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The Amazing Spider-Man (1999) (Collected Editions) #10
The Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 6: Happy Birthday
Peter Parker spends his birthday as Spider-Man fighting an interdimensional threat that's descended on Manhattan alongside a Who's Who of the Marvel Universe - including the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, the X-Men's Cyclops and Dr. Strange. Ages 13+
136 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2004
14 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
J. Michael Straczynski
1,371 books1,277 followersJoseph Michael Straczynski is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is best known as the creator of the science fiction television series Babylon 5 (1993–1998) and its spinoff Crusade (1999), as well as the series Jeremiah (2002–2004) and Sense8 (2015–2018). He is the executor of the estate of Harlan Ellison.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 22, 2023
Celebrating 500 issues of The Amazing Spider-Man, this volume pays tribute to the character, with a special art segment by John Romita, Sr. There are times when Straczynski has really poured his heart out in this volume, and it is reflected in his work here.
October 18, 2018
3,5*
Surprisingly good considering not much happens.
First a three-parter where Peter revives some battles of his life. Nothing really impressive plot-wise but the interaction Spidey/Doc Strange is fun. Strange even Makes a funny joke! It actually means the end is nigh but still a joke. The last pages, though what's said is very formulaic, are well done and JMS instills emotion in a dialogue that should make me feel very blasé.
Then a few "interludes" where honestly strictly nothing happens, but Straczynski manages(again) to deliver great and fun dialogues/monologues and characters interactions and that makes all the difference. The one with May is the weakest but still decently plays the emotional ace. The one with the jewish tailor is simply fun.
Again not a volume that'll change anything in the great scheme of things but a pleasant read nonetheless.
Surprisingly good considering not much happens.
First a three-parter where Peter revives some battles of his life. Nothing really impressive plot-wise but the interaction Spidey/Doc Strange is fun. Strange even Makes a funny joke! It actually means the end is nigh but still a joke. The last pages, though what's said is very formulaic, are well done and JMS instills emotion in a dialogue that should make me feel very blasé.
Then a few "interludes" where honestly strictly nothing happens, but Straczynski manages(again) to deliver great and fun dialogues/monologues and characters interactions and that makes all the difference. The one with May is the weakest but still decently plays the emotional ace. The one with the jewish tailor is simply fun.
Again not a volume that'll change anything in the great scheme of things but a pleasant read nonetheless.
May 29, 2024
Puntaje: 2.5 Estrellas
Continuando con mi travesía de leer las historias que componen los tomos de la Colección “Los Héroes Más Poderosos de Marvel”, es el momento de leer “Feliz cumpleaños”, historia principal del tomo de Spider-Man.
Diría que me sorprendió el puntaje, pero la verdad es que lo veía venir. Este es un tomo que nunca compré de la colección, y la razón es porque esta historia no me llamaba mucho la atención. Creo que este es un arco que se inventaron cuando no se les ocurría nada más que hacer con Spider-Man.
La premisa es sencilla: Peter Parker está próximo a cumplir años y, un par de días antes, un portal inter dimensional se abre, dejando pasar a millones de criaturas místicas absolutamente peligrosas en las calles de Nueva York. Por supuesto, Spider-Man no podría detener esto por sí solo, por lo que veremos a muchos héroes que viven en la ciudad haciendo presencia.
En medio de todo el alboroto, cosas ocurren y Spider-Man termina junto a Dr. Strange haciendo un repaso rápido de la historia del hombre araña, e incluso podemos ver un par de guiños hacia lo que podríamos ver en el futuro del personaje.
Honestamente la historia me ha parecido aburrida. Probablemente sea un “homenaje” que le hayan querido hacer al personaje, pero la verdad lo sentí más como un relleno innecesario. Personalmente no lo recomiendo, creo que hay mejores historias de Spider-Man que otros lectores pueden descubrir.
Continuando con mi travesía de leer las historias que componen los tomos de la Colección “Los Héroes Más Poderosos de Marvel”, es el momento de leer “Feliz cumpleaños”, historia principal del tomo de Spider-Man.
Diría que me sorprendió el puntaje, pero la verdad es que lo veía venir. Este es un tomo que nunca compré de la colección, y la razón es porque esta historia no me llamaba mucho la atención. Creo que este es un arco que se inventaron cuando no se les ocurría nada más que hacer con Spider-Man.
