Rating:  -
yes, this story is a hard hit on everyone's head.
yet, as the author explains in the direct version of the comic book, one that needed to be done to keep the characters alive and non-static. i had no idea that this turn of the story would be taken, and even if you know that straczynski considers himself a hired gun, the story is very emotional, dense, and most of all -- totally logic in terms of comic book logic.
being a biologist who chose this profession mostly because of peter parker's university affiliation, i do not feel that this story takes forbidden turns. comic books have a life of their own, and since MJ completely survives this hell ride (pun intended), i think all is still good and enjoyable in marvel universe. plus, new options emerge which is a good thing in comic book AND real life. i mean -- come on!
Rating: -
There are two way to enjoy this book:
The first is to read this as a one shot. On its own merits, it's a beautiful but tragic story about the unforeseen consequences of altering fate/destiny. (Spoiler:) Peter and MJ believe they are only sacrificing their marriage and love in exchange for Aunt May's life when they strike a deal with Mephisto (the devil), only to realize later that they have also sacrificed the life of their future daughter.
The second is to read it as part of continuity and understand that all moments shared between Peter and MJ that now officially didn't happen are in fact what gave weight and true meaning to the couple's sacrifice.
I lied. There is a third way to enjoy this book and it comes in two parts:
1. Don't read interviews in which Marvel employees reveal that the storyline didn't occur to explore the huge ramifications of altering history but simply to make Peter a bachelor and drive-up sales.
2. Don't read the proceeding storyline "Brand New Day" because it is a complete yawner ... you will end up being upset that the true sacrifice paid by Peter and MJ leads to the birth of generic Spider-Man stories, old plotlines and boring villains.
(If you want to read new stuff that reminds you of the good ole Spidey days, I highly recommend Robert Kirkman's "Invincible" published by Image Comics ... it is everything ASM aspires to be and way more.)
Rating:  -
I'll keep this short. Starting from the time that I was a very young child, Spider-man was one of my favorite heroes. This is no longer true, thanks largely to this pathetic, self-sabotaging little story. I cancelled my 5+ year subscription shortly after this came out. The entire series was ruined by the irrational and flimsy actions of the characters and the events of this "do-over" book. After this effectively ended the appeal of the Spider-man franchise, I have no recommendation other than to look to the past. Any graphic novels that you can find from before this would be a good bet. But as of now, after this, there are no new Spidey stories worth your time.
Rating: -
This story was disturbing, disgusting, and the aftermath just keeps getting worse.
Who was this guy making a deal with the devil, wiping out his marriage?! NOT the Peter Parker I've known all these years.
And for their next act, adding insult to injury, the "powers that be" at Marvel have dismissed the MANY fans who have objected to this story direction. They have callously and flippantly stating that the marriage NEVER happened, but all the 20+ YEARS of "stories" with Peter and MJ together DID. They just happened between an unmarried couple. The IDIOT editors at Marvel apparently think that turning an inspiring, romantic, committed, MARRIAGE into an uncommitted, immoral, "shack-up" was GOOD for the character! WHAT THE HELL?!
Yes, boys and girls... You are now told to believe that your hero makes deals with SATAN, sacrifices his wife to keep his 80-yr-old Aunt alive (who would pinch his head off if she knew what he did) and that NOW, in this "new" reality, Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-Man, Mr. Responsibility, just "shacked-up" with a live-in lover, even tried to make a baby with her, but never got around to marrying her. Yeah... it didn't work out, they split up and they are moving on... whatever.
Except that this story DOES destroy YEARS of history, not to mention DAMAGES the character. It scares me to think that the "powers that be" thought this was a good idea. AND they market this to KIDS?!
I have stopped reading. This has ruined Spider-Man for me, which is really sad. Our whole family used to enjoy this little fantasy world, but it apparently doesn't exist anymore.
Rating: -
Talk about a good story with a terrible ending. So a 30 year old man making a deal with the devil to save aunt may's life and to live with her again is a better role model then a divorcee. Mary Jane and Peter have been Marvel's golden couple, this storyline and the following Brand New Day has done more "damage" to the Spider-Man universe then the "damage" they claim had been done over the years.
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