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The Amazing Spider-Man (1999) (Collected Editions) #8
The Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 4: The Life and Death of Spiders
After receiving information from Ezeckiel that calls the origin of his spider-powers into question, Peter must face off against the otherworldy hunter Shathra, who has targeted Spider-Man as her prey.
120 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2003
12 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
J. Michael Straczynski
1,376 books1,283 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
December 15, 2020
This was a rather interesting comic. I wasn't sure what to think, at first, but the ending sealed the deal for me.
Peter Parker finds that there is a mystical component to his being Spiderman. It turns out an ancient creature known as Shathra is the nemesis of those with the spider "totem". Peter, who is separated from MJ and trying to win her back, must face this creature and learn about the totemic aspects of the spider. A strange story, but not bad.
The other story is the relationship between MJ and Peter. While I am not a fan of romantic storylines, this one was well done. The humor during the Dr. Doom/Airport scene was well done. But the relationship aspect was also well done.
Romita's artwork works very well for the story and I liked it. So if you like Romita Jr's art and a good, but romantic, story then you will enjoy this volume. Recommended for Spiderman fans who appreciate the MJ/Peter relationship.
Peter Parker finds that there is a mystical component to his being Spiderman. It turns out an ancient creature known as Shathra is the nemesis of those with the spider "totem". Peter, who is separated from MJ and trying to win her back, must face this creature and learn about the totemic aspects of the spider. A strange story, but not bad.
The other story is the relationship between MJ and Peter. While I am not a fan of romantic storylines, this one was well done. The humor during the Dr. Doom/Airport scene was well done. But the relationship aspect was also well done.
Romita's artwork works very well for the story and I liked it. So if you like Romita Jr's art and a good, but romantic, story then you will enjoy this volume. Recommended for Spiderman fans who appreciate the MJ/Peter relationship.
July 27, 2022
The Life and Death of Spiders is a strong entry in the amazing run by Straczynski and Romita Jr. The characters shine the brightest, with very thought out characterisation, and aesthetic artwork. Although, I personally did not like the fantasy elements added in the story, the drama was too great to divert my mind from them.
October 26, 2019
The Life & Death of Spiders (#46-50). Second verse, just like the first? JMS returns to the idea of a totemic spider being hunted by a spider-killer and plays it almost exactly like The Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 1: Coming Home, except this time the foe is a spider-wasp, Shathra (who doesn't have the depth of Morlun, being a knock-off at this point, but nonetheless does return down the road in Scarlet Spider).
Despite the repetition, this is still a fun storyline. That's in part because scrappy Peter Parker facing an utterly unbeatable foe is interesting. But it's the character subplots that really make the story. It's of course great to see Ezekiel again, but the heart of the story is Mary Jane, who finally comes to a really meaningful meeting of the minds with Peter, something that's been hanging over JMS' run to date.
(And yes, it's bitterly ironic that JMS brought them back together, only to be forced to rip them apart in the end by editorial mandate.) [4+/5]
Despite the repetition, this is still a fun storyline. That's in part because scrappy Peter Parker facing an utterly unbeatable foe is interesting. But it's the character subplots that really make the story. It's of course great to see Ezekiel again, but the heart of the story is Mary Jane, who finally comes to a really meaningful meeting of the minds with Peter, something that's been hanging over JMS' run to date.
(And yes, it's bitterly ironic that JMS brought them back together, only to be forced to rip them apart in the end by editorial mandate.) [4+/5]
September 20, 2018
Peter has to question himself on his arachnid nature while dealing with Shathra, a powerful entity intent on bringing the spider out of Spider-Man. But is Spidey the real target?
Then a breather where Petey and M.J. try to reconcile with each other (again). Not sure this is going to be easy with Doom around...
Straczynski fluidily brings out these two plots one after another, mixing action, emotion and humor. If the first part is part mostly action hinting at something bigger that may reserve some suprises, the second walks the same soapy path than the previous volume. With contrived bits too: Pete, MJ, Cap Am and Dr. Doom, together, in Denver's airport. Yeah, right. Straczynski still manages to make something decent out of that though. How does he do that? Beats me. Or maybe it's talent...
Then a breather where Petey and M.J. try to reconcile with each other (again). Not sure this is going to be easy with Doom around...
Straczynski fluidily brings out these two plots one after another, mixing action, emotion and humor. If the first part is part mostly action hinting at something bigger that may reserve some suprises, the second walks the same soapy path than the previous volume. With contrived bits too: Pete, MJ, Cap Am and Dr. Doom, together, in Denver's airport. Yeah, right. Straczynski still manages to make something decent out of that though. How does he do that? Beats me. Or maybe it's talent...
January 10, 2022
Brilliant writing! Especially the scenes between Pete & MJ! Could be a 5-star if not for the mediocre Romita's art.
