Amazing Spider-Man #525- The Other Part 3, Review and Spoilers

[Nightcrawler]

Now this is the stuff! Spectacular issue, incredible art. As you probably know, this issue picks up where MK Spidey left off, with The Other Part 3.

::Spoilers::

Plot- We start with a flashback, and it appears to the readers that Aunt May is lying sick and dying in a hospital bed. A married couple stands beside the bed, mourning the old woman's passing. It is soon revealed that May is, in fact, the young woman standing there, with Ben Parker, and it is May's mother almost dead. May tells the hospital people that her mother didn't want to live this way, so she signs the release papers, and an attendant flips a switch, presumably cutting off her life support. Suddenly, the old woman lunges out of bed and grabs May round the throat, yelling at her to never give into death, to fight, fight...

In the present, Aunt May wakes up in her room in the Avengers Tower. Hey, it was all just a dream! It's the middle of the night. She walks over to the window, seeing chaos outside. She worries about Peter, thinking he is probably out there. She starts talking to Ben about why Peter only does heroics because he feels guilty over his death.

She wanders out into a hall, colliding with Peter (No Spider-Sense), who is having an arguement with MJ about not waking him up. Pete yells at May to get back to bed. May wonders into the kitchen, and starts talking out loud to Ben, about Jarvis. She says that she 'likes him very much' (like no one saw this coming), and is about to go on when she is interrupted by Tracer.

That's right, Tracer. Sitting right there, in the Tower. May doesn't know who he is, and he tells her that he is a reserve Avenger. She believes him. When asked about his powers, he says that he is the 'machinge god'. He's what's causing the mayhem in NYC, but May doesn't realize it yet. They chat, and we see the scene from Tracer's point of view, which is Aunt May's head, with a bullsye in the center of her forehead.

Cut to Spider-Man, getting thrown against a wall, and not being able to use his wall-climbing to stop his fall. Morlun appears, jesting him, but says he won't kill him yet. He finds Spider-Man's deteriation 'of interest to me'. Hmm. Morlun jumps away, an dSpidey tries to follow, but can't make it over a ten foot wall. He barely manages to get over the top, bu he falls, right into Wovlerine's arms.

Logan was sent by Cap to see if he was alright after a killer robot sent him flying, presumably the work of Tracer.

Cut back to the Tower. May is making Tracer a sandwich, and he keeps going on about he is the robot god. He tells her that he overheard her screaming in her nightmare when he walked by her room, and offers to help if she needs it. She explains the dream, and tells him that in reality, she just died away. She was trying to put on a brave face, just like her nephew, as she will refer to him. Tracer tries to find out who the nephew is, just as Spider-Man jumps in, kicking Tracer in the face, sending him flying. He realizes that Spidey is the nephew.

Tracer taunts Spidey, telling him he was going to kill May, but she offered to make him a sandwich, and he was hungry. Spidey lunges at him, but Tracer manages to take some DNA samples of him as they fall backwards. He is is shocked and outraged. He is offended that someone is Spidey's condition is fighting him. Pete says that he is the second person to tell him he's not worthy of being killed. Tracer replies that 'its not that you're not good enough, its just...I have my pride.'

Spidey goes crazy, nearly strangling Tracer in his webbing. Basically, Tracer says he's going to take a break, step off the 'path to divinity' for awhile. His skin melts away, leaving a strange robotic shell behind. The issue ends with Aunt May confronting Peter.


::End Spoilers::

Very solid issue. The Other really starts taking off here. 9/10

[Jagernaut]

I seriously have no idea what to think of that...

[SpiderManFan]

i'm completely confused, mostly by hungry robots and sort of run-onnish sentences. i appreciate the post tho :) gotta go get that this week

[Mideon]

Not that I didn't enjoy reading this issue, but I was really hoping to find out what was wrong with Peter. Instead I got Aunt May and a continuity error when she said the only man she was with since Ben was Doc Ock. Um, what about 10 years of Nathan? haha

[SnakeEater]

yeah i thought the same thing about nathan when i read that line. stupid mistakes like that irk me but it seems like now a days marvel just lets the writer do whatever and the editor are always asleep.
This issue seemed really bland as far as telling a story. there is too much of this "behind the scenes" crap we arent getting and its stupid. if im paying 2.50 for a freaking 12 part story i should be getting a full story not something you would see on angel where one second a person is talking with another then suddenly another person is flying and we are vaguely told what happened. stupid crap.

