Category: Marvel Comics

Written by Tom DeFalco

Art by Mark Bagley; Larry Mahlstedt; Al Milgrom; Bob Sharen; Malibu’s Hues; Richard Starkings; & Comicraft

Cover Art by Mark Bagley & Larry Mahlstedt

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for May 1996, it’s Part 2 of the six-part “Blood Brothers.”  While J. Jonah Jameson gloats over a publicity-seeking Spidey bounty re: a stolen skeleton, two Spider-Men have separate dilemmas.  Ben Reilly is still acclimating (or re-acclimating) to his dual life, as one scene depicts a homage to Batman’s origin in Crime Alley.  Realizing someone has a vendetta to ruin him, Ben’s day grows steadily worse.  A mystery adversary tauntingly invades Ben’s apartment and may next target his unsuspecting workplace. 

Eager to return home to Portland, Oregon, a powerless Peter Parker accepts that his web-spinning days are over.  Sharing an exuberant day in New York City, with his pregnant wife, Mary Jane, Peter is briefly content with this reality.  In an alley, the Parkers are brutally accosted by cybernetic mercenaries.  Mary Jane is helpless witnessing their assailants mercilessly pummel Peter to near-death as an ominous warning to Spider-Man. 

Elsewhere, the villainous Doctor Trainer looks forward to the Multivex Corporation’s cloning technology to revitalize him.

Note: The cover image doesn’t depict Mary Jane as obviously pregnant (as she is in the actual story).

REVIEW:

No matter how preposterous the whole Clone Saga seems, writer Tom DeFalco’s scripting for this particular issue is solid enough.  Including reasonably good visuals,  The Amazing Spider-Man # 411 delivers a decent, likely one-and-done read.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A single-page checklist details newly-released Marvel issues. Saved for last is a single-page “Spider-Web” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      5½ Stars

Written by Mark Gruenwald; Peter Sanderson; & Mark  Lerer

Art by (See Below), including Josef Rubinstein; Eliot R. Brown; & Andy Yanchus

Wraparound Cover Art by Edward Hannigan; Josef Rubinstein; & Andy Yanchus

SUMMARY:

Released for November 1983, this 34-page issue (counting the inside covers) consists of character profiles consisting of a biography, a full frontal image (and occasionally supplemental images), height, weight, eyes, hair, unusual features, and a brief description of a character’s powers.  This issue features these characters (with their pencillers and/or inkers):

• Subterraneans (Bret Blevins)
• Sunfire (Sandy Plunkett)
• Sunspot (Bob McLeod)
• Super-Adaptoid (Mike Zeck)
• Super-Skrull (John Byrne)
• Supreme Intelligence (Ron Wilson)
• Surtur (Walter Simonson)
• Swarm (Alan Kupperberg)
• Taskmaster (Paul Becton)
• Tatterdemalion (Bob Hall)
• Texas Twister (Keith Pollard)
• Thena (Brian Bolland)
• Thing (John Byrne)
• Thor (Walter Simonson)
• Thor’s Hammer {Mjolnir} (Eliot R. Brown)
• Thundra (John Romita, Sr.)
• Tiger Shark (John Buscema)
• Tigra (Will Meugniot)
• Titan {Saturn’s moon} (Eliot R. Brown)
• Titanium Man (Allen Milgrom)
• Toad (John Byrne)
• Tomorrow Man (Sal Buscema)
• Trapster {Paste Pot Pete} (John Byrne)
• Triton (Mike Zeck)
• U-Foes (Sal Buscema)
• Ulik (Walter Simonson)
• Ultron (Kerry Gammill)
• Umar (Josef Rubinstein)
• Unicorn (Brett Breeding)
• Union Jack {Joey Chapman} (Kerry Gammill)
• Unus (Paul Smith)
• Ursa Major (Ron Wilson)
• Alien Races {Tribbitites, Tsiln, Tsyrani, Ul’lula’ns, Vegans, Vorms, Vrellnexians, & Xantareans} (Paty)

Notes: Originally billed as a twelve-part series, this Original Handbook series went on to include supplements (i.e. two issues for the dead and inactive characters).  Its subsequent Deluxe Edition counterpart is Issue # 13. 