October 29, 2020
This volume was phenomenal. We have a new spider adversary named Shathra, she is a spider wasp and like that her natural enemy the spider, she is going after him. She takes the form of Sharon and goes to a news channel to destroy Peter's reputation saying they hooked up and all, seeing his rep get tarnished, spidey attacks her and faces her but gets knocked down. Its upto Ezekiel to rescue him and take him to the Spider temple where they fight, Shathra and Spidey and no wonder he emerges on top but there is so much mystery here. The next story is an emotional one between Peter and MJ, their relationship and that typical parker luck lol until they get stuck in Denver and meet and no wonder smeone is attacking Dr Doom there too who is also there and also Cap? Its a fun team up to protect doom from some terrorists and MJ and Pete finally have the talk and are together finally! This issue has its moments when you feel peter is going down but the boy comes out on top and the art is just beautiful and the lettering marvellous! Also the colors matches the tone perfectly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2023
A bit of a weaker volume yet still great character work.
This time we lean heavily into Spider-totem stuff, with a wasp like woman coming after peter to kill him. That's natural enemies for you, wasp vs spider, and most times the wasp wins. This leaves Peter in trouble and a old friend may have to come to his rescue.
The fight between Peter and Wasp girl is solid but a bit overly explained on what and how to stop it. It's a fun fight for sure, with some great moments, but didn't do too much for me outside the typical cool superhero fight. However, the final two issues really land well with Peter and MJ trying to work out their issues and their marriage. It just feels so real and honest, it's really a great turn of events.
A 3.5 out of 5. I'll bump it to a 4.
This time we lean heavily into Spider-totem stuff, with a wasp like woman coming after peter to kill him. That's natural enemies for you, wasp vs spider, and most times the wasp wins. This leaves Peter in trouble and a old friend may have to come to his rescue.
The fight between Peter and Wasp girl is solid but a bit overly explained on what and how to stop it. It's a fun fight for sure, with some great moments, but didn't do too much for me outside the typical cool superhero fight. However, the final two issues really land well with Peter and MJ trying to work out their issues and their marriage. It just feels so real and honest, it's really a great turn of events.
A 3.5 out of 5. I'll bump it to a 4.
March 26, 2017
Heartwarming and world building.
World: Romita Jr. art, nothing else need say. The world building is great, creating a mythology for Spidey that changes everything about him. It started with the first arc and now more, it's great.
Story: Two fantastic stories that pushes different areas of Peter's life, one as Spidey and one as Peter. The totem story was wonderful in the sheer importance of the world building and where it leads, fantastic. The MJ story was a Rom Com superhero style and it warmed my heart. Yes having them together does have challenges but like Lois Lane and Clark Kent, Barry Allen and Iris West, and Hal Jordan and Carol Ferris you can't have Peter without MJ.
Characters: Great world building for Peter in the area of Spider-Man and great development for bringing the MJ story to its logical and expected end. All the characters were great and the quiet moments were wonderful.
Absolutely fantastic.
Onward to the next book!
World: Romita Jr. art, nothing else need say. The world building is great, creating a mythology for Spidey that changes everything about him. It started with the first arc and now more, it's great.
Story: Two fantastic stories that pushes different areas of Peter's life, one as Spidey and one as Peter. The totem story was wonderful in the sheer importance of the world building and where it leads, fantastic. The MJ story was a Rom Com superhero style and it warmed my heart. Yes having them together does have challenges but like Lois Lane and Clark Kent, Barry Allen and Iris West, and Hal Jordan and Carol Ferris you can't have Peter without MJ.
Characters: Great world building for Peter in the area of Spider-Man and great development for bringing the MJ story to its logical and expected end. All the characters were great and the quiet moments were wonderful.
Absolutely fantastic.
Onward to the next book!
July 21, 2016
Good action, probably less enticing and more fluffy than in previous volumes (Shathra, more spider totem stuff, random Doctor Doom trouble in a Denver airport), but MJ and Peter patching things up rounds out the volume. Lots of real-life love ideologies are presented, and it's all good.
May 8, 2015
Spidey učitel je podle mě 100x lepší než Spidey student a tahle série je snad to nejlepší ze Spider-Mana. Supr :)
August 5, 2021
Co tu kryć. Lubię tę wersję Spider-Mana spod pióra Straczynskiego. Jest lekki, ale miejscami potrafi przytłoczyć. Jest zabawny, ale jednocześnie mamy tu trudną i skomplikowaną relację damsko-męską. To mój Pajęczak i nawet rysunki Romity Jr. jakoś mi tu pasują, co więcej, pozytywnie wpływając na odbiór całości, poprzez kolory i detale. No i nie ma tu armii klonów, jaką widziałem w aktualniejszych dziełach artysty, vide Superman: Rok Pierwszy.