[RabidWolfe]

Didn't anybody pick up on Morlun's line that he's NOT the Morlun Spidey fought before.

When Spidey tells Morlun he's suppossed to be dead, Morlun responds "one of us is" which says to me there's more than one Morlun!

[Spider-Sense]

I'm anxious to read this issue!This review really got me intrigued:)

[Nightcrawler]

Didn't anybody pick up on Morlun's line that he's NOT the Morlun Spidey fought before.

When Spidey tells Morlun he's suppossed to be dead, Morlun responds "one of us is" which says to me there's more than one Morlun!

I took it as 'one of us' was either Morlun or Spidey, and Morlun was just boasting about how easily he could kill him.

[Spider-Sense]

I took it as 'one of us' was either Morlun or Spidey, and Morlun was just boasting about how easily he could kill him.

True.Specially after this unknown Peter´s disease

[Edman]

i haven't got it yet, but it sounds like he's saying Peter is supposed to dead.

[Red State Cap]

Hmm, why does this storyline sound suspiciously like "Fighting Chance" from the Mark Gruenwald days of Captain America?
Kudos at least to ASM. There has been more Avengers character development in this book than in NA.

RSC

[Sean Whitmore]

Hmm, why does this storyline sound suspiciously like "Fighting Chance" from the Mark Gruenwald days of Captain America?


As long as Peter doesn't don a suit of Spider-Armor, I'd say it's a hell of a step up. :)

Then again, we got three issues of Hudlin coming up, so perhaps I speak too soon...


SEAN

[Mideon]

Bring back Spider-Armor!!!!!!!!

[Iron Syndicate]

I have one word to descirbe this issue:

Amazing!!!!

Sorry... I had to. But this was truly a stellar issue. After Pat Lee's less-than-medicore art, it is a breath of fresh air to get Deodato's spectacular (once again, I apologize...) art. He is one of my favorite Spidey aritsts and his work in this issue truly shines. He somehow makes Tracer (who was sort of campy in part 1) look real menacing and awe-inspiring.

As for writing, PAD scores again with a well written issue, keeping us on edge for the entire issue. Everyone seems to be noticing that there is something wrong with Peter, and I can't wait to see what it is. The Morlun sub-plot is interesting, and I am intigued to see where this is going.
Tracer is genius, and in one issue he went from B-list thug to God-like which was pulled off very well. I liked the whole "I'm playing around to see what I can do"...

I can't wait till part 4... though I think the second chapter will not be as good as the first as I don't really like Hudlin's writing.

I am even more anxious for Friendly Neighborhood #4... just to get more of PAD writing Spider-Man... that was great stuff!!

[SpiderManFan]

i was very much looking forward to this crossover but my main problem may be with comics in general these days. the vast majority of issues are NOT self contained stories.

i picked up part 1 of the other, it was good. enjoyed it very much.

i picked up part 2 of the other, wondering what we'd find out about peter. found it advanced the story very little, but had some good story stuff with mary jane and overall was okay. art was lacking but you know, i'm not gonna demand a refund over the art or anything.

part 3 of the other: give me a break. the story itself was fine, art was amazing, but maybe combined with part 2 as an issue together i'd be happy. as a self contained issue i find pete jumping around a city thats suddenly under attack and then he's flipping out but you're not sure why and then somehow tracer is INSIDE avengers tower and...what? and i'm a quarter of the way thru the crossover and i know somethings wrong with him, but still not *what* it is, even though both tony stark and the doc from part 1 have sampled his blood?

just tell me what the hell it is already, dragging it out just shows that no issue is self-contained to me. i knew it was a multi-part story going into it, but its like they're not even trying. it really seems like PAD was able to write issue 1 and they were like, quick write two more issues where peter gets sicker but you still don't know what happened. if i knew that was going to happen before buying this crap, i would've waited for the TPB and pay 12.95 for it, rather than 7.50 for a quarter of it and just being mad.

i couldn't be any less impressed with the progession of the story so far.

[Avalanche]

I think it was a pretty average issue. I think they kind of ruined the Tracer, which sucks because he was a breath of fresh air as far as villains go. I really didn't like the huge focuse on Aunt May this issue, it really bored me for the most part. I was also very disappointed that we still dont know exactly what's wrong with Peter. I do have to say that I really enjoyed the artwork a lot.

I have to add, Wolverine seemed so out of character.

[Sean Whitmore]

I think they kind of ruined the Tracer, which sucks because he was a breath of fresh air as far as villains go.


