the plot: While Peter mopes after being unable to meet Mary Jane while she was in town, he decides to bite the bullet and go to California to visit her with Aunt May in tow. Meanwhile Dr. Otto Octavius, the sinister Dr. Octopus is tricked into being used as a test subject by Carlyle, the trecherous head of the Nexus corporation, who fashions updated versions of Ock's tentacles and an armored suit to match. Ock breaks free of his captivity though, and goes after Carlyle, who just happens to be hiding out in California.

Yikes for Spidey!

the review: Ah! You see, while I was applauding the Amazing Spider-Man team for breaking free of the multi-part arc story style they'd been stuck in for a while now (tailed towards the enevitable tradepaper back), it becomes clear the recently finished three part arc was done so because when it's paired with this three part Doc Ock story, they've got another TPB in the can. I wish they weren't contricted by this form of storytelling, but at least they're trying to shake things up, and move past a long-winded six part story arc.

Having brought up the notion of clearity in the Spidey-books, I've also come to the unfortunate realisation that, while I'd hoped otherwise, it's become absolutly apparent that continuity has been thrown out the window. When last we saw Dr. Octopus (which was like, what...four months ago?) he was back in full-megalomaniac form, his arms were destroyed, and he was webbed up for capture by SHIELD. What happened? In the space of one month he repaired his arms, his hair started to turn grey, evaded capture by the Marvel U's premier policing force, and underwent a complete change of personality? Even a footnote to explain he wasn't caught in Peter Parker: Spider-Man #41 would have been enough. And if Spider-Man Quality of Life is supposed to be set in current continuity, where is that supposed to fit in? I hate to admit it, but it's probably a good idea not to think too hard about, since no one else seems to.

Aside from my not-so-minor complaints with this issue, it was decent enough. I like seeing a calmer, more business-like Ock, and thought the Peter and Mary Jane scenes were well handled. I was afraid that after last issue, MJ wouldn't be showing up again for a while, so I was pleased to see that Peter was trying to get in touch with her.

The scenes with Aunt May were nice, particularly the scene at her house where she admits she's "never actually seen anyone make a movie before." That's a perfect Aunt May. The scene in the airport (you know which one) seemed off to me, and odd characterisation for someone who's supposed to be in her seventies. I don't know, I always pictured Aunt May being very much like my Grandmother, and it just seemed off to me. Ah well, like I said. Best not to think too much about it. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Amazing Spider-Man #43 gets *** out of ***** as an issue, but ** out of ***** as part of the greater Spidey tapestry.

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