Antebellum Marvel: The Amazing Spider-Man #529
For a few years now I’ve heard comic book fans talk about the Marvel Civil War storyline. Because of the name, I have some idea what it’s about, but I’ve not read any of the issues in that particular series. With the news that Iron Man will be in Captain America 3, it has fans certain that the Civil War storyline will play out in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With my new Marvel Unlimited Plus membership recently purchased I decided I’d check out this storyline to see what all of the fuss is about - I’ve heard about it from at least a dozen people and all but one loved it.
I’ll be offering up an overview of each issue in our new feature: Antebellum Marvel. The Road to Civil War begins with The Amazing Spider-Man #529. Please do not comment with spoilers if you’re familiar with this particular story arc, but you are welcome to provide non-spoiler answers to any questions I may ask in the review.
- Issue: The Amazing Spider-Man #529
- Title: Mr. Parker Goes to Washington - Part 1 of 3
- Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
- Penciler: Ron Garney
- Inker: Bill Reinhold
- Colorist: Matt Milla
Who’s In It:
Peter Parker, Mary Jane Watson, Tony Stark
What Happens:
Tony supplies Peter with a new suit that’s more Iron Man than Spider-Man. When Peter takes it out for a test drive, he stops two criminals involved in a high-speed chase with the cops. After rescuing a hostage the men had in their trunk, Peter is shot, but the bullet bounces right off of his new suit.
Later that night, Peter asks Tony why he’s helping him. Tony sees a lot of himself in Peter and wants Peter to be his protege. He wants Peter to follow him at all times, learning everything he knows. This needs to be kept secret from the rest of the group, even Steve Rogers. After Peter agrees, Tony gives Peter a reading assignment. Stark hands over a letter summoning him to testify before the Senate’s Metahuman Investigations Committee. They’re going to Washington.
Points of Note:
- There was a major fight in which MJ was injured. Tony had her broken arm tended to at the hospital.
- When the three of them discuss how everyone in the group would lay down their lives for Tony, MJ is quick to add, “Except Logan.” Twice.
- Spidey’s new suit really does look more like something Iron Man would wear.
- Whatever happened during or after the battle in which MJ was injured has caused cops to say that most people believe that Spider-Man is dead. Not dead and buried, but walking around already dead and therefore unable to be killed.
- Peter mentions a few times that he’s grateful for all Tony has done for him, MJ, and May. Who the hell is May?
- Peter Parker sure is hunky. He looks nothing like Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield… he’s definitely past the awkward boy with a camera stage.
Predictions:
- I could be mixing movie knowledge here, but it doesn’t seem like Tony Stark would appreciate being called before the Senate to talk about metahumans/mutants. If he plans on being uncooperative, perhaps that’s why he especially doesn’t want Steve Rogers to know.
