Category: Marvel Comics

STAR WARS: HAN SOLO (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

Written by Marjorie Liu

Art by Mark Brooks; Dexter Vines; Sonia Oback; Matt Milla; & VC’s Joe Caramagna

Compilation Cover Art by Lee Bermejo

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2017, this 120-page paperback compiles 2016’s five-issue Han Solo limited series. Shortly after A New Hope, Han Solo & Chewbacca are cajoled by Princess Leia into taking an undercover job during the legendary (and highly illegal) Dragon Void racing tournament. Only the galaxy’s most formidable fliers are even eligible, as the Rebellion pays the Millennium Falcon’s entry fee.

Amidst this intergalactic ‘Cannonball Run,’ all Han & Chewbacca have to do is discreetly extract some Rebel spies from remote worlds used as fuel stops, not to mention avoid any dreaded Imperial entanglements. Their predicament is exacerbated by a murderous traitor lurking among them.

REVIEW:

Though the storyline is undemanding, writer Marjorie Liu still delivers a racing caper that exudes everything Han Solo fans should expect. Along with Liu’s entertaining plot, the art squad’s visuals are generally high-octane. For Star Wars buffs, this Han Solo & Chewbacca showcase delivers a reliably fun read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The covers and variants are included in full-page format. The artists are: # 1 (Lee Bermejo; plus two variants: John Cassady & Paul Mounts and Mike Allred & Laura Allred); # 2 (Tula Lotay); # 3 (Lee Bermejo); # 4 (Olivier Coipel; plus a variant: Stephanie Hans); & # 5 (Kahome Shirahama).

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: Another worthwhile top-secret Han Solo & Chewbacca mission is the novel, Star Wars: Honor Among Thieves.

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

WEB OF SPIDER-MAN # 37 (1988 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 13, 2021

Written by James Owsley

Art by Steve Geiber; Rick Parker; Keith Williams; & Gregory Wright

Cover Art by Al Milgrom

SUMMARY:

Entitled “When Strikes the Slasher!,” Marvel Comics released this issue for April 1988. Preying upon fashion models with a razor blade, an unknown serial killer dubbed ‘The Slasher’ is leaving a grisly trail of mutilated corpses. Glamorous private detective Dakota North is hired by a group of panicked modeling firms to track down the culprit. Meanwhile, Peter Parker’s ego is bruised finding out his wife Mary Jane had already paid his quarterly taxes with her earnings as a model.

Secretly skipping an out-of-town Daily Bugle assignment, Peter opts to shadow Mary Jane and her colleague, Elyse, at Five Flags Grand Adventure theme park during a fashion expo. Elyse’s obsessive fan resorts to an increasingly desperate ploy to win her romantic attentions. Due to a prior scare, Peter and Dakota North now suspect that Mary Jane and Elyse are the killer’s next targets. With Mary Jane’s life at stake, it’s up to Spider-Man and Dakota North to thwart the Slasher’s rampage.

REVIEW:

There’s a gag where Peter and two suspects (all sporting black sunglasses) exit a bus musing the same two thoughts: “I’m not going to blow it this time,” and “(Hah), she’ll never recognize me with these shades!” Beyond that one chuckle, writer James Owsley’s unimpressive script lacks substance; instead, it merely reeks of cheapo ‘80s slasher film schlock. Resembling an amalgam of Mary Jane and TV private eye Honey West, the less said about Dakota North’s implausibility the better. Even reliable Spider-action in the vintage black-and-costume only mitigates this derivative plot’s reliance on sleaze so much.

To Marvel’s credit, the implied gore at least appears off-screen. The artwork, otherwise, delivers only a few good panels. Far too often the visuals are underwhelming: i.e. Mary Jane’s ridiculous, Peg Bundy-style hair. Worse yet, the curse of mediocre inking reduces Web of Spider-Man # 37 to looking as cheap as the plot it’s oozing. Even for faithful Spider-fans, unfortunately, this disappointing issue is worthy of the trash bin.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The back inside cover is the “Bullpen Bulletins” column, including a profile on Marvel editor Bob Harras.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE PULSE # 3 (2004 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date September 29, 2021

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Mark Bagley; Scott Hanna; Pete Pantazis; & Virtual Calligraphy’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Mayhew & Andy Troy

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for July 2004, it’s the third chapter of “Thin Air.” The Daily Bugle mourns the death of its new investigative reporter, Terri Kidder, as an outraged J. Jonah Jameson wants immediate answers. Jessica Jones and Luke Cage contemplate her new ongoing gig at The Bugle.

