Well, having read this, I'd have to say this was actually a pretty decent start to this storyline. The dialogue is good, with each character's voice distinct, and Jiminez's artwork is also nicely done (although, there was a mistake with Spidey having no webs on his mask in one panel, and there seems to be a bit of wasted space in some cases). I do, however, have a few misgivings mixed in with the good, though.

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*It does seem like Kelly was going too much for Tobey Maguire as Peter and James Franco as Harry in that park scene in which Harry acts like a player while Peter is tongue tied. Basically, Harry being such a stud with the ladies just seemed a bit off, especially since it was another reason to show up Peter as the "lovable loser." However, we later see Harry essentially stand up to his father the first time he's offered to join the "Dark Avengers." Clearly, the idea is to get across that Harry has become a changed man--until he gets tragically dragged into his father's schemes, of course.

*Jay Jameson is proving to be nothing but a "Marty Stu" at this point. Oh sure, we learn he was "dishonorably discharged" from the armed services, but how much you want to make a bet that it was the result of disagreeing with the orders of an "evil superior officer?" Peter likes him, Harry likes him, Aunt May loves him, and he stands up to both his son and Norman friggin Obsorn, so therefore we must like him. It wouldn't surprise me AT ALL if he's being set up to be killed or seriously injured in issue #600 given how they're playing this guy up as the "perfect senior citizen." Although, I did get a kick out of Jameson's growing horror at the possibility of being Peter's "cousin" and him attempting to conspire with Peter to make him stop the wedding.

*And speaking of Jameson, some might feel a little put off by the fact that he acts like a total brown nose to Norman Osborn in this issue. Personally, I'm not bothered by it, as it's suggested that this is all pretense on his part because Norman is the most powerful man in the country and it's good to have someone like that on your side if your the mayor, regardless how you feel about him.

*I also am a bit mixed when it comes to Spidey essentially willing to kill Norman Osborn, as suggested when he attacks Norman. Granted, Spidey certainly has good reasons for doing so--he killed Gwen, almost ruined his life by making him think he was a clone, brainwashed him, buried his Aunt May alive, almost killed MJ, etc, and certainly feels he has to save Harry from his father's influence. However, as bad as Norman is, would Spidey really deprive Harry of his father? After all, doesn't Spidey know what it's like to loose a father figure? Sure, Harry is not exactly on the best terms with his dad, but does anyone think he wouldn't want to get back at Spider-Man for killing his dad? You know, just like the last time he thought Spidey killed his dad after Gwen Stacy died?!

*Finally, there's the issue of Lily being pregnant with Harry's child. As I and others are speculating, I have a gut feeling that not only is this obviously a scheme cooked up by Norman and Lily to get him to join the "Dark Avengers" but it wouldn't surprise me if Norman was the real father--although it makes me wonder whether Marvel would want to go down that road again with Norman deflowering blonds.

This leads to what I think could be a flaw with this arc, and that is we can already see how the pieces may fall into place well before the story is over. Since Peter failed at the direct approach, he's going to work with Norah to uncover some dirt on Osborn as a journalistic assignment--after Norah gets herself into hot water, of course. Likewise, the Dark Avengers will go after Spidey which will basically be "New Ways to Die, redux", with Harry as the new American Son being the guy roped to taking down Spider-Man. And, of course, he'll learn the truth about Lily's pregnancy, but realizes he can't back out now. And Peter, in a last ditch effort to explain things to Harry, will most likely reveal he's Spider-Man--unless, of course, it ends up being Jay, thus ensuring his destiny for the fridge even more likely.

Finally, I think there will be some who will find this issue a bit slow, as it is mostly character interaction--which is not bad mind you--and only one real fight scene in which Spidey beats Norman to a pulp, only to be interrupted from delivering the final blow by Osborn's cell phone.

Anyways, reservations aside, so far, American Son is starting off on a pretty good note.

I don't have much to add, as you did quite a good job of recapping and reviewing the issue. I will, however, add my two cents here and there, just for kicks.








































I agree. It did seem off. I do not recall seeing Harry as being much of a ladie's man, ever. The scene was meant to underscore some of the stuff you mentioned but it felt weird overall. It was nice seeing the interaction between them, as their relationship is quite unique, but the whole thing didn't feel right.




Not sure what's up with Jay Jameson. It's difficult telling what the motive of his presence is, other that he's there so Aunt May can have a boyfriend. And killing him would be such a cop out. Why introduce him only to kill him a few issues down the road. It's been done so many times before; I hope they stay away from that idea all together.




That's Jameson for you! He's pretty much in character for him to ally himself with whomever has power. He's just that kind of guy. And knowing Norman Osborn is supportive of the idea of getting rid of Spider-Man - due to the Registration Act - it feels right for Jameson to suck up to Norman.




I wonder if Spidey will eventually kill Norman, or kill anyone for that matter. He did kind of "kill" Morlun during JMS' run but I don't think that really counts. I sure hope Spidey does end up doing something that will remove Norman from his position of power. It would feel right to have Spidey be the one that does that. I just hope they don't lead us to believe that Spidey will do something about it, only to not do anything in the end. I don't want to see Norman Osborn being taken down in New Avengers/Mighty Avengers. I want to see that happen in the Spider-Man books!




I sure hope too that Harry is indeed the father.




What's different this time is that Norman Osborn doesn't know that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. What I can see happen is Peter revealing his secret identity to Osborn (willingly or unwillingly - one can only guess) and all of Osborn's memories are gonna come rushing back and he's gonna realize that he was put on this Earth to be in the pain in the ass to both Spider-Man and Peter Parker. He'll quit, or be fired, as head of HAMMER and he's gonna focus his energy on tormenting Peter/Spidey like he used to back in the day. Something like that anyways.




It was slow but it set everything up very well. I rather have it this way then it being rushed.




Agreed

Nice recap by both posts. My question is: Shouldn't Jonah have far more disdain for Osborn for pretty much stealing the Bugle from him in the past? I think he should hate the guy.

In addition, Jonah, with all his hatred of Spiderman is still an ethical journalist deep down and knows the truth about Osborn and his nature is not to kiss anyone's butt. He wouldn't hesitate to write an editorial criticizing something he sees as wrong. He knows Osborn isn't a hero. I think he'd tell him that.

Other than that,loved the issue. Banter is great.

Inn

Very good point Inn. I'm assuming you are refering to those issues of Spectacular Spider-Man pencilled by Luke Ross right? In those issues, Jameson was almost ready to kill Osborn for threatening his wife (using Jack O'Lantern), so you make a really good point. Even then, Osborn had a position of power over Jonah and Jonah - though he was forced to kiss Osborn's ass - reluctantly went along with it.







The humour in this book was awesome. Kelly really excels at making stuff funny without it feeling "forced".

I mean, the push to have Peter suddenly want Norman dead is verrrrrry forced and out of the blue. It was shoe horned into the last page of 24/7 and it was odd. Peters revelation that he's not upset with Jameson becoming Mayor, but its really Norman he's mad about - All these months and no mention of Peter's feud with Norman - all of a sudden Peter can't draw another breath until Norman is DEAD? Truly out of left field.

There was such a push for years to make Norman the only villain in Spidey, have every storyline lead back to him, their feud the driving force of the title - It was nice to get away from that for the first year or so of BND. But I guess nothing lasts forever and now its back to "Norman! He HAS to pay for everything!"

Also - Lily's pregnancy. Bad, bad move. This whole aspect left a horrible taste in my mouth. First off, how many months are they supposed to have been separated? The artist drew her to look nine months pregnant! She didnt look the slightest bit pregnant last time we saw her just a few issues ago - at least seven months would've had to pass for her to look THAT pregnant. What is she doing jumping around on a Goblin glider pregnant, even in her Menace disguise? The image of a pregnant Goblin is disturbing and bizarre. Thumbs wayyy down.

Mr Knees

Wasn't Jonah good friends with George Stacy as well?

JJJ's interaction with Osborn was the only bit that felt off, in an otherwise surprisingly good issue.

I have the perfect answer to that actually. Remember the horrible Sins Past? Well, it was explained that Gabriel and Sarah were aging more rapidly from having Goblin formula in their blood/DNA from their father, Norman O. Perhaps, you become pregnant faster and your belly grows faster than normal when you got goblin blood coursing through your body, such as Lily has...

Speaking from experience, my wife is preggers and due in August and she ballooned up very quickly this time around and some people think she is ready to give birth any day now, when in fact, she's 11 weeks away from giving birth. So, Lily's belly could be that size. The worst is trying to reconcile the art in the previous issues to this issue. I think they didn't show her being more pregnant in the past issue, so as to not ruin the reveal...ah well...

Don't forget the 2 month fast forward.

Wonder how many issues until Vin returns?

The Disgruntled Greek