Sensational Spider-Man (Vol. 2) #40

Story 'The Book Of Peter'

Peter is next to May's bedside and is remembering how things have gone for him since he was bitten by the spider. MJ asks if he's OK but he swings off saying he needs to let off some steam.

He drops down into an alley and pounds on some dumpsters before he is interrupted by a mysterious man who seemingly heals his bloodied hands. He tells Peter he needs something to eat and takes him off to the park for a burger. Peter asks the God-like figure what he has to do to save his aunt. He says he'd give up everything – even being Spider-Man to save her. The man shows Peter all the thousands of people he has saved over the years and the lives he has influenced.

Peter seems touched but is still worried about May. He is back in the alley but we see a possible future – a blessed father alongside MJ.

General Comments

What I really loved about this issue is how Clayton Crain reinterpreted the classic Spidey moments – the first Spider-Man cover and the Goblin and Gwen's death. It does seem as if Crain has taken the movie origin as opposed to the comic one, however, which follows the recent – rather annoying – trend.

This is Sacasa's goodbye to the Spider-books, with One More Day being followed by a three-time-a-month Amazing relaunch. I can't really think of a better way to sign off. It's been a positive run – overshadowing Peter David's FNSM title

The identity of 'God' is left open, which is a good thing. It could be Peter's imagination, or conscience. It could be God. Heck, it could be the Chameleon playing games. Either way it's left ambiguous for the reader to fill in the gaps.

Overall, this is a nice tale perfectly accentuated by Clayton Crain's art, which just fits with the tone of the story so perfectly.

Overall Rating

A nice sign off with some gorgeous art.