The remake of "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" starring John Travolta and Denzel Washington hits theaters today, and while we've posted lists in the past that tied into the week's premieres, I felt like this was the perfect opportunity to spotlight one comic in particular... or rather, its cover.
While Washington has squared off against a wide variety of villains (and heroes) in his long movie career, his pursuit of train-hijacker Travolta in "Pelham 1 2 3" keeps reminding me of one of my favorite covers from my own collection of "Amazing Spider-Man" issues. Sure, the wall-crawler has been victorious against Doctor Octopus, Venom and any number of other super-powered foes -- but how will he fare when he takes on.... (wait for it)... "THE COMMUTER"?!
Created by artist Mark Bright, the cover to "Amazing Spider-Man" #267 is the first thing that comes to mind every time I hear a mention of "Pelham 1 2 3," for some reason. Fan-favorite writer Peter David scripted the issue, and at the risk of playing spoiler, there actually isn't a supervillain named "The Commuter" in the issue, unfortunately.
Instead of fighting a teleporting mutant or someone who can telepathically control the New York City subway system, the issue actually puts Spidey on the trail of a regular ol' burglar who happens to escape the wall-crawler and flee off the island of Manhattan and into the Bronx. After hitching a ride to Scarsdale out of Grand Central Station, Spider-Man discovers that it's a lot more difficult to swing around town and save the day once he trades skyscrapers and cement walls for the sidewalks of suburbia.
It's a funny story (illustrated by Bob McLeod) that takes aim at exactly how much of a "city superhero" Spider-Man really is, but it's the cover that I've always loved most about this issue -- and that keeps popping into my head every time I hear about "Pelham 1 2 3" lately.
Has anyone else ever had that happen?
Ever had a movie or television series storyline that reminded you of a particular comic book or cover? Let me know in the comment section.
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