Hope I Look That Young at 50
I am really happy about this issue and it wasn't disappointing a great Birthday issue for everyone's Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man who for being over 50 years old looks very well (that's comics for you, you age really slow). I liked how this issue actually spent half of it starting the new story, I usually feel cheated if there are a lot of small stories as usually ones very good and the rest are pretty mediocre. The other two stories were quite good as well.
I have split my review into segments for each story.
Alpha Part 1: Point of Origin
The first half of this issue is the first part of the new story introducing a new teenage superhero called Alpha. This is really a kinda tribute to the origin of Spider-Man as Peter is demonstrating his new discovery of "Parker Particles" in front of students from his old high school and the press an accident happens and as student Andy Maguire shoves a girl named Chrissy who he was admiring earlier in the issue out of the way and was struck by the hyper-kinetic energy, giving him superpowers. After being tested by Reed Richards, Iron Man, Beast and Hank Pym (who mentions how Peters name for his discovery wasn't very original) they find out he's got the powers of super strength, force feelds, super speed, flight, and he can also release his power in the form of energy blasts. Reed tells Peter that seems he created him he had a responsibility to look after him which Peter agrees feeling all too familiar with what happened to this kid. Max Modell makes Andy now named Alpha the spokes superhero for Horizon Labs. Peter after seeing Alpha going about decides to catch up with him and teach him the ropes and give him some advice. After getting called away by the Fantastic Four and telling Alpha to stay he joins them but Alpha decides to join anyway calling Spider-Man his sidekick.
I really liked how this part of the issue was a nice tribute to the origin of Spider-Man without fully copying it or re doing it and am looking forward to the progression of this story. The art from Ramos was very good and a very well handled story from Slott again who I hope doesn't land up leaving with this whole Marvel NOW thing.
Spider-Man For A Night
The second story sees what happens way back after issue 50 (by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr.) when Spider-Man decides he isn't being Spider-Man no more. A robber finds Spider-Man's outfit on the trash can and wears it originally to escape the cop chasing him. He then decides to try and rob a pawn shop unsuccessfully. He the goes home and sees his granddaughter who is a huge Spider-Man fan and tells her how beautiful she is and how he wished he could help her get her treatments paid for. he then returns the suit realizing that the suit doesn't make the hero.
This however a short story was very good and had alot of emotion in it. It also reminded me of the "Make a Wish" episode of the 94 Spider-Man animated series.
Just Right
The last story story sees Peter late for work and how being Spider-Man having to stop and help people makes him later. This goes on and we eventually see him help a young boy getting bullied cause he says Spider-Man is his best friend. Spider-Man then hangs about with him and makes him pay for ice cream (typical wall crawler).
This was also a nice we story and the art was a bit different from most comics I read but was very nice. The only we thing that bugged me was when he introduced the kid to Captain America and Iron Man, Cap was in his Super Soldier suit which he doesn't really use anymore, but its a minute thing and doesn't harm the story.
Final verdict. This was an amazing issue and a fitting celebratory issue for Spidey which is very justifying. I would highly recommend getting this issue as it also has an interesting main story which looks like is going to be more exciting as it progresses.
Rating: 5/5
