The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn #5 – Never Can Say Goodbye

Spider-Man faces one of his toughest battles, being torn in multiple ways…

Creative Team

J. Michael Straczynski (Writer), Pere Perez (Artist), Guru-eFx (Colorist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer), Mark Bagley & Dean White (Cover Artists)

Carlos Lao (Designer), Kaitlyn Lindtvedt (Assistant Editor), Nick Love (Editor), C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Never Can Say Goodbye

Issue five of The Amazing Spider-Man: Torn by J. Michael Straczynski takes you on an emotional ride that I haven’t experienced in a Spider-Man comic since Spider-Man Blue. This story definitely tugs on your heartstrings for Peter. From beginning to end, you fully understand why this arc is titled “torn.”

We open this issue with Spider-Man trying to get a handle on a portal that has appeared because of some magical book. Spider-Man tries to take hold of the book, but there is a mystical force field that electrifies him when he does. This is the first instance in this issue where Peter is torn. Peter wants to bring a stop to this, but in order to do so will cause himself immense pain. Then Peter remembers what and who he is fighting for.

The villain (Evangeline) confronts Peter and attempts to take the mystical book away from him. Peter, not wanting to fight with her again, tries to keep hold of the book and return it through the portal, unsuccessfully. Here is where we see Peter’s next instance of being torn. Evangeline knows that Peter is fighting for love, and with everything that she has done, she will never have a true chance at love. She wants to do the right thing and end what she ultimately started.

The end of this issue is where the reader will start to feel those Spider-Man Blues. Peter has made up his mind that he is going to tell the true woman he loves how he feels about her. Sadly, he is too late. The woman he loves has left and left behind only a letter for Peter. This letter is devastating to Peter. His love is gone, leaving a letter with very simple yet emotional instructions. Time and reflection are the only things that could save a potential romantic relationship…

Writing

J. Michael Straczynski deserves a standing ovation for this issue. The dialogue and narrative within this story will emotionally captivate you. Making you anxiously move to the next panel to see what is in store next for Peter. The extreme use of pathos on Peter’s behalf brings you to your knees. This issue flows with such ease that you are even more saddened when you realize you’ve reached the end.

Artwork

Pere Perez has an amazing art style that will bring so much satisfaction to your eyes. His pencil work is so fine and detailed that it makes easy work for any colorist or inker to fill. His attention to the emotional facial details at the end of this issue is so beautiful. This really makes the writing stronger and feels on a much deeper level.

Guru-eFx did an absolutely stunning job with color selection for this issue. The bright, vibrant colors for the mystical portal on a full splash page are so gripping. Not to mention the subtle hints of grey and white on Spider-Man’s suit to give it the effect that it is glossy. BEAUTIFUL is just one of many words to describe this art.

Final Thoughts

Spider-Man fans are pretty accustomed to Peter having emotional storylines. There are a select few that really leave an impact on you. My number one emotional Spider-Man story is Spider-Man Blue. After reading this issue, this story comes in a close second place. The writing is so spot on, making your emotions for Peter grow even more. The writing plays off the art, and the art plays off the writing. This is a dynamic story that is a trademark for Peter Parker. Being Spider-Man will always leave Peter torn in multiple facets of his life. Go get a copy of this issue for your collection!

Grade: 9.5/10

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