Category: Marvel Comics

Written by Peter David

Art by Todd Nauck; Robert Campanella; Lee Loughhridge;

& VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Wieringo; Mike Manley; & Paul Mounts

SUMMARY:

Concluding “I Hate a Mystery, Part 3 of 3,” Marvel Comics released this Spider-Man Unmasked issue for December 2006.  Flash Thompson takes command to lead his students safely out of a booby-trapped Midtown High School.  He then returns to find the endangered school nurse, Miss Arrow.  Perusing a newspaper upside down, Spider-Man gladly steps aside to allow these two rival Mysterio impersonators battle amongst themselves. The lucky winner inevitably gets to take on Spider-Man. 

Revealing his demonic existence, the third Mysterio hints at Miss Arrow’s own dark secret that she may not even be aware of.  Spider-Man & Flash tangle with the victorious Mysterio impostor, whose mind-bending powers can even mesmerize victims into committing suicide.  Striking out at a hiding adversary, Miss Arrow reveals a glimpse of her true nature.

REVIEW:

As with the previous issue, this storyline finds writer Peter David in an inspired mood.  Action, ghoulish surprises, and patented Spider-humor are all on full display.  In that sense, Issue # 13 is a terrific Halloween-themed update on Stan Lee’s brand of entertainment. 

Case in point: David smartly plays up colleagues Peter & Flash’s uneasy alliance in the same high school where they were once the worst of rivals.  Hence, their chemistry is reminiscent of a Marvel Team-Up where the character depth for both of them gets equal service, including some poignant maturity expressing past regrets.

As seen in the cover image, the art team’s visuals are again pitch perfect.  Best of all, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man # 13 is a gem for fans (particularly adults) in search of some surefire Spider-Man magic. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including an image of Issue # 12’s cover, the first page is a handy summary-to-date of this Mysterio storyline.  The last page is a “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Mail” letters-and-answers column, with a thumbnail cover reveal of the next issue.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

Written by Peter David

Art by Todd Nauck; Robert Campanella; Lee Loughhridge; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mike Wieringo; Mike Manley; & Paul Mounts

SUMMARY:

Entitled “I Hate a Mystery, Part 2 of 3,” Marvel Comics released this Spider-Man Unmasked issue for November 2006.  Trapped inside a booby-trapped Midtown High School, the New Avengers’ Peter Parker/Spider-Man is separated from Flash Thompson, school nurse Ms. Arrow, and a group of students by a villain claiming to be Mysterio. 

Also claiming to be the original villain, another Mysterio enters the school to confront the supposed impersonator.  While Flash & Ms. Arrow struggle leading the frightened kids outside to safety, Spider-Man finds uneasily himself caught between these rival Mysterios — both insisting that he’s the one and only.  Ms. Arrow is stunned to face another ghoulish surprise: a third Mysterio.        

REVIEW:

Writer Peter David is on his game, as he pitches some unpredictable curveballs in this wildly entertaining Spider-caper.  Impressively, he conjures up the right measures of action, mystery, and wacky humor in a polished update on Stan Lee’s brand of Silver Age storytelling.   Including the cover image, the art team’s visuals are pitch perfect.  Best of all, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man # 12 is the kind of treat to read where adults can rediscover the Spider-Man magic.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Including an image of Issue # 11’s cover, the first page is a helpful summary-to-date of this Mysterio storyline.  The single-page “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Mail” letters-and-answers column offers a thumbnail cover reveal of the next issue.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         8 Stars

Written by Tom DeFalco

Art by Ron Frenz; Brett Breeding; Jose Rosen; & Nelson Yomtov

Cover Art by Scott Kolins & Jon Holdredge

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for September 1994, “When Warriors Clash..!” is a reprinting of 1986’s The Amazing Spider-Man # 281.  Several intertwined plot points are in play.  At Coney Island Park, a mercenary Spider-Man & his tag-team partner, Silver Sable, are both already injured in their showdown vs. The Sinister Syndicate (Beetle, Speed Demon, Rhino, Boomerang & Hydro Man).  Their only hope is the Sandman’s intervention, especially as he despises the dim-witted Hydro Man. 

