Category: Marvel Comics

“The Rules of the Game” Written by Tom DeFalco. Art by Ron Frenz; Rick Parker; & Bob Sharen.

“Cry of the Wendigo” Written by Charles Vess. Art by Charles Vess; Elaine Lee; & Rick Parker.

Cover Art by Scott Kolins.

SUMMARY:

Reprinting the two stories from 1986’s The Amazing Spider-Man # 277, Marvel Comics released this issue for May 1994.  First up is “The Rules of the Game.”  Reeling from Flash Thompson’s arrest after being exposed as the Hobgoblin, Peter Parker leaves a sympathetic Mary Jane to answer Matt Murdock’s desperate summons.  Discovering that a depleted Murdock/Daredevil has hit rock bottom and is in hiding, Peter ignores his friend’s pleas to not interfere in his feud with “Kingpin” Wilson Fisk.  Spider-Man (in his familiar red, blue, & black) seeks out Fisk for payback.

In “Cry of the Wendigo,” the next day has New York City caught up in  a blizzard.  Spidey (in his black-and-costume costume) tries rescuing a Canadian diplomat’s young daughter from armed kidnappers escaping through Central Park.  Yet, a monstrous Wendigo is the unpredictable ghost in the bone-chilling wind.

REVIEW:

Though neither story is memorable, Marvel Tales # 285 still offers a good read.  Matt Murdock’s guest presence frankly makes a more lasting impression than Peter’s juvenile retaliation tactics annoying the Kingpin.  Still, “The Rules of the Game” is a nice reminder of Peter & Matt’s friendly alliance, as a little depth is added to their shared world. 

While “Cry of the Wendigo,” has an intriguing premise, the twist that Spidey doesn’t actually encounter the Wendigo this time is something of a disappointment.  Overall, the artwork supplies competent visuals, though the Peter briefly seen in “Wendigo” doesn’t resemble his character much.  The cool cover image, otherwise, is this issue’s best asset. 

For the Spidey faithful, Marvel Tales # 285 is at least a fine choice to share with curious pre-teen fans.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “Bullpen Bulletins” column features a profile on penciller Mark Bagley, along with a Marvel monthly checklist.  Also included is a full-page reprint of The Amazing Spider-Man # 277 cover by Charles Vess.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                6 Stars

Written by Stan Lee

Art by Steve Ditko; Artie Simek; & Andy Yanchus

Cover Art by Steve Ditko

SUMMARY:

Reprinting April 1965’s The Amazing Spider-Man # 23, Marvel Comics released this issue for March 1984.  Entitled “The Goblin and the Gangsters,” it’s a sequel to the Green Goblin’s debut in Issue # 14 (and reprinted in Marvel Tales # 152).  Scheming to seize command of New York’s mob scene, the Green Goblin manipulates the police and The Daily Bugle (including ex-“Big Man” Frederick Foswell) to help put sleazy gangster Lucky Lobo behind bars — making the Goblin the underworld’s new boss by default. 

Initially gullible to the Goblin’s bait-and-switch tactics, Spider-Man enjoys some fun-and-games tangling with Lobo’s forces.  Yet, the main event is Spidey’s first solo showdown vs. the elusive Goblin himself. 

REVIEW:

As a source of vintage Silver Age Spidey action, Marvel Tales # 161 delivers the goods.  In addition to wild action sequences showcasing Steve Ditko’s trademark style, Stan Lee enjoys a field day with the snappy dialogue. 

Case in point: an amusing gag has Spider-Man and the Goblin complaining to each other that neither one will stop yapping in battle.  Another hoot is Spidey casually taking a timeout to call his Aunt May before serving up more web-flavored booby-traps to Lobo’s hapless horde.  Lee’s knack for tongue-in-cheek storytelling, without devolving the scenario into a Bugs Bunny cartoon, is dynamite this time.  Best of all, Marvel’s production values reprinting the original issue are terrific.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The “Bullpen Bulletins Special” shares a full page with Marvel’s ‘mighty’ monthly checklist.  There’s a two-page “Marvel Mails” letters-and-answers column.  There’s a full-page Ditko pin-up of Spidey, his supporting cast, and a villain’s gallery of headshots.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7½ Stars

Note: A recommendation is picking up this issue in tandem with Marvel Tales # 152.  For a fun Lee-Ditko hat trick, there’s also Marvel Tales # 154 (which pits Spider-Man & Daredevil vs. the Ringmaster’s Circus of Crime).