Tracer was ruined in his second appearance ever? By the guy who created him? :)


I have to add, Wolverine seemed so out of character.


How so?


SEAN

[Grimm]

I have to add, Wolverine seemed so out of character.

No way. PAD gets the character alot more than most writers, I thought he portrayed him spot on. Have you read some of his Wolverine stuff?

[Doom Hammer]

So, um...Tracer is a robot? Tracer is a liquidy material that possesses robots? Tracer is a fan of peaunut butter?

That was a bit vague, but this issue was brilliant. The whole Tracer/Aunt May thing was played out perfectly. It was hilarious, but more than a little creepy.

Great art, too.

[Sean Whitmore]

No way. PAD gets the character alot more than most writers, I thought he portrayed him spot on. Have you read some of his Wolverine stuff?


One of my favorite portrayals of Wolvie is his battle with the Grey Hulk. PAD expertly wove in the current events of UXM at the time (which he certainly didn't HAVE to do), and showed Wolverine to be a responsible leader.


SEAN

[Grimm]

One of my favorite portrayals of Wolvie is his battle with the Grey Hulk. PAD expertly wove in the current events of UXM at the time (which he certainly didn't HAVE to do), and showed Wolverine to be a responsible leader.


SEAN

Incredible Hulk #340? Yeah I loved that issue too, I actually started to pick up Uncanny because of it. Then Classic X-Men then I was hooked :)

[Iron Syndicate]

So, um...Tracer is a robot? Tracer is a liquidy material that possesses robots? Tracer is a fan of peaunut butter?

What I think is this: Tracer, as he claims to be, is a god of machines. Meaning he can get any machine to do whatever he wants (how are bullets a machine is still beyond me....). So he could have just possessed a robot like any god can posses a human (supposedly) and have it do his bidding.

No clue about the peanut butter though....

And what is with the people claiming that the series is crap because they don't know what happened to Peter. I'm pretty sure the disease is one of the MAIN PLOT POINTS of the whole crossover. Just wait, and you'll find out. Some patience. I mean, if the first issue would be like: Oh Peter just has chicken pox, and Morlun is there to make him some soup. Then everyone would be like "Oh, well they gave everything away in the first issue!"
This is 12-part story. Giving one of the main things away in part 3 is just bad writing... and besides in the back of the issue it says that in FN #2 Peter "searches for the cure" so.... we should know what the disease is by then... and if not... I'm willing to wait. So far PAD has done an amazing job. Lets hope that Hudlin keeps the standard.... at least.

And I read somewhere that Friendly Neighborhood is Peter's POV, Marvel Knights is MJ's and Amazing is Aunt May's.... so apparantly all the issues will be like this...

[jade_nova]

I loved how Spider-Man was threatening to kill Tracer and not even give a damn about it. We are seeing a new serious side to Spider-Man instead of this jokey character that I feel like isn't all that funny. I bet Spider-Man has cancer that he got from the radiation in his blood.

[Avalanche]

I say that Wolverine seemed out of character because in the NA he seemed like he wasn't even sure if he wanted or could be an Avenger... now he's so gung-ho about being a team.

[Sean Whitmore]

I say that Wolverine seemed out of character because in the NA he seemed like he wasn't even sure if he wanted or could be an Avenger... now he's so gung-ho about being a team.


That was the case when he was recruited, but he got over it pretty quick. In he "Sentry" arc, House of M, and his appearances in the Spidey books, he has settled into life as an Avenger quite nicely.


SEAN

[tricksterpup]

hmmm.. maybe Peter isnt dying but the spider portion of him is? Maybe the part of him that was given to him by the spider god, is being taken away, making him just a normal human. That would be an interesting twist, instead of some severe illness he looses his powers due to something stupid.

[Avalanche]

That was the case when he was recruited, but he got over it pretty quick. In he "Sentry" arc, House of M, and his appearances in the Spidey books, he has settled into life as an Avenger quite nicely.


SEAN
Yeah, you're right. I guess I just never noticed the progression.

[Spider-Sense]

Loved the issue!The dialog between May and Tracer was great and bizarre(with him aiming her head!).And Peter is totally losing control.I want to see how far he can reach.

[jam1]

And I read somewhere that Friendly Neighborhood is Peter's POV, Marvel Knights is MJ's and Amazing is Aunt May's.... so apparantly all the issues will be like this...

I think only Peter David's issues were like that.

[BizarroBeachHead]

I hated this issue for one reason. They kept talking about a giant freakin robot, but we NEVER GET TO SEE IT!

