I think I’ve kinda worked out that FNSM might take Place before SSM in the mess that is Back In Black. I read 3 issues of SSM after the first 3 FNSMs, and I think… that may be true. I don’t know. Let’s see. This month’s cover is by Tomm Coker, a guy who’s artistic evolution is among the wildest I’ve seen in all my years reading comics. He went from a really exaggerated & experimental style in the “manga inspired” late 90s to a more cartoony thing to rigid photorealism by the 2010s. Inside, tho, it’s the usual suspects.
“Ero.” Finally getting this done, I guess.
Again, I ask: Does MJ live at the hospital now? Later, Betty Brant arrives at Flash’s place to find “Mr. Reilly” there, and like Flash, knows it’s Peter in a single page. I mean… really? Are they all psychics?
“Hey, remember when I wanted to have an affair when Ned was alive and you were kinda with it? I don’t know, this hug just takes me back.” Seriously, tho, Betty being one of the very oldest cast members, this is just the kind of interaction I want during this period. Meanwhile, Flash isn’t there because… a tow truck driver he calls “Double K,” who he knows personally, is giving him a ride to a bowling alley to coach his high school bowling team? Who is this? He further wants her to come embarrass his kids by out-bowling them because “some of them are getting too smug.” I think Flash should lose his job. The ubiquitous “Ero” is watching from a rooftop, never far from wherever Flash might be. And she says it’s time to put her plan in motion.
Why… did he get into Spider-Man position on the couch? Weird thing to say, by the way, Betty. I don’t know, first loves and all. How funny would it be if she was still the insane, manipulative lunatic she was as a teen during this story? Well, Peter starts talking about how he was chatting with Flash at school (WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN) when Arrow appeared.
That’s so stupid. That’s so stupid! Why would she use a cutesy nickname? This isn’t as stupid as Geoff Johns having Red Skull infiltrate the US Government under the name “Dell Rusk,” but it’s close! Ugh, anyway, “Arrow” goes into the bowling alley and demands Flash leave with her. She’s introduced to Kelly Kulick, pro bowler, never seen before or since, “old friend of Flash’s.” Arrow won’t take no from either of them when demanding Flash leave, and pushes Kelly over the ball return thingie in her mounting anger.
I think I’ve just kind of been struck speechless. I sure had no idea the Other would keep making comics suck this long after it was over. Outside, Flash & Kelly are trying to escape in her truck, when a giant tower of spiders lifts it into the sky. Like… come on. How many spiders can this lady be? Flash demands Arrow let Kelly go, so of course it chucks her out of the truck, only to be saved by Spider-Man.
I’m not sure how this is going to last 2 more issues, but I know it is.