Musings from the Other Side Part III: The Crossover

Like anything that is fun and relaxing (save for the landscaping) it goes by too quickly. So here I am, back home and preparing to return back to the grind. I don't relish it, but I know it is necessary. Until I win the lottery, of course.

Backlash Incoming

After returning to my cold, cold domain of PA I went about doing my errands to prepare for my return to routine. I got fresh milk, got a snazzy haircut (back ladies, for your own safety), and I picked up my comics. Yes, I collect comics. I have been doing it for the better part of twenty years. I usually don't tell anybody because, frankly, I've barely met people who are interested in comics outside of cons (conventions, for those of you not in the know). My video games habits are more well know, but then again I don't take a day off for the latest Astounding X-Men by Joss Whedon, and that was only for Halo (beat it in a day and got it out of my system). When I came home I put away my groceries, brushed my hair, unpacked my bags, and ate something. After I finished those tasks I got started reading the first comic on my pile, Amazing Spider-Man 545. After I had read it three times, I put it down, picked it back up, then put it down again. I walked around for about twenty minutes and then read it a fourth time. So I have come to an inescapable conclusion. I do not mince my words. I will not "flip-flop". I know exactly what I am saying.

I hate it.

A little background for non-comic fans. Spider-Man's secret identity was revealed during Marvel's Civil War event when he was supporting the Pro-Registration side. When his conscience finally caught up with him he switched sides, which basically forced him to go underground with his wife MJ and his Aunt May. This unfortunately removed any safety net Peter Parker had developed that would have protected them, and Aunt May was mortally injured. Now he has to make a decision that would save her, but he would lose MJ. This issue details his decision and I have to say it is what he would have done. Peter Parker is a man of integrity and responsibility who does the right thing, no matter how much it hurts him. But I can't accept this. I don't want to accept this. However, I want to be clear. I am not any placing blame on anyone. JMS did write a very good story and I have read enough comics to know the plot doesn't go the way I would, or rather want, it to go. The fault lies with me. For some reason that I can't explain I just hate this story. I didn't even feel this way when JMS came up with the whole Norman Osborn-Gwen Stacy affair and that was not received very well. I thought it was wrong but gutsy and it didn't stop me from reading. If JMS wasn't departing Amazing Spider-Man I would have quit after reading that issue. But the really frustrating part is that I don't know why I hate it so much. I have seen worse stories that have sabotaged several characters I loved to read but I never hated them. Disliked, yes, but never at a level like this. I guess I thought some things were sacred and I was wrong. Foolish me.

The Truth.......................
......................................... is that sometimes we get so wrapped up in the little things we forget about the bigger picture. Give someone a call, send an email, go out, party, fall in love, and live your life. Otherwise get that 42" plasma you've been wanting to get. What's a little more debt compared to glorious HD?