Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #1 - Possible Spoilers

[Sean Whitmore]

I figured this deserves some discussion independent of all the "The Other" predictions and debates.

Simply put, this is a fantastic comic. And once the stigma of this crossover has faded, it will doubtlessly become the fan-favorite of the Spidey titles (I don't hate JMS, but I realize many do). The action, humor, and character interactions all reminded me of the last time PAD worked on a Spider-Man book...what was it, late 80s, early 90s? Suffice to say, that's a compliment. :)

I much prefer 'Ringo's art here than his Sensational Spider-Man days. Not quite so ultra-cartoony, with a very classical...I dunno, Ron Frenz-ish feel to it.

Tracer is a fun enough baddie ("I'm mercurial" :D ), even if nothing about him indicates he'll join the ranks of the classic villains.

The Captain America training scene worked much better than I thought it would, with a good lesson about not relying too much on instinct. It all leads up to what I think will go down as a rather seminal Spidey moment--catching bullets in his bare hands--made hilarious by the fact that Pete only gets it half-right. :D

It's also great to see Jameson back in what one assumes will be a recurring role, since Peter seems to be selling pictures to the Bugle once again.

I'm lukewarm about this Doctor Costillo so far, if only because the MU seems to be chock FULL of doctors and nurses who treat super heroes. But, PAD does have to start building a unique supporting cast for the title, so it's understandable.

All in all a great read. And while I am disappointed that next month will feature a Hudlin story, I am glad I'll only have to wait two weeks for the continuation of this cliffhanger. :)


SEAN

[west3man]

I thought it was a pretty good issue, too. I only got to flip through it, but it was high-quality flipping. :)

I enjoyed the art (as I almost always do when 'Ringo's doin' his thing). I enjoyed the integration of continuity and the departure from the formulaic. I'm not saying Spidey's usually formulaic, but many things tend to be. This was a nice exception.

"Half-right." Hehehe.

He might've wanted to practice that when people's lives weren't on the line. If it was possible to yank those people out of harm's way INSTEAD of catching bullet's (and I think it was), then that's what he should've done.

I see potential.

[Ned Leeds]

Great issue. I am glad to see Peter David back on a Spidey title and have a small sliver of hope that The Other won't suck.

He might've wanted to practice that when people's lives weren't on the line. If it was possible to yank those people out of harm's way INSTEAD of catching bullet's (and I think it was), then that's what he should've done.


The Tracer had already proved those bullets weren't going after anyone but Spider-Man, so I have to disagree with you on this one. The only one in danger was Peter himself, and he paid the price by getting shot.

[Geardaddy]

I succumbed to the temptation of buying this issue, and I'm glad I did. This was a fun book. The art was solid, and Peter David can write Spidey. I'm a little sceptical of "The Other" since I'm not a JMS fan and didn't care for the spider-totum story, but I'll stick on for the first few issues of "The Other" and see how it grabs me.

[west3man]

Great issue. I am glad to see Peter David back on a Spidey title and have a small sliver of hope that The Other won't suck.




The Tracer had already proved those bullets weren't going after anyone but Spider-Man, so I have to disagree with you on this one. The only one in danger was Peter himself, and he paid the price by getting shot.
Hell, with that in-mind, I'd have to disagree with myself, too.

That's what happens sometimes when you just flip through.

[BizarroBeachHead]

Well, I too was debating whether or not the buy into the Other, and I got to agree with Geardaddy, I'm glad I did too. I'm another one of those fans that hasn't enjoyed Spider-man this much in a very loooooooong time. Huzzah for PAD.

I liked Tracer as a villain, but I think his visual design could have been better. I dug it for his campy C-Villain qualities(he WAS robbing a bank after all) but I know Ringo has it in him to design a more "lasting" looking character than Tracer, but whatever, I'm just happy to be reading this book nothing can bring it down.

[The Wayner]

As I mentioned in another thread, I only bought this issue to get a free Spidey poster announcing the book. However, count me as another who's glad to have taken the plunge.

It's PAD... it's Spidey... and it's fun. What more can you ask for?

[Charagon]

Excellent issue. I really like Tracer.

[RocketBoy]

There were some things I enjoyed about the book, but I thought the new villian was outlandishly bad. Has anyone else stoped to think how cartoonishly slow those bullets would have been moving.
But hey, if it was Peter David's goal to make a hidiously dressed villain that shoots super-super-slow bullets that, given any bit of thinking, would just bounce off their intended target leaving maybe a slight welt, then all the credit to him.

[Grimm]

There were some things I enjoyed about the book, but I thought the new villian was outlandishly bad. Has anyone else stoped to think how cartoonishly slow those bullets would have been moving.
But hey, if it was Peter David's goal to make a hidiously dressed villain that shoots super-super-slow bullets that, given any bit of thinking, would just bounce off their intended target leaving maybe a slight welt, then all the credit to him.

I didn't see that the bullets were super-slow at all. The bullets are never far away from Spidey.

As for Tracer, a third rater outsmarted Peter, not once but twice. That is kinda the whole point, something is clearly not right with ol' web head.

[Charagon]

They were fast enough to blow through Peter's hand and into his shoulder.

[EmmettHULK]

Did New Avengers show up, or just Cap?

[jam1]

Just Cap in this issue but more of them are going to show up later.

[Michael P]

And durn it, 'Ringo draws a nice Cap.

[damngary]

I admit I was skeptical about getting another spider-man title every month, but I had not known how good David's writing was with spidey. I dig Tracer, he has the potential to be a B-List villain (with a much better look of coarse). I wonder if he just makes objects trace people or something, huh.
But art was solid, writing was solid, just solid. lol
I liked it alot, and am looking forward to the whole arc.

[Harold of the Rocks]

..but that's just me.

...Has anyone else stopped to think how cartoonishly slow those bullets would have been moving...

I would think that a bullet that will dodge anyone other than the intended target would have to be a bit slower than a conventional bullet. And as already stated, they were still fast enough to rip through Spidey's hand and into his shoulder when they did hit... so it wasn't like they were travelling at 30mph. ;)

Nice start to the arc. Can't wait for the medical reveal and I'm inclined to think that a bullet in the shoulder wouldn't normally take Spidey down. Ties into his dizziness and fainting spells, I think. Oh, and what building is Morlun on that he's looking down on Pete in Stark Tower? Will the ass whoopin' start next ish? Or do we have to wait for #3 which definitely looks like Petey-boy is in for some serious pain? I'm intrigued. Also, I am definitely goin' to check out FNSM after "The Other", having Mr. David on board makes the possibilities for another great Spidey title seem pretty likely... :)

[Avalanche]

I just finished reading it and I absolutely loved it. I have a feeling this is going to be my favorite Spidey title as it carries on. I already love this new villain, Tracer. He has an awesome look to him, and I like his ability and personality. I think I'm more excited about the next issue of FNS than I am MK Spider-man. This is a very exciting comic, and I love the direction it's already heading in. I'm definitely hooked.

[Nick Kal]

I am so torn. I wan to get this.. But I don't know If I want to get the whole The Other crossover thing. What should I do?

[jam1]

Well, I can only say that in my opinion you should get the whole thing, it doesn't last that long and if it's half as good as the first Morlun story it'll be worth it.

[Avalanche]

I am so torn. I wan to get this.. But I don't know If I want to get the whole The Other crossover thing. What should I do?


The Other is only going to be like what, 9 issues? So it's not a big deal. I say go for it, I'm really interested in it.

[TCJohnson]

12 Issues, actually.

[Venom]

I had great faith in The Other and I still do. It really has met my expectations. Peter David is a brilliant writer and Mike Wieringo's art is as fantastic as ever in fact his art is even more better then his run on the Sensational Spider-Man days. Definitely 10/10 I look forward to buying part 2 next week.

[Michael P]

12 Issues, actually.
Yeah, but the last three are basically going to be epilogues. The meat of it will be over in 9 issues.

[Huh?]

I found this Spidey story to be pretty boring, and don't see why it can't be told in one of the existing titles.

Why did we need this again?

[chicainery]

Loved it.

Thank you Peter David and Mike Wieringo!

[Nick Kal]

So I just went out into the rain and across the street to my comic shop and guess what.. FNSM #1 is sold out! I guess I'll get it on Monday from my other comic shop.... but I'll most likely get Crisis on Infinite Earths instead.

[kalorama]

I don't read Spider-Man (aside from Ulitmate in the trades) but I figured I'd check this out for Nostalgia's sake, David having written some of the fave Spider stories of my younger years. I have to say I was disappointed. Ringo's art seemed rushed and a bit sloppy. The story was bit thin, although it was basically a prologue so that's not surprising. The whole thing with SM trying to catch bullets made no sense at all. Cap told him he should think and plan his moves instead of opearting on instinct. So what in the world would make Parker, a guy with a genius level IQ, think he could snatch a bullet out of the air when as far as I know, he's never even attempted such a thing previously. That was juust a dumb move, especially when he could have stopped them any number of ways with his webbing. And why would Cap be going to a secret backroom clinic to get his wounds tended to (as was implied when Peter told the Doctor that Cap recommended her)? You'd think that the Stark would have a doctor on call for the Avengers for something like that. Or else Cap would get teated by SHIELD medics.

[Grimm]

I don't read Spider-Man (aside from Ulitmate in the trades) but I figured I'd check this out for Nostalgia's sake, David having written some of the fave Spider stories of my younger years. I have to say I was disappointed. Ringo's art seemed rushed and a bit sloppy. The story was bit thin, although it was basically a prologue so that's not surprising. The whole thing with SM trying to catch bullets made no sense at all. Cap told him he should think and plan his moves instead of opearting on instinct. So what in the world would make Parker, a guy with a genius level IQ, think he could snatch a bullet out of the air when as far as I know, he's never even attempted such a thing previously. That was juust a dumb move, especially when he could have stopped them any number of ways with his webbing. And why would Cap be going to a secret backroom clinic to get his wounds tended to (as was implied when Peter told the Doctor that Cap recommended her)? You'd think that the Stark would have a doctor on call for the Avengers for something like that. Or else Cap would get teated by SHIELD medics.

It was a dumb move, which is kinda the point. Peter is sick, and in denial about it. It is causing him to behave erratically and black out etc. I would pick up AMS #524 for some backstory to 'The Other', that is actually the prologue to 'The Other' imho.

Stark does a have medical staff, again if you read AMS #524, you'll understand why Peter will be avoiding Tony, and his medical staff.

Was it implied that Captain America gets his wounds treated there? Cap is mentioned as knowing about her, but she explicitly says she deals with heroes who would rather not attract legal attention. Cap does not fall under that category. Heck he may only know the woman through Reed Richards.

[Ned Leeds]

... So what in the world would make Parker, a guy with a genius level IQ, think he could snatch a bullet out of the air when as far as I know, he's never even attempted such a thing previously. That was juust a dumb move, especially when he could have stopped them any number of ways with his webbing. ...

Well, to be fair, he did manage to catch one of them. So it was only half-dumb. ;)

[C.O. Jones]

Seeing as I've been buying the JMS ASM titles but not reading them, I took a chance, bought and read FNSM totally out of context and I liked it a lot. But I have a few questions and comments:

I still have problems with MJ's nagging Peter about anything regarding superhero business. :mad:

It's also weird getting used to more people knowing Spidey's id, including Cap.

One person here mentioned that there've been a few other doctors tending to heroes lately. Who else besides the Night Nurse from DD?

What did I miss with the 'diplomas made of matzoh'?

Since I've yet to read the ASM issues, did Pete and MJ move all their stuff into Stark Tower? Because the room that Peter and MJ use isn't quite what I'd imagine Tony Stark could do with the place.

I didn't care for MJ's (or the grocer's at the shooting) undetailed face as Spidey swings off after Tracer. Also, what high rise uses paned glass in its upper floor windows, a la the Parker's suite? It looks like they're back at their old place. Plus, what buildings are so near them that Spidey could fire webbing as soon as he's out the window? As someone pointed out already, there shouldn't even be one close enough or tall enough for Morlun to eavesdrop from as he's seen doing.

How exactly does Spidey even get to Castillo's office after passing out?

[Spider-Sense]

Well, to be fair, he did manage to catch one of them. So it was only half-dumb. ;)

Very true! :p

[Doom Hammer]

I loved this issue. Very fun, very funny, very exciting. Not much more to say.

I think for The Other, what I'll do is buy the whole story, excluding Hudlin's month (on principle), and try to catch up from there. I think.

[Thrice]

I well admit I know not who peter David is and the whole reason I bought this book is because it is a tie in to the others. Also anything having to do with strazinsky very well done totum/ morlun story is worth buying. I am impressed. It was a great read. A pretty good cliffhanger and the scene were mj pete and cap were all training was kinda of funny and hartwarming.

[onizuka]

fantastic issue. i was really looking forward to this and i was not disappointed. what i really liked about this issue was that it was a very much back to basics sort of Spidey. it had all the elements of a great Spider-Man book. Spidey's wit and humour, interesting and colorful villain, a couple of scenes of Spidey's responsibility issues and great use of the new Avengers supporting cast in the form of some cool Cap scenes.

great issue. looking forward to this title and for the rest of The Other.

[HumanTorch09]

The only reason I bought this was because I am a Wieringo fan, and I was suprised that a Spidey book actually left me satisfied. I dropped AMS and Ultimate Spidey a while ago because they just weren't entertaining, and FNSM left me very satisfied. I hope the title does great!

[Rich L]

Good issue; nice to see Spidey acting like Spidey again. Ringo's art was great as always. A thought has occurred to me though: Pete is supposed to lose an organ in The Other, right? With all this emphasis on instinct this ish, what if its a tiny little organ that controls his spider-sense? Not having that to forewarn him of danger would be a pretty big change for him....

[Ravenheart]

When I first heard that Mike Wieringo was going to do the art for the book,I wasn't all that excited because I didn't really care for his work that much the last time he worked on a Spider-Man title but his work for this title is a hell of a lot better.I don't know if he's just trying a different style or if he's improved that much but I'm really starting to like his work now.The opening scene with Pete and MJ was hilarious.

[Elevation]

I liked the issue I thought it was a cool spidey read. I just recently decided to drop ultimate and am deciding wether or not to continue with MKSM. FNSM seems to be an outstanding book all on its own.

What is the books rating on the internet it says T+ but my book had an A rating. I was just wondering because I usually like my books with a little more content.

[Chris Partin]

Good issue; nice to see Spidey acting like Spidey again. Ringo's art was great as always. A thought has occurred to me though: Pete is supposed to lose an organ in The Other, right? With all this emphasis on instinct this ish, what if its a tiny little organ that controls his spider-sense? Not having that to forewarn him of danger would be a pretty big change for him....

As usual, Rich and I agree on things. I think this was a great start to both a new series and a new major story arc in the life of Spider-Man. Wieringo's art is top notch and a very pleasant return to a "classic" feel. I like Deodato's realism, but I love Wieringo's style.

Awesome!

[Rich L]

As usual, Rich and I agree on things.


Great minds, my friend...

But what about Pete's Spidey sense going - think its a possibility?

[jam1]

Nah, spidey sense is a big part of the character. It's not going anywhere.

[RocketBoy]

The bullets are never far away from Spidey.
That's kind of my point. Spider-man was able to outrun them until he chose to stop. Spider-man is not super-fast; he is not the Flash or Superman. Sure, he's faster than the average human; I'll be generous and say he can run 60 mph. So, the Tracer bullets would have to be going slower than 60 mph, And that is cartoonishly slow. I think you or I could probably throw a bullet at someone faster than 60mph.

A conventional 9mm bullet travels 1000-2000 feet per second (depending on the caliber, etc...), Taking the average speed from that gives us a bullet speed over 1000 mph.

If the scene had ended with Spider-man realizing that he had nothing to worry about if the slow-moving bullets him, and then they just bounced off, I would have thought it was brilliant and hilarious. But the fact that this hindered my enjoyment just proves to me that I need to seek my entertainment elsewhere, through no fault of anyone else's.

[Core]

Loved it.

Thank you Peter David and Mike Wieringo!

My sentiments exactly.

I can't wait to see what this team does after The Other is over.

[Dennis K]

The best Spider-Man cover I've seen in a long, long time.

[west3man]

That's kind of my point. Spider-man was able to outrun them until he chose to stop. Spider-man is not super-fast; he is not the Flash or Superman. Sure, he's faster than the average human; I'll be generous and say he can run 60 mph. So, the Tracer bullets would have to be going slower than 60 mph, And that is cartoonishly slow. I think you or I could probably throw a bullet at someone faster than 60mph.

A conventional 9mm bullet travels 1000-2000 feet per second (depending on the caliber, etc...), Taking the average speed from that gives us a bullet speed over 1000 mph.

If the scene had ended with Spider-man realizing that he had nothing to worry about if the slow-moving bullets him, and then they just bounced off, I would have thought it was brilliant and hilarious. But the fact that this hindered my enjoyment just proves to me that I need to seek my entertainment elsewhere, through no fault of anyone else's.
Fair points.

I'm also surprised that the trauma caused him to pass out so soon. I mean, we've seen him take a LOT of punishment without losing consciousness that quickly. Granted, I don't remember anything entering and exiting multiple points of his BODY without him passing out, but still...

[kalorama]

It was a dumb move, which is kinda the point. Peter is sick, and in denial about it. It is causing him to behave erratically and black out etc. I would pick up AMS #524 for some backstory to 'The Other', that is actually the prologue to 'The Other' imho.

Stark does a have medical staff, again if you read AMS #524, you'll understand why Peter will be avoiding Tony, and his medical staff.

Was it implied that Captain America gets his wounds treated there?

It was to me. If he didn't, there'd be no reason for him to know her. And if he only knew her through Reed and had never been treated by her, on what basis would he be recommening her?

And I can't imagine any amount of denial would make someone think catching bullets is a good idea. Besides, the way the scene was setup, it explicitly implied that Peter's decision to try and catch the bullets was a direct result of how he interpreted Cap's advice to plan more and act less on instinct. As plans go, that was pretty lousy one.

The whole thing just didn't work for me. And the fact that it's a lead in to yet another bloated crossover event makes it even less attractive.

[Grimm]

It was to me. If he didn't, there'd be no reason for him to know her. And if he only knew her through Reed and had never been treated by her, on what basis would he be recommening her?

And I can't imagine any amount of denial would make someone think catching bullets is a good idea. Besides, the way the scene was setup, it explicitly implied that Peter's decision to try and catch the bullets was a direct result of how he interpreted Cap's advice to plan more and act less on instinct. As plans go, that was pretty lousy one.

The whole thing just didn't work for me. And the fact that it's a lead in to yet another bloated crossover event makes it even less attractive.

How about if he brought another super-hero to her and watched her in action? Or any number of other options. And by the way, Reed's word in the MU is as reliable as Cap's. Spidey said Cap's word was good enough for Peter, similarly Reed's word would be good enough for Cap.

Who said the denial made him catch the bullets? His illness is affecting his cognitive processes, as shown in the last arc of AMS. Denial only affects him in that he is not getting help about it.

I enjoyed the book, sorry you didn't. I tried to explain what is actually going on, and suggest you read AMS #524. I can't do anymore than that, if you stick with The Other storyline, I'm sure you'll realise what I am saying.

[Grimm]

That's kind of my point. Spider-man was able to outrun them until he chose to stop. Spider-man is not super-fast; he is not the Flash or Superman. Sure, he's faster than the average human; I'll be generous and say he can run 60 mph. So, the Tracer bullets would have to be going slower than 60 mph, And that is cartoonishly slow. I think you or I could probably throw a bullet at someone faster than 60mph.

A conventional 9mm bullet travels 1000-2000 feet per second (depending on the caliber, etc...), Taking the average speed from that gives us a bullet speed over 1000 mph.

If the scene had ended with Spider-man realizing that he had nothing to worry about if the slow-moving bullets him, and then they just bounced off, I would have thought it was brilliant and hilarious. But the fact that this hindered my enjoyment just proves to me that I need to seek my entertainment elsewhere, through no fault of anyone else's.

Now, pretty much a staple in comics that bullets travel slower in comics than in real life, so most of us suspend our disbelief. So for me, the bullet was not moving super-slow. Daredevil can bat them away FFS (for fuck's sake).

However, in your calculations the bullets is moving from point A to point B in a relatively straight line. Now, as you know the bullets move several times in the air, thus losing speed and momentum. Which of course the bullet will have to regain, under its own propulsion, so of course it won't be accelerating to 1000 fps (or whatever) as it did when it left the gun.

This means, Spidey can keep ahead of the bullet, and why the bullet is still able to penetrate his skin. As for why Peter didn't let the bullet hit him just after it turned, well he was surprised of course!

Can I have my no-prize now? :)

[The Wayner]

Anyone going to pick up the 2nd printing of this book with the Doc Ock cover?

[WolverinesSon]

I just wish that they'd stick to one Spidey book. Why do we keep having to start over at number one all the time? I understand the whole Ultimate thing. But now FNSM #1? Come on people just stick to one or maybe to Spidey books and that's it. That's the problem with comics nowadays. You have tons of Spidey, X-Men, Bat-Man, Super-Man books. It kinds of ruins it for you, especially when they restart at a number one.


.......Dam am I bitter or what?

[Charagon]

Ummm, there's two books (three if you count MK Spidey) that's all there's been for years.

First it was Amazing Spider-Man and Peter Parker: Spider-Man
Then it was Amazing Spider-Man and Spectacular Spider-Man
Then now it's Amzing Spider-Man and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

[StoneGold]

Ummm, there's two books (three if you count MK Spidey) that's all there's been for years.

First it was Amazing Spider-Man and Peter Parker: Spider-Man
Then it was Amazing Spider-Man and Spectacular Spider-Man
Then now it's Amzing Spider-Man and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Hell, there used to be four. Amazing, Spectacular, Web of and Adjectiveless. And IIRC, they had a book to come out during skip weeks too, so some months there'd be 5. Not counting spinoffs like Venom, annuals, etc.

[BlackKnight]

I really want to get this book, since I like Spidey and also like PAD's writing but I am going to wait to after the Other Crossover since I refuse to read Reg (What is continuum) Hudlin's writing, who is starting to make Austen look good. Anyway, I look forward to issue 5.
Later guys.

[SpiderManFan]

i think lots of people who are mad about the crossover are missing this point:
his part of the crossover is supposed to be a story itself, with only minor ties to the outside crossover.

imagine there was no crossover and peter david's plot was in his own book. peter david would write issues #1-3 of FNSPM the same as he's writing FN#1, MK19, and AMZ525 (Except probably not as rushed)

so if you want to avoid the cross over but pick up a good peter david tale, go pickup those 3, even if they somehow are part of a much larger storyline.

edit: assuming the tale is him vs. tracer


TLDR: support peter david, pickup at least parts 1-3, have a nice day.

[Sean Whitmore]

imagine there was no crossover and peter david's plot was in his own book.


The thing is, we'd prefer NOT to imagine that. We'd prefer that his plot WAS just in his own book.

We're not missing the point, we just don't like it or agree with it. :)


SEAN

[SpiderManFan]

for the record i'm with you guys. well said.

[juggalotus]

someone earlier was speaking of how spidey turning to catch the bullets
was in opposition to Caps advice about how carefully planned moves can
save alot of expended energy elsewhere as when acting on instinct....and that gave some greater insight into all of this.
Something in him knows he is both dying and evolving, consciously he knows
only that somethings wrong in that he seems to be dying, and still consiously
he is fighting against that.
so while not being able to shake the bullets, he says screw it turns and tries to catch them. As far as planning goes...sure it seems wrong...for the old
spidey....so who is this other anyway....did it make the decision to try and
catch the bullets because it knew it was getting stronger and had been held back for too long???

So as spidey is acting like a dizzy idiot and appears to be getting weaker,
something in him is beginning to dictate ballsy decisions.
Hes got an enemy lurking with class 100 strength...what is this boy to do?
Morlun dont even wanna fight him hes so weak.

Heres what im hoping is happening. This other that is mentioned in the title.
Its the part of spidey/parker thats been repressed since his days in school getting picked on for being a nerd, to his guilt for ben, to his being misunderstood despite his intentions, effort and sacrifice. THis side of him is pissed and ruthless. The good and wholesome side of spidey is hanging on by a thread...waiting to die...while a stronger more cunning and ruthless(yet still good but more vicious) is in the shadows waiting to take over, kinda like
a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Since its called evolve or die im hoping spidey gets some amp up on his powers too, im also itching for parker to get the itch to don the black
costume some more.

and if not
at least i got a couple copies of a #1 spidey with a defect