Let's see what happens if he tries both.
Spider-Man is suffering from bad dreams involving the animal-totem devourer Morlun whom almost killed him once before. Spider-Man then comes into a battle against a new villain named Tracer, and this causes him to take a trip to a doctor. He learns that he's suffering from some type of illness. Things get even worse for him later. -summary
Spider-Man: The Other - Evolve or Die is a crossover within the Spider-Man books that were running at that time during 2005-2006, it may have been the longest Spider-Man crossover since The Clone Saga. The stories are written by Peter David, Reginald Hudlin, and J. Michael Straczynski. I find the story to be one of the best Spider-Man stories to come around during that time in years; it featured the character going through the most interesting transformation concerning his powers since the Alien Costume, and that's not all, a classic Spidey story just wouldn't be a classic Spidey story if we didn't get some type of insight on those around him, and this story delivers on that as well. This TPB collects The Amazing Spider-Man 525 - 528, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man 1 - 4, and Marvel Knights: Spider-Man 19 - 22.
While the story manages to deliver quite well with a great deal of action. I have to say the strong characterization is clearly what comes out on top. After a brief battle against the Tracer, Spider-Man learns that he's quickly dying from a radiation infectious disease. Some of the most brilliant minds the likes of Reed Richards, Hank Pym, and even subject matter expert Bruce Banner are lost on what exactly is claiming Spider-Man's life. He begins to reflect on his life, and realizes that he never took enough time out for Mary Jane and Aunt May, in which he told May his secret long before this. However, the main theme examined here is his survivors guilt, as he constantly ponders himself deserving of the things he holds most dear. Mary Jane's plight being married to a superhero is very well delved into, as she can't seem to understand how come superheroes risk their lives the way they do, in which she seeks some type of counsel from Captain America. May is just outstanding here, and proves just how important she is in Spider-Man's life. The series really wouldn't be the same without her if she was gone for good.
There is plenty going on here for those who would like to see more in the going ons of a superhero's life instead of one fight after the other; the many character interactions help the story arc become more than just a comic. Now for those craving action, Morlun makes his return and this just so happens to be the most brutal encounter between him and Spider-Man, but the most interesting part comes in the aftermath. This is when Peter's new powers begin to surface and the writers keep things interesting across the three titles.
Now for those who may have never heard of Morlun, since he's not as well known as Dr. Octopus or Venom; he's a being that may have lived for centuries, and similar to a vampire he needs to drain the life from his victims to live and he chose Spider-Man earlier. Morlun knows who Spider-Man is under the mask, because once he hit him, he was able to track him no matter where he tried to run. When they first met, Spider-Man claimed that Morlun hit him harder than both the Hulk and Thor, and when they clashed he seemed as unstoppable as the Juggernaut. He's clearly more than a match for Spider-Man, in which their first encounter left Spider-Man with plenty of injuries. This battle is very fun to read but not as epic as the original. My only complaint concerning the writing that comes to mind with this arc is one inconsistent story element taking place with Mary Jane; during the battle Morlun actually snaps her forearm and later on it's as if the follow up writers weren't on the same page on this, because she appears completely well later despite the incident only being hours old.
The artwork is a mixed bag, and it brings back cruel memories of Maximum Carnage and The Clone Saga. Now the artwork isn't anywhere near as atrocious as Spectacular and Web of Spider-Man use to be in the mid 90's, however it is fairly inconsistent though. The character designs vary, sometimes they are finely drawn with some good detail, or have an overly simplistic feel which likens to the late 70's or so; the thing that kind of puts me off with that 70's look is the very glossy polish that feels out of place. And this isn't all either, there are times Peter looks well fit in one panel, then completely malnourished in the next. There are times when the artwork just bothers me when there's no action taking place. Now for the action, well action junkies are going to get their kicks with some vicious trade offs between Spider-Man and Morlun; you can feel Spider-Man fighting for his life like never before. Morlun truly feels like the most dangerous foe he has ever faced, surpassing the likes of Venom, Vermin, & the Green Goblin. The panels are very easy to read and follow so no complaints there, plus the dialog is well intact with those usual comedic moments found in Spidey's books.
Spider-Man: The Other - Evolve or Die, is considered an essential storyline in the Marvel U to several fans leading to future storylines. Personally, I think it's only valuable to those whom were planning on following or catching up on Spider-Man's books at that time and serious Modern Marvel completest. It's definitely important if you want to understand how Spider-Man got his new powers you will see him display in the post Civil War storyline Back in Black which deals with his aftermath. However, you don't need this if your intention is to only work your up to Civil War, Secret Invasion, Siege and later on. To include, it's even harder to label this as essential material since he loses these powers in what seems to be too quick in the One More Day story arc. Use your own judgement with this purchase.
For those who plan on collecting everything leading to Civil War involving Spider-Man, well you're going to notice a gap in the issues beginning with this book ending at issue 528, with the next book being Civil War: Spider-Man collecting issues 532 - 538. Don't panic, those missing Spider-Man issues being 529 - 531 are found in Road to Civil War, which is an essential book as it not only deals with the Superhero Registration Act, but also the Hulk being shot off the planet which leads to Planet Hulk and later World War Hulk. In closing, this is an entertaining book whether you're a Spider-Man fan or not, and it's an excellent follow up to his feud with Morlun which began way back in Amazing Spider-Man Vol 2. issue #30, which can be found in Amazing Spider-Man Ultimate Collection Volume 1.
Pros: Strong characterization, action, and character interactions
Cons: Some artwork for the most part