Another late review, due to some other life things that have occurred. This issue essentially concluded Electro's short term reign as an actual threat to the Spidey-verse. In this conclusion, Electro actually makes a mark in history that will not be easily forgotten - destroying the Daily Bugle.

The story



The preview leaves with Spider-man awoken from the blast by Electro is Amazing Spider-Man 613, only to run back into the fire to look for some clue of some sort that just might help him take down Electro.


In the next scene we see Dexter Bennet, yelling at the top of his voice to all his employees to evacuate the DB. Upon trying to get out however, the employees find out that the whole building its electrified. As such, none of them can get out and are all trapped inside the building. Similarly, no one is allowed from the outside to go in either.



On the outside, J. Jonah Jameson, former owner of the Daily Bugle / DB, and current mayor of New York City, is complaining to himself and everyone around him about the situation with no conclusion as to what should be done.


Just then, Spider-man appears with the perfect plan, that is not revealed. He does however require the assistance of the Jameson's Anti Spidey squad.



Inside the building, Electro is searching for Dexter, still furious about him stealing from the public. As is very much expected, Spider-man comes in the nick of time to save Bennet.



As the two battle, the scene is shifted underground where the Anti Spider-squad is cutting off the electrical power supply for the whole building. I must say, I saw this coming from mile away. Everything that happens from this point on was absolutely not expected.

From outside the building Jameson watches as his building is being torn apart by Electrical blows fired at Spider-man. Some very cool scenes throughout the fight include Electro disappearing into a power plug supply and appearing elsewhere, and Spider-man revealing that he had upgraded his webbing so Electro could no longer conduct himself along the webbing.


In the meantime, Jameson is making his way into his beloved building, somehow intending to stop the fight before his building gets destroyed. Bennet is more than happy to lead Jameson to the fight, hoping for the mayor to die in it.



As the first of a number of unexpected things to happen next, the ceiling above Bennet falls, just as Jameson has moved out of the way. Bennet is crushed under the rubble as Spider-man and Electro fight above him.

With no time to loose, Spider-man carries Bennet as he and Jameson make a run out the building. The entire DB is then reduced to rubble in a matter of seconds, and for a moment, it appears as though Jameson is caught in a trance.

The story ends with Electro, being led to him cell by a guard, who turns out to be the Chameleon. Inside, the prison, we see Sasha Kraven inviting Electro to join their hunt against Spider-man.


Personal Thoughts

Overall an average issue, which in my opinion is fantastic compared to the last couple of issues. The story is filled with the unexpected, which contributes to a better story. The art however, still remains constant and is not to my liking. With the Daily Bugle destroyed, and Dexter Bennet probably out of the picture for some time, it is possible that Jameson may step down as mayor some time soon, and return to his newspaper business.

Two things could happen as a result of the destruction of the DB.

1. Jameson rebuilds it and becomes as cocky as ever
2. Jameson changes his attitude towards everyone, and becomes a new man

These are just my personal opinions which may not happen at all. Nonetheless, it would be interesting to see what the outcome of this issue will be for J. Jonah Jameson Jr.

The story is divided in two stories. In my opinion, the comic makes the reader feel that he is back in the 1960's ( At least the first story does). Reason for this being that the art in the comic is very much like the art in the 1960's Spider-man cartoon. Others have commented that the art is very 'Vertigo' Styled.

It is implied that the first story takes place soon after Spider-man has spent some time with the Avengers. This could possibly be in New Avengers 59 , or Ms Marvel 47.
Before continuing, you may want to catch the preview for this issue here.



First story
At the beginning, focus is mainly on Electro and what he has been going through in more recent times. Such include a dysfunction in his powers, searching for a cure, and being treated like a freak by everyone else. Thankfully he is seen in this comic, mostly without his 'mask.'

In the meantime we find that Dexter Bennet, owner of the DB ( former Daily bugle ) is requesting a bail out for his dying company. Electro, tired of being accused a criminal is set on exposing to the public the real criminal - big shots like Dexter Bennet who is using the taxpayers money to bail out the DB.

Coming back to Peter, we learn that Peter never got drunk in Amazing Spider-Man 600, yet, he had a hangover the day after and was unable to remember what happened - i.e. his one night stand with Michelle. He was unknowingly drinking apple ginger ale the whole time, not champagne.

Anyhow, Peter finds out eventually from Michelle that Electro has gained the trust of the people and is protesting against Bennet. Spider-man obviously is not about to let the villain wonder around New York and attempts to stop him. Surprisingly, Electro seems to be able to counter attack all of Spider-man's moves. Spider-man is thrown down into the angry mob, who think Spider-man is Bennet's hired gun against Electro.



Second Story
The second story features Mary Jane, Black Cat, and Norah. Unfortunately, the art for this story has to be gross. This story focuses on Spider-man and the Black Cat. Peter wonder's where his relationship with Felicia is going as she does not really care about anything he does "out of the suit."

While trying to make some conversation with Felicia, Spider-man mentions that he bumped into his ex that morning. His Parker luck did not help him too much there though. As much as Spider-man fans would want to see Mary Jane in a comic, the art simply throws you off. I must highlight the terrible art.

Check out the ugly Peter Parker and Mary Jane below



This second story could be so much better if the art was good. It ends with Peter meeting someone in the office that sounds and smells like the Black Cat, but goes by the name Ashley Moon. Not to mention causes him to have some 'Bad Luck.'

The only real relationship that is visible between the Black Cat and this Ashley Moon are the green eyes. It is highly possible that Felicia is simply wearing a wig. Nonetheless, as I have pointed out before, Felicia, normally has blue eyes.Read this article I wrote a while back.


Image below: Ashley Moon



Ever since Amazing Spider-Man 606, the Black Cat has suddenly had blue eyes, which bothers me particularly because the green eyes are supposed to be one of the ways to differentiate Mary Jane when she is drawn by different artists. For eg, no one would ever know that it was Mary Jane in the panel above if it were not for her green eyes.

Now apparently the green eyes are what connects Ashley Moon to Felicia. Apart from this, Norah is also featured in this story, almost hiding none of her mixed feelings toward Peter.

Personal Thoughts
As in the review for Amazing Spider-Man 611, I am lacking any personal insight to this comic as the art is just too distracting. Overall, very disappointing in my opinion. Very poor story and art. I need to read some old Spider-man comics.

The first story was reasonably fine. The story was nothing special, nonetheless it is building the foundation for a good story that we are not yet seeing. Electro's character is magnified here, providing a refreshing new view on his character.

As far as the second story is concerned, if you want to read a good story with the Black Cat, do not read this. If there is anything to like about this comic is that we can pretty much confirm Spidey still has not let go of Mary Jane. Unfortunately enough, the sudden appearance of this Ashley Moon has once again blank out all hopes of Peter getting back with Mary Jane anytime soon.

Could it be possible that this is Mephisto's idea of giving Peter a 'chance at happiness?' After all, he is the devil, and I am certain that the devil would not want a happy clean marriage ahead for Peter Parker. So instead, he decides to keep putting sluts in Peter's way to keep him temporarily "happy." Any thoughts?



Other than that - rated 3.5/10 by bulletproofsponge