REVIEW:

Issue # 11 is evidence that this first handbook series continues to improve its game.  Not only are the profiles more detailed than those seen in earlier issues, but the artwork holds up surprisingly well after nearly forty years.  For fans of Early ‘80s Marvel , this issue is worth picking up for its nostalgia value. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover is the table-of-contents & credits page.  The back inside cover is an appendix continuing to identify characters that didn’t make Issue # 11’s cut.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7 Stars

Written by Charles Soule

Art by Javier Pulido; Muntsa Vicente; & VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover Art by Kevin Wada

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for September 2014, this issue is entitled “The Zealous Advocate.”  Disturbed by her client Kristoff Vernard’s brazen courtroom abduction by his father (Doctor Doom), Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk leaves Brooklyn to consult Matt Murdock in San Francisco.  After their ‘date night’ bashing punks, She-Hulk stealthily infiltrates Latveria for a face-to-face consultation with Doom and his repressed adult heir. 

Back in Brooklyn, Jennifer and her staff (including Patsy “Hellcat” Walker) will next probe the enigmatic ‘Blue’ file.

REVIEW:

While Charles Soule’s script delivers some well-played moments (i.e. Jennifer & Matt’s chat atop the Golden Gate Bridge and a glimpse of their platonic ‘date night’), the rudimentary visuals are underwhelming.  Conveying a hip artistic style reminiscent of on-line comics, the problem is that it gives this issue an unimpressively minor league look.  Kevin Wada’s cover image is frankly Issue # 4’s best image. 

Though She-Hulk fans should like Soule’s semi-comedic plot, that is really this comic’s only selling point.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Breaking the fourth wall, She-Hulk introduces the story on the first page.  Also included here are the credits.  The credits are also playfully included on a later page.  An unusual add-on is the back cover.  It’s the first-of-six segments in a Marvel cross-promotion storyline with Harley Davidson.  The plot’s villains are The Wrecking Crew.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  5½ Stars

Written by Mark Gruenwald; Alan Zelenetz; Eliot R. Brown; Ralph Macchio; & Peter Sanderson

Art by (See Below), including Andy Yanchus

Wraparound Cover Art by Edward Hannigan & Andy Yanchus

SUMMARY:

Released for January 1983, this first 34-page issue (counting the inside covers) initiated Marvel Comics’ periodic handbook series.  As applicable, each profile features a quick biography, a full frontal image, height, weight, eyes, hair, unusual features, and a brief description of a character’s powers.  This inaugural issue consists of these characters (with their pencillers and/or inkers):

• Abomination (Ron Wilson)
• Absorbing Man (Ron Wilson)
• El Aguila (Dave Cockrum)
• A.I.M. (Luke McDonnell)
• Ajak (Ron Wilson)
• Alpha Flight (John Byrne & Terry Austin)
• Alpha Primitives (Ron Wilson)
• American Eagle (Ron Wilson)
• Anaconda (Mark Gruenwald)
• Angar the Screamer (Brian Postman)
• Angel {Warren Worthington III} (Brian Postman)
• Annihilus (Luke McDonnell)
• Ant-Man {Scott Lang} (Brian Postman)
• Aquarian (Mark Gruenwald)
• Arabian Knight (Mark Gruenwald)
• Arcade (Bob Budiansky)
• Ares (Paul Smith)
• Ariel {Kitty Pryde} (Paul Smith)
• Arkon (Bob Budiansky)
• Arnim Zola (Jack Kirby)
• Asgard (Peter Gillis & Tom Orzechowski)
• Asgardians (Ron Wilson)
• Atlantis (Peter Gillis & Rick Parker)
• Atlanteans (Paty)
• Attilan (Peter Gillis & Eliot R. Brown)
• Attuma (Walt Simonson)
• Aurora (John Byrne)
• Avengers (John Byrne & Terry Austin)
• Avengers Mansion (Eliot R. Brown)
• Avengers Quinjet (Eliot R. Brown)
• Alien Races {Aakon, A’Askvarii, Achernonians, A-Chiltarians, Alpha Centaurians, Arcturans, Astrans, & Autocrons} (Paty)

Note: Originally billed as a twelve-part series, this Original Handbook series went on to include supplements (i.e. two issues for the dead and inactive characters). 

