The Amazing Spider-Man #658

Peter Parker has recently joined the Future Foundation, ex-Fantastic Four, after the events of Johnny Story a.k.a. The Human Torch being brutally murdered. With that how will Peter Parker balance life has Horrizon Scientist, boyfriend to a C.S.I. girl who is smart enough to find out Peter's greatest secret and also frequently team-up with the Avengers? So many Spider-Man events are occurring and things are looking good for Spider-Man at every turn, however will his so-called "Parker Luck" betray him? All this and more as Spider-Man finally gets to wear the FF suit in his own monthly title! Peter Parker: The Fantastic Spider-Man written by Dan Slott and artwork by Javier Pulido and Marvel Team-Up Featuring: The Sensational Spider-Man and Ghost Rider - Can't Get The Service written by Rob Williams and artwork by Lee Garbet.

The Good

I am really digging the Future Foundation story intertwining with Spider-Man's monthly title. While in FF#1, Spider-Man already has the Future Foundation suit, it gives writer Dan Slott a reason to propel Spider-Man to other stories by giving a little foreshadow on the Future Foundations main series. I think one of the best Spider-Man writers has been Dan Slott, he really knows how to make a really good Spider-Man story. At times his stories are an issue behind a different title, but he always adds a certain zeal to Spider-Man's book. I really enjoyed how Dan started this issue off. With Peter Parker being an adult for many years I don't recall anyone making Peter Parker regret something he would do in his personal life. Since he was raised by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May, then they taught Peter what is good for protecting himself and others. If you don't understand what I mean, check the issue out... Anyway, eventually Peter sees the new signal flare of the FF and has to go to work. Since Carlie was staying at his apartment suite, she also gets a call at work (this is where the Parker Luck fits in). The fact that Carlie still doesn't know that Peter is Spider-Man is a real treat. Dan continues to dangle the truth out there, every once and a while, however Carlie's revelation of Peter being Spider-Man may come sooner than you think. It gets you really thinking about her future. I mean, how long will it be until Carlie gets killed by a Spider-Man villain and then Peter is shown all angry and beating Bad guys to a pulp, and eventually goes back to the arms of Mary Jane? It really seems like this is going to be how Dan Slott plays the story, but who knows what will happen.

With all things considered, I am hoping that Spider-Man doesn't get kicked off the Future Foundation. We get a peek that Ben is still angry with Peter being on the team and that (at times) Peter reminds the team of Johnny and the Fantastic Four. The team will have to eventually get over Johnny's death if they want to move on. This seems like the direction that the Future Foundation is going, but that is why Spider-Man is on the team. To add a wildcard on the ranks of the Future Foundation. Marvel also released a teaser to upcoming titles (THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS SPIDER-MAN ISSUE)....

Anyway lots of new things were revealed in this Spider-Man issue, what about the artwork you ask? Javier Pulido is an excellent artist. He has worked on previous Spider-Man issues, and I have found myself to enjoy his artwork more and more. The colors seem to work well with his art and I really like how he portrays Peter Parker in his art. His artwork is a really classic kind of art.

And of course last, but not least, what's a Spider-Man book without a second Spider-Man story? This story is well written by Rob Williams and artwork by Lee Garbett. Long story short, it is really comedic to see what two heroes (Spider-Man and Ghost Rider) do when they team-up with no crime to bust. However, when Ghost Rider disappears after a demon states that "...Your vehicle has not been used for hellish intent..." Ghost Rider tells Spider-Man to drive the bike away from the demon who is trying to use Rider's bike to collect souls (the hellish intent if you were wondering). The artwork by Lee was nice, and flowed with the colors used. Rob did a great job at writing this team-up and I can't wait to see what happens next.

The Bad

For those who have been in and out of Spider-Man lately will have problems with plot lines and story elements that have been intertwining with essential reading material that has been going on lately with Spider-Man. If you ask me, pick up some of the other work that Spider-Man has been around lately so that you can know what has happened recently. Recommended for those who have faded in and out.

The Verdict

Pick this up if you must, because Spider-Man is a really interesting story. The writing, art and everything about this book is really good. While it does has it's moments every once and a while, you can still enjoy what is happening in Spider-Man continuity. Overall 5 out of 5 true believers!