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The Amazing Spider-Man (1999) (Collected Editions) #6
Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2: Revelations
Collects Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #36-39.
Spider-Man comes to understand that not all heroes possess great powers. Meanwhile, Aunt May struggles with her discovery of Peter's greatest secret.
Spider-Man comes to understand that not all heroes possess great powers. Meanwhile, Aunt May struggles with her discovery of Peter's greatest secret.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2002
36 people are currently reading
1560 people want to read
About the author
J. Michael Straczynski
1,372 books1,280 followersJoseph Michael Straczynski is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is best known as the creator of the science fiction television series Babylon 5 (1993–1998) and its spinoff Crusade (1999), as well as the series Jeremiah (2002–2004) and Sense8 (2015–2018). He is the executor of the estate of Harlan Ellison.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 2, 2018
A truly great Spider-man volume.
It opens with the famous post 9/11 issue 36. Through text and art J. Michael Straczynski and JR jr. produce an emtionally intense issue, up to the tragedy that befell NY and the world at large. It could have been a lot of rubbish in many ways: warmongering, overdone drama and whatnot. It's just humble, showing reserve and resolve, an honorable commitment to those involved and all the others.
Then an issue dealing with homeless children where Spidey is powerless so Peter tries his best to deal with it as a civilian.
The core of the book is issue 38. Confronting Peter about his secret, Aunt May stars and shines in this one. Dialogues only, emotional scenes of understanding and forgiveness and the best auntie ever. It could have been cheesy as hell but it's simply great and well done.
The last issue is a silent one. These are not easy to do. They rely on art and pacing only to convey their message and can end up as a confused mess. Of course this one doesn't. A day in the life of MJ, Peter and May. Again Straczynski and Romita manage to tell a simple and good story, with emotion without a single word being said. Kudos.
It opens with the famous post 9/11 issue 36. Through text and art J. Michael Straczynski and JR jr. produce an emtionally intense issue, up to the tragedy that befell NY and the world at large. It could have been a lot of rubbish in many ways: warmongering, overdone drama and whatnot. It's just humble, showing reserve and resolve, an honorable commitment to those involved and all the others.
Then an issue dealing with homeless children where Spidey is powerless so Peter tries his best to deal with it as a civilian.
The core of the book is issue 38. Confronting Peter about his secret, Aunt May stars and shines in this one. Dialogues only, emotional scenes of understanding and forgiveness and the best auntie ever. It could have been cheesy as hell but it's simply great and well done.
The last issue is a silent one. These are not easy to do. They rely on art and pacing only to convey their message and can end up as a confused mess. Of course this one doesn't. A day in the life of MJ, Peter and May. Again Straczynski and Romita manage to tell a simple and good story, with emotion without a single word being said. Kudos.
Read
October 6, 2013I know it's been said before, but Straczynski's Aunt May = BADASS.
June 3, 2022
Written after the tragic event of 9/11, I this volume also contains a tribute to the fallen, unfortunately it feels subpar as it sacrifices characterisation for the sake of emotions.
The latter parts of the volume continues its story from the first volume, and it goes to show what made this run by Straczynski so memorable. The dynamic between the different characters is so well portrayed, it almost feels life like.
The way Straczynski has woven the plot and the characters together, it just glues the reader to it.
The latter parts of the volume continues its story from the first volume, and it goes to show what made this run by Straczynski so memorable. The dynamic between the different characters is so well portrayed, it almost feels life like.
The way Straczynski has woven the plot and the characters together, it just glues the reader to it.
January 29, 2013
I'll come right out and say it: the 9/11 issue was terrible. Now, I know the time this lead issue was written was an awkward and terrible time for everyone, and I don't envy authors who had to write about characters in a city where a real life tragedy occured, but man this issue is frustrating. I can get over a lot of the cheese, and the over the top "real heroes" message, but the page which features THE KINGPIN, JUGGERNAUT, MAGNETO, DOC OCK, AND DOCTOR FREAKING DOOM, assisting with recovery efforts at ground zero? Kiss my grits. And Doctor Doom CRYING? HE'S RUNS A DICTATORSHIP WHERE HIS WILL IS ENFORCED BY LETHAL ROBOTS! I don't think he'd be GLAD something like this happened, but he wouldn't care at all about the lives lost. Magneto and Juggernaut I could buy, because they often ride the line between hero and villain; however, I'm pretty sure Magneto was presumed dead at the time this comic was originally published. Also, there's a line about how unfortunate that Captain America has had to see this twice? I don't know if this is supposed to be referencing Pearl Harbor, or what, but that line was a big what the heck for me. So overall, that issue starts the collection out on such a sour note.
The actual storyline of this collection isn't too bad. Aunt May discovers Peter is Spider-Man, and has to cope with it. Its really a touching issue, and this time it was the real Aunt May, and she lived well past this, so we get to see her fit into Peter's double life in new ways. They have a tearful moment with each other where they both express how they each carried some blame for Uncle Ben's death, and what a relief it is to not carry secrets any longer. This was a great issue, and had very little action, just character driven dialogue. However, this book is done a great disservice by a forthcoming book in the series titled "One More Day" where it is effectively erased from existence. Everyone forgets Peter's identity except for Mary Jane, so presumably this whole discussion is forgotten about, and they're back to lying to each other. Hoo-ray. Good read by itself, marred by further plot development.
The actual storyline of this collection isn't too bad. Aunt May discovers Peter is Spider-Man, and has to cope with it. Its really a touching issue, and this time it was the real Aunt May, and she lived well past this, so we get to see her fit into Peter's double life in new ways. They have a tearful moment with each other where they both express how they each carried some blame for Uncle Ben's death, and what a relief it is to not carry secrets any longer. This was a great issue, and had very little action, just character driven dialogue. However, this book is done a great disservice by a forthcoming book in the series titled "One More Day" where it is effectively erased from existence. Everyone forgets Peter's identity except for Mary Jane, so presumably this whole discussion is forgotten about, and they're back to lying to each other. Hoo-ray. Good read by itself, marred by further plot development.
June 14, 2009
This book contains the issues of Amazing Spider-Man that brought me back to comics. I read comics all through junior high school, but fell out of it during Spidey's clone saga stuff. This storyline should have been straight up the single greatest event in Marvel comics, the revelation of Spider-Man's identity, finally, to the woman who is arguably the most important woman in his life - his Aunt May. Unfortunately, it was circumvented by the greatest tragedy to befall New York City - the September 11th attacks. And while DC comics left the event untouched because all of its characters exist in a parallel reality with cities of different names, Marvel Comics focused entire issues to it. Spider-Man Vol. 2 No. 33 came out with no cover, a black cover with just the title. Spidey tries to understand the scope of the attacks and rationalize it. I picked this book up having not read an issue in years and it struck me finally that someone at that company finally got it. I began reading Marvel Comics again.
May 7, 2020
This is the second volume collecting Straczynski's Spider-Man run, very ably illustrated by John Romita, Jr. The first story is the famous post 9/11 issue, which everyone at the time either seemed to love or hate. I thought they did it very well, with some honest feeling and tasteful restraint. They had to know that no matter what they did, they'd offend a lot of people, and yet they knew that not addressing the event at all would be worse. I thought it was quite good. There's a nice homeless-kids storyline interspersed with a Lois-has-figured-out-that-when-Clark-takes-off-his-glasses one (oops, you know, I meant Aunt May...), that is all right but may have tried a little too hard. The book concludes with an excellent no-dialog silent story featuring Mary Jane and Aunt May dealing with Peter's situation in their own ways. It's an excellent blend of writing-without-words and illustration. Altogether, it's a worthwhile volume.
November 29, 2021
The opening of this book packs quite a punch. Dealing with the aftermath of 9/11, we see how Peter along with the other Avengers handle such a devastating loss. The panel of the woman asking Spiderman "Where were you?" just broke my heart. While we can believe that these stories take place in our world, it isn't until something like this happens that you really can tie it in completely and it just felt a little more real.
As we move on from 9/11 storyline, we then hit closer to Peter's heart. Fast forward a few years and Aunt May discovers her nephews biggest secret. It's a rare moment of honesty when May confronts Peter and you just get the sense of relief from both of them. Peter needs people who know his secret even if he thinks he doesn't. And I think it helps him accept the past a little more and enables him to move on and finally grow.
As we move on from 9/11 storyline, we then hit closer to Peter's heart. Fast forward a few years and Aunt May discovers her nephews biggest secret. It's a rare moment of honesty when May confronts Peter and you just get the sense of relief from both of them. Peter needs people who know his secret even if he thinks he doesn't. And I think it helps him accept the past a little more and enables him to move on and finally grow.
November 27, 2022
Mneah. 3 cu indulgență. Și doar ptr numărul 37.
Paperback-ul ăsta începe cu celebrul număr dedicat atentatului de la 11 septembrie cu turnurile gemene, apoi reia povestea de unde a rămas. Mătușa lui Peter află că nepotul e supererou și trebuie să se împace cu situația. Nimic grozav, ba chiar multă propagandă, sentimentalisme fade, replici false. Arta e aproape la fel de banală și greu de pus în valoare când trebuie să dublezi replici peste replici de patriotism și vină că nu ai fost acolo și de ce și cum s-a putut și tot așa.
Un singur număr iese în evidență, 37-le. Un număr despre puștii cu probleme acasă și care luptă din greu să rămână în viață și să urmeze o școală. Un număr bun, ce se ridică peste cele mediocre din această tură.
Câteva impresii:
https://vderevlean.wordpress.com/2022...
Paperback-ul ăsta începe cu celebrul număr dedicat atentatului de la 11 septembrie cu turnurile gemene, apoi reia povestea de unde a rămas. Mătușa lui Peter află că nepotul e supererou și trebuie să se împace cu situația. Nimic grozav, ba chiar multă propagandă, sentimentalisme fade, replici false. Arta e aproape la fel de banală și greu de pus în valoare când trebuie să dublezi replici peste replici de patriotism și vină că nu ai fost acolo și de ce și cum s-a putut și tot așa.
Un singur număr iese în evidență, 37-le. Un număr despre puștii cu probleme acasă și care luptă din greu să rămână în viață și să urmeze o școală. Un număr bun, ce se ridică peste cele mediocre din această tură.
Câteva impresii:
https://vderevlean.wordpress.com/2022...
March 21, 2020
Tohle je prostě ten nejlepší možný Spider-Man protože v tomhle příběhu je všechno - napětí, humor, akce a hlavně konečně roky trvající rozřešení jak by May reagovala na to, že je Peter Spidey.
November 7, 2019
After his middling first arc, JMS returns with a set of four one-off stories that have heart in a way that the story of Ezekiel and Morlun didn't.
9/11 (#36). This issue is a memorial of 9/11. Twenty years later, it feels like it's from a different lifetime, and though it's a bit wordy, it's still a moving reminder of what we lost. JMS reacts to the tragedy well, in a way that brings up humanity, rather than tearing it down [5/5].
Interlude (#37). The best part of JMS' first story arc was the tiny bit of focus we got on Peter as a person (and now a teacher). That's repeated here, with Peter encountering social problems that he can't punch [5/5].
The Conversation (#38). One of the best things that JMS did was allowing Aunt May to find out that Peter was Spider-Man. It allowed both characters to mature in ways that they hadn't in decades (which is why it's all the more bitter that Marvel rebooted it so quickly thereafter). Besides that, this is a heartfelt meeting of the minds [5/5].
Meanwhile (#39). One of the dreaded 'Nuff Said issues, but this one isn't bad, giving some insight into what's going on in the heads of MJ and May (and Peter) [4+/5].
9/11 (#36). This issue is a memorial of 9/11. Twenty years later, it feels like it's from a different lifetime, and though it's a bit wordy, it's still a moving reminder of what we lost. JMS reacts to the tragedy well, in a way that brings up humanity, rather than tearing it down [5/5].
Interlude (#37). The best part of JMS' first story arc was the tiny bit of focus we got on Peter as a person (and now a teacher). That's repeated here, with Peter encountering social problems that he can't punch [5/5].
The Conversation (#38). One of the best things that JMS did was allowing Aunt May to find out that Peter was Spider-Man. It allowed both characters to mature in ways that they hadn't in decades (which is why it's all the more bitter that Marvel rebooted it so quickly thereafter). Besides that, this is a heartfelt meeting of the minds [5/5].
Meanwhile (#39). One of the dreaded 'Nuff Said issues, but this one isn't bad, giving some insight into what's going on in the heads of MJ and May (and Peter) [4+/5].
October 29, 2020
This volume was so good, Peter has to deal with the fallout of the 9/11 incident and the narration there is top tier. It makes you feel bad as to what happened and even heroes can fail but promises we will come stronger than this. Next one is Aunt may dealing with finding out the identity of Peter as Spidey and wow that was an emotional one but when she finally has that talk with Peter maybe one of the single greatest Spidey moments ever and in other one we have Pete helping out her students who lives in a slum and just showing how Pete is one of the greatest human beings ever and also hints at "The Shade". And that lost one didn't have any writing, its a story told through art and has MJ, Aunt May and Pete going about their usual lives dealing with knowing what the other is going through, doing their work but dealing with issues. Romita's artwork is so good here and its a silent issue that says so much than words. Its like one of the best revelations stories ever!!
July 9, 2016
Fantastic! Super non-Spider-Man volume. More regular people problems - a 9/11 dedication, a troubled homeless teen with a drug-problemed brother, an Aunt May-Peter confrontation, and a dialogue-less issue featuring Peter and MJ missing each other and May coming to terms with her new revelation. Lots of heart with still enough humor thrown in to feel Spider-Man-like.
September 10, 2023
This was a unique book, I found it hard to land on a rating.
It starts off with the 9/11 issue. Some of it I quite liked and other aspects I didn’t as much. I thought having the super hero’s and villains present as much as they were kind of downplayed the impact and severity of the “plot”. I also wasn’t a fan of the thought bubble text that was (most likely) coming from Peters POV since i found it not to be stuff he would say. However, the text itself was thought provoking and a poetic and powerful “how to move forward” message.
Now onto the meat of the book. The next/last 4 issues of this book were all Peter, Aunt May, and MJ focused. Spider-man almost doesn’t make an appearance. No villains. Just some drama and serious topics. I can’t go into it without spoilers, but these were some greatly written issues. A lot of heart.
The last issue was textless and it was done well, out of context. However, I probably wouldn’t have been happy paying for that issue at the time. Could’ve “read” it off the rack in 45-60 seconds.
A note on the art. I love Romita Jr’s Spider-Man design (minus the webbing on the costume), action scenes, and his landscape/background work. However, I am not a big fan of his characters faces. They look very over exaggerated and cartoonish when everything around them has a more grounded style.
I’ve had to do quite a bit of research and external reading into the continuity of this (and the prior) book, as I am sometimes feeling confused on certain events and characters arcs and where I am in them currently. I wish these books had some summary pages of what happened prior/in between issues just so the reader is fully understanding the overarching plot.
I think this is the biggest review I’ve ever written lol and I’m honestly not sure why that happened considering how short of a book this was and nothing too outstanding came to me while reading. Maybe volume 3’s review will be shorter…
It starts off with the 9/11 issue. Some of it I quite liked and other aspects I didn’t as much. I thought having the super hero’s and villains present as much as they were kind of downplayed the impact and severity of the “plot”. I also wasn’t a fan of the thought bubble text that was (most likely) coming from Peters POV since i found it not to be stuff he would say. However, the text itself was thought provoking and a poetic and powerful “how to move forward” message.
Now onto the meat of the book. The next/last 4 issues of this book were all Peter, Aunt May, and MJ focused. Spider-man almost doesn’t make an appearance. No villains. Just some drama and serious topics. I can’t go into it without spoilers, but these were some greatly written issues. A lot of heart.
The last issue was textless and it was done well, out of context. However, I probably wouldn’t have been happy paying for that issue at the time. Could’ve “read” it off the rack in 45-60 seconds.
A note on the art. I love Romita Jr’s Spider-Man design (minus the webbing on the costume), action scenes, and his landscape/background work. However, I am not a big fan of his characters faces. They look very over exaggerated and cartoonish when everything around them has a more grounded style.
I’ve had to do quite a bit of research and external reading into the continuity of this (and the prior) book, as I am sometimes feeling confused on certain events and characters arcs and where I am in them currently. I wish these books had some summary pages of what happened prior/in between issues just so the reader is fully understanding the overarching plot.
I think this is the biggest review I’ve ever written lol and I’m honestly not sure why that happened considering how short of a book this was and nothing too outstanding came to me while reading. Maybe volume 3’s review will be shorter…
June 22, 2019
This is one of my favorite trade paperback collections of all time for several reasons: 1) we see Spider-Man embracing his NYC heritage and responding to the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy, not only as a superhero, but as a citizen witness to the destruction; 2) we answer an age-old question of "what might happen should Aunt May discover's Peter's secret?"; and 3) we find out that there are other secrets in the Parker family than the reason behind Peter's guilt complex. JMS really does a fantastic job with the writing, particularly in the first issue (#36 of AMS V2), and the contrasting silent issue sets off the entire arc as a piece of comic art.
April 29, 2023
The collection starts with the cheesiest and most boring 9/11 issue. It's so awful. And the worst part about it is that it wasn't even needed! Marvel didn't need to address this real world tragedy and have superheroes explaining why they weren't around. I'm sure at the time it felt meaningful and offered some solace to some readers, but I could have done without it.
The rest of the volume is great, however. Aunt May finds out that Peter is Spider-Man and they both have to deal with how they feel about this. They share the guilt they each feel about Uncle Ben's death and Aunt May works on changing Peter's public image. All very cute and very down to earth. Just great issues in general.
The rest of the volume is great, however. Aunt May finds out that Peter is Spider-Man and they both have to deal with how they feel about this. They share the guilt they each feel about Uncle Ben's death and Aunt May works on changing Peter's public image. All very cute and very down to earth. Just great issues in general.
July 28, 2014
The art in this volume is amazing. I love how much emotion you can see on the characters' faces, especially on Peter and Aunt May. Because this book is jam-packed full of emotion, the emotion through the art is pivotal, and this book surely does not disappoint.
Issue #36 is about the attack on the Twin Towers. It's a sad, emotionally-charged issue given the material it is covering. It's solemn, and poetic. Perhaps this issue is not pertinent to the overall Spider-Man story, but it is important for New Yorkers, especially to those who experienced the catastrophe first hand, and perhaps its important for all Americans in general. I can't help but think that this issue is like a historical archive. Perhaps 200 years from now, people will read this issue and they will be able to catch a glimpse of how people thought and felt about this terrible tragedy.