REVIEW:

Aside from the near-microscopic typography, it’s a Marvel relic worth perusing.  For instance, considering that the recently-introduced Alpha Flight’s entry merits a mere half-page vs. two full pages detailing the Avengers roster, one can easily which characters earned top priority. More importantly, this inaugural issue serves as the template that both Marvel and DC have worked off for decades now as yet another vehicle for their perpetual rivalry.

Though the material is nearly forty years old (i.e. the biographies are often a meager paragraph), the quality control is still decent considering the ambitious scope of this project. Furthermore, it’s a reminder of the simplistic fun (for a whole $1.00!) that comics used to be before Marvel & DC Comics began their innumerable continuity shifts over-complicating the genre.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover is the table-of-contents & credits page.  The back inside cover is Mark Gruenwald’s half-page editorial introducing the project.  The other half-page is an appendix acknowledging characters who didn’t make Issue # 1’s cut.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6 Stars

Written by Mike Fichera; Ronald Byrd; Al Sjoerdsma; Stuart Vandal; Anthony Flamini; Michael Hoskin; Jeff Christiansen; Sean McQuaid; Madison Carter; & Eliot R. Brown.

Art by (See Below).

Cover Art by Aaron Lopresti; Chris Sotomayor; Pond Scum; & Tom Smith.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for 2007, this 50-page issue (counting the inside covers) consists of these character profiles (with their artists):

• Cardiac (Ron Lim & Mark Bagley)
• Conundrum (Luke Ross)
• The Daily Bugle (No Artist Listed)
• Delilah (Mark Bagley)
• The Enforcers (Steve Ditko)
• Grim Hunter (Tom Lyle)
• Grizzly (Staz Johnson, Luke Ross, & Ross Andru)
• Jimmy-6 (John Romita Jr.)
• Kraven the Hunter (John Romita Sr., Mike Zeck, Nick Dragotta, & Eliot R. Brown)
• Jason Macendale (Sal Buscema, Ron Frenz, Steve Ditko, Mark Texeira, & Larry Alexander)
• Magma (Marc Silvestri & Herb Trimpe)
• Molten Man (Dan Jurgens, Ross Andru, & Erik Larsen)
• Richard & Mary Parker (John Romita Sr.)
• Randy Robertson (Ale Garza & John Romita Sr.)
• Shadrac (John Byrne, Joe Bennett, & Scott Hanna)
• S.H.O.C. (John Romita, Jr.)
• Silvermane (Karl Kesel, John Romita Jr., Jim Mooney, John Romita Sr., & Staz Johnson)
• Slyde (Ron Frenz & Sean Chen)
• Alistaire Smythe (Erik Larsen, Mark Bagley, & Mary Wilshire)
• Solo (Ron Randall)
• Spider-Man (Angel Medina, Steve McNiven, Mike Wieringo, Scot Eaton, Eliot R. Brown, & Ron Frenz)
• Gwen Stacy Clones (Liam Sharpe, Tom Lyle, Mark Bagley, & Yancet Labat)
• Styx & Stone (Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen, & Jeff Johnson)
• Symbiotes (Dave Hoover, Kyle Hotz, Ron Frenz, Todd McFarlane, Patrick Zircher, Mark Bagley, Darick Robertson, Ron Randall, Greg Luzniak, & Skottie Young)
• Alan Kupperberg (Walrus)
• White Dragon (Greg LaRoque & Ross Andru)
• Debra Whitman (Ed Hannigan & Bob Hall)
• Will O’ The Wisp (Angel Medina & John Romita Jr.)
• Coldheart (Tom Lyle & Steven McNiven)
• Commanda (Terry Dodson)
• Drom (Don Perlin & Jim Mooney)
• Empathoid (Sal Buscema)
• Blackie Gaxton (Steve Ditko)
• Headsman (Pat Olliffe)
• Hobgoblin: 2211 A.D. (Mike Wieringo)
• Iguana (Jim Mooney)
• El Muerto (Roger Cruz)
• Mysterio {Francis Klum} (Todd Nauxck & Terry Dodson)
• Ben Parker: Earth-6078  (Mike Wieringo)
• Spidercide (Ron Lim, Mark Bagley, & Sal Buscema)
• Spider-Man: 22 11 A.D. (Mike Wieringo)
• Supercharger (Gil Kane)
• Tendril (Darick Robertson)
• Tracer (Mike Wieringo)
• Videoman (Nick Dragotta)
• Vulture {Clifton Shallot} (Ross Andru)

