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Post by Ozymandias on Mar 20, 2015 22:39:01 GMT
I must admit I wasn't going to pick this one up. I've never been a fan of Conway's, the artist (Barberi) isn't exactly part of the star system, Tombstone is in the story… Everything was pretty much stacked against it, but then I read Mike's review, and I had to check it out. While I consider his rating exaggerated, there's truth to the values he mentions, so I guess it all boils down as to how much you find those merits important: That this issue contains, in a few panels, more introspection about the big events, which have transpired over the last couple of years, than in Slott's ASM, doesn't mean this comic is excelling at doing that, but rather that Slott has been neglecting this aspect of the narrative, altogether. In essence, I see here a basic variation of the lead-seeks-revenge routine. The little twists, are only there to ensure the reader's empathy, so he will accept the road taken. But… isn't "criminals taking advantage of an otherwise working legal system" what constitutes a "broken legal system"? He's no Bendis, but he never was a slouch in that department, either, and he's been able to evolve, keeping in touch with the times. All in all, I'd say this is an OK comic, preferable in some ways to the regular team's version. In particular, I like it better when Peter is shown as being more mature, and Spidey doesn't feel the need to make a joke, with every breath he takes. |
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Post by stillanerd on Mar 25, 2015 23:30:10 GMT
That this issue contains, in a few panels, more introspection about the big events, which have transpired over the last couple of years, than in Slott's ASM, doesn't mean this comic is excelling at doing that, but rather that Slott has been neglecting this aspect of the narrative, altogether.That last part I bolded is a very good point because that is exactly one of the big problems Slott has had with bringing Peter back post-Superior Spider-Man. Nothing about what Doc Ock did while he was in Peter's body has really registered with Peter in any meaningful or significant way. It basically amounts to "Gosh, that Otto was a real jerk, but at least I've got all this money and my own company thanks to him!" Nothing about how SpOck murdered and tortured people, or turned New York into his own personal police state, or actually made people, heroes, friends, and family alike think less of him. Nothing about how he felt he had to make amends for what Doc Ock did. That's why I appreciated that Conway was the one to tackle this in Spiral, and in a way which was true to Peter's character and didn't browbeat the reader. Though you're correct in saying that, had Slott actually had Peter be more introspective and be motivated by making amends for SpOck's actions in the first place, Conway wouldn't have had to pick up the slack. In essence, I see here a basic variation of the lead-seeks-revenge routine. The little twists, are only there to ensure the reader's empathy, so he will accept the road taken. True. As I said in the review, the story does follow a basic formula found in many detective dramas. But… isn't "criminals taking advantage of an otherwise working legal system" what constitutes a "broken legal system"? Great question! I would say the difference here is that, unlike say Batman: Year One or L.A. Confindential, in which the city officials and law enforcement are portrayed as being another organized crime family in all but name, "Spiral" portrays things far closer to the real world: that while the legal system is designed to protect the rights of those accused of a crime of which they are not guilty, it also has the downside of protecting those who are. It's not "broken" because it's designed under the notion that, even if one suspects someone guilty of a crime, one is still considered "innocent until proven guilty." And, rather than showing an entire city being on the take, it's just the one judge. He's no Bendis, but he never was a slouch in that department, either, and he's been able to evolve, keeping in touch with the times. Exactly. All in all, I'd say this is an OK comic, preferable in some ways to the regular team's version. In particular, I like it better when Peter is shown as being more mature, and Spidey doesn't feel the need to make a joke, with every breath he takes. Same here, though I didn't mind Spidey's non-stop quippage in that Amazing Spider-Man Special--primarily because I thought the jokes were quite funny. |
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Post by Ozymandias on Mar 25, 2015 23:51:18 GMT
I would say the difference here is that, unlike say Batman: Year One or L.A. Confindential, in which the city officials and law enforcement are portrayed as being another organized crime family in all but name, "Spiral" portrays things far closer to the real world: that while the legal system is designed to protect the rights of those accused of a crime of which they are not guilty, it also has the downside of protecting those who are. It's not "broken" because it's designed under the notion that, even if one suspects someone guilty of a crime, one is still considered "innocent until proven guilty." And, rather than showing an entire city being on the take, it's just the one judge. I understand your point of view, but my level of tolerance is probably lower. If enough judges are on the take, for Yuri to have to expand her extracurricular activities, all the way to vigilantism, it means that the entire system needs fixing. Going against individual gangsters as The Wraith, doesn't really solve the problem, it only addresses the symptoms. |
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Post by Ozymandias on Apr 24, 2015 21:43:05 GMT
Issue two review. It's curious how the story keeps mentioning the "system", as the thing to fix, but then undermines the argument, by making us sympathetic towards the "corrupt" element in that system. The dialogues are enjoyable, but if he falters somewhere as a writer, that's always been with the plot. I'm too, looking forward, to Conway's take on Felicia. With Slott massacring the character in ASM (the real one), pretty much anything Gerry does, will be better. Actually, I liked the fact that he doesn't engage Spider-Man just for the fun of it. Maybe too much Hobgoblinesque, and probably OOC for him, but the again, I never found this particular incarnation, to be very good. |
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Post by stillanerd on Jun 9, 2015 17:54:25 GMT
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Post by Ozymandias on Aug 10, 2015 13:48:30 GMT
The highlights of the penultimate chapter were, for me: - The relevance given to his Superior Spider-Man "episode", as one of the landmarks in the character's biography.
- A little observation, made about the Ringmaster and his outlandish attire.
Other than that, Conway continues to give evidence that he's improved, since he moved away from comics. |
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Post by Ozymandias on Aug 29, 2015 13:17:08 GMT
Not exactly ecstatic about the final chapter of this limited series. Among the things I didn't like, the most prominent would be: - The artist would be better off without current coloring techniques.
- Repeating the same idea through two different characters.
- Black Cat's appearance looks forced.
- Li's initial confidence (hands behind his back and all) turns out to be, little more than mere composure.
On a positive note: - The showdown with The Wraith, is adecuately short.
- We finally get to know why the title "Spiral".
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