W gruncie rzeczy fabuła jest prosta. Pamiętacie temat zwierzęcych totemów, jaki wypłynął przy Morlunie? Jest nadal aktualny, bowiem na Pająka parol zagięła niejaka Shathra, stanowiąca odzwierciedlenie osy pająka, która jest śmiertelnie efektownym łowcą pajęczaków. Jest też inteligentna bowiem atakuje Petera nie tylko fizycznie, ale i wizerunkowo. Sprytne. Mamy też powrót Ezekiela, który wesprze Parkera w walce.
A to nie koniec atrakcji, bo jeszcze mamy zajście na lotnisku pod koniec tomu i kilka naprawdę świetnych i humorystycznych zarazem momentów na przestrzeni całego tomu. Straczynski dał nam kolejny dobry zbiór przygód Pająka i oby tak dalej trzymał formę.
W gruncie rzeczy fabuła jest prosta. Pamiętacie temat zwierzęcych totemów, jaki wypłynął przy Morlunie? Jest nadal aktualny, bowiem na Pająka parol zagięła niejaka Shathra, stanowiąca odzwierciedlenie osy pająka, która jest śmiertelnie efektownym łowcą pajęczaków. Jest też inteligentna bowiem atakuje Petera nie tylko fizycznie, ale i wizerunkowo. Sprytne. Mamy też powrót Ezekiela, który wesprze Parkera w walce.
A to nie koniec atrakcji, bo jeszcze mamy zajście na lotnisku pod koniec tomu i kilka naprawdę świetnych i humorystycznych zarazem momentów na przestrzeni całego tomu. Straczynski dał nam kolejny dobry zbiór przygód Pająka i oby tak dalej trzymał formę.
March 22, 2025
Spider-Man finds himself confronted by Shathra, an embodiment of the spider-wasp totem, whose enmity for him is pure and unalterable. When he eludes her first attempt at killing him, Shathra changes tactics and goes on national TV claiming to have been his lover, putting at risk his fragile relationship with MJ and his secret identity.
I'm not really a huge fan of the whole 'spider totem' storyline, so this continuation of it didn't hit as hard with me as something with a more recognisable villain would have done.
I was also largely unimpressed by the third act inclusion of Doctor Doom and Captain America, which felt very contrived and tangential.
That said, I remain a life long fan of Peter's relationship with MJ and I was fully engaged by the ups and downs of their attempts to reconnect after the failure of their marriage.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
I'm not really a huge fan of the whole 'spider totem' storyline, so this continuation of it didn't hit as hard with me as something with a more recognisable villain would have done.
I was also largely unimpressed by the third act inclusion of Doctor Doom and Captain America, which felt very contrived and tangential.
That said, I remain a life long fan of Peter's relationship with MJ and I was fully engaged by the ups and downs of their attempts to reconnect after the failure of their marriage.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
August 16, 2024
"The Life and Death of Spiders" introduces one of the stranger antagonists for the Wall-Crawler yet - Shathra. Picking up on the mystical and ethereal elements introduced by Straczynski in the very first issue of his run, Shathra is another menace drawn to Spider-Man for his spider-based powers, and she turns out to be just as cruel as Morlun, but in a very different kind of way. The most nefarious portion of this volume focuses on Shathra's "cancellation" of Spidey by going to the news and outing Spidey as a sexual deviant of sorts. Still dealing with the rocky resurrection of his relationship with MJ, Peter is enflamed and succumbs to more vengeful forms of fighting with this new foe.
Another exciting volume, and JR Jr continues to impress, particularly with the strong design choices around this new villain.
Another exciting volume, and JR Jr continues to impress, particularly with the strong design choices around this new villain.
May 29, 2025
"Hey, God? It's Peter again. Listen, not that I'm complaining or anything, but next incarnation, just for a change of pace, you think you could have me get bitten by a radioactive Jennifer Lopez? Just a thought."
- Spidey, having one of those days.
You're unlikely to get eaten while visiting the beach. But as soon as you enter the ocean, you enter the food chain.
What's scarier than a spider? A spider wasp. Especially if you're the spider! Spider-Man's trip to the astral plane and wandering off the path got the attention of exactly that. He became a part of that particular food chain.
Ezekiel bails Spidey out of this pickle.
Doctor Doom and Captain America make an appearance.
The relatability of Peter and Mary Jane's relationship drama made this one of the best story arcs I've ever read.
Four and a half rounded up to five stars.
- Spidey, having one of those days.
You're unlikely to get eaten while visiting the beach. But as soon as you enter the ocean, you enter the food chain.
What's scarier than a spider? A spider wasp. Especially if you're the spider! Spider-Man's trip to the astral plane and wandering off the path got the attention of exactly that. He became a part of that particular food chain.
Ezekiel bails Spidey out of this pickle.
Doctor Doom and Captain America make an appearance.