Written by Mark Millar

Art by Terry Dodson; Rachel Dodson; Avalon’s Ian Hannin; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for May 2005, it’s “Last Stand, Part IV of IV.”  With Black Cat now hospitalized, an exhausted Spider-Man is on his own against the last of a gauntlet of old foes.  High atop a rain-soaked bridge, Norman Osborn’s Green Goblin threatens to repeat tragic history by now tossing Mary Jane Watson-Parker to her death. 

Not only must Spider-Man rescue his unconscious wife, he must contend with a brain-numbed Doctor Octopus interfering in this fateful showdown.  Worse yet, after being abducted by Osborn months before, the fate of the missing Aunt May is revealed.  A surprising source of inspiration later eases a troubled Peter Parker’s mind.  In the aftermath, an unwelcome letter is mailed to Peter.       

REVIEW:

Considering the Spider-Man/Goblin feud dated back four decades at the time, writer Mark Millar somewhat succeeds injecting fresh juice into this classic match-up.  As Spider-Man wearily reminds Osborn, he is now in his mid-fifties – as they’ve done this dance so many times, why doesn’t the Goblin realize he is too old to playing these deadly games anymore? 

Suffice to say, writer Mark Millar delivers a finale bordering between lukewarm re-run and solid-enough originality. Case in point: an intriguing sequence depicting Mary Jane in jeopardy of suffering Gwen Stacy’s same tragic fate (and her retaliation afterwards) is well-played. 

While the Dodsons’ artwork isn’t pretty, there are a few terrific panels (i.e. a Felicia Hardy close-up at the hospital).  For faithful Spider-fans, this issue’s conclusion may be satisfying enough to consider finding the complete “Last Stand” storyline in trade paperback form.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a plot summary-to-date.  The last page is a letter from Mark Millar to fans, as he passes the creative baton to Reginald Hudlin & Billy Tan.  Also included is a thumbnail cover reveal of the next issue — a New Avengers tie-in.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         6½ Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by John Romita

SUMMARY:

For Spider-Man’s 30^th Anniversary, Marvel Comics released this 80-page issue for August 1992. 

• “Fathers and Sins” (38 pages).  Written by David Michelinie; with Art by: Mark Bagley; Randy Emberlin; Rick Parker; & Bob Sharen.  Helping Curt Connors’ wife chaperone her young son Billy’s birthday party, Peter & Mary Jane Parker witness the Lizard’s return.  After attacking Billy, the Lizard is chased away by Spider-Man.  Their showdown in the sewers is complicated by Billy’s desire for vengeance on his own father.  Meanwhile, Aunt May receives a stunning pair of visitors that she then introduces to Peter & Mary Jane.

• “The Saga of Spidey’s Parents” (3 pages).  Written by Stan Lee.  Spidey’s co-creator reflects on how Peter Parker’s late parents inspired the plot of 1968’s Amazing Spider-Man King-Size Special # 5.  For that issue, Lee’s artistic collaborator would be his own brother: Larry Lieber.  

• Next is a gatefold pullout poster of Carnage, Spider-Man, and Venom from artists Mark Bagley & Randy Emberlin. 

“J. Jonah Jameson: How I Created Spider-Man!” (10 Pages).  Written by David Michelinie, with Art by: Aaron Lopresti; Dave Sharpe; & Kevin Tinsley.  Tape-recording his thoughts, J. Jonah Jameson ruefully deduces facts in Spider-Man’s origin without realizing the wall-crawler’s secret identity.

“Mary Jane: I Remember Gwen” (8 pages).  Written by Stan Lee & Tom DeFalco, with Art by: John Romita; Chris Eliopoulos; & Joe Rosas.  Awaiting her husband’s return, Mary Jane Watson-Parker wistfully recalls Spider-Man’s role in the tragedies of her late friend, Gwen Stacy, and Stacy’s policeman father.

