The Amazing Spider-Man #639

The Story

 Let's see... While the previous issue started this arc off with Peter explaining to MJ the reason behind her being stood up at their weeding. He continues his story, yet it's no longer a story about the events that took place in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 instead it's the aftermath. Which if I may say has definitely been a longtime coming, so now that the story has shifted to the repercussions of the event that never happened along the way it's bound to touch on some of the most intriguing unanswered questions left by One More Day.

The Good

Well first there's definitely the feeling of old Peter in this issue when he's just trying to explain and it just never works out for him no matter what. Secondly, the way Joe Quesada draws from the ageless literary tool of the "hero" in a relationship realizing that it can't go any further out of fear of their love ones being hurt. But to contrary belief the hero isn't the worried party in this issue it's a loved one.  Plot tools aside this issue is very solidly delivered, from spectacular artwork that captures the very essence of (Annual #21), and also to the distinctive use of the two art styles in regards to the multiple time frames within the story. Overall though Rivera's art really provides that emotional realism needed for this kind of re-telling. So mixed with all the heart break in this issue you do get some pretty touching moments with Peter and MJ. Nevertheless throughout this issue it does quite a stand up job representing the Spider-Man I feel that everyone knew before all the mess so it's really refreshing to read.           

The Bad

The only real problem I've got isn't even with the issue it's the very conception of the arc. It just seems sort of random that someone would decide to correct a poorly conceived retcon with what appears to be another retcon, and one with potentially more repercussions then the former. It's not like there's anything specifically wrong with the story, well besides Quesada taking some blatantly easy way outs pertaining certain matters, and yet however it's hard to tell with the arc incomplete if there isn't some hidden reason behind it.

The Verdict: 4/5

Hmm... I still don't fully understand where they're going with this and yet so far this arc really has opened some interesting possibilities, and it's sure going to be intriguing to see how the rest of this unfolds. But I've got to say so far the most unimpressive re-imagining in this arc for me is definitely how Aunt May is “saved” yet it also could be very well be the opposite considering the last page cliff-hanger. Yet nevertheless it just seems like this arc can’t really be fully judged until  the rest is released, but still I'd definitely recommended picking up this title. Especially with it's powerful tone and solid reading experience overall.