The early 2000s were a truly wild time for Marvel comics, with the turn of the century making the debut of a massive amount of lore litcon throughout the Marvel universe, and even Spider-Man didn’t escape unharmed. An epic collection of the amazing Spider-Man Modern Era: TPB from iconic comic duo J. Michael Strachinsky and John Romita Jr. compilation of one of Peter Parker’s most monumental and impactful eras.
This amazing Spider-Man collection must be one of the most wildest modern era epic collection trade paperbacks I’ve read in a long time. Peter’s fight with Morlan is absolutely cruel, and the growth of his relationship with May is an attractive character study of one of Marvel’s most beloved family connections. Additionally, the collection includes a meaningful but Bonkers tribute that Marvel made after the 9/11 terrorist attacks (as a New Yorker living near Manhattan in 2001, I feel entitled to comment on this TBH).
Those cheeks…
Amazing
Don’t let actual story reviews get in the way. I loved it. I had never actually read Morne’s debut, but I had no idea how horrifying Spider-Man’s beatdown was. In other words, Jr.’s art was perfect for this bone-shattering duel, and Peter’s constant desperate movements juxtaposed with Morlun’s horrifying calm were skillfully portrayed in every scene. Ezekiel is an interesting addition to Spider-Man’s universe, and I have feelings about the whole “totem” but this was an interesting way to introduce the concept before it was really rocked by the Spider-Verse stuff in the 2010s.
The discovery of Peter’s identity in May was brilliantly made, and while I really appreciated the complexities of May, clearly distraught by the secrets and lies of her beloved nephew, I feared his safety. It was all love, but it was done in a wonderfully enhanced way that made her relationship with the character with Spider-Man. Peter and May’s trip to Los Angeles is a fun read to get back MJ, and Peter’s experience after death was miserable after being crushed by a building for a fight with two Dr. Octopus.
Amazing
Now, up to the more delicate topics of the 9/11 Memorial issue, Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #36. I was impressed with Marvel that they released a comic dedicated to attacks as many media franchises ignored it completely (remember seeing a 10-year-old friend in 2001 confusing how he never mentioned 9/11). Furthermore, Manhattan is a very integral part of the Marvel universe and it would have been a shock to not acknowledge it.
The story is emotional and important. It’s about the strength and resilience of New Yorkers, the beautiful monuments of those who have died, and the courage of those who have come to hell to save as many souls as possible. But I think much of the value of the story has been reduced by the inclusion of Dr. Doom crying in the fall of the Twin Towers. It makes no sense that the genocide dictator will become emotional from the terrorist attacks in his country of origin, and the image of the cry of fate has become a long-running meme in comic circles. It’s a great story, but with some weird additions, it feels incredibly unnecessary.
Amazing
The collection itself resembles the grand deals of other modern eras printed on vibrantly colored solid paper, held along with a strong spine that does not collapse after a single read. Unfortunately, this collection included a zero variant cover at the end of the book. This is my favorite part of Marvel Trade. I had a few pages of process artwork and some dialogue scripts, but the lack of variation made me feel the end of the collection suddenly and I felt like something was missing.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this collection! The writing of Straczynski is amazing. In particular, the interaction between May and Peter and Spider-Man was a hopeless attempt to continue living in crumpledness, and Jr.’s art felt truly monumental to Peter’s battle with Morne. I wish there was a variant cover or other additional merchandise on the back of the book, but I have this collection on my bookshelf and highly recommend it to any Spidey fan!
“Amazing Spider-Man Modern Era Epic Collection: Coming Home” TPB Review
Amazing Spider-Man Modern Era Epic Collection: Coming Home
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this collection! The writing of Straczynski is amazing. In particular, the interaction between May and Peter and Spider-Man was a hopeless attempt to continue living in crumpledness, and Jr.’s art felt truly monumental to Peter’s battle with Morne. I wish there was a variant cover or other additional merchandise on the back of the book, but I have this collection on my bookshelf and highly recommend it to any Spidey fan!
The writing of Straczynski beautifully deepens Peter Parker’s relationship
John Romita Jr.’s art gives the action scene a monumental feel
The depiction of the crying Doctor Doom is widely considered due to his personality.
Compared to other spectacular collections, this book feels a bit incomplete, as there are no variant covers and limited extra materials at the end of the collection