:D

Seriously though, I'm not really enjoying The Other. Thus far, I'd say PAD's writing has been good, but it all feel like we're retreading old ideas that didn't work before. The whole Pete going over the edge and juggling the notion of killing, or the whole Pete losing his powers, or the whole Pete dying of some disease, or the whole new serious side to Spider-Man, it's all stuff that has been done, rather repetitivly within the last 10 years no less. PAD has been good, but the whole premise has failed to hook me. I'm glad that Spidey is going though yet another :rolleyes: life changing event, as I feel the books could stand a bit of a change. This crossover, however, feels very mediocre so far. I think I'll casually follow The Other just to keep myself up to date, but I don't think I'll be buying any Spidey books until this whole thing blows over.

Also, another reason I'm disapointed, is because I feel like PAD lied to me. In this (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?p=1946160#post1946160) thread PAD was quoted:DAVID: The thing that breaks me up is some people say they are hesitant to buy my three issues and embark on the story because they don't want to be involved in a crossover. I am saying this is the story I would have written anyway in the first three issues of FNSM. If you wan my FNSM story, this is the one I would have done, but you get it in one month instead of three. The story is what I would have done. The major difference is the deadlines.After reading his final issue, I did not get that impression. I doubt his first story arc on the title would have ended with the villain bowing out of the fight so that Spidey can have his big battle with his destiny. I'm not saying it was bad for PAD to do this in context of the crossover, I just think it's an example of a good story getting mixed up and shoved aside because it is being forced to be a part of the crossover. For now, I'm out. If The Other turns out to be a fantastic tale, I'll always be able to fish the back issue long boxes at the comic store.

I agree with whoever said that Deodato made Tracer look cool. For some reason he was way less campy that Ringo's version. Weird.

[Venom]

Once again 10/10. The Other has had a brilliant month and Peter David is a fantastic writer. He's made a terrific start to "The Other" and Mike Deodato's art was just excellent as usual. I'm glad we saw a bit more of Aunt May this isssue and see how she's coping with Peter being Spider-Man and her personal demons, we don't see much of the kind old Mrs Parker these days so it was good to see her again. Now it's time for a week break and read Reginald Hudlin's run next. A lot of people say that he is a crap writer and I've never read any of his stories so now I can see how he writes seeing as he's writing the next three parts of "The Other"

[Doom Hammer]

I'm kinda disappointed about Spider-Man's sickness...I thought it would be a genuine and sob-inducing storyline to give Peter cancer. Making Marvel's #1 icon a cancer survivor would be inspirational, and cool on many levels. He might be able to outsmart, outwit, and overpower his super-villain enemies, but what can he do to fight the disease ravaging his body? What can anyone do, besides remain strong and fight for life?

That'd have been moving.

But the recap page mentioned some disease that's beyond the scope of madern medicine. Well, giving Peter a fake illness is just not quite the same. It lacks the impact, and the emotional response of something that many people can relate to.

I mean, am I wrong here? I know ther are other people on this site who are cancer survivors or people who have lost relatives to cancer. Would this story be insensetive? Or inspiring?

[Venom]

I'm kinda disappointed about Spider-Man's sickness...I thought it would be a genuine and sob-inducing storyline to give Peter cancer. Making Marvel's #1 icon a cancer survivor would be inspirational, and cool on many levels. He might be able to outsmart, outwit, and overpower his super-villain enemies, but what can he do to fight the disease ravaging his body? What can anyone do, besides remain strong and fight for life?

That'd have been moving.

But the recap page mentioned some disease that's beyond the scope of madern medicine. Well, giving Peter a fake illness is just not quite the same. It lacks the impact, and the emotional response of something that many people can relate to.

I mean, am I wrong here? I know ther are other people on this site who are cancer survivors or people who have lost relatives to cancer. Would this story be insensetive? Or inspiring?

That was very moving Doom Hammer and you make an excellent point. I lost my Grandad to cancer 16 months ago.

[Grimm]

I'm kinda disappointed about Spider-Man's sickness...I thought it would be a genuine and sob-inducing storyline to give Peter cancer. Making Marvel's #1 icon a cancer survivor would be inspirational, and cool on many levels. He might be able to outsmart, outwit, and overpower his super-villain enemies, but what can he do to fight the disease ravaging his body? What can anyone do, besides remain strong and fight for life?

That'd have been moving.

