Marvel Graphic Novel #46 The Amazing Spider-Man: Parallel Lives

Spider-Man: One-Shots

by Gerry Conway, Alex Saviuk (Illustrator), Andy Mushynsky (Illustrator)

Graphic Novel

Genres: Comics, Spider Man, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Comic Book, Fiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1989

About the author

Gerard Francis Conway (Gerard F. Conway) is an American writer of comic books and television shows. He is known for co-creating the Marvel Comics' vigilante the Punisher and scripting the death of the character Gwen Stacy during his long run on The Amazing Spider-Man. At DC Comics, he is known for co-creating the superhero Firestorm and others, and for writing the Justice League of America for eight years. Conway wrote the first major, modern-day intercompany crossover, Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would make a decent crash-course on Peter and MJ's relationship for a new Spidey reader but there's not huge amounts here to interest a long-time reader like myself who read all the events covered here the first time around. The artwork is solid and workmanlike but makes no attempt to be anything special.

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

A recap of Peter and Mary Jane's relationship throughout the years. There's little new info. It's mainly a primer for new readers. Saviuk's art looks like Marvel's house style of the 70s.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel basically traces the origins of Spiderman and Mary Jane from day 1. It shows the similarities in their lives and how they eventually end up together. It was interesting to see Spiderman's origin in a new way, particularly the parts from Mary Jane's point of view. We also have Doctor Octopus showing up to be his usual menacing self, although we even get to see a different side of him as well.

Gerry Conway was always one of the best Spiderman writers, and artist Alex Savuik, who I personally always found underrated, does a good job of "classic" Spiderman art. His art, while not overly complex, is reminiscent of Ross Andru and John Romita Sr.

There wasn't a whole lot of new ground broken in this graphic novel, but long time Spiderman fans will probably enjoy it, and new Spiderman fans may enjoy it even more because it may cover some new ground for them.

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questa storia racconta come Peter e MJ si sono conosciuti, innamorati e infine sposati, narrando la vicenda a turni e dai loro punti di vista.

È una storia che principalmente mette i puntini sulle i, cercando di mettere d'accordo tutte le varie informazioni rilasciate negli anni dai vari scrittori che hanno contribuito alla nascita di questa grandiosa coppia, delineando una linea comune riguardo lo sviluppo dell'innamoramento dei due. E Conway ci riesce alla grande, aiutato pure da un Saviuk che qui si mostra come un tributo vivente a Romita Jr.

Particolarmente interessante è stato leggere il punto di vista di Mary Jane, in quanto il punto di vista di Peter - essendo il protagonista della serie - è ovviamente oltremodo conosciuto. Si va veramente nel profondo con lei e l'autore riesce nel delinearla come una figura complessa e sfaccetata.

Peccato che Conway abbia poi sentito il bisogno di inserirci un villain per lo scontro finale di chiusura dell'albo, villain che si nota sia inserito forzatamente solo per sopperire all'esigenza del genere supereroistico. Avrebbe potuto anche farne a meno e continuare con il piglio di storia di formazione, concentrandosi ancor di più sui sentimenti e i pensieri della coppia.

[Blindzider · Rating 3 out of 5]

Been wanting to read this for a long time, primarily to see the "Mary Jane side". In addition to revealing when MJ finds out Peter is Spidey, it fleshes out her background, giving reasoning for her attitude/personality during those early years. While the story is being unfolded, it also retells some significant points of Spider-Man's life, whatever was going on at the time with MJ. This gives a nice retelling of some of his adventures allowing the reader to place in time MJ's story (hence the title.) It's also drawn by Savuik who was on Web of Spider-Man for a long time. Not my favorite but always a solid artist.

[Katie Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the focus on the difference between Peter and Mary-Jane and their lives however, as much I understand how MJ parties to get away from grief I didn’t like how mean she was to her family. She’s not the bitchy type.

Peter calling Otto a Fatso wasn’t expected either. He’s such a meanie!

It’s a great way to show how the relationship between Peter and MJ developed over time, from their first date, to their marriage. It really shows how much they love and care for one another even though they’re complete opposites!

I did enjoy it :)

4/5 stars

[Ondra Král · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conway nepřichází s ničím novým a jen shrnuje už odvyprávěné příběhy, přesto to krásně funguje.

[Slash Slayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

when you're a superhero comicbook fan, it's really hard to recommend to a friend of yours, who isn't, a story that directly encapsulates and represents everything you love the most in the characters and stories you read. in comicbooks, everything is diluted. sure, i can show you my favorite character developments and my favorite themes, but in nuances shown throughout 30 issues at least, if not 100, 200 or even more. very fortunately, Gerry Conway picked my second favorite comicbook plotline of all time(with the first one being Peter Parker's individual journey) to graciously resume and present in a chronological order that any new reader could understand. here, you can see what's best not only in the romantic aspect of Peter Parker's life, but most of what's in his character as an whole. just like "If this be my destiny" and "Amazing Fantasy 15" perfectly present and elaborates Spider-Man's struggling nature nuance, in here anyone can see all the growth, development and odds-overcoming ideas the character also represents

[Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yo siento que esta historia gira en torno a Mary Jane, que a menudo los fans casuales la dejan relegada a ser simplemente "el interés amoroso de Peter y bla, bla, bla..." sin saber el porqué, este cómic le da una voz propia y muestra su fortaleza, su vulnerabilidad y su propia lucha por encontrar su lugar en el mundo. A eso sumemosle la curiosa historia de interconexión entre las vidas de Peter y Mary Jane, mostrando cómo sus caminos, aunque aparentemente separados, siempre estuvieron destinados a cruzarse. "Vidas paralelas" habla sobre el destino, las experiencias, las elecciones, y de como estas nos moldean y nos unen a las personas que amamos.

Y sí, soy un tonto romántico y qué?
Por esta historia y muchas más, Gerry Conway es uno de los mejores escritores que pudo tener Spider-Man.

[Amazing_Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incrível. Uma das minhas HQS favoritas de todos os tempos com certeza, amo muito esse casal e a forma como esse quadrinho aborda os dois personagens. Pra mim o que a história peca é neles como um casal que mal é mostrado, tem vários momentos chave da história deles juntos que poderiam receber destaque e não recebem porque a história pula do momento em que eles se conhecem diretamente pro casamento, e também a presença do Doutor Octopus (Não acho que essa Graphic Novel precisava de um vilão pra começo de história). Em geral é uma história maravilhosa que eu recomendo muito, principalmente pra quem quer saber mais sobre a Mary Jane

[luciddreamer99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional story about Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson. A good writer in Conway tells the story of this once married couple with great art by Saviuk. Saviuk is an underrated artist in Spider-Man annals, who has turned in some great efforts, including this graphic novel. Some nice backstory on Mary Jane, with some Spider-Man action thrown in for good measure. Recommended for any Spider-Man fan.

[Ravi Rg10 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esperava mais

Foi basicamente uma versão resumida das primeiras edições do herói. Pode ser bem feito, como em "Homem Aranha Azul", ou cansativo, como nesta HQ.

Começou bem, mas o foco no Doutor Octopus (que surgiu no meio da história) pareceu aleatório e sem sentido, e o final decepcionante. Acredito que o enredo poderia ter se concentrado em apresentar novas informações sobre a vida pessoal de Peter e, principalmente, de Mary Jane.

[drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stuff happens, Peter. People live and die and sometimes we don’t know why. We take responsibility for our lives because it’s right, not because we can predict the outcome. We take risks because that’s how we grow.”

PEAK. Similar to Spider-Man: Blue, another favorite of mine, Parallel Lives takes multiple classic Spider-Man stories and gives them more context and new meaning. Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson are SOULMATES. Marvel Editorial needs to understand this.

[Ethan Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peak

This proves why Peter & MJ are perfect for one another. There past aren’t the same but similar enough to know each others pain. And they help each other through it. And they get out stronger than before.

And she is strong enough to support him being Spider-Man. Marvel needs to undo OMD because of this. It shows everything right with Peter Parker & Mary Jane Watson-Parker

100/10.

[Josh Pilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good art and excellent characterization of Mary Jane, including some cool backstory details that I don’t think existed before this. Otherwise a pretty straightforward retelling if some classic Spider-man moments from that the past that are probably better appreciated in their original stories. That said, the conclusion on the last page is really beautiful. They stuck the landing!

[LYS. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I took a risk the day I decided to meet you. I chose life over fear." —Mary Jane Watson, page 63

actually 4.75 stars!

parallel lives you will always be my beloved . . . giving us insight into mj was truly the best thing they could've done i adore this

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Essentially a recap of the first few years of the origin of Spider-man running alongside MJ’s life growing up in an abusive household and moving to NYC to model we get a story ending with a battle between our hero and Doc Ock.
It was okay.

[Adam Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interesting how tow people can be so different, yet so similar at the same time. If you ever wanted to know how the appeal of one of the most iconic couples in comic book history, then this is a must-read.

[Reyel2107 · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good spidey tale !!!

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book dopey

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's OK. Spider-Man really is a great character and story overall. But this feels more like an overview of his and Mary Jane's relationship, not a story in itself.

[Feli:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[devyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

love them ❤️❤️

[ii · Rating 5 out of 5]

face it, tiger... you just hit the jackpot

[Pranav · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the story feels like a recap with extra context and extra material here and there but still quite enjoyable.

[Yosef Shapiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good overview for people not very familiar with the history of Spider Man. For those who have been reading it for years, there is really nothing new here.

[Syahirin · Rating 5 out of 5]

great chronological 'preview' on petermj and a good collection to have. perfect for petermj fans, and great start for new fans to learn about the couple and how their lives parallel.

[Oneirosophos · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful recap with some unique moments.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE comic-book couple

[Marco · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much of a story, not really much running parallel here except in a few instances, which makes for a very weirdly structured graphic novel.
This is about Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson and how they ended up together. Except it isn't.
There are a few points where their lives intersect without them actually meeting, then they do meet, then they are married, and then Spider-Man has to fight Doctor Octopus, because reasons!
The end.
Gerry Conway has written better things and Alex Saviuk, despite having done a lot of work, has never been a favourite of mine. I found this completely unnecessary and I'm only giving this two stars because it didn't make me yell profanities...