REVIEW:

Marvel’s consistently solid production values for these handbooks again live up to expectations.  However, aside from an  obligatory Spider-Man profile, none of these characters are relevant to the Back in Black arc itself.  Since current profiles on Mary Jane Watson-Parker, Aunt May, the Kingpin, etc. were available in other handbooks, Marvel evidently opted for a seemingly random hodge-podge from the Spider-Man mythos to fill up this handbook’s page count. 

In that sense, despite some good reading, this handbook is a bait-and-switch due to its deliberately misleading title. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to the credits, the inside front cover offers a reference guide to find other Spider-related profiles.  The back inside cover has a half-page profile on head writer Michael Fichera.  The other half-page is a glossary continuing from the All-New Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe A to Z Update # 1. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                6 Stars

Written by Mark Gruenwald & Peter Sanderson

Art by (See Below), plus Eliot Brown; Josef Rubinstein; Andy Yanchus; Brenda Mings; & James Fry

Wraparound Cover Art by John Byrne; Josef Rubinstein; & Andy Yanchus

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for December 1986, this 65-page (including the back cover) profiles in depth the following characters (and their assigned artists):

• Super-Adaptoid (Mike Zeck)
• Super-Skrull (John Byrne)
• Supreme Intelligence (Ron Wilson)
• Surtur (Walt Simonson)
• Talisman (Mike Mignola)
• Taskmaster (Joe Rubinstein)
• Tatterdemalion (Bob Hall)
• Tattletale (June Brigman)
• Terminus (John Byrne)
• Texas Twister (Keith Pollard)
• Thena (Brian Bolland)
• Thing (John Byrne)
• Thor {including his hammer, Mjolnir} (Walt Simonson)
• Thunderiders (Cynthia Martin)
• Thundra (Brian Bolland)
• Tiger Shark (John Buscema)
• Tigra (Stan Drake)
• Tinkerer (Peter Poplaski)
• Titan {Saturn’s moon} (Eliot R. Brown)
• Titania (Mick Zeck – possibly a typo for Mike Zeck)
• Titanium Man (Al Milgrom)
• Toad (Steve Ditko)
• Tomorrow Man (Sal Buscema)
• Tower (Bob Layton)
• Trapster (Javier Saltares)
• Triton (Mike Zeck)
• Tyrannus (Joe Sinnott)
• U-Foes (Sal Buscema)
• Ulik (Walt Simonson)
• Ultimatum (Larry Hama)
• Ultron (Kerry Gammill)
• Umar (Joe Rubinstein)

Note: The 20-issue ‘Deluxe Edition’ update series was published between 1985 and 1988.

REVIEW:

Even when compared to its 1983 original series counterpart (approximately Issue # 11), this ‘deluxe’ version earns that distinction.  The 1983 version was certainly good at half the size, but this Issue # 13 is even better.  Aside from some minor typos, Marvel Comics ensures that that its fanbase gets everything on these characters and then some.  For a thirty-five year old comic, this one is a gem.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover is a table-of-contents, credits, and Mark Gruenwald’s “Data Corrections.”  The back inside cover is an appendix for five ‘Other Dimensions,’ from Runestaff Dimension to The Shadow Realm.  Also continued is the “Data Corrections.”  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8½ Stars

Written by Mark Gruenwald & Peter Sanderson

Art by (See Below), plus Eliot Brown; Josef Rubinstein; Andy Yanchus; Brenda Mings; & James Fry

Wraparound Cover Art by John Byrne; Josef Rubinstein; & Andy Yanchus

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for May 1986, this 64-page (including the back cover) profiles in depth the following characters (and their assigned artists):

• Human Torch {Johnny Storm} (John Byrne)
• Hydra (Mike Zeck)
• Hydro-Base (Eliot R. Brown)
• Hydro-Man (Ron Wilson)
• Iceman (Jackson Guice)
• Ikaris (Keith Pollard)
• Illusion (Richard Howell)
• Immortus (Kerry Gammill)
• Imperial Guard (Dave Cockrum)
• Impossible Man & Impossible Woman (Steve Leialoha)
• In-Betweener (Jim Starlin)
• Interloper (Don Perlin)
• Invisible Woman (John Byrne)
• Iron Man I {Tony Stark} (Mark Bright)
• Iron Man II {James Rhodes} (Mark Bright)
• Jack of Hearts (Dave Cockrum)
• Jack O’Lantern (Steve Ditko)
• J. Jonah Jameson (John Romita Sr.)
• John Jameson (John Romita Jr.)
• Madison Jeffries (Kevin Maguire)
• Jester (Kerry Gammill)
• Rick Jones (James Fry)
• Juggernaut (John Romita Jr.)
• Jennifer Kale (June Brigman)
• Kang (Brett Breeding)
• Karkas (Ron Wilson)
• Karnak (Sandy Plunkett)
• Karnilla (Walt Simonson)
• Ka-Zar (Val Mayerik)

Note: The 20-issue ‘Deluxe Edition’ update series was published between 1985 and 1988.

REVIEW:

As evidenced by Issue # 6, this issue (including a decent-sized font) is a Marvel master class in quality control.  Considering the enormous labor required for this particular series, the late Mark Gruenwald deserves major kudos for supervising upgrades (more imagery, far more extensive biographies, first appearance info, etc.) this ‘deluxe’ version enjoys over the original series.  Absolutely well-played!     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover is a table-of-contents, credits, and Mark Gruenwald’s “Constant Dilemma” commentary.  The back inside cover is an appendix for fifteen ‘Other Dimensions,’ from Alfheim to Crystalium.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     9 Stars

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

Art by Ron Garney; Bill Reinhold; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Ron Garney

SUMMARY:

Having publicly revealed his secret identity weeks before, Peter Parker is now a post-Civil War fugitive.  Beginning the five-part Back in Black arc, Marvel Comics released this same-named issue for April 2007.  In the seconds after Aunt May’s assassination, Peter instinctively retaliates to force the hidden sniper’s retreat.  Desperately leaving his critically-wounded aunt in a hospital ICU unit, Peter leaves his wife, Mary Jane, is left to handle the necessary logistics. 

In full-on vengeance mode, Peter forsakes his costume to brutally investigate the assassin’s firepower used in the crime.  An incarcerated Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk calmly receives an update on the triple-hit he has ordered on Spider Man and his loved ones.  Meanwhile, Mary Jane faces dire news re: Aunt May’s medical condition.    

Note: There’s an odd continuity gaffe.  In one scene, Peter advises Mary Jane to quietly register Aunt May into the hospital under her maiden name – ‘Fitzpatrick.’  May’s maiden name has been previously established as ‘Reilly;’ which is the inspiration for the Spider-Man clone’s ‘Ben Reilly’ alias.  ‘Fitzpatrick’ is actually the maiden name for Peter’s own mother, Mary.   

REVIEW:

Rarely in the Spider-Man franchise do readers see Peter Parker display such raw intensity (as compared to, say, an average Batman comic).  Still, writer J. Michael Straczynski’s storytelling is definitely on its game, as the art squad’s visuals match him page for page.  For Spider-fans, Issue # 539 is an absorbing read!  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page is a storyline synopsis leading up to Aunt May’s assassination.  There’s a full-page cover reveal for Issue # 540.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Patrick Olliffe; Livesay; & Lee Loughridge

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this 96-page one-shot for October 2006.  Included are two new comedies in homage to Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends animated TV series, along with three reprints.  The contents are:

Opposites Attack!  (32 pages).  Writer: Sean McKeever, with Art by: Patrick Olliffe; Casey Jones; Kano; Nick Dragotta; Livesay; Vince Russell; Alvaro Lopez; Lee Loughridge; & Art Monkeys’ Melanie Olsen.  Set prior to Web of Spider-Man # 75, Spider-Man casually starts an alliance with Bobby “Iceman” Drake & Angelica “Firestar” Jones.  To ward off media speculation (and, more importantly, his wife’s annoyance) that he’s now involved with Firestar, a happily married Peter Parker tries setting up his two elementally opposite and quarreling pals as a romantic couple. 

Appearances include Video Man; the Beetle; Shocker; and Spidey’s wife, Mary Jane, who is skeptical of his matchmaking scheme.

The Mini-Marvels in “Spidey and His Amazing Friends (6 pages).  Writer: Sean McKeever, with Art by: Chris Giarrusso. Thanks to J. Jonah Jameson, Lil’ Spidey gets unexpected help with his Daily Bugle paper route from an eager-to-please Firestar & Iceman.  Yet, will a manipulative Spidey’s video gaming cost him their friendship?

Castles in the Air (21 pages) {from Untold Tales of Spider-Man # 2}.  Writer: Kurt Busiek, with Art by: Patrick Olliffe; Al Vey; Pam Eklund; Steve Mattson; Richard Starkings; and Comicraft.  Seeking to collect New York City’s offered bounty, a rookie Spider-Man pursues a nocturnal threat dubbed the ‘Batwing.’  He soon discovers Batwing’s heartbreaking secret.  Meanwhile, there’s an unexpected complication, as young Peter Parker must retrieve his math notes from a school bully.

Nothing Ventured … (24 pages) {from Spider-Man 2099 # 2).  Writer: Peter David, with Art by: Rick Leonardi; Al Williamson; Noelle Giddings; & Rick Parker.  Miguel O’Hara’s horrific origin as the new Spider-Man continues, as he becomes prey for Alchemax’s determined hunter-for-hire.    

Hydra and Go-Seek! (6 pages) {from Untold Tales of Spider-Man # 1).  Writer and Artist: Fred Hembeck.  Retrieving a wrapped package for Mrs. Watson at a toy store, young Petey Parker contends with schemes from Baron von Strucker … and Flash Thompson.     

REVIEW:

Along with their terrific visuals, both of Sean McKeever’s kid-friendly homage tales serve up delightful nostalgia.  Reminiscent of DC’s Man-Bat tales in the 1970’s, “Castles in the Air” is a poignant Spider-tale worthy of the Stan Lee & Steve Ditko era.  In particular, Kurt Busiek’s scripting and the art team’s retro-style visuals simply mesh well together.  Though the Spider-Man 2099 story is a mostly blah read, Fred Hembeck’s mini-caper delivers a light-hearted finish for fans young at heart.  Overall, this one-shot is well-played!   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page cover reprints of Untold Tales of Spider-Man # 2, Spider-Man 2099 # 2, and a spoofy Untold Tales of Spider-Man # 1 are included.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Art by Angel Medina; Scott Hanna; Avalon’s Dan Kemp; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Angel Medina; Scott Hanna; & Matt Milla

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Strange Case of …, Part One of Three,” Marvel Comics released this Back in Black tie-in for April 2007.  Now a high-profile fugitive, Spider-Man busily probes a bizarre series of Spider-impersonators.  An unknown culprit is costuming abducted young men like Spider Man and somehow providing them a seeming replica of his spider-powers.  These would-be Spider-Men are then set loose late at night. What’s even worse is that one of them, Ethan Myers, is mutating into some spider-like creature.    

Another imitator tragically suffers the instant loss of his artificially-generated powers.  Trying to help cure Ethan’s horrific metamorphosis, Spider-Man recruits Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards and Dr. Curt Connors for help.  The police sense an opportunity to finally snare the elusive Peter Parker.  As another victim is forcibly recruited for more Spider-experimentation, a familiar villain is revealed.

Note: Marvel Knights 4 # 28 is referenced, as the previous time Reed Richards met Nurse Christine Palmer under tragic circumstances.       

REVIEW:

In homage to Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s first installment takes some intriguing twists.  The art squad’s interior visuals are excellent, but they’re also appropriately grotesque considering this particular storyline.  Furthermore, the cover image is an excellent asset. 

For fans of Spider-Man in horror-themed adventures, The Sensational Spider-Man # 35 provides a welcome read.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7½ Stars