But the recap page mentioned some disease that's beyond the scope of madern medicine. Well, giving Peter a fake illness is just not quite the same. It lacks the impact, and the emotional response of something that many people can relate to.

I mean, am I wrong here? I know ther are other people on this site who are cancer survivors or people who have lost relatives to cancer. Would this story be insensetive? Or inspiring?

They already did the best cancer story they ever will, Death of Captain Marvel.

[Doom Hammer]

They already did the best cancer story they ever will, Death of Captain Marvel.

True, true...

How about making a Marvel hero a cancer survivor, though?

[Doom Hammer]

That was very moving Doom Hammer and you make an excellent point. I lost my Grandad to cancer 16 months ago.

As did I. (Well, not 16 months ago. Little over three years now, actually).

A family friend is also dying very slowly of cancer. I see her every week, and every week she is just a little bit sicker, a little bit weaker, a little bit more out-of-it.

[Grimm]

True, true...

How about making a Marvel hero a cancer survivor, though?

Yeah, that could work, trouble is I really don't trust Marvels to treat it properly in a regular continuity. They would end up having him get over it way too quickly, which would totally undermine the illness.

Having an out of contuniuty story would work well, or an in continuity one with a slighty less high profile character. Maybe Ben Grimm?

[Venom]

As did I. (Well, not 16 months ago. Little over three years now, actually).

A family friend is also dying very slowly of cancer. I see her every week, and every week she is just a little bit sicker, a little bit weaker, a little bit more out-of-it.

I think my aunt might have cancer aswell. She gets very weak and tired these days and she's quite young and in good shape. she's been having blood tests to see what is wrong with her.

[LabRat]

Great issue, although it's weird that Tracer looks menacing here (he's so campy in FNSM)... He's moved up from Class C villain to Class A- for me just because of this issue...

[comic_lover]

Now this is the stuff! Spectacular issue, incredible art. As you probably know, this issue picks up where MK Spidey left off, with The Other Part 3.

::Spoilers::

Plot- We start with a flashback, and it appears to the readers that Aunt May is lying sick and dying in a hospital bed. A married couple stands beside the bed, mourning the old woman's passing. It is soon revealed that May is, in fact, the young woman standing there, with Ben Parker, and it is May's mother almost dead. May tells the hospital people that her mother didn't want to live this way, so she signs the release papers, and an attendant flips a switch, presumably cutting off her life support. Suddenly, the old woman lunges out of bed and grabs May round the throat, yelling at her to never give into death, to fight, fight...

In the present, Aunt May wakes up in her room in the Avengers Tower. Hey, it was all just a dream! It's the middle of the night. She walks over to the window, seeing chaos outside. She worries about Peter, thinking he is probably out there. She starts talking to Ben about why Peter only does heroics because he feels guilty over his death.

She wanders out into a hall, colliding with Peter (No Spider-Sense), who is having an arguement with MJ about not waking him up. Pete yells at May to get back to bed. May wonders into the kitchen, and starts talking out loud to Ben, about Jarvis. She says that she 'likes him very much' (like no one saw this coming), and is about to go on when she is interrupted by Tracer.

That's right, Tracer. Sitting right there, in the Tower. May doesn't know who he is, and he tells her that he is a reserve Avenger. She believes him. When asked about his powers, he says that he is the 'machinge god'. He's what's causing the mayhem in NYC, but May doesn't realize it yet. They chat, and we see the scene from Tracer's point of view, which is Aunt May's head, with a bullsye in the center of her forehead.

Cut to Spider-Man, getting thrown against a wall, and not being able to use his wall-climbing to stop his fall. Morlun appears, jesting him, but says he won't kill him yet. He finds Spider-Man's deteriation 'of interest to me'. Hmm. Morlun jumps away, an dSpidey tries to follow, but can't make it over a ten foot wall. He barely manages to get over the top, bu he falls, right into Wovlerine's arms.

Logan was sent by Cap to see if he was alright after a killer robot sent him flying, presumably the work of Tracer.

Cut back to the Tower. May is making Tracer a sandwich, and he keeps going on about he is the robot god. He tells her that he overheard her screaming in her nightmare when he walked by her room, and offers to help if she needs it. She explains the dream, and tells him that in reality, she just died away. She was trying to put on a brave face, just like her nephew, as she will refer to him. Tracer tries to find out who the nephew is, just as Spider-Man jumps in, kicking Tracer in the face, sending him flying. He realizes that Spidey is the nephew.

