If you’re a die - hard Spider - Man fan, the “Brand New Day” storyline is likely to be a significant chapter in your comic - book journey. Debuting in 2008, this arc from Marvel Comics reshaped Peter Parker’s world, setting a new course for the web - slinger’s adventures. Let’s swing into the details and see what makes this storyline so compelling.
The New Status Quo: A Drastic Reset
“Brand New Day” follows the events of “One More Day,” where Spider - Man’s marriage to Mary Jane Watson was erased, effectively rewriting a major part of his history. Along with this, Peter’s secret identity was wiped from everyone’s memory, even those who knew about it before his public unmasking during the Civil War.
Harry Osborn made a stunning comeback from the dead, thanks to the goblin formula coursing through his veins. He had been living in Europe for years and later returned to New York to start a coffee shop. Aunt May was alive and well, devoting her time to volunteering at a homeless shelter. Peter also regained his original mechanical web - shooters.
Spider - Man Returns to Action
For 100 days, Spider - Man was nowhere to be seen due to the Superhuman Registration Act. During this time, Peter Parker was staying at Aunt May’s place, searching for an affordable apartment. Concerned about the Daily Bugle’s financial woes, Peter decided to pay a visit. There, he learned that the publication was in dire straits, and the stress had even caused J. Jonah Jameson to suffer a heart attack.
Robbie Robertson, seeing an opportunity to boost circulation, asked Peter to get pictures of Spider - Man. This request convinced Peter to don the mask again and return to web - slinging. However, just as he got back in the game, Dexter Bennett, a celebrity businessman, bought all of Jameson’s Bugle shares and took over operations.
New Challenges and Mysteries
As Peter navigated his new life, he faced a series of new challenges. When he encountered the supervillain Menace, he worried that Harry might have reverted to his Goblin - glider ways. However, Harry’s girlfriend, Lily Hollister, provided him with an alibi.
The relationship between Peter and Mary Jane was frosty. As far as anyone remembered, they had never been married, but had cohabited after their aborted wedding. Their interactions were filled with mystery, especially when Spider - Man asked Mary Jane, “Do I know you?” to which she replied, “We’ve met. In another life.”
Spider - Man also suspected that Mary Jane might be the new registered superhero Jackpot. Jackpot claimed her real name was Sara Ehret, but when Spider - Man visited Sara, she denied any knowledge of it. Later, Sara was seen approaching Mary Jane at the airport for an autograph, adding to the mystery.
A Cast of New and Returning Characters
“Brand New Day” introduced several new characters. Carlie Cooper, a forensics expert and a close friend of Lily Hollister, played a crucial role. While preparing a body for the medical examiner, she found a spider - tracer in its mouth, which led to a police warrant for the “spider - tracer killer,” believed by many to be Spider - Man. She was later kidnapped by Dr. Rabin, an insane professor.
Among the returning villains, Mr. Negative made a significant impact. He could brainwash people with a touch and was involved in some intense battles with Spider - Man. The arc also saw the return of classic villains like the Lizard, who killed his own son Billy during “The Gauntlet” arc, adding a dark twist to the storyline.
Story Arcs and Tropes
The storyline was filled with various story arcs and tropes. “The Gauntlet” arc, in particular, was a highlight. It saw the return of some of Spider - Man’s old foes, each with new or enhanced powers and a grudge against the web - slinger. Spider - Man faced some tough battles, including a curb - stomp from Mr. Negative, who threw him several streets away with one punch.
Another notable aspect was Eddie Brock’s attempt to atone for his actions as Venom. He became Anti - Venom, showing a positive character development. However, not all plot threads were resolved. For example, Joe Quesada hinted that Mary Jane would be caring for a baby, but nothing came of it.
Reception and Impact
Overall, “Brand New Day” received mixed reviews. Some fans praised the attempt to simplify Spider - Man’s narrative and bring in new story possibilities. However, others were disappointed with the erasure of Peter and Mary Jane’s marriage and the inconsistent characterization. Sales figures showed a decline compared to previous issues, with the average number of copies sold dropping over time.
Despite the mixed reception, “Brand New Day” was a significant turning point in Spider - Man’s comic - book history. It set the stage for future storylines, such as “Spider - Man: Big Time,” and continues to be a topic of discussion among fans to this day.
In conclusion, “Spider - Man: Brand New Day” is a complex and multi - faceted storyline that brought both change and controversy to the world of Spider - Man. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying its impact on the web - slinger’s legacy.