“The Prowler: A Friend in Need”  (8 pages).  Written by Tom DeFalco, with Art by: Tod Smith; Andrew Pepoy; Jon Babcock; & Kevin Tinsley.  Missing his workaholic wife, the Prowler spends his evening out tangling with saboteurs-for-hire until he chances upon a suicidal construction worker.

Note: This story precedes Prowler’s return in Spectacular Spider-Man Annual # 12 and his own solo mini-series in 1993.

• “Spider-Man: The First Thirty Years” (4 pages).  Written by Peter Sanderson, with six Spider-Man art images (including at least one from John Romita).  Sanderson muses on the reasons for Spidey’s enduring popularity.

REVIEW:

In this instance, Marvel delivers a dynamite Spider-celebration.  Including a cool hologram homage to Spider-Man’s first cover appearance, Amazing Spider-Man # 365 is well-played in every facet.  While the Lizard storyline is standard-issue (including some terrific artwork), the set-up into one of the franchise’s best-known soap opera gimmicks has ‘stay tuned!’ written all over it.  The additional segments are all solid material, including the sneak peek at Spidey’s 2099 spin-off. 

Of the 30^th Anniversary issues across 1992’s Spider-titles, Amazing Spider-Man # 365 is easily the best find among them.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page “The Spider’s Web” letters-and-answers column.  From the creative team of writer Peter David and artists Rick Leonardi & Al Williamson, there’s a five-page preview of Spider-Man 2099 # 1 – the first of Marvel’s 2099 (or “Futureverse”) franchise.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8½ Stars

Written by Roger Stern

Art by Tom DeFalco; Ron Frenz; Brett Breeding; Joe Rosen; & Glynis Wein

Cover Art by Ron Frenz & Klaus Janson

SUMMARY:

First released in January 1984, Earth desperately awaits word of the fate re: its missing heroes abducted for Marvel’s original Secret Wars.  Continuing from Secret Wars # 12’s wrap-up,  Spider-Man and a powerless Dr. Curt Connors/Lizard (soon followed by the Avengers in a brief cameo) finally return home to New York City from the mysterious Battleworld. 

Sporting his mysteriously new black-and-white costume, Spider-Man is seemingly unrecognized.  Missing his girlfriend Black Cat’s visit by mere moments, Peter Parker busily tries resuming his normal life.  Amidst web-swinging action, a revitalized Spider-Man continues to discover the unpredictable ‘magic’ of his new outfit.  

Note: This copy is a 2000 reprint included with a Marvel Legends action figure.

REVIEW:

Emboldened by the cool new threads, Spider-Man’s world seems fresh again in this blast revisiting the mid-80’s.  For Spider-fans, it’s an uncomplicated treat to read!  Even better yet, Marvel’s production qualities reprinting this iconic issue are virtually flawless.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

Written by Louise Simonson

Art by Mary Wilshire; Pat Redding; Janice Chiang; & Bob Sharen

Cover Art by Mary Wilshire & John Romita

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Fun ‘N’ Games,” Marvel Comics introduces villainous Alistair Smythe in this 48-page annual released in 1985.  Neglecting Mary Jane once too often, an oblivious Peter Parker’s gloating about his latest Spider-exploits only puts their romance on the outs even further.  Meanwhile, the late Spencer Smythe’s diminutive son is fired by “Kingpin” Wilson Fisk as his basement-dwelling techno-genius. 

Deeming his ex-boss too soft on their shared enemy, bumbling geek/man-child Alistair seeks vengeance on his ‘Daddy’s’ behalf.  It’s revealed that a Smythe tracking device is hidden on a woman’s hat that Spider-Man has recently obtained from Fisk as a gift for his Aunt May. 

