This collection takes a more serious turn in the life of Peter Parker and those around him. If you've read this comic as long as I have (on and off for 35 years) there's nothing new here. If you're somewhat new to the Spider-Man lineage, then it probably had a bigger impact with you. Essentially, there's a death in Spider-Man's extended circle of people in his life and he renews his pledge to be a hero.

Not a bad set of comics, just lacking anything new for this long-time reader. Still love what Slott does with the characters in the Spidey U-verse. ( )

This was fun. The first story was cool. The story with the Fantastic Four was touching and some of the banter between Jameson and Spidey was hilarious. Spidey without spider senses seems kinda lame but I'm assuming he gets them back sooner or later. I want to know what happens with Flash Thompson as Venom, thought I'm pretty sure I know the outcome.

This is a note for me. Read at your own peril. Not trying to bring anyone down but I don't want to forget.

This is the last graphic novel that Kelmy read and suggested to me before the accident. I'm not trying to attach any metaphysical connection to the title and his death, but it is a strange coincidence. Yesterday was two weeks and it's still impossible to think that we'll never talk about comics again. ( )

Not surprisingly given the cover, the stories about death are the highlight here.

The two-issue "No One Dies" storyline, in which Spider-Man faces his demons after the death of a friend, is a real treat. Powerful writing by Dan Slott and terrific artwork by Marcos Martin. Whereas the other artists in this book sometimes have way too much going on in a single page, Martin keeps his artwork clean and focused with clear emotions in the characters' faces.

Martin returns for (most of) an issue about another death, this time of Johnny Storm from the Fantastic Four, and the result is similarly brilliant. Whereas "No One Dies" has a real grimness, Slott adds humor to "Torch Song" by focusing on that part after the funeral when friends and family tell funny stories about the departed.

To be honest, the other stories in this collection are kind of throwaway. The birth of a new Venom should have been interesting, but I found the whole thing pretty dull. Plus, I really don't like Humberto Ramos messy, unproportional art style. But hey, maybe that's just me. ( )