La premisa es sencilla: Peter Parker está próximo a cumplir años y, un par de días antes, un portal inter dimensional se abre, dejando pasar a millones de criaturas místicas absolutamente peligrosas en las calles de Nueva York. Por supuesto, Spider-Man no podría detener esto por sí solo, por lo que veremos a muchos héroes que viven en la ciudad haciendo presencia.
En medio de todo el alboroto, cosas ocurren y Spider-Man termina junto a Dr. Strange haciendo un repaso rápido de la historia del hombre araña, e incluso podemos ver un par de guiños hacia lo que podríamos ver en el futuro del personaje.
Honestamente la historia me ha parecido aburrida. Probablemente sea un “homenaje” que le hayan querido hacer al personaje, pero la verdad lo sentí más como un relleno innecesario. Personalmente no lo recomiendo, creo que hay mejores historias de Spider-Man que otros lectores pueden descubrir.
October 30, 2019
Quite possibly the low-point of JMS' run. Yes, there's a certain arc down the road that is very controversial, and yes his last arc ruined his whole run (but he wasn't to blame). But this one is both pointless and forgettable
Happy Birthday (#57-58, 500). A really disappointing anniversary story. Peter spends two issues mindlessly fighting mindless ones, just to set up a jaunt through the past in the anniversary issue #500 where he mindlessly steps into the pages of lots of old stories. Quite simply: dull [2/5].
A Day in the Park with May (#501). This is supposed to be a heartfelt story about May, but it entirely depends on a "shocker" in the last page about who she's talking to. Beyond that, we get lots about her fear yet respect for what Peter does, which is great, but we've heard it before [3/5].
You Want Pants with That (#502). A fairly hilarious story about a super-tailor and doing the right thing. Also, MJ gets a bit of agency, reminding us that she's not just Peter's sidekick [5/5].
Happy Birthday (#57-58, 500). A really disappointing anniversary story. Peter spends two issues mindlessly fighting mindless ones, just to set up a jaunt through the past in the anniversary issue #500 where he mindlessly steps into the pages of lots of old stories. Quite simply: dull [2/5].
A Day in the Park with May (#501). This is supposed to be a heartfelt story about May, but it entirely depends on a "shocker" in the last page about who she's talking to. Beyond that, we get lots about her fear yet respect for what Peter does, which is great, but we've heard it before [3/5].
You Want Pants with That (#502). A fairly hilarious story about a super-tailor and doing the right thing. Also, MJ gets a bit of agency, reminding us that she's not just Peter's sidekick [5/5].
March 18, 2016
Every time I read Spider-Man I can't help feeling as I did with Will Graham:
Someone give Pete a break!!!!
Someone give Pete a break!!!!
March 23, 2020
Fakt to nechápu ale Straczynskiho Spidey je pořád strašně boží. Tohle je hlavně emotivní příběh který vrcholí scénou která patří mezi nejlepší komiksové momenty/rozhovory jaké jsem kdy četl. Definitivní verze postavy Spider-Mana/Petera Parkera v komiksu, podle mě.
June 3, 2018
Contains the really great story about superhero/villain tailor Leo Zelinsky. I love stories like this, that delve into the weird mundane parts of the super life.
June 7, 2013
You know, I've read (this part of) Straczynski's run on The Amazing Spider-Man a few times now, and I always thought it was a landmark run, but this time around, I'm starting to see the cracks and feel that maybe it isn't very good after all. Volume 6: Happy Birthday contains three stories in all; a three part main story, and two one shots.
The main story involves Spidey responding to a disturbance and finding a battle in progress, involving the Fantastic Four, The Avengers and Cyclops from X-Men fighting off an invasion of Mindless Ones (who have previously appeared in various mystical themed Marvel comics.) Right off the bat, I was annoyed that we are thrown into a melee, rather than shown events as they unfolded. The battle leads into a sequence in which Spidey and Doctor Strange are thrown into a place outside of time and Spidey ends up being bounced around his own history allowing the reader to relive some of the Silver Age's most famous moments. I really can't understand why Peter is tempted to interfere by preventing his teenage self from receiving his spider powers because it would save Uncle Ben. We all know Spider-Man's origin, right? It was Peter's inaction, not his powers that allowed Ben's death. If he never got the spider bite, he wouldn't even have been in the right time and place to prevent the crime. At least it wouldn't be on his conscience, I guess. The glimpses into Spider-Man's possible future were intriguing, but they mostly made me wish I was reading that story instead of this one.
Both the one shots are very heavy handed, with the first one being downright corny. It is focussed on May coming to terms with Peter's secret, and that's good and everything, but Straczynski has spent so much time on this already, it is a dead horse by now. If you didn't guess from the start, who the unseen person May is talking to is, you are a dim bulb. Both of these stories feature Straczynski original villains, and I'm really getting sick of him passing up the rogues gallery to come up with these lame villains. Here we get The Shaker, who has almost exactly the same powers as an existing Spidey villain with a very similar name and Killshot, who also is pretty much any number of comic book assassins with a fresh coat of paint.
The main story involves Spidey responding to a disturbance and finding a battle in progress, involving the Fantastic Four, The Avengers and Cyclops from X-Men fighting off an invasion of Mindless Ones (who have previously appeared in various mystical themed Marvel comics.) Right off the bat, I was annoyed that we are thrown into a melee, rather than shown events as they unfolded. The battle leads into a sequence in which Spidey and Doctor Strange are thrown into a place outside of time and Spidey ends up being bounced around his own history allowing the reader to relive some of the Silver Age's most famous moments. I really can't understand why Peter is tempted to interfere by preventing his teenage self from receiving his spider powers because it would save Uncle Ben. We all know Spider-Man's origin, right? It was Peter's inaction, not his powers that allowed Ben's death. If he never got the spider bite, he wouldn't even have been in the right time and place to prevent the crime. At least it wouldn't be on his conscience, I guess. The glimpses into Spider-Man's possible future were intriguing, but they mostly made me wish I was reading that story instead of this one.
Both the one shots are very heavy handed, with the first one being downright corny. It is focussed on May coming to terms with Peter's secret, and that's good and everything, but Straczynski has spent so much time on this already, it is a dead horse by now. If you didn't guess from the start, who the unseen person May is talking to is, you are a dim bulb. Both of these stories feature Straczynski original villains, and I'm really getting sick of him passing up the rogues gallery to come up with these lame villains. Here we get The Shaker, who has almost exactly the same powers as an existing Spidey villain with a very similar name and Killshot, who also is pretty much any number of comic book assassins with a fresh coat of paint.
October 29, 2020
This was a fun one. Its Spidey's birthday but its an invasion by the mindless one and Dormammu is here and he sends him through time but its basically Spidey revisiting his greatest moments and reaffirming his oath to his uncle to be a better hero and its so fun and wild and zany. Pete has some good moments of realization and Dr Strange is up for a good cameo and we also have moments where Peter uses his science brains to solve problems which was a welcome addition. The next few stories are one shots like one with the tailor who fixes the suits and helps Spidey to prevent an assassination and the other a reflection of Aunt May talking to Ben while Pete fights a new villain named the Shaker and the way he defeats them is intelligent. Plus more romance between MJ and Pete is always welcome! Overall a decent read but weaker compared to other volumes!
January 5, 2022
Stało się. Po licznych pobocznych tasiemcach seria The Amazing Spider-Man dobił do numeru 500 i trzeba to było jakoś uczcić ten fakt. Traf chciał, że padło na Straczynskiego i trzeba przyznać, że jak na takie 'urodzinowe' odcinki, to wyszło mu całkiem fajnie. Jest tu masa sentymentu, powrotu do przełomowych momentów w życiu pajączka, a nawet miejsce na katharsis. I to takie po całemu.
Kto śledzi historię Pajączka ten wie, że Peter za łatwo w życiu nie ma. Jak już coś mu się wyklaruje to zaraz coś innego się posypie. Nie jest mu nawet dane spokojnie przespać nocy, bo dochodzi do bitwy na środku Nowego Jorku, z Avengers w tle. I zaczyna się. Dziwne istoty z innego wymiaru są tylko pretekstem, aby doprowadzić do pewnego zdarzenia.
Na arenie pojawia się pewien przeciwnik i Parker musi łączyć siły z Dr. Strange'm, aby zaradzić sytuacji. Niestety i to nie idzie jak trzeba, a Pajączek wpada w swoisty loop czasowy, który pozwoli mu spojrzeć jeszcze raz na pewne wydarzenia z życia. Końcówka łamie serce. Dla fanów Spider-mana tytuł raczej obowiązkowy do zobaczenia.
To pierwsza, dłuższa część omawianego tytułu. Potem fabuła koncentruje się na rozmowie cioci May, która dywaguje na aktualne tematy. Przypominam, że staruszka wie już czym zajmuje się Peter i musi sobie radzić jakoś z tą wiedzą. Obawy, lęki, ale i inspiracja. I tona sentymentu. Ale najlepsze ciągle przed nami. Jeden zeszyt poświęcony osobie, o której byście nawet nie pomyśleli.
Ci wszyscy trykociarze mają w końcu własne stroje. Ktoś je musiał zrobić. I takiego Pana tu mamy. Wiele takiego lekkiego humoru, mimo zagrożenia w tle. Świetny zeszyt. Liczę, że całą serią w końcu zainteresuje się Egmont, bo Straczynski prezentuje naprawdę świetny poziom przygód Pajęczaka.
Towarzyszy mu rysownik, do którego mam mocno mieszane uczucia. Romita Jr. udowadnia, że jak chce (a ostatnio mu się nie chce) to potrafi. I choć występuje tu case zbyt podobnych twarzy to zaciera się przy nawale pracy, jaką musiał poświęcić na całą resztę. Za to też należy się plusik.
To czemu nie wyższa nota? Z jednej strony doceniam uczucia jakie tu zaprezentowano, ale zbytnia jazda na sentymencie też nie jest tym, czego szukam czy uwielbiam. Poza tym początkowe starcie z istotami przy udziale Avengers średnio mi podeszło i rozwija się dopiero jak wpada Dr. Strange. Ale i tak całościowo na plus.
Kto śledzi historię Pajączka ten wie, że Peter za łatwo w życiu nie ma. Jak już coś mu się wyklaruje to zaraz coś innego się posypie. Nie jest mu nawet dane spokojnie przespać nocy, bo dochodzi do bitwy na środku Nowego Jorku, z Avengers w tle. I zaczyna się. Dziwne istoty z innego wymiaru są tylko pretekstem, aby doprowadzić do pewnego zdarzenia.
Na arenie pojawia się pewien przeciwnik i Parker musi łączyć siły z Dr. Strange'm, aby zaradzić sytuacji. Niestety i to nie idzie jak trzeba, a Pajączek wpada w swoisty loop czasowy, który pozwoli mu spojrzeć jeszcze raz na pewne wydarzenia z życia. Końcówka łamie serce. Dla fanów Spider-mana tytuł raczej obowiązkowy do zobaczenia.
To pierwsza, dłuższa część omawianego tytułu. Potem fabuła koncentruje się na rozmowie cioci May, która dywaguje na aktualne tematy. Przypominam, że staruszka wie już czym zajmuje się Peter i musi sobie radzić jakoś z tą wiedzą. Obawy, lęki, ale i inspiracja. I tona sentymentu. Ale najlepsze ciągle przed nami. Jeden zeszyt poświęcony osobie, o której byście nawet nie pomyśleli.
Ci wszyscy trykociarze mają w końcu własne stroje. Ktoś je musiał zrobić. I takiego Pana tu mamy. Wiele takiego lekkiego humoru, mimo zagrożenia w tle. Świetny zeszyt. Liczę, że całą serią w końcu zainteresuje się Egmont, bo Straczynski prezentuje naprawdę świetny poziom przygód Pajęczaka.
Towarzyszy mu rysownik, do którego mam mocno mieszane uczucia. Romita Jr. udowadnia, że jak chce (a ostatnio mu się nie chce) to potrafi. I choć występuje tu case zbyt podobnych twarzy to zaciera się przy nawale pracy, jaką musiał poświęcić na całą resztę. Za to też należy się plusik.
To czemu nie wyższa nota? Z jednej strony doceniam uczucia jakie tu zaprezentowano, ale zbytnia jazda na sentymencie też nie jest tym, czego szukam czy uwielbiam. Poza tym początkowe starcie z istotami przy udziale Avengers średnio mi podeszło i rozwija się dopiero jak wpada Dr. Strange. Ale i tak całościowo na plus.
July 7, 2023
Happy Birthday Spider-Man!
What starts off as Peter dealing with a asshole of a staff member at school becomes a cosmic threat that'll end all humanity as Dr. Strange tries his best to stop impending doom. This gives a chance for Spider-Man to go back in time and see all the major choices and fights of his life in issue 500. It's a pretty great issue with a lot of heart, and a somber but well thought out ending. The last two issues is May still coming to terms with Peter as Spidy and about sometimes we have to stop bad things from happening even if it might come back at us.
A well crafted, heartfelt, and enjoyable volume. Strazynski just knows how to write characters, especially Peter, MJ, and May. This feels like a real family unit, with real issues, while also tackling superhero elements. I can't get enough of this run and remember why I loved it so much growing up. A 4 out of 5.
What starts off as Peter dealing with a asshole of a staff member at school becomes a cosmic threat that'll end all humanity as Dr. Strange tries his best to stop impending doom. This gives a chance for Spider-Man to go back in time and see all the major choices and fights of his life in issue 500. It's a pretty great issue with a lot of heart, and a somber but well thought out ending. The last two issues is May still coming to terms with Peter as Spidy and about sometimes we have to stop bad things from happening even if it might come back at us.
A well crafted, heartfelt, and enjoyable volume. Strazynski just knows how to write characters, especially Peter, MJ, and May. This feels like a real family unit, with real issues, while also tackling superhero elements. I can't get enough of this run and remember why I loved it so much growing up. A 4 out of 5.
August 31, 2024
This stretch of Straczynski's and Romita Jr.'s Amazing Spider-Man run does little to further any plotlines, but it does take stock of some of the personal developments in Peter's life and serves to be a celebration of 500 issues of the ongoing series that began publication in 1962. Spidey finds himself embroiled in Doctor Strange shenanigans, but it serves as a way for him to reconnect with pivotal moments in his own history like the spider bite, Uncle Ben's death and more. The "Happy Birthday" arc is a fun celebratory little series, with some fine emotional beats to be found. An Aunt May centric story follows this and is also quite touching. Another fun self-contained Spidey adventure rounds out this volume.
October 14, 2024
If I were just rating this volume based on issue #500, this would be an easy five stars. Not to say that the other issues are bad, it’s just that you can make an argument that the method of getting to the payoffs we get in that issue are a tad overcomplicated, what with having to involve magic and time travel and Dormammu and everything. I didn’t care too much for the follow up issue with Shaker or whatever, but the final issue of the volume with that tailor guy was actually pretty fun. The final reveal of him being the person who designed the “Last Stand” suit was a nice touch. Kind of unfortunate that you could reasonably call this the last great volume of JMS’s run, because looking at the list of what’s left, it’s gonna be a rocky road to the finish line.
December 24, 2021
Collects Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #57-58, 500-502
Here's the truth...I purchased this digital collection back in 2017 because I had been reading through the JMS era of "Amazing," and my library didn't have this particular collection. Sometimes when I read comics digitally, I forget to log them on Goodreads, and I just found out today that I never logged this book, which I remember reading years ago, but I don't remember anything about it. I'm writing this review in 2021, and I believe I read the book in 2017.
I'm giving this a 3-star rating, but it could actually be better or worse in my mind. I honestly can't remember, but do want to make note that I read it.
Here's the truth...I purchased this digital collection back in 2017 because I had been reading through the JMS era of "Amazing," and my library didn't have this particular collection. Sometimes when I read comics digitally, I forget to log them on Goodreads, and I just found out today that I never logged this book, which I remember reading years ago, but I don't remember anything about it. I'm writing this review in 2021, and I believe I read the book in 2017.
I'm giving this a 3-star rating, but it could actually be better or worse in my mind. I honestly can't remember, but do want to make note that I read it.
September 15, 2023
I really loved the Happy Birthday story. It was my favourite series of issues in the whole run so far. It had everything you’d want in a spidey story. Very emotional story as well which we haven’t seen a ton of since the first book and this one was built up better and had a better conclusion.
The other 2 one-off stories in this book were serviceable. They weren’t grand like Happy Birthday, but I liked them in contrast to Happy Birthday. The ending of the last one even has a nod to Happy Birthday which I liked and also adds some context to that story too.
The other 2 one-off stories in this book were serviceable. They weren’t grand like Happy Birthday, but I liked them in contrast to Happy Birthday. The ending of the last one even has a nod to Happy Birthday which I liked and also adds some context to that story too.