Tracer taunts Spidey, telling him he was going to kill May, but she offered to make him a sandwich, and he was hungry. Spidey lunges at him, but Tracer manages to take some DNA samples of him as they fall backwards. He is is shocked and outraged. He is offended that someone is Spidey's condition is fighting him. Pete says that he is the second person to tell him he's not worthy of being killed. Tracer replies that 'its not that you're not good enough, its just...I have my pride.'

Spidey goes crazy, nearly strangling Tracer in his webbing. Basically, Tracer says he's going to take a break, step off the 'path to divinity' for awhile. His skin melts away, leaving a strange robotic shell behind. The issue ends with Aunt May confronting Peter.


::End Spoilers::

Very solid issue. The Other really starts taking off here. 9/10
You liked that ???? Gads,I think the book just sucks now.... :( Uh,this was sarcasm okay ? It's PAD,of course it rocks,sheesh.

[BuccaneerBruce]

I took it as 'one of us' was either Morlun or Spidey, and Morlun was just boasting about how easily he could kill him.

That was close to my interpretation too. I kind of thought he meant that Spidey was so sick he was as good as dead.

[BuccaneerBruce]

if i knew that was going to happen before buying this crap, i would've waited for the TPB and pay 12.95 for it, rather than 7.50 for a quarter of it and just being mad.



Somehow, I doubt that this trade will sell for $12.95. With a 12 part story you'll probably be shelling out over $20. Still cheaper, but I don't think you're going to get the trade for 1/3 the price.

[Sean Whitmore]

Somehow, I doubt that this trade will sell for $12.95. With a 12 part story you'll probably be shelling out over $20. Still cheaper, but I don't think you're going to get the trade for 1/3 the price.


And they may also go the MK Spidey route, and release multiple TPBs. Unlikely, at 3 issues per "chapter", but possible.


SEAN

[Spider-Sense]

Great issue, although it's weird that Tracer looks menacing here (he's so campy in FNSM)... He's moved up from Class C villain to Class A- for me just because of this issue...

True:) I guees this is what PAD ment when he said Tracer was much more than we were thinking.

[Nightcrawler]

You liked that ???? Gads,I think the book just sucks now.... :( Uh,this was sarcasm okay ? It's PAD,of course it rocks,sheesh.

Did you read the issue, or are just judging it by my crappy interpretation of the plot?

[melike]

Well i loved Pt1 and just found the next two pointless. I knew going in that they were focusing on MJS and AM's side but still. It just seems pointless padding.
Sigh. Oh well..

[Harold of the Rocks]

This arc is grabbing people. Naysayers are entitiled to their opinions, but obviously this is resonating with people...

That was close to my interpretation too. I kind of thought he meant that Spidey was so sick he was as good as dead.

Right on, right on. This is the same Morlun, though how he regenerated could be an interesting story...

Great issue, although it's weird that Tracer looks menacing here (he's so campy in FNSM)... He's moved up from Class C villain to Class A- for me just because of this issue...

Nothing weird at all about Deodato making a villain look less campy at all... he's one of the best Spidey (and Marvel) artists in my opinion. The creepy-factor-increase-credit (how's that for a grammatical abberation) should also be shared with Mr. David, as the plot elements themselves were huge factors in the increase in the menace of Tracer. And here I thought Pete was gonna paste him to a wall by issue 4 and deal with the real menace... Morlun. Looks like we will see more of Tracer once (or if) Pete is 'healed'. So much for the intro of a new C-Lister, looks like the rogues gallery just got a touch meatier in this arc already. Sweet... ;)

I'm kinda disappointed about Spider-Man's sickness...I thought it would be a genuine and sob-inducing storyline to give Peter cancer. Making Marvel's #1 icon a cancer survivor would be inspirational, and cool on many levels. He might be able to outsmart, outwit, and overpower his super-villain enemies, but what can he do to fight the disease ravaging his body? What can anyone do, besides remain strong and fight for life?

That'd have been moving.

But the recap page mentioned some disease that's beyond the scope of modern medicine. Well, giving Peter a fake illness is just not quite the same. It lacks the impact, and the emotional response of something that many people can relate to.

I'm going to respectfully offer a tangental opinion. Pete doesn't have to have cancer per se to invoke the same emotional impact and tragedy you are looking for. Yes, the recap page does imply that this is beyond the scope of modern medicine to cure. I would point out that a cancer diagnosis in my own lifetime (born in '69) was the same thing as a death sentence. My best friend's mother died from breast cancer when he was 22 years old (as was I). That was only 14 years ago. Fortunately cancer does not hold the mortality rates that it did even a decade (or two) ago. Times and medical technology change (I am originally from Rochester, MN - home of Mayo... so believe me, I am aware of what world-class medicine can do these days), and what is the worst diagnosis one day can become a concerning yet recoverable (note: I didn't say curable) condition the next. Rochester is the city where many come when they feel there is no other medical alternatives... yet it is not a city of despair and grief... it is a city of hope. And you see the best of humanity there more often than not. The story can be just as moving if Pete's condition is analogous to what cancer has been (and sometimes still is)... it doesn't have to be cancer in name. Cancer to this day is still uncurable. But it is survivable. I think cancer survivors and victims could see the analogy, and given comic book fiction, one could argue that cancer is not the menace in the Marvel Universe that it is in ours. I think anyone with a potentially terminal illnes can relate to others that also have one, even if it is not the same exact condition. Peace to all, and best wishes to all who suffer from or know one in a terminal condition. Maybe what is most rewarding about this arc so far is that it reminds us all how lucky we are to have been blessed by our loved ones for as long as they are with us! :)

Peace to all,

Harold.

[Harold of the Rocks]

Well I loved Pt1 and just found the next two pointless. I knew going in that they were focusing on MJ's and AM's side but still. It just seems pointless padding.
Sigh. Oh well..

Part One was good, and while the art in part two was not exaclty stellar, it was hardly padding. Maybe you need to vist Vic's Secret website for a refresher on what padding is... ;)

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/category/?cgnbr=OSBRPZZZZZZ

Part 2 was not as good as part 3, but if you don't 'get the point' of part three, I think you will never last through a 12-part story. The dramatic tension has to be built up. We're not going to have a nine-issue battle between Morlun and Spidey, because the stakes have to be ante'ed (developed). It's one thing to have a badass show up and kick a hero's ass. It's another when the stakes of failure for the hero are raised beyond his own mortality... like his whole family suffering if he fails. Let the story develop. We've only just completed the 1st 1/4 of the story... I personally want Pete to walk the emotional plank before deciding that yes, he has to once and for all kick Morlun's ass (or whatever his nemesis in this storyline truly is, maybe it is elements of his own psyche). Then he does it. That's my hopes for the storyline. Give him a great reason to get absolutely ruthless on Morlun. I trust JMS to give us a great conclusion on this bad boy. He has been very good so far, and I believe he is directing the story moreso than any other.

And I am also looking forward to Peter David's continued run on FSNM. He did us all well on the first 3 books of 'The Other'. I'm pretty optimistic. Concerned about Hudlin taking the reins, but if JMS is guiding this story, it will probably be only messed up by the dialogue at worst. At least that is my hope. Just don't make Electro into a female asian electronical genius. ;)

[Venom]

They said in part 3 of "The Other" that Spider-Man was going to lose an organ. What did he lose? Was it something to do with what Tracer used on him during their battle for a DNA sample?

[Nightcrawler]

They said in part 3 of "The Other" that Spider-Man was going to lose an organ. What did he lose? Was it something to do with what Tracer used on him during their battle for a DNA sample?

I think it meant in the third week, or third chapter, of the Other.

[Avalanche]

I dont like the focus on different characters in each book... Especially MJ in MK Spider-man; why that book is selling out I'll never know. It just seems that The Other is a crucial Spidey arc, and I don't get the point of having two different books focusing on two different characters other than Spidey himself. Sure I get that this isn't just about Peter and it's also about how it effects the people around him, but it seems like they could express this through out each issue but still keep a focus on Spider-man himself.

[StoneGold]

And they may also go the MK Spidey route, and release multiple TPBs. Unlikely, at 3 issues per "chapter", but possible.


SEAN
Or two "Chapters" per trade. That would make it 6 issues per, and wouldn't you know it, just perfect for Marvel's trade dress.

[comic_lover]

Did you read the issue, or are just judging it by my crappy interpretation of the plot?
PAD is an old fav of mine,and yes,I've read it.It pays to have a subscription.Oh,and your interpretation wasn't crappy. :cool:

[onizuka]

another great issue in my opinion.

i think PAD did a great job of writing three issues with the POV of three different characters and still keep a single storyline going. it's a great first chapter of a 12 part story

Tracer is cool. i didn't think that was really him in the end but probably some robot he was controlling. he's got a great old school kinda character concept but i think it's almost refreshing to see someone like him these days.

i'm not the biggest fan of Hudlin, but i'm still lookin forward to the next three issues. i don't think he sucks.

so far, i think The Other is rocking along pretty damn well

[powerforward]

Not that I didn't enjoy reading this issue, but I was really hoping to find out what was wrong with Peter. Instead I got Aunt May and a continuity error when she said the only man she was with since Ben was Doc Ock. Um, what about 10 years of Nathan? haha



thanks for bringing this up, i knew that may had a boyfriend but just could not remember his name.

