Spider-Man: Reign (Continued)

 

Strip away all comparisons to Frank Miller and what is left of Kaare Andrews’ Spider-Man: Reign? Surprisingly, more than most might at first think, and certainly more than is typical of a “What If…?” style book. At its core, Reign is, as all good Spider-Man properties should be, about Peter Parker. In all the years I’ve read the various writer’s incarnations of Spider-Man, it’s interesting that I have never given much thought to what Peter would look/sound/act like as an old man. Interesting, because it could be argued that, since his Uncle Ben’s death at least, Peter has ALWAYS acted like an old man – living out the life lesson (“With great power comes great responsibility.”) bestowed on him by his aging uncle. Andrews explores this notion further than many writers by giving us a Peter Parker who is both familiar (the obsessive guilt, the unending unhappiness shrouded by one-liners) and alien (in appearance, if nothing else). This, then, is virgin ground, and Andrews treads carefully in his future treatment of this icon. Front and center, as always, is Peter’s guilt, which is used as a motivating factor behind his refusal to be Spider-Man any more.

If I have a quibble with the series, it’s with its depiction of J. Jonah Jameson. First off, how OLD is this geezer? Peter looks to be at least in his seventies…wouldn’t that make Jameson well over 100? It is the future, I guess, so advanced medical technology might be used as reasoning behind Jonah’s unusual health at such an old age. Second, Jameson’s “born again” views of Spider-Man stretch credibility. While it makes for an interesting read, and I certainly won’t deny that, it’s a bit difficult to see J.J.J. having some sort of Saul/Paul conversion on whatever road in New York is equivalent to the one to Damascus.

The most intriguing story elements are also the ones that involve spoilers, so I will refrain from all but the most obtuse statements:

1. The villain behind all of the mayhem? There’s only one it COULD be.
2. The cause of Peter’s extraordinary guilt? This one goes WAY beyond Uncle Ben, and it makes sense, to boot!

Read the books (issues 1 through 3 are out now) and leave comments here.