The relatability of Peter and Mary Jane's relationship drama made this one of the best story arcs I've ever read.
Four and a half rounded up to five stars.
September 13, 2023
The first 80% of this book was connected to the first book in this series, it was actually pretty similar too story wise. I think it was just different enough to keep my interest and the mythos was expanded on and a new/final threat teased.
The last 20% was a bit of a strange story. I’m not sure if this was part of the larger continuity or not, but the action and characters seem out of place. I think this could’ve been handled better; especially due to how much of an impactful decision/conversation took place.
The last 20% was a bit of a strange story. I’m not sure if this was part of the larger continuity or not, but the action and characters seem out of place. I think this could’ve been handled better; especially due to how much of an impactful decision/conversation took place.
October 3, 2024
“Let me get this straight. You run around with Thunder Gods, Sorcerers Supreme, aliens, ghosts, demons, guys who turn to sand, and immortals with cosmic powers… and you don’t believe in this?”
Well, what can I say Ezekiel? A man has to have a line somewhere. Anyway, Shathra was a decent antagonist here, better than Morlun, because at least she does something pretty scummy to get under Peter’s skin. The only reason this volume gets 4 stars is because those last two issues absolutely carried! That’s the kinda drama and romance that makes you love Spider-Man!
Well, what can I say Ezekiel? A man has to have a line somewhere. Anyway, Shathra was a decent antagonist here, better than Morlun, because at least she does something pretty scummy to get under Peter’s skin. The only reason this volume gets 4 stars is because those last two issues absolutely carried! That’s the kinda drama and romance that makes you love Spider-Man!
September 2, 2022
The whole totem-spider thing is a little far-fetched, but... as Ezekiel points out... aren't Thunder Gods and gamma-irradiated hulks also far-fetched? Somehow this seems to stretch it farther, but honestly... these stories have such a great focus on characters and their relationships that I'm more than willing to put up with a little far-fetchedness. (Also... Peter and MJ are back together! YAY! So sweet! I loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2017
Spiderman is warned by Dr Strange that something bad is coming for him. The villain is interesting and attacks at a different level. MJ and Peter finally meet up, but as usual at a wrong time, with Captain America and Doom being involved. This volume continues to look at the potential mystical powers that the spider bite gave him, and how much spider he has in him. A good read.
March 14, 2022
Leí el libro 2 de La Colección Definitiva que junta el Vol 3 y 4 de esta saga.
Me encanta poder ver la relación de Peter y MJ en este punto de sus vidas, la manera en que se complementan y en la que la Suerte Parker está tan presente.
Me encanta ver a Peter como profesor y también está profundización en todo el tema de los tótems místicos con Ezekiel.
Me encanta poder ver la relación de Peter y MJ en este punto de sus vidas, la manera en que se complementan y en la que la Suerte Parker está tan presente.
Me encanta ver a Peter como profesor y también está profundización en todo el tema de los tótems místicos con Ezekiel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2025
Shathra is about a 2.5/5 villain, and Digger in the issues I’m reading now is like a 1/5. That said, so far, here are the oc Strac villains ranked by personal preference:
1. Luke Carlyle (4.2/5)
2. The Stacy Twins (4.6/5?)
3. Morlun (4.34/5)
4. Shathra (3ish/5)
5. Digger (1.5?/5)
6. The Shade (0/5)
2.8/5.
1. Luke Carlyle (4.2/5)
2. The Stacy Twins (4.6/5?)
3. Morlun (4.34/5)
4. Shathra (3ish/5)
5. Digger (1.5?/5)
6. The Shade (0/5)
2.8/5.
November 21, 2018
I'm not 100% sure how I feel about the totem stuff just yet; the payoff will reveal whether this was a big exercise in filling issues or something actually worthwhile, but the Doom stuff at the end is spectacular, and I'm still digging the Peter as a high school teacher arc quite a bit.
December 29, 2018
I really enjoy all the outside spider stuff that's included in this volume, like with Shathra. I'm also excited to learn more about Ezekiel. We get a lot of action in this volume, and I thoroughly enjoyed the composition of some of the scenes. It made the action move even faster.
June 1, 2023
Další skvělé pokračování Petera Parkera alias Spideyho! Líbilo se mi více než Štastné narozeniny, bylo tu také více romantiky s MJ a boss zrozený z mafiánů byl teda pěkný oříšek. Dokonce jsme si tu i zavzpomínaly na 1 z mých oblíbených postav. Vřele doporučuju.
March 22, 2019
Great book, except the part with Doom at the end.
December 29, 2019
This is where Straczynski's style really starts to chafe against my idea of what makes a great Spider-Man story. This isn't a great Spider-Man story.
October 23, 2020
amazing. just simply amazing
September 20, 2021
A breezy read that just about satisfies all the aspects of a good adventure.
October 27, 2021
rating: 4.5*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews