Citizen Parker: Review of 'Spider-Man Life Story'

When you think of the greatest characters in the genre of American superheroes, a few names roll right off the tongue: Batman, Superman, Spider-Man. If there was a hero that defines Marvel comics, that is their most recognizable, it's Spider-Man. Even in the aftermath of the MCU with characters like Iron Man, and Captain America coming to the forefront of the industry, Spider-man's hold on the fandom has held firm. The greatest reason for this is due to the relatability of the character, the story of Peter Parker is the story of us (you know minus the slinging webs, sticking to walls, and fighting villains). Peter is just a well-intentioned guy, whose decisions blow up in his face 90 percent of the time, what's not to relate? So, HERE'NS THE THING, a few months ago Marvel writer Chip Zdarsky began the chronicle of the life and times of Peter Parker, on March 20, 2019, we got the first issue of Spider-Man: Life Story.

Cover of 'Life Story' issue 1

The premiere issue begins the narrative in the 1960s, 1966 to be exact during the height of the Vietnam War. Spidey has been at the web-slinging gig for a while now, but with a friend of his shipping off to the war front, Peter is put in the dilemma of whether or not he should be doing the same. However, this is just where the story begins. You see, over the next 6 issues, we get to see Peter live a life based on some of his greatest (and most infamous) storylines ever written. However, as each issue passes, so too does a decade and with the time past comes the additional difficulty of continuing the mission, being Spider-Man. 

Ultimately what makes this book so special is that it's not just your standard superhero book, it's almost like a biography. Outside of the grandiose encounters with foes and villains, if you strip away all the fantastical elements, it's exactly what it's namesake implies, a life story. Peter's life feels so tangible, so real, in a way that only the character of Spider-man could be. He's far from perfect, and so are the events as they unfold. Some moments are tender, but others are just downright ugly. We get to really know this character in a way that is unique and I don't think has been done, or at least not this well in the genre before. 

Straight from the Pages of Issue 3!

For years Marvel has strived to match the iconic DC stories like The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, and here Chip Zdarksy goes well beyond what even that story had accomplished. The way the final issue tied things together at the end, this book is the Citizen Kane of comic-book stories. This story is all about finding out the Rosebud of Peter Parker, what exactly was it that Peter cherished, what did he want from his life. The answer is bittersweet and is revealed in absolutely the most perfect way. 

Spider-Man: Life Story is the 60 year epic of Peter Parker, it's the seminal Spider-Man story, and will likely be the crowning jewel of Chip Zdarsky's career. If you are looking for a great read, give this a check out. I will not give this rating often, but I give this book a perfect 10 out of 10. The trade paper or collection should be on shelves soon enough, otherwise, you may be able to find back-issues at comic stores near you. Issue 6, The 2010s, released August 28, 2019. I hope you enjoyed the pilot blog post of Here'ns The Thing! I am excited to bring everyone quality content! 

Final Issue of 'Spider-Man: Life Story!'