When Mary Jane’s Aunt Anna borrows May’s new hat, Smythe’s flying Spider-Slayer abducts Anna & Mary Jane from a restaurant to force Spider-Man into action.  Gullibly half-convinced that Mary Jane must be Spider-Man — due to a gender-concealing exo-suit gifted by some intergalactic aliens, no less, the hapless Alistair falls for her ongoing, making-it-up-as-she goes diversion egging on his delusional scheme.  To rescue the captives, it’s up to the real Spidey to play catch up across New York City for a score-settling showdown.     

REVIEW:

Might Mary Jane Watson (in What If?-like fashion) be filling in as Spider-Man?  No, this silly caper falls far short of living up to the intriguing (and well-produced) cover image.  Way overlong, “Fun ‘N’ Games” doesn’t expand/explore Mary Jane’s character in any meaningful sense in spite of her starring role.  Pitching a variation of the ‘damsel-in-distress’ super-cliché, the future Mrs. Spider-Man is relegated to toying with a pathetic, internet troll-like schlub for a foe. 

Alistair Smythe’s revenge-minded 1990s cartoon counterpart later proves a far more credible threat than his ridiculous, pot-bellied goof incarnation here.  Understandably, writer Louise Simonson plays her comedy-of-errors for laughs, but a little goes a long way vs. dragging Alistair’s moronic shenanigans out for a whopping 48 pages.  Had she devised “Fun ‘N’ Games” as Mary Jane’s weird dream as a single-issue stop-gap between storylines, that would have sufficed – either way, Simonson’s plotting this time is quickly forgettable. 

Wasting some occasionally nice panels of Mary Jane, the cartoony visuals are mostly just pedestrian stuff.  In that sense, the wacky story and artwork, at least, are in alignment with one another.  Even if Amazing Spider-Man Annual # 19 doesn’t age well, it’s sufficient entertainment to share with undemanding, pre-teen Spider-fans.         

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside back cover is split-page between  Marvel writer Bob Layton takes tongue-in-cheek potshots at Editor Jim Shooter in the “Bullpen Bulletins” column and Marvel’s monthly issue checklist.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         5 Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Mark Brooks

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this preview issue for August 2014; it’s evidently the first of a five-part mini-series. 

Deathlok: Terminus.  Writer: Nathan Edmondson, with Art by Andy Troy; VC’s Clayton Cowles; & Jake Thomas.  In a New York City subway train terminal, SHIELD operative Seth Horne casually approaches cyborg Henry Hayes.  It’s soon revealed that the seemingly bewildered Hayes is the new Deathlok, as this ten-page segment teases the upcoming Deathlok # 1.

Young Avengers: Hidden in Plain Sight (Part One of Five).  Writer: Ryan North, with Art by Ramon Villalobos; Jordan Gibson; & VC’s Clayton Cowles.  In this eight-page segment, Young Avengers Noh-Varr/Marvel Boy, Hulkling, & Prodigy fool SHIELD in their search for a missing Exterminatrix.  They soon encounter a notorious villain in the presently-evacuated New York City.

Lockjaw: Buried Memory.  Writer: Stuart Moore, with Art by Rick Geary; Ive Svorcina; & VC’s Clayton Cowles.  The Inhumans’ teleporting dog, Lockjaw, seeks some high-profile ‘emergency’ help in this two-page, dialogue-free comic strip.  It isn’t indicated if Lockjaw has a continuing comedy relief role in this mini-series.  

REVIEW:

Ironically, its eye-catching (pardon the expression) cover image doesn’t go far.  There’s no mistaking that this opener is a disappointing waste of time to read (let alone purchase).  Sporting some fairly good artwork, the Deathlok teaser’s storytelling (including an obligatory helping of cold-blooded brutality) quickly goes flat.  Why a supposed SHIELD agent with presumably an iota of intelligence does what expendable fanboy Seth Horne does (in public, no less) makes no sense whatsoever.  Relying on familiar ‘Teaser 101’ clichés, this reboot doesn’t come off as remotely fresh. 

Yet, this new Deathlok is still better reading than the hip teenage slacker take on Young Avengers.  Deeming “Hidden in Plain Sight” stupid with virtually zero appeal past a limited target audience pretty much sums it up.  That leaves the mildly amusing Lockjaw strip, which delivers a predictable gag as the kid-friendly punchline, making it worth perusing once.  Otherwise, Marvel Comics wastes its production values on this Original Sins # 1; at best, it should have been a Comic Book Day freebie.         

