By Jim Beard
Writer Roger Stern returns to weaving webs beginning March 31 to teach Spider-Man a valuable lesson: Something can stop the Juggernaut!
The three-issue story arc, winding its way through AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #627 to #629 with art by Lee Weeks, allows Stern to take a look back at his own classic Spidey-Juggernaut tale from AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #229-230 and crank up those dynamics in the here-and-now.
"Spider-Man had no idea what he was getting into that first time," Stern says of the famous first meeting. "Since then, they've crossed paths a number of times and have come to a sort of uneasy truce. We'll touch on all of that briefly, of course, to bring new readers up to speed and remind older readers of what they've forgotten.
 |
| AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #627 preview art by Lee Weeks |
You know, I was about 15 when I first read a Spider-Man story, but I sometimes feel as though I've known Pete all my life. He's a good guy, a real mensch. He may screw up from time to time, but he always does his best to set things right."
"Something Can Stop the Juggernaut!" presents a mystery for the web-slinger, one that makes him pause and ponder the possibility that whatever can halt this infamously unmovable object could potentially come gunning for him.
"Here's a guy whom our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man has fought-or tried to fight-before," Stern notes. "He knows that the Juggernaut could walk from one end of Manhattan to the other, smashing through anything in the way. Juggernaut is supposed to be unstoppable, right? But something or someone has stopped him. Who did it? Who could have done it? And is this mysterious power on the side of angels, or is it an even bigger potential threat than Juggernaut? Those are the kind of questions that would keep you up at night."
Knowing Spidey fans well, the writer guarantees an adventure packed with action and wrapped in drama, then served up with a side of pathos.
 |
| AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #627 preview art by Lee Weeks |
"The focus is mainly on Spider-Man himself, as he tries to get to the bottom of things. And for a guy who's been beaten unconscious and left for dead, Juggernaut sees a good bit of action, as well-eventually."
Part of that pathos stems from Peter's seeming inability to take geek-girl hottie Carlie Cooper out on the town. Stern also promises some attention to that little detail.
"Carlie's a real sweetheart, isn't she?" asks the writer. "And she's the first woman in Pete's life with whom he can really talk science. Carlie knows her stuff, and she doesn't easily freak out. I'll bet she could go from cataloging body parts to eating a chili dog without giving it a second thought. Carlie is less Goth than Abby Sciuto, better adjusted than Temperance Brennan, and much prettier than Gil Grissom, but she would fit right in with that crowd."
But it's the powerful presence of Cain Marko, the Juggernaut, that dominates this tale and Stern relishes the opportunity to once again scratch the itch between the ruby wrecking ball and the web-slinging Spider-Man.
 |
| AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #627 preview art by Lee Weeks |
And what more does the prolific writer say about the book's sad-sack star?
"The underlying lesson of Spider-Man is that super-powers have their own drawbacks. Great power does lead to great responsibilities; you ignore them at your peril. And intelligence isn't wisdom. Pete is a little driven, both as himself and as Spider-Man. But he's clever and funny and usually comes through in the end, even when the odds are stacked against him, which they most definitely are in this story.
To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook or visit www.comicshoplocator.com
Not a subscriber to Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited yet? Join now!
Download SPIDER-WOMAN and ASTONISHING X-MEN Motion Comics now on iTunes! For more information on motion comics, visit the Marvel Motion Comics hub!"
Download episodes of "X-Men: Evolution", "Wolverine and the X-Men", "Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes" and "The Super Hero Squad Show" now on iTunes!
Check out the official Marvel Shop for your favorite Marvel Heroes!
:981b21727c="Roger Stern"]:981b21727c="silentprocess"]You think this will tie into Juggy ending up on the new Tbolts team?[/quote:981b21727c]That would be telling.-- Uncle Rog[/quote:981b21727c]Well... :juggernaut: If I had to guess, and it appears I have to, I say this story is going to lead into Juggy being on the Thunderbolts roster. Which is cool. This can be a great story to develop ...
View More
:981b21727c="Roger Stern"]:981b21727c="silentprocess"]You think this will tie into Juggy ending up on the new Tbolts team?[/quote:981b21727c]That would be telling.-- Uncle Rog[/quote:981b21727c]Well... :juggernaut: If I had to guess, and it appears I have to, I say this story is going to lead into Juggy being on the Thunderbolts roster. Which is cool. This can be a great story to develop Juggy more as a character as well. There aren't many times the Juggernaut has been vulnerable, Onslaught was mentioned earlier. When people are vulnerable they tend to reflect upon their lives and start questioning what they are doing and their motives. We'll have to see, nonetheless I'm excited about it.
View Less
:a00b6948f2="darktruth"]Deadpool stopped the Juggernaut with logic, which for Deadpool is quite a feat![/quote:a00b6948f2]Logic and intellect really do make you realize than an unstoppable motion is just like a golden retriever crashing down a freshly polished wood floor.
:22b8b67f15="silentprocess"]You think this will tie into Juggy ending up on the new Tbolts team?[/quote:22b8b67f15]That would be telling.-- Uncle Rog
You think this will tie into Juggy ending up on the new Tbolts team?
Hey, Roger... That's not the general consensus.. I just wanted you to know :). I enjoy your work and appreciate what you do... Even if saying that may have others thinking I'm a suckup.