[Tre Styles]

I just read parts one and three of THE OTHER, so I don't really know what happened in between the issues, and it doesn't seem like I HAD to go find that MK issue that had part 2 in it to follow what's been going on so far. I like that, although I will be hunting down #2. :) After this third issue, I'm back into the 616 Spidey-verse....full-time. And PAD is one of those reasons. I grew up reading HIS Spidey, and it feels like old times, while still honoring the new. I liked Tracer, and I actually liked the fact that he was portrayed as somewhat campy/cheesy at first, which kind of led the reader(or at least this reader) to a false sense of security about the character, but then him showing up sitting in the tower, you were like....whoa, dude is to be taken seriously. Move over Green Goblin...lol.....well, not quite...but in just 2 short issues he's become a major contender for Spidey, and that's a good thing. So, I'm worried about Spidey, because Morlun's a pain, and he won't give up, but I'm rooting for Pete to make it on through.(like he won't..) ;)

[StoneGold]

You know why I think no one takes Tracer seriously? Beard with goggles. Makes him look too much like, oh, let's say Ogre.

http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/ogrefactor33.jpg

[bjtrdff]

I stumbled upon this thread and it's seemed interesting so far. I;m debating about getting on board.

Would anyone be able to give me a quick run down of the first couple of issues, so I can see if it would be worth my while.

[Will.S]

I stumbled upon this thread and it's seemed interesting so far. I;m debating about getting on board.

Would anyone be able to give me a quick run down of the first couple of issues, so I can see if it would be worth my while.
The Other, Part 1: Peter Parker has a dream about Morlun coming back and seeing someone in a body bag who may be himself. Spidey fights Tracer in his debut appearance, goes to the doctor due to Tracer's tracking bullets and later tells him urgent news about his condition after viewing his blood sample.

The Other, Part 2: An MJ perspective issue with her being stalked by both Morlun and an obssessed fanatic. Spider-Man and Iron Man also team up to take down Tracer and his ship armed with a bomb. While watching the fight the stalker confronts her in a bar and she beats the crap out of him using Cap's training. Later she talks with Peter about noticing that he has some kind of death wish after his uncle's death. He says he doesn't and is actually scared to death about the news the doctor gave him, they both embrace each other in consolation.

The Other, Part 3: Aunt May has nightmares about her mother strangling her from beyond death. Peter wakes up angered at MJ and May and goes off to take care of Tracer's robots and runs into Morlun again. Meanwhile Tracer makes his way into the Tower and deceives Aunt May waiting for Spidey to show up. Spider-Man arrives at home only to see Tracer talking to May and both go at it briefly. Tracer gets a blood sample from Peter further showing that he's not in good health. Noticing this, Tracer dissolves away into goop leaving behind a robot husk.

This issue was excellent.

There's a good sense urgency and danger in Spider-Man's world and that he's truly a loner in this ordeal. Even Wolverine makes a comment on his teamwork which I found amusing. It was interesting the way Peter David played out the threat of Tracer's robots on the city and Tracer himself infiltrating the tower. We don't really see the robot seige of the city nor do we see the one giving Spider-Man such a hard time but the threat is definitely there. If anything all three books so far have established that Tracer is a very powerful villain not to be taken lightly. I'm loving him already.

Spider-Man's going through some strange emotional and physical states as the saga goes on. I'm really wondering just what the heck the psychological problems are a sign of. The upcoming solicitation covers seem to show that he's going to fight Morlun, be on some type of life support (where I'm guessing he'll lose the organ), cocoon himself and re-emerge as a changed man.

You can already see some of the stages so far with Peter oversleeping, tiring often, and going wonky with his personality such as his conversation with Tony after he stopped the missle, the dark sarcasm with MJ and Cap before going off to fight Tracer and his misplaced anger on Aunt May. It's almost as if he were storing up his energy for something else. Dammit this is an awesome event!

[Will.S]

BTW I'm pretty sure my copy wasn't the only one but did anyone get some weird ghosty effect on the blacks in the part Tracer is melting and when Jarvis has the gun?