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page briefly explains the Watcher’s homicide, along with a snarky intro to The Young Avengers.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        3 Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Alex Saviuk

SUMMARY:

Released in 1994 by Marvel Comics, this 64-page annual consists of a lead Spider-Man story, along with three back-up tales of varying lengths – one of which is a prelude to Black Cat’s first mini-series.

Spider-Man: Shriek, Rattle, & Roll (32 pages).  Writers: Terry Kavanagh & Mike Lackey, with Art by: Jerry Bingham, Tom Palmer, Steve Dutro, & Freddy Mendez.  Continuing out of Spider-Man Unlimited # 1, this ‘Maximum Carnage’ sequel depicts Spider-Man uneasily observing Shriek’s transfer into the revamped Ravenscroft Institute.  While Warrant and his boss, Reynard, scheme to take advantage, Shriek and four fellow super-powered inmates initiate a desperate jailbreak.  All that stands now between them and freedom is Spidey and security director John Jameson.  Also making appearances are two other Ravenscroft staff members: psychiatrist Dr. Ashley Kafka and counselor Edward Wheelan (formerly Vermin).  Shriek’s next appearance is announced for Amazing Spider-Man # 390.

Warrant: Daze and Confusion (6 pages).  Writers: Terry Kavanagh & Joey Cavalieri, with Art by: Alex Saviuk, Don Hudson, Sergio Cariello; & Joe Andreani.  Warrant goes gunning for action, as the hypnotist, Daze, tries coercing a mesmerized Senator Gaines into committing a supposed suicide from his high-rise office.             

Black Cat: Tabula Rasa (9 pages).  Writer: Mike Lackey, with Art by: Sergio Cariello, Keith Williams, & Bob Sharen.  Setting up Black Cat’s four-issue Chimera Lost mini-series, the elderly Black Fox dares casing Felicia Hardy’s apartment to reclaim a stolen necklace.  Suffice to say, an infuriated Black Cat isn’t to be trifled with. 

Prowler: The Power of Resistance (8 pages).  Writer: Joey Cavalieri, with Art by: Vince Giarrano, Steve Dutro, & Bob Sharen.  Probing a series of truck hijackings, the Prowler confronts the vicious street gang, ‘The Broken Skulls.’ Among them is an unexpectedly familiar face.  Worse yet, a new high-tech foe emerges: the Resistor.

REVIEW:

In a business-as-usual way, the whole package is solidly written for pre-teens-and-up.  Still, the visuals are the top asset, as the different artistic styles are all well-illustrated.  Of the four tales, Black Cat’s caper and the Spidey vs. Shriek showdown are the most welcome reads.  Further, “Tabula Rasa” sports this annual’s best visuals presenting Felicia Hardy as the Marvel Universe’s answer to Catwoman.  Shriek makes an intriguing Spider-foe, even if spearheading a 5-1 handicap against Spider-Man is still too easy for him to overcome.  As a fresh Marvel nemesis scoring plenty of ‘screen time,’ Shriek, at least, lives up to her potential. 

As for the other two stories, they are decent perusals.  Between them, Prowler’s adventure prevails, as far as superior graphics go.  For Spider-fans, Web of Spider-Man Annual # 10 delivers the necessary goods, in terms of a traditional comics annual.  Even Annual # 10 isn’t  a must-have, it’s worthy of any comics collection. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In full-page format are seven high pin-ups: Spider-Man (artists: Vince Giarrano & Paul Becton); Black Cat (artist: Steve Geiger); Prowler (artists: Bill Reinhold & Linda Lessmann); Cardiac (artists: Mark Tenney, Keith Williams, & Paul Becton); Nightwatch (artists: Tenney, Williams, & Becton); Solo (artists: Tom Lyle, Sam DeLaRosa, & Paul Becton); & Puma (artists: Sam Buscema & Paul Becton).  The pin-ups are terrific, though Geiger’s Black Cat is easily the most stylish.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars