There seems to be an urge by writers who are coming into a long running series at wanting to put their mark on the comic by drastically altering the landscape of the mythology. Be it Alan Moore on Swamp Thing or Garth Ennis on Hellblazer, writers seem to want to shake things up. Stracyznski follows in this tradition, altering Spider-Man's origin from "radioactive spider bite" to inheiriting a "totem power." However just like Moore and Ennis, Stracyznski is also trying to get back to the roots of what made the character work in the first place. The book is filled with deadpan wit, awkward social situations and a vulnerable hero.
The book starts off with the introduction of two new players in Spider-Man's life. One of them is Ezekial, a man who knows much about Peter's life but reveals very little of his own life. Considering that Stracynzski is the man who planned out a five year television series, Babylon 5, I can understand and appreciate that he is laying the groundwork for something that will probably pay off further down the line. The other addition is Morlun. I have to say I wasn't very impressed with the character. His background and character design both fell flat. While his origins may have been unnecessarily vague, his actions have a beautiful simplicity to them. He's a man who wants one thing and has no desire to do anything other than pursue his goal. The fact that he fights Spider-Man without any banter makes him all the more terrifying.
The art of the book is also very strong. I've long been a fan of John Romita Jr.'s stuff. His heavily lined style intrigues me and he's been able to produce on a regular pace, which is a blessing in the days of these delayed-delayed-delayed comic schedules. He has the ability to show movement very well, so the kinetic feel of Spider-Man comes very natuarally. Also, the cover designs by J. Scott Campbell also look very nice. He manages to embody more of the goofy and lithe energy of Spider-Man. The inclusion of his sketchbook at the end was very entertaining.
All in all, this is a clever and enjoyable Spider-Man yarn but it lacks that certain quaility to make it one of the truly great stories. What it does have, and Tucker would yell at me if I failed to mention it, is one of the best Spider-Man scenes ever. Spider-Man, after having fought Morlun for hours and knowing that he has to fight him again and that he probably won't survive, calls Aunt May to tell her he loves her. It's a moment of true humanity that shows how the character of Peter Parker is really defined by his relationships with other people.
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