The Amazing Spider-Man #647

This certainly feels like the end of an era for Spider-Man.  An epic chapter that will be remembered fondly by Spider-fans everywhere?  Probably not, but that doesn't stop this little collection of stories from being a burly and thoroughly enjoyable read.  

A Spider-Man Smorgasbord

With the "Origin of Species" story-arc in the bank, what we get here is a bit of house-cleaning before Spider-Man moves on to bigger and better things.  Harry is going away with his new little rugrat, Pete is trying to take his relationship with Carlie Cooper to the next level, and more than a few of his friends are facing their own turning points.   Overall, the stories included in Spider-Man #647 doesn't necessarily weave together a single narrative, but they are varied enough that you'll likely find something to love, a few things to like, but unfortunately some stuff you won't care for as well. 
 
I have to say I have a soft spot for comics with multiple self-contained stories in them.  Something about that concept really hearkens back to the days when comics were actually magazines with multiple features within them (which makes me wanna check out Marvel's "Strange Tales" books they've been putting out), and as such I'm more willing to let go with errant writing or art within them.  I'm not going to say that either is top-notch in this book, but the stories are all cute and some are genuinely great.  The opening story "Another Door" and its epilogue (whose art was really great, probably the best in the issue) are the highlight, but I'm also a big fan of the Norah Winters story with its super-stylized art as well as the Flash Thompson story.  The one page advert for a JJJ musical is also pretty darn hilarious.  The Ben Urich reviews alone completely sell me that a musical based on New York's new mayor is not only plausible, but a terrible idea. 

 Eeehhh, they can't all be winners 

However, as stated before, not every one is a gem.  While I appreciate what the JJJ story was going for, the art was by far the worst in that story and its dialogue not as sharp as it should've been.  The story concerning Mia Flores is just a tad more mean-spirited and non-sensical than I'm willing to let slide.  I mean, I certainly get the joke, but I'd just as soon have seen something a little more worth one's time than this.  Again, it's to be expected, but it still is a shame that there are some pretty meh-quality stuff in here.  Also, I like the cover gallery in the back, but not so much the two page advert for the upcoming Spidey story-arc and Spider-Girl on-going... although I have to say I really wanna read that Spider-Girl ongoing now. 
  

Lay Down the Dough 

Overall, this is a fun and good read.  Spider-fans are gonna really dig it, and it really is great when you get a book with so much stuff in it.  Hell, I'd say if you have a friend, little one, or significant other who doesn't necessarily read comics, give this sucker and have 'em chew on that for a few days.  Not every story is a homerun, but there are enough hits here that still makes it a good score. 
 
Spider-Man #647 gets 4 stars out of 5.