Amazing Spider-Man #544
Marvel Comics
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Joe Quesada

Well, ladies and gentlemen, here’s part one of the much advertised “One More Day” storyline that Marvel’s been trumpeting for the last six months. After making his secret identity public knowledge during last year’s Civil War storyline, Peter Parker’s been in the crosshairs of every Spider-Man villain. Throw in an assassin, a bullet that missed its mark, and good ol’ Aunt May and Spider-Man’s willing to do anything for “one more day” with his beloved aunt. So exactly how far is everyone’s friendly neighborhood webslinger willing to go? Well, that’s the crux of the storyline. Only time and the next three issues will tell.

As one of the busiest writers in the industry today, Straczynski seems to have his hand in just about every cookie jar you come across. But I’m glad to say that’s not such a bad thing. Straczynski is a terrific writer with a beautiful, well-paced narrative style. There’s never any sense of rushing to get to the big action panels on the later pages the way there is with some other writers. Straczynski believes in taking time to build atmosphere, taking time to get the momentum rolling so that, when the action finally does come, it really feels like action with a purpose. With this issue of Amazing Spider-Man, Straczynski stays consistent. There’s also some wonderful commentary on the flaws of the American health care system in this issue. Kudos, Straczynski!

On pencils, the legendary Marvel Editor-in-chief, Joe Quesada himself does a terrific job of showing everyone how he cut his teeth in the industry. With Quesada, it’s all about perspective. He favors tons of close-ups from skewed angles that give him the opportunity to show off his talents. Nothing wrong with that. He’s definitely got the talent to show. There’s plenty of kinetic energy in the action panels and the battle between Tony Stark and Peter Parker is outstanding. However, on the down side, Quesada loses a few points for when it comes to visages. Peter Parker doesn’t quite look like Peter Parker. But once the costumes come out, we’re all reminded why Quesada took the industry by storm.

Overall: 4 out of 5. A good start to the series.