? We need some soap opera. Good thing that Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane is coming.

[mikekerr3]

Spider-Man: Stars in a book that sells over 200K copies a month, an alternate reality book that sells around 70-80K a month, an all-ages book that's Marvel's #1 subscription title, and has a hit animated series, as well as a billion dollar feature film franchise.

Deadpool: Two cancelled series.

:tongue:

What does marketing success have to do with which character is funnier?

GLA is funnier in it's worst issue than ASM is or was at its best, Wade is much funnier than Peter.

Sales are marketing not indicative of humor., otherwise Batman would have shut down in the 60's and Dare Devil would have not lasted 2 issues.

[Matt Linton]

Did you even read the post I was responding to?

Wade pawns Pete at everything

he has three Gwen clones
had a better chance with both MJ and Gwen at the same time then Pete ever could
didn't need to make a deal to get a supporting cast
being an X-men is better then being an avenger

None of those have anything to do with which character is funnier, either.

[TJ Shoun]

Oh. My. God.

Worst comic book I've read in years.

I'm embarrassed for Joey Q.

How did this make it to press?

[DeadXMan]

Did you even read the post I was responding to?



None of those have anything to do with which character is funnier, either.

no but playing with Kane's nipples trying to get better radio selection dose.

[Venom]

Finally got my copy a few days ago. Not bad. Probably Gale's best story so far. Mike McKone's artwork was fantastic. I hope he gets paired with a better braintrust writer in the future as he deserves to.

[ronnieramone]

Oh. My. God.

Worst comic book I've read in years.

I'm embarrassed for Joey Q.

How did this make it to press?

heh. great assessment of this stinker. I can see Marvel's evil plot, though:

gradually lowering our standards on what makes a good comic, bringing the stink factor to a slow boil until we don't even realize we're being cooked in crap.