Teaming with fellow reporters Ben Urich and Kat Farrell, Jessica probes Kidder’s brutal homicide, despite resentment from the local police. After comparing notes with Jessica & Kat, Urich makes a horrific deduction upon checking Kidder’s office voice mail. His next move necessitates reluctantly contacting an ex-colleague: Peter Parker.

Note: Spider-Man doesn’t actually appear in this story. At most, he has an off-screen cameo.

REVIEW:

For a murder-mystery (that really isn’t a mystery), writer Brian Michael Bendis plays “Thin Air” relatively well. The only sequence that falters is Jessica’s ineffectiveness comparing notes with Urich and Farrell. She comes off as a meek rookie offering some lame input vs. the experienced private detective her character already is. Otherwise, Bendis’ scripting holds up well. The same distinction applies to the likable visuals, which are consistently solid. The Pulse # 3 isn’t a must-have read, but it won’t likely disappoint Marvel fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page summarizes The Pulse and “Thin Air” to date.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE PULSE # 1 (2004 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date September 29, 2021

Written by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Mark Bagley; Scott Hanna; Frank D’Armata; Brian Reber; & Virtual Calligraphy’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Mayhew & Avalon’s Andy Troy

SUMMARY:

Released for April 2004 by Marvel Comics, this premiere is a sequel to Bendis’ Jessica Jones solo series: Alias. The initial multi-issue arc is entitled “Thin Air.” World-weary Daily Bugle reporter Ben Urich contemplates the latest anti-Spider Man headline, as his own investigative work is now relegated deep inside the newspaper. Pregnant with Luke Cage’s child, Jessica Jones is compelled to accept a steady gig from J. Jonah Jameson as his on-staff super-hero consultant. She will now team with Urich for the Bugle’s ongoing super-hero exposé: The Pulse.

Meanwhile, a homicide victim grimly discovered in the Central Park pond will soon haunt the Bugle’s staff.

Notes: Despite his cover presence, Spider-Man only appears as a “Daily Bugle” headline. The Pulse itself would prove short-lived, as this series was discontinued in mid-2006.

REVIEW:

If construed as Marvel’s answer to DC’s Gotham Central, it’s a smart move. Presenting The Daily Bugle’s major players an opportunity to shine outside Spider-Man’s shadow, writer Brian Michael Bendis launches this series with a solid murder-mystery opener. Evolving past her foul-mouthed private detective phase, this matured Jessica Jones is both likable and relatable in her new role anchoring The Pulse. As an ex-super-hero herself, Jessica’s detective insights appear to be a nice fit for the series’ premise.

The same applies to Urich re: his past alliances with Spider-Man and Daredevil. The presence of Luke Cage, Robbie Robertson, and J. Jonah Jameson indicates The Pulse has the potential for terrific depth exploring the effects of super-heroes on New York City. This issue’s dialogue, suffice to say, is well-played.

While the visuals aren’t spectacular, this issue’s art squad still delivers all that is necessary. Including the cover image, the artwork is at least B-caliber. Overall, The Pulse offers a satisfying stopgap prior to the first New Avengers series, which recruits Spider-Man, Cage, and Jessica Jones to the team.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

WOMEN OF MARVEL, VOLUME 1 (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date September 29, 2021

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Compilation Cover Art by Mike Mayhew

SUMMARY:

Released in 2006 by Marvel Comics, this 224-page retrospective compiles the following ten comics, which sometimes doubles as a character’s crime-fighting debut (see *).

