Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #505
Background
Mary-Jane is trying to become an actress after being a successful model. She has had some movie roles, but went on hiatus to patch things up with Pete. Now she wants to get back to work...
Story 'Vibes'
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #505
| Editor: | Axel Alonso |
| Writer: | Fiona Avery, J. Michael Straczynski |
| Pencils: | John Romita, Jr. |
| Inker: | Scott Hanna |
| Cover Art: | John Romita, Jr. |
| Reprinted In: | Amazing Spider-Man (Reprint TPB) #7 |
Not a whole lot happens this issue. Basically, MJ heads off to audition for a movie, only to be rejected because she is "some bimbo model with delusions of talent". As you can tell this sorta thing doesn't sit well with MJ and she goes off to mope and reflect.
Meanwhile Pete is back in NY and ventures out as Spidey. He hangs out with some cops when they see a young teen trying to steal some bikes. Spidey intervenes when he notices the teen has a gun. Before the teen can do something stupid, he webs the teens gun and pulls him aside. Spidey warns the cops off and then follows the teen. When Spidey catches up with the teen, he's a more than a little freaked and aims the gun at Spidey. Spidey manages to talk him down and then reunite him with his parents. Hugs and kisses all around!
At the end of both their nights MJ calls Pete and discuss each others day. Too embarrassed and ashamed about her ordeal, MJ lies to Peter and says that she turned down the role.
General Comments
This issue was okay I guess. I have fond memories of JMS's past issues that focus of Peter and MJ. I don't feel this is as good, but its a welcome change to having something 'mystical' going on.
I particularly like MJ's side of the story. It rings true and we see a side of her that deepens our understanding of her, fleshing out her character more. This is something that often isn't done at all, let alone done well. Hopefully this will lead to some interesting developments.
Spidey's side of the story is ok I guess. It emphasises Spidey's caring side that JMS has been trying to develop. I personally find it a little too sugar coated. I felt it was stretched out a bit much as well.
There's nothing really bad about this issue, its just very ho-hum. It almost feels like JMS is spinning his wheels in some ways. Other 'quiet' issues have been classics in my mind, but this one doesn't really seem to rise above average.
Overall Rating 
Ho-hum.