Issue #37 is my favorite issue of the book. In it we see Peter's sensitive and parental side. There is definitely something charming about his persona. It's remarkable how he always knows how to do the right thing. For most, it's incredibly hard to know what to do. Life often hurls us into situations where we have to choose between two terrible choices. Perhaps because Peter has experienced so much, and has faced the hardest dangers, he can choose and not be afraid. He can do what's right, which for most people is the hardest thing to do. In that, I can't help but feel drawn to this issue. Peter Parker is a humanitarian. A quality I both admire and strive to be. If anything, I hope this issue could be an inspiration for others, that perhaps someone would read this issue and feel impassioned to be like Parker: take action, help others, and never be afraid.
Issue #38 was a complete surprise. In it Aunt May confronts Peter with the secret she knows. I had no idea how she would react. I actually thought the complete opposite would turn up. This surprise threw me, and the outcome filled me with emotion. Like I said, this is an emotionally-charged novel, which I applaud the authors for undertaking and succeeding in.
In Issue #39 we have a completely textless issue. The entire issue is silent, but even still I felt strongly attached to what was going on, and I felt greatly enraptured by the story. I'm usually not a fan of image-only comics. Most feel detached, disjointed, confusing; however, this one was none of those things. It was as good of quality as any of the other issues in the novel, which I have to commend the authors for.
All in all, I strongly recommend reading this book. I'm curious where the franchise is leading, and I can't wait to read the next one. I also want to note, that even though these issues are sad, touching, emotional, there are still clever jokes interspersed throughout. I couldn't help but laugh out loud in even the most surprising parts. Spider-Man always has a witty sense of humor, and I'm glad that they decided to include this aspect of him in the novel. There's nothing like the feeling of anxiety, and then the next moment you're laughing. Some may think that type of juxtaposition sounds absurd, but I think there is something strangely human about experiencing the wide gamut of emotions in just a few moments. That rollercoaster of feelings, that's what life is, and I like that these issues emulate that.
Issue #36 is about the attack on the Twin Towers. It's a sad, emotionally-charged issue given the material it is covering. It's solemn, and poetic. Perhaps this issue is not pertinent to the overall Spider-Man story, but it is important for New Yorkers, especially to those who experienced the catastrophe first hand, and perhaps its important for all Americans in general. I can't help but think that this issue is like a historical archive. Perhaps 200 years from now, people will read this issue and they will be able to catch a glimpse of how people thought and felt about this terrible tragedy.
Issue #37 is my favorite issue of the book. In it we see Peter's sensitive and parental side. There is definitely something charming about his persona. It's remarkable how he always knows how to do the right thing. For most, it's incredibly hard to know what to do. Life often hurls us into situations where we have to choose between two terrible choices. Perhaps because Peter has experienced so much, and has faced the hardest dangers, he can choose and not be afraid. He can do what's right, which for most people is the hardest thing to do. In that, I can't help but feel drawn to this issue. Peter Parker is a humanitarian. A quality I both admire and strive to be. If anything, I hope this issue could be an inspiration for others, that perhaps someone would read this issue and feel impassioned to be like Parker: take action, help others, and never be afraid.
Issue #38 was a complete surprise. In it Aunt May confronts Peter with the secret she knows. I had no idea how she would react. I actually thought the complete opposite would turn up. This surprise threw me, and the outcome filled me with emotion. Like I said, this is an emotionally-charged novel, which I applaud the authors for undertaking and succeeding in.
In Issue #39 we have a completely textless issue. The entire issue is silent, but even still I felt strongly attached to what was going on, and I felt greatly enraptured by the story. I'm usually not a fan of image-only comics. Most feel detached, disjointed, confusing; however, this one was none of those things. It was as good of quality as any of the other issues in the novel, which I have to commend the authors for.
All in all, I strongly recommend reading this book. I'm curious where the franchise is leading, and I can't wait to read the next one. I also want to note, that even though these issues are sad, touching, emotional, there are still clever jokes interspersed throughout. I couldn't help but laugh out loud in even the most surprising parts. Spider-Man always has a witty sense of humor, and I'm glad that they decided to include this aspect of him in the novel. There's nothing like the feeling of anxiety, and then the next moment you're laughing. Some may think that type of juxtaposition sounds absurd, but I think there is something strangely human about experiencing the wide gamut of emotions in just a few moments. That rollercoaster of feelings, that's what life is, and I like that these issues emulate that.
May 17, 2023
Revaluations is a really good read dampened slightly by the fact I’ve already read Brian Michael Bendis’ take on the exact same thing in Ultimate Spider-Man, and do a better job of it.
It’s odd how similar ‘the talk’ between Aunt May and Peter about his duel identity is between both books, but I think this suffers by being so soon into J. Michael Stracyzynsky’s run on Spider-Man. We haven’t had too much time with his take on both characters exact relationship and while very well written and moving it simply didn’t carry the same weight Ultimate Spider-Man had in its 111th issue.
The other plot revolving around homeless kids being taken into the astral plane to allow a criminal to stay on the material plane was very good. It tackled themes of poverty and homelessness well and allowed Mr Parker the teacher to do just as much as Spider-Man the hero. Doctor Strange was a fun cameo too. I love how often Peter goes to him for help, so much so that it’s made it into the movies now, and I enjoy their odd dynamic a lot.
I really wasn’t a fan of how Mary-Jane was depicted in this volume. She felt kind of like eye candy, which added to the somewhat sexist undertones I felt in a lot of the writing. Apparently she plays a bigger role in the next book so hopefully they can develop her better there.
It’s odd how similar ‘the talk’ between Aunt May and Peter about his duel identity is between both books, but I think this suffers by being so soon into J. Michael Stracyzynsky’s run on Spider-Man. We haven’t had too much time with his take on both characters exact relationship and while very well written and moving it simply didn’t carry the same weight Ultimate Spider-Man had in its 111th issue.
The other plot revolving around homeless kids being taken into the astral plane to allow a criminal to stay on the material plane was very good. It tackled themes of poverty and homelessness well and allowed Mr Parker the teacher to do just as much as Spider-Man the hero. Doctor Strange was a fun cameo too. I love how often Peter goes to him for help, so much so that it’s made it into the movies now, and I enjoy their odd dynamic a lot.
I really wasn’t a fan of how Mary-Jane was depicted in this volume. She felt kind of like eye candy, which added to the somewhat sexist undertones I felt in a lot of the writing. Apparently she plays a bigger role in the next book so hopefully they can develop her better there.
March 21, 2017
Quiet moments are the best.
World: The art is great, Romita Jr. doing his thing. The world building is also solid with characters being the core. It's simple it's intimate and it's so needed to make the story and world mean so much more.
Story: The 9/11 title was powerful and intimate and did pull on my heartstrings. The other 3 issues were phenomenonal. Intimate, character driven and deep. It's these quiet moments which I cherish the most and something that is often missing in superhero books. The breather issues are vital to make the world and the character real and it is done so well here.
Characters: Absolutely fantastic. Peter and May and their issue long discussion builds relationship and character as does the MJ issue. It's so good.
Quiet moments are the best.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art is great, Romita Jr. doing his thing. The world building is also solid with characters being the core. It's simple it's intimate and it's so needed to make the story and world mean so much more.
Story: The 9/11 title was powerful and intimate and did pull on my heartstrings. The other 3 issues were phenomenonal. Intimate, character driven and deep. It's these quiet moments which I cherish the most and something that is often missing in superhero books. The breather issues are vital to make the world and the character real and it is done so well here.
Characters: Absolutely fantastic. Peter and May and their issue long discussion builds relationship and character as does the MJ issue. It's so good.
Quiet moments are the best.
Onward to the next book!
June 15, 2022
If it weren't for the awful and baffling 9/11 issue that begins this short volume (an issue I've written about in my Snyder video essay because it's just such a weird tonal dissonance of trying to reckon with 9/11 through the superhero world), I might actually give this an extra star. I'm a sucker for issues where two characters just reckon with the complexities of their identities (like in my favorite issue of the Batman: No Man's Land storyline between Gordon and Batman) and the dialogue-less followup to that is also pretty heartfelt. I really like the idea of making Peter become a teacher and the issue about his relationship with one of his students is pretty great and highlights the heart of good Spider-Man that I felt was missing from some of the 80s stuff I read.
September 20, 2021
Clever writing meets lovely artwork.
December 28, 2021
An interesting look on the damage that happens when things aren't said.
November 19, 2022
The first part was garbage but 37-39 are compelling
April 29, 2020
Revelations są dziełem przełomowym tak naprawdę przez dwa elementy. To odniesienie do tragedii, jaką był zamach na wieże WTC oraz przełomowe wydarzenie w życiu Pajęczaka. Bowiem jego ciotka wreszcie dowiedziała się (co prawda przez przypadek) o drugiej tożsamości siostrzeńca. To coś co burzy świat i sprawia, że inaczej się przecież postrzega bliską osobą, która przecież okłamywała Nas przez dłuższy czas...
Peter realizuje się jako nauczyciel i angażuje się w życie uczniów, zwłaszcza tych wyglądających na posiadających pewne problemy. Tutaj jego zainteresowanie pada na ciemnowłosą Jennifer, która zasypia na lekcjach. Rzeczywistość okazuje się okropna, bowiem dziewczyna nie dość że jest praktycznie bezdomna, to i squatuje tylko w piwnicy obok dawnego miejsca zamieszkania i ma na dodatek brata uwikłanego w narkotyki. Przyniesie to w przyszłości pewne problemy, bowiem okaże się że tacy młodzi narkomani znikają gdzieś w dziwnych okolicznościach...
