Marvel has released a new version of Spider-Man: Life Story called Spider-Man: Life Story Extra, as this includes both the six-issue mini-series and the annual. I highly recommend this series as it is a beautiful exploration of Spider-Man in a real-life, real-time setting. Zdarsky and Mark Bagley work together to make this “What If” genuinely amazing. Here are some rundowns of each issue:
Book 1: 1960s
Chip Zdarsky and Mark Bagley perfectly draw you into this web spinner’s world. It is very similar to what we are used to, and that is perfect by way of Bagley’s art. Bagley is the ideal artist for this story as he has been around and worked on some significant milestones in Spider-Man’s life. Zdarsky gives us a perfect Peter Parker who has so much doubt in what he does, playing off the time period perfectly as so many were wondering about America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. We get a fantastic introduction to the characters we know, but this alternate version has better revelations about how they work together. The shining moments are Flash and Peter’s apology, Norman revealing he knows Peter’s secret, Spidey handling the Green Goblin with the law, and Gwen finding out. Plus, some of the wider Marvel Universe appears here, and it is wild to see what they do in these “real” times.
Book 2: 1970s
Here we see how far things can go and how similar they can be. I like the addition of Reed Richards’ story in this as it helps make it feel like our 616 Marvel Universe and keep those relationships between heroes. It makes me sad that Fantastic Four: Life Story didn’t play in the same continuity, as it would’ve been great to have their shared universe intersect here. The main play here is a mix of The Night Gwen Stacy Died and the original Clone Saga; Zdarsky writes a great script that takes those heavy moments and weaves them together to have that substantial emotional impact and be new for the reader. Bagley doesn’t skimp either, as we get fight scenes with Goblins and Spiders, but the character reactions are the strongest. When we discover who is a clone, seeing those reactions is heartbreaking and honest.
Book 3: 1980s
A Cold War and Secret War are the big moments of the decade, and they get some great moments, but Zdarsky’s script showcases the war at home. I like how the time bounce allows us to see glimpses and critical moments in the period. Events play out as they did in our time with the original release date, so we get the Secret Wars, leading us to the alien symbiote black costume. I like how the costume tied in with Kraven’s Last Hunt to enable Peter to survive the event, but it also pushed things in a dark direction with Peter and MJ. That is the significant moment in this issue – they are married and about to welcome twins into their family. Sadly, Aunt May is battling dementia, which leads to their family being hard-pressed to care for one another. Parker isn’t doing a great job of it, and it is wearing on MJ; he has the guilt of wanting to take care of May but isn’t there since he is being Spider-Man. That real drama helps to make this story such an interesting read.
Book 4: 1990s
Parker as a businessman is a wild version to read about. We see Parker holding off a merger with Tony Stark and having his own Private Investigator in the form of Jessica Jones. That is a fun inclusion that helps add a modern Marvel flair to this time-spanning tale. “Parker Luck” is doing his love life no favors, but when you discover the nature of his actions, you can go either way for the fallout. I appreciate the ’90s Clone Saga making its way into this story arc, and now having read this series before the trade collection, I understand Doc Ock’s appearance here (do yourself a favor and pay attention to that part). Parker and Harry’s friendship was tested just like it was with a life/death situation, and it played out just as beautifully as the referenced issue originally was. I enjoyed the creative team sneaking a Scarlet Spider nod with their Ben Reilly.
Book 5: 2000s
The previous issue ended on a happy note, but this issue packs a tragic punch. The main story is weaving together The Other and Civil War. The creative team plays these stories together to get some great action and drama that helps to put the characters into positions of profound impact. We see Parker’s kids have grown up, and Claire, his daughter, really sticks it to Parker as she challenges him to do something about Ben’s death and Morlun. They sneak in a 9/11 reference with JJJ’s death which works to reference the times. The Civil War parts work as they have been a significant backdrop in the background of this tale; it makes me wonder how the heroes band together to win in other Marvel events. The ending here is melancholy, but it would’ve been interesting to see Parker’s reaction to learning what he lost in his victories.
Book 6: 2010s
As we approach modern times, elements like Miles Morales and Superior Spider-Man are introduced and meshed together very nicely. A significant piece from the 1980s also returns to help end this mini-series. While the issue stays in one moment, it is pivotal, and it helps to showcase just how far Spidey’s villains will go to best their foe. I enjoyed how the series ended, as it was on a very positive note, and it felt like the characters finally found some peace. Plus, there is hope for the legacy with Miles’ return as the new Spider-Man.
Annual
This was a fantastic extra, and I am so glad this trade includes it. The annual does a great job of giving you a view of this version of J. Jonah Jameson’s obsession and its price. This issue will be from Jonah’s point of view, so it will cover all the decades, which works to encapsulate his life. The creative team shows us just how close Jonah can be to being Spidey’s worst villain, but they give Jonah such an incredible drive and redemption that you can help but feel for the old flattop.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.