Meanwhile, in an effort to drum up business for his hoodlum squad, Jack O’Lantern abducts the suspected Hobgoblin, Flash Thompson, from the New York City jail.  The real Hobgoblin & the Rose smell an opportunity to divert the authorities even further away from their criminal schemes.

As the Hobgoblin battles Jack O’Lantern over the latter’s unwanted interference, Flash makes a fast break to go on the lam.  The Daily Bugle’s Robbie Robertson spots possible proof of a fugitive Flash’s innocence. 

At Coney Island, Sandman is a formidable ally, but the 5-on-3 odds inevitably work against Spidey & Silver Sable’s injuries.  A battered Spider-Man makes a desperate last charge against the Syndicate, including a fistfight with Rhino at point-blank range.      

REVIEW:

One should consider the cover image this issue’s ideal money shot.  Writer Tom DeFalco’s plotting impressively zips back and forth between Spidey’s battle royale and three related sub-plots without missing any beats.  Supported by the art squad’s solid visuals, DeFalco coherently packs plenty into a single issue.  As a satisfying mid-80’s Spider-caper, Marvel Tales # 289 is a worthwhile read in any comics collection.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A full-page “Bullpen Bulletins” column is included.  Created by artist Mike Harris & Tom Morgan, the original cover for The Amazing Spider-Man # 281 appears last in a full-page format.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            7½ Stars

Written by Todd Dezago

Art by Valentine De Landro; Pat Davison; Wade von Grawbadger; Derek Fridolfs; Sotocolor’s James Brown; & Dave Sharpe

Cover Art by Randall Green; ‘Rick;’ & ‘iSoto!’

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for April 2005, Spider-Man’s first encounter with Storm & Rogue is entitled “Change the Weather.”  Seeking some downtime, the X-Men’s Storm rescues in mid-air a malfunctioning helicopter outside New York City.  Meanwhile, Spider-Man intervenes to help a mysterious young girl (who’s probably in her early teens) from a brewing altercation in a city park.  Courtesy of her baseball cap, Spidey nicknames the mostly non-talkative kid ‘St. Louis.’ 

Inadvertently discovering the transient girl’s power-siphoning mutant abilities, Spider-Man & Storm are temporarily affected.  It’s then up to the two heroes to find the future Rogue before she uses their stolen powers for some payback against the bullies harassing her.   

REVIEW:

Meant for the early elementary school crowd, this simplistic tale is harmless fun.  The art team’s visuals are surprisingly well-produced, particularly the likable cover image.  Marvel Age: Spider-Man Team-Up # 5 makes a reliable option for younger Spider-fans.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

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

Cover Art by Clayton Crain

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for November 2006, Peter Parker’s decision to go public continues to haunt him in Spider-Man Unmasked.  This issue is entitled “The Deadly Foes of Peter Parker, Part Two of Three.”  At New York City’s Whitney Museum of Art, Spider-Man re-ignites his old feud with Electro, as they taunt each other by their real names. 

During the Soho Playhouse’s rehearsals of Macbeth, Mary Jane Watson-Parker and her theatre colleagues must defend themselves from Swarm.  While Spider-Man asks Black Cat for under-the-radar help, the Chameleon’s vengeance now targets a vulnerable Aunt May. 

Elsewhere, Liz Allan and her young son are held hostage to help Scarecrow, Molten Man, and Will O’-the-Wisp entice Spidey into a suburban ambush.  

REVIEW:

Solid entertainment!  Writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa delivers a satisfying read in bringing out Spidey’s long-time enemies for revenge against Peter and his loved ones.  Utilizing Black Cat and the Iron Man drones are nice touches, too.  It’s all reminiscent of classic Spider-Man issues where Spidey tangles with the Sinister Six — one or more at a time.  In particular, without a last-minute Spider-Man save, the Mary Jane vs. Swarm sequence is this issue’s unexpected gem.  It’s a welcome departure from her familiar role as Peter’s damsel-in-distress. 

Including a high-caliber cover image, the art team’s stylish visuals are another creative asset.  The artists only stray too far by conveying Black Cat’s voluptuous hairdo as a ridiculously over-the-top white bouffant.  As compensation, early on is a glimpse of an undercover Peter in glasses that make him resemble an adult version of the teenage geek Stan Lee & Steve Ditko originally presented him as in the early 1960’s.

Overall, The Sensational Spider-Man # 30 offer plenty to earn its way into any Spidey fan’s collection.           

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The last page is a letters-and-answers column.  Included is a thumbnail cover preview for Issue # 31.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        7½ Stars

Main Feature & Back-Up Feature Written by Terry Kavanagh.

Main Feature Art by Alex Saviuk; Stephen Baskerville; Steve Dutro; & Bob Sharen. Back-Up Feature Art by Bill Wylie; Timothy Twohy; Steve Dutro; & Bob Sharen.

Cover Art by Alex Saviuk & Stephen Baskerville.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for November 1993, this Infinity Crusade cross-over is entitled “Crisis of Conscience, Part 3 of 3: Judgment Day.”  On planet Paradise Omega, internal tensions boil over, as a conscientious Spider-Man reconsiders what he has agreed to do.  Spidey intercedes between an inexplicably quarreling Jean Grey & Storm before Captain America shuts down a potential three-way brawl.  Moondragon then assigns Spider-Man & Alpha Flight’s Puck as a patrolling tag-team.  They are soon engaged in a nocturnal battle vs. Firestar & Strong Guy in Paradise Omega’s forest. 

After helping keep Hercules, Darkhawk, & Human Torch from drowning, Spider-Man briefly faces off vs. Rogue.  A showdown pitting Spidey & Jean Grey against a helmeted Thing ends in a cataclysmic cliffhanger.  The abrupt ending signals that Infinity Crusade # 6 comes next.  Meanwhile, in The Daily Bugle’s darkroom. Betty Brant & Robbie Robertson discover proof of a weapons scandal impacting J. Jonah Jameson’s own wife.

Nightwatch’s six-page back-up tale is entitled “The Killing Ground.”  In the New York City sewers, Nightwatch faces off vs. Deathgrin.   

REVIEW:

Without first perusing whatever Marvel’s Infinity Crusade mega-event is, this issue’s plotting makes too little sense.  Far too often, reading writer Terry Kavanagh’s all-star battle royale becomes a recurring ‘Huh?.’  Much of the confusion stems from oddly out-of-character behavior from various heroes, with the good-natured Jean Grey, among them.

Even the spot-on cover image doesn’t help.  All this reviewer could grasp from Kavanagh’s muddled script is a cosmic Civil War/Secret Wars-like event-in-progress pitting two rival factions of Marvel heroes against each other.  Unsurprisingly, only a rationally-thinking Spider-Man’s perspective comes off as likable throughout the various fight scenes.  What’s most unfortunate is that the art team’s high-caliber visuals are squandered on convoluted Infinity Crusade storytelling.

‘Blah’ further applies to Kavanagh’s Nightwatch (who resembles Spawn) back-up feature.  Unsurprisingly, this back-up is meant to transition Nightwatch to his own ongoing title.  Yet, more terrific artwork in this issue doesn’t hide a generic one-on-one sewer showdown – especially, when one of these grim dudes is actually named ‘Deathgrin.’  Suffice to say, this Nightwatch tale only reinforces why Web of Spider-Man # 106 is instantly forgettable.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page “Bullpen Bulletins” column at the end.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            4 Stars

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

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

Cover Art by Bryan Hitch & Laura Martin

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for April 2006, this prelude to Marvel’s first Civil War is entitled “Mr. Parker Goes to Washington, Part One of Three.”  Now residing at Stark Tower as one of the New Avengers, Peter Parker and his wife, Mary Jane, find his allegiance to boss Tony Stark/Iron Man probed.  While Tony alludes to dark days ahead necessitating Peter’s total loyalty, Spider-Man gladly takes his new, Stark-tech ‘Iron Spider’ costume for a test flight. 

Tony later elaborates why he trusts Peter as the right protégé to watch his back from now on.  Once Peter & Mary Jane commit to Tony’s enigmatic request, Peter learns of a shocking summons.     

Parental Note: Seen from the back, a briefly suggestive sequence implies Mary Jane as topless.

REVIEW:

Introducing the ‘Iron Spider’ outfit, J. Michael Straczynski delivers high-caliber Spider-scripting.  The art team’s visuals (including the cover image) are also excellent.  For fans of Spider-Man’s intriguing story arc in both “Spider Man Unmasked” and Civil War, Issue # 529 is impressively a can’t-miss prospect.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                8 Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Embossed Cover & Front Cover Art by Mark Bagley & Larry Mahlstedt. Back Cover Art by Mark Bagley; Larry Mahlstedt; & ‘Michel Le’

SUMMARY:

For April 1995, Marvel Comics released this 64-page milestone issue featuring three stories.  The embossed cover hypes “A Death in the Family …”

“The Gift.”  (46 pages) Writer: J.M. De Matteis, With Art by: Mark Bagley; Larry Mahlstedt; Randy Emberlin; Bill Oakley; & Bob Sharen.  Aunt May awakens from her coma to poignantly rejoin Peter & a pregnant Mary Jane at home.  Peter’s lonely clone (Ben Reilly / Scarlet Spider) despondently bids him farewell.  Briefly seen, the nefarious Jackal plays up his reputation as an incarcerated psychotic at The Ravenscroft Institute.  While Peter & Mary Jane watch home movies of his early childhood, the Parkers’ home is ominously under surveillance by the Traveler.  An amnesiac second Peter Parker clone confusedly roams New York City.

At the Empire State Building, Peter is stunned by Aunt May’s long-held secret.  Later that night, Peter, Mary Jane, and her Aunt Anna are devastated by May’s tragic death.  Unbeknownst to them, Ben Reilly is similarly crushed.  Soon after the funeral, a grieving Peter be arrested for first-degree homicide.  A emotionally reeling Mary Jane meets Ben Reilly.  The saga continues in Spider-Man # 57.         

“The Parker Legacy, Part One: A Shock to the System.”  (7 pages)  Writer: J.M. De Matteis; John Romita Jr.; John Romita Sr.; Ken Lopez; & Paul Becton.  Occurring five years before, Spider-Man’s homeless clone, Ben Reilly, spends a rainy night hating the real Peter Parker.  Before a stopover at Peter’s apartment, the clone opts to explore the world alone.  This back-up feature also continues in Spider-Man # 57.   

“The Morning After.” (7 pages).  Writers: J.M. DeMatteis & Stan Lee, with Art by: Tom Grummett; Al Milgrom; Richard Starkings; Comicraft; & Chia-Chi Wang.  On the morning after Ben Parker’s death, young Peter finds consoling his Aunt May means that he can’t reveal to her his secret life as Spider-Man.           

REVIEW:

Solely on its own merits, “The Gift” is worthy of a 400^th issue milestone.  Despite its convoluted clone sub-plot, “The Gift” unleashed huge ramifications on mid-90’s Spider-Man storytelling.  Not only is the artwork excellent, writer J.M. De Matteis conveys that Spidey’s world is boldly moving forward: i.e. the prospects of Peter & Mary Jane’s future parenthood, and the passing of Aunt May.  Hence, “The Morning After” presents a well-produced flashback seemingly bringing The Amazing Spider-Man franchise full circle re: Peter & Aunt’s May’s family bond. 

Yet, the combined impact of these two tales would be gutted by later issues dominated by preposterous soap opera theatrics that now makes reading “The Gift” seem a waste of time.  Case in point: Aunt May’s heartbreaking death scene, with its classy allusions to Peter Pan, becomes a shameful bait-and-switch on readers.  Considering how Marvel has toyed with a dying Aunt May multiple times over the years, the company will be hard-pressed to ever surpass this scene’s emotional wallop, should Aunt May be killed off permanently.

As for Ben Reilly’s back-up feature, this first installment is a good read with terrific artwork.  However, it’s evident that Marvel was too soon pushing The Clone Saga more than necessary.  Overall, The Amazing Spider-Man # 400 still has obvious collector’s value, but its contribution to the franchise now seemly badly dated.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

After the table-of-contents, Stan Lee offers an introduction.  A full page is dedicated to a Spider-Man checklist of titles currently on sale.  There’s also a two-page “The Spider’s Web” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

Written by Jonathan Couper-Smartt

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Salvador Larrocca & Richard Isanove

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this 48-page character guide in 2004.  In addition to individual power rating grids, the following characters are profiled (including physical descriptions, special skills, and paraphernalia/weapons):

1. Black Cat (artist: Terry Dodson)
2. Carnage (artist: Mark Bagley)
3. Daily Bugle (artists: Mark Bagley & Mike Mayhew)
4. Digger (artist: John Romita Jr.)
5. Doctor Octopus (artists: Staz Johnson & Mark Bagley)
6. Electro (artist: Steve Ditko)
7. Ezekiel (J. Scott Campbell)
8. Green Goblin (artists: John Romita Jr., Terry Dodson, & Alex Ross)
9. Hobgoblin (artists: John Romita Jr. & Brett Breeding)
10. Lizard (artists: Damion Scott & Gabriele Dell’Otto)
11. Morlun (artist: John Romita Jr.)
12. “Aunt” May Parker (artist: John Romita Jr.)
13. Sandman (artist: Mark Bagley)
14. Scorpion (artist: Mark Bagley)
15. Shathra (artist: John Romita Jr.)
16. Shocker (artist: Kyle Hotz)
17. Spider-Man (artists: John Romita Jr.; Jae Lee; & Kaare Andrews)
18. Spider-Man’s Costumes (artist(s): not identified)
19. Gwen Stacy (artists: Tim Sale & Gil Kane)
20. Supporting Cast: John “Kiwi Kid” Anderson; Betty Brant; Caryn Earle & Barker; Gloria “Glory” Grant; J. Jonah Jameson; John Jamseon; Liz Osborn; Joe “Robbie” Robertson; Randy Robertson; Jill Stacy; Eugene “Flash” Thompson; NYPD Det. Neil Garrett & NYPD Lt. William Lamont (artist(s): not identified)
21. Venom  (artist: Mark Bagley)
22. Vulture (artist: Mark Brooks)
23. Mary Jane Watson (artist: J. Scott Campbell).

REVIEW:

For Spider-fans, this handbook’s production qualities are excellent.  Writer Jonathan Couper-Smartt provides concise, kid-friendly character biographies that well-anchored by high-caliber visuals.  Though the material will seem long outdated, the handbook is a solid addition to any comic book collection.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A bibliography specifies specific issue numbers for major events in a character’s history.  The power ratings (scale: 1-7) are specified.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

Written by Howard Mackie

Art by Alex Saviuk; Sam Delarosa; Rick Parker; & Bob Sharen

Cover Art by John Romita

SUMMARY:

Celebrating Spider-Man’s 30^th Anniversary, Marvel Comics released this 48-page issue for July 1992.  The prelude is entitled “The Spider’s Thread”  Prior to a trip returning to New York City, aging Hollywood agent Max Shiffman waxes nostalgically over his old ex-client’s subsequent fame as Spider-Man.  In “Sleight of Hand,” after a South Bronx shoot-out-and-chase of bank robbers, Spider-Man stumbles into the supposed annihilation of his Marvel allies by Galactus. 

A supposed bump on the head then dizzily leads Spidey into a reunion with Max and a bewildering gauntlet of attacks by his worst foes, as if he is on a Hollywood stage.  Hence, a second ‘reunion’ awaits Spider-Man with one of his first foes.  Mary Jane Watson-Parker later makes a last-page cameo.

Parental Advisory: There’s a comic book backstock ad with a cheesecake image of a nude woman – her supposed swimsuit is lightly painted on. 

REVIEW:

The cool element, of course, is the rare John Romita hologram cover.  Otherwise, the story is merely business-as-usual stuff, as the mystery villain isn’t much of a mystery.  Writer Howard Mackie’s flashbacks do a nice job rehashing a masked Peter Parker’s efforts at get-rich celebrity-seeking prior to his fateful commitment to crime-fighting.  At least, Mackie balances this tale to accommodate die-hards and casual readers (including kids) for a modestly entertaining Spidey fix. 

The artwork is standard for its time, so the visuals aren’t a disappointment. Web of Spider-Man # 90 is hardly a must-have, but it’s worth at least a single read.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The gatefold pull-out poster of Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2099 is courtesy of artists Rick Leonardi and Al Williamson.  There’s also a single-page “Web Zingers” letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         6 Stars