Bałem się jak będzie wyglądała ta kulminacja pomiędzy May a Peterem. Jest ona na szczęście bardzo naturalna i raczej sam bym sobie wyobrażał, że tak przebiegnie. Oboje obwiniało się o śmierć wujka Bena i oboje nosili to brzemię tak długo, że cała ta "kłótnia" okazała się olbrzymio wyzwalająca. Coś wspaniałego. Życie obojga zmieniło się zupełnie, ale cieszy mnie że May to teraz kobieta, która jest się w stanie sama obronić. Fajnie. Kadry bez dialogów są fantastycznie narysowane. Brak dialogów sprytnie zastąpiono nagłówkami gazet albo e-mailami. May jako tako osoba zajmująca się poprawianiem PR Spider-mana? Coś fantastycznego. I ta jej lista...
Romita Jr. spisał się świetne, choć ma to swoje plusy i minusy. Opowieść jest bardziej kameralna, ale ma potrzebną głębie. Jestem ciekaw jak dalej będzie się rozwijała ta relacja ciotka-siostrzeniec. Mocne 4.5/5.
Peter realizuje się jako nauczyciel i angażuje się w życie uczniów, zwłaszcza tych wyglądających na posiadających pewne problemy. Tutaj jego zainteresowanie pada na ciemnowłosą Jennifer, która zasypia na lekcjach. Rzeczywistość okazuje się okropna, bowiem dziewczyna nie dość że jest praktycznie bezdomna, to i squatuje tylko w piwnicy obok dawnego miejsca zamieszkania i ma na dodatek brata uwikłanego w narkotyki. Przyniesie to w przyszłości pewne problemy, bowiem okaże się że tacy młodzi narkomani znikają gdzieś w dziwnych okolicznościach...
Bałem się jak będzie wyglądała ta kulminacja pomiędzy May a Peterem. Jest ona na szczęście bardzo naturalna i raczej sam bym sobie wyobrażał, że tak przebiegnie. Oboje obwiniało się o śmierć wujka Bena i oboje nosili to brzemię tak długo, że cała ta "kłótnia" okazała się olbrzymio wyzwalająca. Coś wspaniałego. Życie obojga zmieniło się zupełnie, ale cieszy mnie że May to teraz kobieta, która jest się w stanie sama obronić. Fajnie. Kadry bez dialogów są fantastycznie narysowane. Brak dialogów sprytnie zastąpiono nagłówkami gazet albo e-mailami. May jako tako osoba zajmująca się poprawianiem PR Spider-mana? Coś fantastycznego. I ta jej lista...
Romita Jr. spisał się świetne, choć ma to swoje plusy i minusy. Opowieść jest bardziej kameralna, ale ma potrzebną głębie. Jestem ciekaw jak dalej będzie się rozwijała ta relacja ciotka-siostrzeniec. Mocne 4.5/5.
May 12, 2025
The Amazing Spider-Man by J.M.S., Vol. 2: Revelations picks up right where the previous volume left off, but this time with no slow build just a confident leap straight into emotionally charged storytelling. J. Michael Straczynski’s writing once again shines with depth and nuance, diving into one of the most personal and impactful moments in Peter Parker’s life.
The narrative flows beautifully, particularly in the final issue of this volume, which stands out for its bold decision to tell a deeply emotional story without a single word of dialogue. It’s a silent, yet powerful exploration of the emotional weight carried by Peter, Mary Jane, and Aunt May and how each of them processes the truth they now share.
While the storytelling is top-tier, the artwork remains a mixed bag for some. John Romita Jr.’s style continues to be distinctive, though it may not appeal to every reader aesthetically.
Overall, this is a strong and emotionally resonant volume that deepens the characters and raises the stakes, marking an important turning point in the series.
Rating: 4/5
The narrative flows beautifully, particularly in the final issue of this volume, which stands out for its bold decision to tell a deeply emotional story without a single word of dialogue. It’s a silent, yet powerful exploration of the emotional weight carried by Peter, Mary Jane, and Aunt May and how each of them processes the truth they now share.
While the storytelling is top-tier, the artwork remains a mixed bag for some. John Romita Jr.’s style continues to be distinctive, though it may not appeal to every reader aesthetically.
Overall, this is a strong and emotionally resonant volume that deepens the characters and raises the stakes, marking an important turning point in the series.
Rating: 4/5
April 2, 2023
Aunt May visits Peter's house to help him with his laundry (it seemed weird to me that he can't do his own laundry but them I remembered that Peter married young and is recently separated and May is smothering) and finds him bruised and battered, clutching a torn up Spider-Man costume.
The rest of these issues consist of May coming to terms with the knowledge that Peter is Spider-Man, along with a side plot where Peter checks in on a student who's been sleeping a lot in class and learns she lives in a squatter community with her older brother, whom he saves from overdosing.
There's no super-villains or fights in these issues, just emotional conflicts. It's really good.
There's also a stand-alone 9/11 memorial issue. It's... fine. I'm sure it would have been more meaningfull to me 20 years ago.
The rest of these issues consist of May coming to terms with the knowledge that Peter is Spider-Man, along with a side plot where Peter checks in on a student who's been sleeping a lot in class and learns she lives in a squatter community with her older brother, whom he saves from overdosing.
There's no super-villains or fights in these issues, just emotional conflicts. It's really good.
There's also a stand-alone 9/11 memorial issue. It's... fine. I'm sure it would have been more meaningfull to me 20 years ago.
July 4, 2023
The big moment is here, Aunt May finds out Peter is Spider-Man!
Another great, if not a bit short volume.
It actually opens with 9/11. As someone who lived in Brooklyn on the day it happened, the memories are still pretty vivid. It's terrible event, and watching Peter go through it is both great but sad. The doctor doom bit is a little far fetched but whatever, it's a solid tribute issue. Then the issue Peter tries to help one of his students get through rough times is great as is the reveal issue with Aunt May. Both some powerful stuff. On top of that there's the issue with Spider-Man being a hero and MJ watching him on TV. Then MJ being a supermodel and Peter watching her on the big screen. Great contrast and wonderful silent issue with Aunt May sprinkled throughout writing nasty letters to publishers who are being mean to Spider-Man.
A 4 out of 5.
Another great, if not a bit short volume.
It actually opens with 9/11. As someone who lived in Brooklyn on the day it happened, the memories are still pretty vivid. It's terrible event, and watching Peter go through it is both great but sad. The doctor doom bit is a little far fetched but whatever, it's a solid tribute issue. Then the issue Peter tries to help one of his students get through rough times is great as is the reveal issue with Aunt May. Both some powerful stuff. On top of that there's the issue with Spider-Man being a hero and MJ watching him on TV. Then MJ being a supermodel and Peter watching her on the big screen. Great contrast and wonderful silent issue with Aunt May sprinkled throughout writing nasty letters to publishers who are being mean to Spider-Man.
A 4 out of 5.
May 13, 2022
next addition to my comic re-read reviews (3/?): this is the first spider-man TPB that i ever bought, and for good reason--it's fantastically written and illustrated by both JMS and JRjr. i am a member of the bandwagon that says if you want to start spidey comics, you should start here. it's a heartbreaking, emotionally resonant set of issues that really break peter down to his core in a way that i think perfectly exemplifies why we love spidey. also, i think we need more people to realize that peter is like. a Fully grown man. he has a job! he wears a tie! i don't know about you guys, but my peter parker is a terrible, adult man who is sort of an asshole and has a lot of rage issues. that's MY spider-man.
August 14, 2024
"Revelations" picks up directly from the previous arc, though it isn't quite as filled in. One issue serves as a fill-in issue to commemorate the September 11 attacks on New York, while another is a wordless issue (during Marvel's brief 'Nuff Said period) which shows glimpses into the lives of Peter and his supporting cast. The title is a reference to Aunt May discovering Spidey's identity finally, which serves as the backdrop for one of the better issues of the series where the two have a lengthy and honest conversation. It's a touching volume, though the lack of any further momentum on the series does make this feel like parts could have been absorbed into other volumes instead of being released as this way too slim volume.
September 8, 2019
The book starts with a very emotional issue about 9/11, showing how tragedy affects EVERYONE. Words can’t describe how powerful this issue is, just read it.
SPOILER ALERT: this arc is about Aunt May walking in on a bloody and bandaged Peter with a tattered Spider-Man costume and she doesn’t know how to handle it. It causes an emotional strain on their relationship.
There is an issue without words which makes you focus on the characters’ mannerisms, expressions, and coping. Aunt May actually does a ton of little things to support Peter’s lifestyle, but has trouble forgiving him for lying to her for years. It’s well written and definitely a great run.
SPOILER ALERT: this arc is about Aunt May walking in on a bloody and bandaged Peter with a tattered Spider-Man costume and she doesn’t know how to handle it. It causes an emotional strain on their relationship.
There is an issue without words which makes you focus on the characters’ mannerisms, expressions, and coping. Aunt May actually does a ton of little things to support Peter’s lifestyle, but has trouble forgiving him for lying to her for years. It’s well written and definitely a great run.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2023
4.5 stars -- This should probably be called The Existentialist Spider-Man as all of the issues contained within this volume are low-actiony, thought-provoking stories that range from a 9/11 tribute to a Rhino midlife crisis. If you are in the mood, this is a great book with suberb writing and wonderfully laid out art. Several of these stories have little or no dialog; and without traditional comicbook fisticuffs to propel the scenes, the panel layout and clever mundanity of the art become all-important. Romita Jr. does a great job getting the story and mood across with his drawings. Very recommended.
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