I have read Parallel Lives for the first time. These are my thoughts on it
I had made a post a few days or maybe a week ago asking for agendas and such. I probably worded it wrong or something. Anyways one of the 4 recommendations I got was Parallel lives. So I read it today.
I enjoyed it and liked the art. I thought I wouldn't like the art much since its more classic art. But I enjoyed it and have some panels I enjoy.
As for the story its a PeterMJ book. And I enjoyed seeing the parallels between. I like how while Peter wears a mask and lies to his loved ones so they don't know or worry about him, MJ does the same to an extent. She hides her feelings but for herself rather than others. Its also kinda funny how they don't want to meet one another at all knowing how things go. I also like and can totally understand MJs problems with commitment and responsibilities and all that without how her life had been up to that point. Pretty harsh when she ran from her sister but its something I understand with her reasoning since both her mom and her sister were in miserable marriages mostly putting up with terrible behavior for the sake of someone else. While selfish I understand why MJ didn't want that and why she wanted to just be independent and free. I liked their wedding pages and seeing how they both had doubts about getting married for different reasons. An aspect of Peterr shown here is also his self destructive habit of always blaming himself as well. He blamed himself for his parents, uncle Ben and even questioned whether Otto was right about everything being his fault.
What I find interesting that I didn't expect was tgat this story is also kind of a Parallel to Otto as well. Not in terms of love or masks or responsibilities. But choices. Both Peter and MJ chose to overcome and be better for whatever reasons. MJ for Peter and Peter for aunt may and Uncle Ben’s memory. Both chose to get married andface whatever challenges came their way and the unknown, they chose each other and their love. But Otto chose to simply get revenge and blame Peter and Spider-Man for "ruining" his life. Even though he could've chosen to be better at any time. He could've tried to move on but chose not to.
A moment I loved was seeing when Peter was down and blaming himself for everything and wanted to walk away from MJ and possibly Aunt May. She stopped him and told him she chose him knowing the risks and that he should be able to do the same and not worry so much or blame himself 🥹 very nice moment. I also enjoyed the moment between Peter and Ben when Ben noticed Peter was happier and in a better mood. Telling him he worried about not enjoying his life and such. Idk why tbh but I just really liked it.
My next read will be Beyond one shot of BC and MJ, probably BC run and ANV as well. Anyone can recommend anything else if they please. I have also shared some pages i liked art wise as well