Opening Day. For many, those two words signify the start of something special, a yearly ritual filled with hope, nostalgia, and the comforting rhythm of tradition. For fans of the New York Mets, like the author of the blog Chasing Amazing, Opening Day is a deeply personal experience, intertwined with family, memories, and yes, even a touch of inevitable disappointment. But beyond the thrill of baseball, the concept of tradition itself holds a profound power, a power beautifully explored in an often-overlooked gem from the Spider-Man comic book universe: Peter Parker: Spider-Man #33 (vol. 2).
Before Spider-Man swung into his life, the author’s first love was baseball, specifically the Mets. Growing up, the simple act of collecting baseball cards, the smell of the cardboard packs, and the excitement of finding a Mets player within, formed the foundation of a childhood passion. Baseball was more than just a game; it was a bond with his father and brother, filled with park outings and dreams of home runs. Even as adulthood brought its own set of physical limitations, the echoes of those early baseball rituals remained strong, a poignant reminder of shared experiences and familial connection.
The heart of this baseball ritual, for many, lies in attending games. Shea Stadium, the Mets’ former home, might have been a bit rough around the edges, but it was their stadium, a place of pilgrimage shared with family. Through wins and losses, Shea held memories, culminating in moments of pure, unadulterated fan euphoria, like the legendary comeback against the Atlanta Braves in 2000. The stadium literally shaking with excitement, a shared experience that transcended the game itself, solidifying the emotional connection to place and team.
This deep dive into baseball fandom might seem tangential to a Spider-Man blog, but it serves as the perfect backdrop for understanding the brilliance of Peter Parker Spider-Man #33. Written by Paul Jenkins and illustrated by Mark Buckingham, this issue uses the familiar setting of a New York Mets baseball game to explore the deeply emotional relationship between Peter Parker and his Uncle Ben. For some readers, it might appear as a quiet interlude, but for those who connect with its themes, it resonates with profound emotional depth.
In “Maybe Next Year,” the story unfolds around an annual tradition: Ben taking young Peter to a Mets game. Year after year, the Mets consistently lose, much to young Peter’s dismay. But Ben, in his infinite wisdom, imparts a valuable lesson: it’s not always about winning or losing; it’s about enjoying the shared experience, the simple joy of the game itself. This annual pilgrimage becomes a cornerstone of their relationship, a yearly ritual reinforcing their bond.
The comic poignantly portrays a turning point in their tradition. One year, Peter, perhaps caught up in teenage angst or other concerns, is reluctant to go to the game. Ben, unknowingly, nudges him to continue the ritual, and in a bittersweet moment, Peter, anticipating Ben’s usual post-game speech, cuts him off. This tense scene is momentarily relieved by a miraculous Mets victory, a rare and unexpected event in their tradition of losing. However, the joy is short-lived, as the story reminds us that just three days later, Ben is tragically taken from Peter. Despite this devastating loss, Peter continues their tradition, returning to the ballpark each year, not for the Mets, but to honor Ben’s memory.
The emotional impact of Peter Parker Spider-Man #33 is undeniable, especially for readers who understand the power of shared traditions. The author himself discovered this comic years after its release, prompted by an interview with Paul Jenkins. Having missed this era of Spider-Man comics initially, the story of Peter and Ben’s baseball tradition struck a deeply personal chord, instantly making him a fan of Jenkins’ storytelling.
What Jenkins masterfully captures in this comic is the profound emotional value of traditions and rituals in our lives. These shared experiences are the threads that weave together strong relationships, creating lasting memories and providing a sense of continuity and connection. For Peter and Ben, the annual baseball game was more than just a sporting event; it was a sacred ritual, a time for bonding, laughter, and the quiet transmission of life lessons. Baseball, with its structured yet unpredictable nature, becomes a perfect metaphor for life itself, a game of rules and chance, where the true value lies not just in the outcome, but in the shared moments along the way.
Just as Peter continues his tradition to honor Ben, many of us hold onto our own rituals, finding comfort and meaning in their repetition. For the author, Opening Day remains a vital personal ritual, a yearly immersion into the world of baseball that connects him to family and memories. And knowing that a Spider-Man comic exists that so beautifully encapsulates the essence of tradition, marrying it with the beloved character of Peter Parker, adds another layer of appreciation for both baseball and the rich tapestry of Spider-Man’s world. Peter Parker Spider-Man #33 is more than just a comic book; it’s a poignant reminder of the enduring power of tradition and the lasting impact of love and loss, themes that resonate deeply within the heart of the Spider-Man narrative.
All images from Peter Parker Spider-Man #33 (vol. 2): Paul Jenkins, Mark Buckingham & Wayne Faucher