The Amazing Spider-Man # 86 (1970) – “Beware … The Black Widow!” Writer: Stan Lee, with Art by: John Romita; Jim Mooney; & Sam Rosen. Debuting her trademark black jumpsuit, Black Widow attempts to learn the secret of Spider-Man’s powers. Meanwhile, an injured Peter Parker fears that he is permanently losing his powers.

*The Cat # 1 (1972) – “Beware the Claws of the Cat!” Writers: Linda Fite & Roy Thomas, with Art by: Marie Severin; Wally Wood; & John Costanza. Before she became Tigra and passed on the costume to Patsy Walker’s Hellcat, young widow Greer Nelson was the masked Cat. Seeking to avenge her now-deceased mentor, the Cat infiltrates their psychotic benefactor’s Chicago high-rise to ruin his plans for a mesmerized army of enhanced female Cats. Greer’s origin as the Cat is revealed.

*Shanna the She-Devil # 1 (1972) – “Shanna the She-Devil.” Co-Writers: Carole Seuling & Steve Gerber, with Art by: George Tuska; Vincent Colletta; & John Costanza. Including her origin, Dr. Shanna Hara is now the compassionate protector of jungle animals. With her adopted jungle cats, she fiercely guards the African wilderness from nefarious ivory poachers out to kill a herd of elephants.

*Ms. Marvel # 1 (1972) – “This Woman, This Warrior!” Writer: Gerry Conway, with Art by: John Buscema; Joe Sinnott; Marie Severin; & John Costanza. Spinning out of Marvel’s original Captain Marvel series, Carol Danvers is hired as J. Jonah Jameson’s new magazine editor. Plagued by partial amnesia, Carol and her heroic alter-ego, Ms. Marvel, are unaware of each other. Mary Jane Watson guest-stars, as Ms. Marvel must rescue an abducted J. Jonah from the Scorpion’s wrath. Peter Parker and Robbie Robertson appear in Daily Bugle cameos.

*Dazzler # 1 (1976) – “So Bright This Star.” Writer: Tom DeFalco, with Art by: John Romita Jr.; Alfredo Alcala; Glynis Wein; & Joe Rosen. Alison Blaire needs a quick career boost, as she unknowingly crosses path with a new rival: Asgard’s nefarious Enchantress. Guest stars include: Spider-Man; The X-Men (Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler, & Kitty Pryde); & The Avengers (The Beast; Captain America; Iron Man; & the Wasp).

The Uncanny X-Men # 151-152 (1981) – “X-Men Minus One! / The Hellfire Gambit.” Writer: Chris Claremont, with Art by: Jim Sherman; Bob McLeod; Josef Rubenstein; Bonnie Wilford; Don Warfield; Tom Orzechowski; & Janice Chiang. Taking advantage of Kitty Pryde’s departure, the Hellfire Club, along with multiple Sentinels, attacks the X-Mansion. Among those taken captive are Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Colossus, and Wolverine. Even worse, having secretly body-swapped with Storm, Emma Frost infiltrates the X-Men. Kitty may be the team’s last hope.

Avengers # 221 (1982) – “New Blood.” Writers: Jim Shooter & David Michelinie; with Art by: Bob Hall; Brett Breeding; Christie Scheele; & Janice Chiang. Seeking to boost the team roster, Thor approaches Spider-Man while Captain America & Iron Man check up on Hawkeye. The Wasp hosts an afternoon party attended by Black Widow; Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew); the She-Hulk; the Invisible Woman; and Dazzler. One of them becomes a first-time Avenger.

Uncanny X-Men # 182 (1984) – “Madness.” Writer: Chris Claremont, with Art by: John Romita Jr.; Dan Green; Glynis Wein; & Tom Orzechowski. Overwhelmed by Carol Danvers’ stolen memories, Rogue instinctively rescues battered SHIELD agent Michael Rossi from homicide aboard its own heli-carrier. However, Rossi is Ms. Marvel’s one-time lover, and he has no idea of Rogue’s bizarre connection to his beloved Carol.

*Uncanny X-Men # 244 (1989) – “Ladies Night.” Writer: Chris Claremont, with Art by: Marc Silvestri; Dan Green; Glynis Wein; & Tom Orzechowski. Introducing Jubilee, this X-tale has its female members (Storm, Dazzler, Psylocke, & Rogue) enjoying downtime at a glamorous L.A. mall. Complicating the fun is the M-Squad (think Ghostbusters-meets-the original X-Factor team), as these bumbling mutant hunters are hired to capture perpetual mallrat Jubilee.

Note: A sequel, Women of Marvel, Volume 2 is also available in paperback form.

REVIEW:

There’s a welcome surplus of early-to-mid ‘70s pro-feminism inhabiting this collection’s first half. All good intentions aside, these dated adventures deliver some kid-friendly nostalgia that holds up okay by contemporary standards. The visuals are consistently good quality – safely in the mid-B range. The sole detriment that could be construed as predictably sexist are the heroines’ skimpy and/or skintight costumes.

Among the oldest stories, Ms. Marvel’s debut works best, as it presents the partially-amnesiac Carol Danvers as a promising new heroine with instant star appeal. The Spider-Man crossover is an ingenious move by having Ms. Marvel first tangle with a reliable Spider-baddie in the Scorpion. By contrast, Dazzler’s solo debut is hampered by its overload of guest stars, which makes obvious that Marvel lacked confidence in this X-Men spin-off’s sales potential.

Re: the book’s second half, most notably, Chris Claremont’s two-part X-Men tale is a welcome gem from forty years ago. It has everything that X-fans enjoy about that era. Even if it isn’t the best-written, the all-star Avengers romp is undoubtedly the most fun to read, as far as some Marvel-style humor.

That leaves the last two X-Men tales. Short of hardcore Rogue fans, “Madness” is worth exploring once, but its Carol Danvers memory-siphoning plot is creepier than actually being entertaining. As for “Ladies Night,” depending on a given reader’s mood, either the story is an amusingly light-hearted X-caper meant as filler, or it’s just plain insipid – take your pick.

Marvel admirably goes to the effort of freshening up the archival artwork, so one can’t complain about the top-flight production values. For old-school fans, Women of Marvel, Volume 1 works its magic – long before these characters’ lives become excessively convoluted for casual enjoyment.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The covers are re-produced in a full-page format. The artists aren’t credited, at least beyond what little can be read off each image. The last page shows the artistic evolution of Mayhew’s compilation cover.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks STAR WARS-Related

STAR WARS, VOLUME 1: SKYWALKER STRIKES (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date September 29, 2021

Written by Jason Aaron

Art by John Cassady; Laura Martin; & Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by John Cassaday & Laura Martin

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2016, this 160-page compilation reprints Star Wars # 1-6 from 2015. Leia’s squad (Han Solo, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, R2-D2-, & C-3PO) infiltrate a vital Imperial munitions factory on Cymoon 1 in the Corellia system. Rescuing dozens of prisoners and explosive sabotage won’t be enough for the Rebels to escape Darth Vader’s furious wrath.

Chewbacca, as a Rebel sniper, takes his best shot at assassinating Vader. Seeking justice for Ben Kenobi, Luke son initiates his first duel with Vader. With C-3PO dismantled by scavengers plundering the Millennium Falcon, Han & Leia must desperately improvise another way out of the destructive chaos.

Han & Leia use a stolen Imperial shuttle to investigate a possible location for the next Rebel base. Deeming himself a dangerous liability, Luke leaves the Rebellion to take R2-D2 with him to seek possible answers about his past at Ben’s abandoned hut on Tatooine.

The planet is further teeming with visitors: 1. At the Mos Eisley cantina, a masked predator is hunting for an elusive Han Solo; 2. Vader personally renews Imperial supply lines with Jabba the Hutt; and 3. At Vader’s behest, Boba Fett ruthlessly seeks out the unknown Rebel pilot who recently destroyed the Death Star. Again, the cantina is the crime scene for brutal interrogations.

On a storm-plagued world inside the Monsua Nebula, Han & Leia’s forced detour is complicated by someone Han least expects to see. Having already been humiliated by Vader, a blinded Luke now must face Boba Fett alone. At last, Vader may gain the young Rebel’s identity, who is now becoming his obsession. These storylines will continue in Volume 2: Showdown on the Smuggler’s Moon.

REVIEW:

The ‘Force’ is indeed with Marvel Comics in reviving its Star Wars comics franchise. Impressively, writer Jason Aaron conjures up a storyline that logically extends and explores plot threads stemming from A New Hope. Virtually everything that fans could want in a near-immediate sequel is present.

For these first five issues, Aaron proves that he can handle all the necessary details with flair and welcome expertise re: these characters. His sole overreach is pitting an inexperienced Luke vs. both Vader and Boba Fett too soon. In that sense, it tarnishes some of the magic witnessing Luke’s subsequent battles in The Empire Strikes Back.

Kudos must also go to the art squad’s visuals. Case in point: Issue # 5’s cover, for instance, sports perhaps the best-ever comics recreation of Carrie Fisher’s Leia. By any measuring stick, Marvel easily meets, if not surpasses, all expectations in replicating the classic look of Star Wars for this book. Of utmost importance this time, the character likenesses are consistently spot-on. Hence, it’s likely the first time that Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, & Mark Hamill actually ‘play’ Han, Leia, and Luke in comics.

Come to think of it: the only element readers might need to bolster Skywalker Strikes is John Williams’ score playing in the background. Appropriate for ages 10 and up, even casual fans should be delighted with this initial run of Marvel’s take on Star Wars.

Note: If you see this book in person, Issue # 5’s cover is also partially reproduced on the back cover.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Each cover is reproduced in a full-page format. The cover artists are: John Cassady & Laura Martin, with help from Paul Mounts for Issue # 4.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics MARVEL's Hardcovers & Paperbacks

AVENGERS: ABOVE AND BEYOND (MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date September 29, 2021

Written by Kurt Busiek.

Art by Steve Epting; Alan Davis; Ian Churchill; Yanick Paquette; Al Vey; Mark Farmer; Norm Rapmund; Ray Snyder; Tom Smith; Rick Starkings; & Comicraft’s Albert’s Deschene and Saida Temofonte.

Avengers: The Ultron Imperative – Written by Kurt Busiek; Roy Thomas; Roger Stern; & Steve Englehart.

Avengers: The Ultron Imperative – Art by John Paul Leon; Paul Smith; Tom Grummett; Karl Kesel; John McCrea; James Hodgekins; Jim Starlin; Al Milgrom; Pat Oliffe; Livesay; Jorge Lucas; Mike Royer; Klaus Janson; Don Heck; Jerry Ordway; Barry Windsor-Smith; Jim Cheung; Cam Smith; Kieron Dwyer; Rick Remender; John Estes; Paul Smith; Hi-Fi Design; & Comicraft.

Compilation Cover Art by Alan Davis; Mark Farmer; & Tom Smith.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2005, this 232-page compilation consists of Avengers # 36-40, Issue # 56, Annual 2001; and Avengers: The Ultron Imperative (all from 2001-2002).

# 36 (“No Rest for the Weary”): Ms. Marvel, Iron Man, & the Vision are summoned from their assignment rounding up alien fugitives. Ex-3D Man Hal Chandler’s wife comes to Avengers Mansion to confront Triathlon. Hank Pym is mysteriously abducted. Pagan and Lord Templar attack Avengers Mansion. Captain America needs emergency help against Bloodwrath in Slorenia.

# 37 (“Scorched Earth”): The team (Cap, Iron Man, Captain Marvel {Monica Rambeau}, Wonder Man, & Scarlet Witch) must take drastic measures vs. Bloodwrath. The team’s other half (Ms. Marvel, Jack of Hearts, Triathlon, Wasp, & the Vision) face off vs. Pagan and Lord Templar. The question is: who is impersonating Hank Pym/Goliath?

# 38 (“Above & Beyond”): Guest appearances include Thor, Quicksilver, Firebird, & Black Knight. Including a cameo from the nefarious Taskmaster, the team has multiple ongoing assignments. Ms. Marvel & the Vision enjoy a date night. The Avengers’ next crisis is evident: Kalkhimthia, Greece is now overrun by an army of Hulks.

# 39 (“Condition Green”): In New York City, Silverclaw tangles with Diablo. In Greece, the outmatched Avengers could desperately use Bruce Banner’s intervention to end the threat of multiple rampaging Hulks.

# 40 (“Thoom”): Including a Doc Samson cameo, the dual battles from Issue # 39 continue. As Silverclaw’s fight vs. Diablo rages on, the Avengers face a skyscraper-sized Hulk. It’s time for Bruce Banner’s Hulk to enter the fray. Two more villains make their latest appearance.

The Ultron Imperative: The team (including Pym’s Yellowjacket & Hawkeye) faces a double-threat in Ultron and Alkhema’s metallic armies. Hawkeye faces a heartbreaking ultimatum.

2001 Annual: Full-page artwork includes homages to Cap’s ‘Kooky Quartet;’ Giant Man, Thor, & Iron Man vs. the Vision; the Avengers ‘Heroes Reborn’ era; a double-page battle scene; and the Silver Age Avengers vs. the Hulk. “House Cleaning” has Jarvis e-mailing the team’s government liaison, Duane Freeman, on the team’s latest extraordinary complications.

# 56 (“Lo, There Shall Come … An Accounting!”): It’s Audit Day! Facing a Stark Foundation audit with potential I.R.S. complications, team members are interrogated re: questionable invoices, especially for public property damage. Guest Avengers include She-Hulk, the Beast, Thor, and U.S. Agent.

REVIEW:

If judged solely on the impressive page count, this collection is a reliable option for Avengers fans. Outside that perspective, there isn’t necessarily a must-have among these reprints. It’s really a matter of just enjoying the solid Avengers plotting with terrific production values (including consistently good visuals). One just has to keep in mind this book is clearly meant for Marvel loyalists.

For instance, various sub-plots, like the Hank Pym abduction, aren’t resolved here before shifting to The Ultron Imperative. Keeping track of the roster’s revolving door might also throw off some casual fans. Even so, these compiled stories aren’t boring, as they are at least provided in chronological order.

The closest approximation to a storytelling gem is saved for last. Suffice to say, an audit, Avengers-style, is at least worth checking out. With that in mind, Avengers: Above and Beyond is appropriate for middle schoolers and up.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page reproductions of the various covers are included. A four-page Avengers roster lists all members up to the addition of then-Captain Britain (Kelsey Leigh) in 2004.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Comic Books & Graphic Novels Marvel Comics

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN # 528 (2006 MARVEL Comics)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date September 29, 2021

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

Art by Mike Deodato; Joe Pimentel; Matt Milla; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Deodato

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Other: Evolve or Die, Part 12: Post-Mortem,” Marvel Comics released this issue for March 2006. At Stark Tower, Tony Stark conducts high-tech physiological testing on Peter after his recent resurrection. Upon leaving the shirt half of his costume for repair at his tailor, Spider-Man investigates an apartment building’s implosion. He soon discovers new extensions of his powers while performing some emergency rescues. It’s also hinted that Stark is constructing Peter’s ‘Iron Spider’ costume.

Notes: Featuring Spider-Ham (this image isn’t included), the variant cover artist is Rain Beredo. This issue’s credits curiously appear twice: at the beginning and at the story’s end.

REVIEW:

Every creative element is well-played. J. Michael Straczynski admirably pens a low-key finish to “The Other,” which helps segue into a pre-Civil War arc: “Mr. Parker Goes to Washington.” Even better is the first-class artwork, as Mike Deodato again relies on Jason Priestley (Peter), Liv Tyler (Mary Jane), and Timothy Dalton (Stark) for facial inspirations. The cover image is further proof re: how stellar the visuals are. Even if one isn’t interested so much in “The Other,” Straczynski and Deodato’s impressive teamwork still makes The Amazing Spider-Man # 528 a definite keeper.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including a cover image, the plot summary of Marvel Knights Spider-Man # 22 sets up this arc’s finale. Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, Joe Quesada concludes this issue with a memo to fans (which includes a cover reveal for a future Spider-issue). Also included is a double-page listing for current Marvel issues posing as The Pulse’s headline news.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars