WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #55!
The last issue of The amazing Spider-Man Just redefined his most famous motto. One mantra that has followed (even haunted) Peter Parker since the beginning of his origin story is “wwWith great power comes great responsibility.“Originally, the line appeared in narration over the character’s final panel of ​​his first comic – Amazing fantasy #15 – But soon became recontextualized as Uncle Ben’s final advice to Peter.
The Amazing Spider-Man #55 – Written by Zeb Wells, with art by Emilio Laiso – Changes the nature of the quote once again, Emphasizing that he sometimes has a responsibility to be Peter Parker, first, as it relates to the responsibilities to everyday citizens in everyday life.
See Peter actively choose his life as Peter Parker, over his “Responsibility“Like Spider-Man. is the most mature, responsible thing the character has done in years, suggesting Marvel is finally ready to let him mature, at least to some degree.
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Peter Parker reinterprets the meaning of “with great power comes great responsibility”
The Amazing Spider-Man #55 – Written by Zeb Wells; Art by Emilio Laiso, Bryan Valenza, & Joe Caramagna
He may not have changed in costume, but Peter Parker resolved a conflict in heroic fashion like Peter Parker, rather than Spider-Man.
The Amazing Spider-Man #55 finds Peter Parker almost once again choosing to ditch his date—this time, his new flame, Shay—in favor of fighting crime. In this case, it’s Rhino chasing Screwball across New York City. The moment comes with bittersweet timing as Peter just said he can’t explain his past disappearances or mysterious black eyes any further.”I can’t tell you,” and then claims he wants to invest in their relationship. Besides, This is textbook Peter on dates – Except this timeHe can’t bring himself to Change in costume.
Instead, like Peter Parker tells Screwball and Rhino to knock it off, before storming back to his date, where they kiss and finish their dinner. He may not have changed in costume, but Peter Parker resolved a conflict in heroic fashion Peter Parker, rather than Spider-Man. The conflict here is not just with his classic supervillains, but with a woman he is trying to get to know and, admittedly, owes just as much of a responsibility as he is to crime fighting.
Peter Parker’s Moment of Growth Takes the Spider-Franchise Theme of Responsibility in a New Direction
More than just superheroism
Peter not only chose to prioritize his date, but he still manages to stop crime, demonstrating a perfect balancing act.
As a theme, responsibility has always been about Spider-Man’s superhero duties, most of the franchise. Peter Parker feels a responsibility, even a duty and obligation, to the people of his town. However, this responsibility turned into a trap that destroyed his personal and social life. Peter practically used Spider-Man as an excuse to justify his most toxic trait. Yes, Peter has a duty and obligation to New York as a superhero, but he should also have a responsibility to the people who enter his personal life.
He shouldn’t have to shirk his responsibilities as Peter Parker to elevate his responsibilities as Spider-Man. Despite years of experience as a superhero, he still can’t balance being a citizen with being a superhero, and it has turned him into a dirty stain. That’s why the moment is so intense. Peter not only chose to prioritize his date, but he still manages to stop crime, demonstrating a perfect balancing act. He acts like Peter Parker, not Spider-ManProving just how important responsibility is to both identities.