The main story was pretty good. Mary Jane is back, and Pete wakes up naked in bed with his new roomate Michelle Gonzales. Which brings up a question in my mind: Did Pete cheat on his wife in this issue? Are their marriage vows really nullified just because a demon makes everyone forget they were ever a couple? They both seem to remember. Just something I thought of as I read the issue. Chances are they will take the cheap route out and say they didn't have sex. I hate it when they do that.

Anyway, although I love redheads, I can't say I am that thrilled about them bringing Mary Jane back right now because I know I didn't like the whole "One last day" storyline and the deal with the devil that undid his public unmasking, but I have to admit that ever since, it has been one of the most enjoyable comics I collect in recent months. I know the return of MJ means we are going to be wading back into weak plot territory. I loved the Civil War plot line and I really wished they had followed through on the potential of that. Personally I foresaw great potential in having the death of one (or more) of Peter's loved one's be the catalyst proves him right about registration and restores the Marvel universe to a less authoritarian world.

Anyway, I digress.

The reason I picked this issue as my pick of the week was actually the backup story by Bendis. This was Bendis at his best! It is a great little conversation between Peter and Jessica Jones-Cage about their relationship, how they knew each other back in high school and the effect Peter has on her life, both as Peter and Spider-man. The reason I loved this is that it really gets to the heart of why people love heroes and thus why I think super hero comics have become so popular. It was a great examination of the phrase that sums up the philosophy at the center of the Spider-man mythos, "With great power there must also come great responsibility".

Especially in America, who in the last century has become a culture that identifies itself a "super power", this philosophy resonates with many people on a deep level that is very hard to put into words, as Jessica demonstrates in the story.  Heroic behavior inspires hope in people and those with more power, who are more able to act, are understood by many to have a responsibility attached to that power. It is an idea that can be expounded upon out into real life in almost every facet of our lives, public and private. It is one of the reasons that I have always loved Spider-man comics, especially when it is written by someone who really gets the character.