April 2, 2020
Šťastné narozeniny mi přijdou na výroční (500.) číslo strašně slabý. Hybatelem děje je Strange, kterému Spidey sekunduje a akorát reaguje na chaos všude kolem. Sled scén z minulosti je obyčejný, prostě do jednoho sešitu naflákáme několik klíčovým momentů a šlus (byť Romitova dvojstránka je epická).
Je tu několik povedených hlášek a moc pěkný závěr, ale nějak mě to celé nechává chladným. Společně se soubojem Ocků zatím nejslabší JSM (a bude hůř).
Je tu několik povedených hlášek a moc pěkný závěr, ale nějak mě to celé nechává chladným. Společně se soubojem Ocků zatím nejslabší JSM (a bude hůř).
June 3, 2025
"The Mindless Ones? We're being attacked by hockey fans?"
- Spidey the asshat.
Mr. Parker makes an enemy at school. Spidey does some time travel, magic stuff with Dr. Strange during the worst birthday ever.
Then, Aunt May talks about Peter and Spider-Man.
Finally, the best short story yet, we meet a humble Jewish tailor who makes costumes for both heroes and villains.
Love the normality. Characters having believable lives in between action scenes. I love this series. Five stars.
- Spidey the asshat.
Mr. Parker makes an enemy at school. Spidey does some time travel, magic stuff with Dr. Strange during the worst birthday ever.
Then, Aunt May talks about Peter and Spider-Man.
Finally, the best short story yet, we meet a humble Jewish tailor who makes costumes for both heroes and villains.
Love the normality. Characters having believable lives in between action scenes. I love this series. Five stars.
June 18, 2022
Me encantó esta pequeña colaboración con el Dr Strange, como Peter viaja a través del tiempo viendo sus momentos más importantes contra sus villanos y las pérdidas que sufrió.
Este número representa la perseverancia y los valores de Spider-Man. Me encanta que MJ, Gwen y May se muestren y se recalque que tan importarte son para la vida de Peter.
El regalo de Dr Strange a Peter es muy bello.
Este número representa la perseverancia y los valores de Spider-Man. Me encanta que MJ, Gwen y May se muestren y se recalque que tan importarte son para la vida de Peter.
El regalo de Dr Strange a Peter es muy bello.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2017
the last 2 or 3 issues of this volume were some of the first comics I ever read - I read them out of order, with little context, but I loved them. it was cool to reapproach them now, with a lot more knowledge of the story and characters.
December 30, 2018
I actually really loved the trip back in time and the nods to Peter's previous battles, especially because I've been reading some backlist Spider-Man stuff as well. And the story about the super hero/villain Taylor was a nice touch. Overall, not a badly paced volume for Spider-Man.
February 2, 2020
Issue 502 with the tailor was one of my favorite issues from this run. Overall a good arc.
March 20, 2020
3.5 stars
October 24, 2020
amazing, as usual. they really struck a balance with spidey's humor in these ones
December 24, 2020
The best Spider-Man story.
September 20, 2021
Only surprisingly okay considering nothing much happens.
November 11, 2021
when we got to see gwen's death again and peter talking to uncle ben i actually lost it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
El mejor cumpleaños que pudo recibir Peter.
Un Homenaje a la larga trayectoria de Spider-Man.
Un Homenaje a la larga trayectoria de Spider-Man.
September 5, 2024
Very Good 4.5/5
August 23, 2016
Well, I picked up Happy Birthday from the library in preparation for a trip to the beach. And while sitting on the shore, watching the waves, and reading this, I felt like I was on a freakin’ acid trip. Not because of the motion sickness I got from the ocean. No, that had nothing to do with it. Nor was it the art. It was incredibly clean. It was this story. That was just out there. Waaayyyyyy out there.
To start off we have to give the major difference (in my eyes, at least) between DC and Marvel. DC was always more of an emotional impact. In almost all the DC titles I’ve read, it’s centered on the emotional impact of the story. Marvel was always more a current issues thing. Their stories are often laced with little bits of politics and modern plagues. (Spidey’s emotional turmoil and teen angst, Iron Man and his alcoholism, Karolina Deans and her lesbianism, Bruce Banner and his general Hulk thing, need I go on.) A lot of those things are stuff DC can’t- or won’t- feature. (But once again, my personal opinion. Don’t kill me if you don’t agree.)
This story had absolutely nothing to do with either of those concepts. This was very, uh how can I describe it, philosophical. Philosophical is a very good word.
