The Amazing Spider-Man #31 (Vol. 2)
Date:
July 2001
Publisher:
Marvel Comics
Cover Price:
$2.25
Stats:
22 color pages, ads and The Spider’s Web letters page
Writer:
J. Michael Straczynski
Artists:
John Romita Jr., Scott Hanna, Dan Kemp, Richard Starkings and Wes Abbot
Notable Notes:
Peter intervenes and saves lives during a school shooting
Tragic, Yet Still Relevant
This issue of Amazing Spider-man tackles a social issue that is still disturbingly relevant today, 17 years after the book was published: school shootings. When I read this issue, I thought it was kind of prophetic since the only major school shooting at that time was the Columbine one… at least that is what I thought. Sadly, I was sorely mistaken. Here is
an old article
from U.S. News that lists school shootings (in the USA) up through 2008, and as you can clearly see there were many before this comic book came out in 2001. And just think how many more have happened in the last 10 years – it is terrible. Sigh.
But, don’t get too downhearted! This is still a great comic book, and there is plenty to cheer for as Peter Parker saves the day – on multiple accounts!
Synopsis:
“Coming Home” –
Peter is caught up thinking about
the events of last issue
, when his Aunt May suggests that he apply for a teaching position at his old high school. He takes her up on the idea, and while he is at the school somebody comes in and starts shooting up the place. Lucky for the kids that Peter Parker is there! After soliciting some help from a student, Peter slips into his Spider duds and apprehends the shooter – who, alas, turns out to be a kid who was being bullied. Two pieces of good news come out of all this, though: first, nobody is hurt, and second the science teacher quits in frustration – leaving the job open for Peter to take!
Meanwhile, the mysterious Ezekiel is seen presiding over a prestigious board meeting. And when Spider-man is seen swinging by, the board members remark that Spidey is “expendable” and they are unhappy that Ezekiel has contacted him. Also, a pair of dining vampires see Spidey swing by, and give him a jolt of spider sense overload! Sheesh – poor Peter can’t seem to catch a break at all! Oh, wait, that is normal for him isn’t it?!
How I Rate This Issue:
-
Story:
– This was a very well rounded and entertaining story! Peter’s nostalgia for his old school, mixed with his heroic behavior there made for some intriguing reading. And the continued suspense of the new, mysterious men kept the anticipation high.
-
Art:
– Once again John Romita Jr’s art was top-notch, well, except for the few weird head and eye illustrations. I’m am not sure what is up with those! Inking, coloring and letters were all nice and complimentary as well.
-
Fun Factor:
– As mentioned above, all the school nostalgia and heroism scenes were really cool and made for some entertaining reading. I am also enjoying the growing mystery of Ezekiel and the vampires!
Where To Get Your Own Copy:
