Its funny how this issue has turned the tables. Before, the story relied on Straczynskis writing to carry it forward through some choppy art, and now that the art has improved, its becoming clear that the story isnt nearly as strong as it appeared to be. This is still the best Spider-Man book available, steering well clear of the abortion that is Avengers Disassemble and free of Mark Millars brainless portrayal of the Marvel Universe, and JMS is still the best Spidey-writer weve had in years, but this storyline is rapidly starting to look overly ambitious and dangerously likely to fall on its arse. Read Full Review

Mike Deodato is a very solid artist when it comes to the quieter moments of the issue, as there's a lovely sequence in the early pages where Mary Jane pretends to be asleep as Peter prepares to head out, and Peter's anguish when he violates Gwen resting place made for a powerful sequence. The last page shot of Mary Jane is also a stunning image, that is almost photorealistic. However the art is less successful when it comes to the action scenes, as there's a shot where Spider-Man takes on Hulk-sized dimensions when he clashes with the young woman attacking him, but the later panels make it clear they are roughly the same size. Still there is a great action shot where the character avoids a hail of gunfire through an outside window. Read Full Review

A bad premise leads to a bad story that's badly executed. The real question that has to be asked is whether or not Mr. Straczynski was hit before the story's conception by a two-by-four or a four-by-four. Read Full Review