Peter Parker, better known as the Spectacular Spiderman or Amazing Spiderman or whatever he goes by anymore, gets jetsetted an attack gone wrong, essentially, across the whole time space continuum. He ends up getting separated from Doc Strange, the only person who can get him back to his own time. So the Doc tells him to “follow his voice”.
Yeah, just as cryptic as it sounds.
So now poor Petey is stuck all alone.
The first place he visits is the future. Aunt May is dead. Peter is old. And there’s no doubt that twenty or so cops standing behind him want to kill him. Some guy comes up to Old!Peter and tells him that he can he help if he takes the manslaughter rap. (Which means he killed someone. Young!Peter is kinda freaking out as anyone would.) But Old!Peter declines, and he and those cops fight.
Young!Peter has a choice now: to save his older self or keep trying to head home. Read to find out what he did. (DUH!)
After that choice, Peter is whisked off to his beginning, when the spider bit him. He has another choice: stop himself from being bit, save Uncle Ben’s life, and get himself out of this predicament, or keep going. Read to find out. (ONCE AGAIN, DUH!)
The reason I called this philosophical is because in the few moments of these choices, he has to look to the future and understand the ramifications of his actions.
Did I like it?
Honestly, no. The story was just too disconnected to leave anything resonating. Sorry. I was just scratching
But on the upside (!) we get to see Spidey with some big shots of Marvel U. Thor, the Fantastic Four, Scott Summers AKA Cyclops, Tony Stark AKA Iron Man (<3) which is always cool. Although the only three people who actually got to talk were Thor and Mr. F, and the Thing. Cyclops, Invisible Woman, and Human Torch were all silent. Iron Man got a line. So it wasn’t any deep or meaningful convo but still cool.
Oh, and the waiter. Seriously. If anything, read it just for him. He’s hysterical. :)
FINAL RATING
3 out of 5
To start off we have to give the major difference (in my eyes, at least) between DC and Marvel. DC was always more of an emotional impact. In almost all the DC titles I’ve read, it’s centered on the emotional impact of the story. Marvel was always more a current issues thing. Their stories are often laced with little bits of politics and modern plagues. (Spidey’s emotional turmoil and teen angst, Iron Man and his alcoholism, Karolina Deans and her lesbianism, Bruce Banner and his general Hulk thing, need I go on.) A lot of those things are stuff DC can’t- or won’t- feature. (But once again, my personal opinion. Don’t kill me if you don’t agree.)
This story had absolutely nothing to do with either of those concepts. This was very, uh how can I describe it, philosophical. Philosophical is a very good word.
Peter Parker, better known as the Spectacular Spiderman or Amazing Spiderman or whatever he goes by anymore, gets jetsetted an attack gone wrong, essentially, across the whole time space continuum. He ends up getting separated from Doc Strange, the only person who can get him back to his own time. So the Doc tells him to “follow his voice”.
Yeah, just as cryptic as it sounds.
So now poor Petey is stuck all alone.
The first place he visits is the future. Aunt May is dead. Peter is old. And there’s no doubt that twenty or so cops standing behind him want to kill him. Some guy comes up to Old!Peter and tells him that he can he help if he takes the manslaughter rap. (Which means he killed someone. Young!Peter is kinda freaking out as anyone would.) But Old!Peter declines, and he and those cops fight.
Young!Peter has a choice now: to save his older self or keep trying to head home. Read to find out what he did. (DUH!)
After that choice, Peter is whisked off to his beginning, when the spider bit him. He has another choice: stop himself from being bit, save Uncle Ben’s life, and get himself out of this predicament, or keep going. Read to find out. (ONCE AGAIN, DUH!)
The reason I called this philosophical is because in the few moments of these choices, he has to look to the future and understand the ramifications of his actions.
Did I like it?
Honestly, no. The story was just too disconnected to leave anything resonating. Sorry. I was just scratching
But on the upside (!) we get to see Spidey with some big shots of Marvel U. Thor, the Fantastic Four, Scott Summers AKA Cyclops, Tony Stark AKA Iron Man (<3) which is always cool. Although the only three people who actually got to talk were Thor and Mr. F, and the Thing. Cyclops, Invisible Woman, and Human Torch were all silent. Iron Man got a line. So it wasn’t any deep or meaningful convo but still cool.
Oh, and the waiter. Seriously. If anything, read it just for him. He’s hysterical. :)
FINAL RATING
3 out of 5
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