Category: Marvel Comics

Written by Peter David

Art by Pat Lee; Dream Imagine; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Pat Lee

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Other: Evolve or Die, Part 2 of 12: Denial,” Marvel Comics released this issue for December 2005.  Unaware that the nefarious Morlun is stalking her, working actress Mary Jane Watson-Parker desperately tries to keep track of her reckless husband’s battle against the Tracer.  Worse yet, it appears that New Avengers Spidey & Iron Man have inexplicably turned against one another.  Trying to follow the disjointed media coverage, Mary Jane must later fend off a crazed fanboy. 

At Avengers Tower, Mary Jane privately confronts a perpetually distracted Peter with her worst fears.  Simultaneously, a solemn Peter dreads sharing his heartbreaking medical diagnosis.

REVIEW:

Surprisingly, Spider-Man makes minimal impact in this story until the few pages.  For instance, his three-way conflict with Tracer and Iron Man is oddly negligible, as readers only see a few scattered bits and pieces.  By design, writer Peter David instead focuses on Mary Jane’s attitude towards Peter’s odd mood shifts — including a well-played scene where she evidently smokes Steve Rogers at billiards. 

Though the last scene justifies the cover image, it just seems Mary Jane is unfairly left solo carrying the vast majority of this issue’s plot.  Had David inserted a few instances conveying Peter’s rocky emotional state, it would have noticeably bolstered his somber script.

Including an excellent cover image, the art squad’s high-caliber visuals helps bolster Issue # 19 as a worthy read for Spider-fans.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page summarizes the current arc to date.  Including thumbnail cover reveals, there’s an “Other” checklist indicating what Spider-titles depict the next three installments of this arc.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars

Written by Dennis Hopeless

Art by Joëlle Jones; Lorenzo Ruggiero; Rachelle Rosenberg; VC’s Travis Lanham; & Idette Winecoor

Cover Art by Yasmine Putri

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this untitled Spider-Women tie-in for July 2016.  Having returned from her dimension-hopping journey to Earth-65, Jessica Drew is stunned to find her male Earth-65 doppelganger, Jesse Drew, in her home.  Worse yet, having passing himself off as her estranged ‘twin brother,’ Jesse has ingratiated himself with a gullible Roger and her infant son, Gerry. 

Reluctantly keeping up the ruse for Roger’s safety, Jessica and her ‘brother’ soon pummel each other into a standstill truce.  Simultaneously, a powerless Gwen “Spider-Gwen” Stacy accesses illicit S.I.L.K. files to research Jesse’s true origin.

Confronted by Gwen & Jessica, Jesse confirms the scheme his world’s evil Cindy “Silk” Moon intends to unleash.  An injured Spider-Gwen must then decide if she really wants to regain her spider-powers.  Hence, this issue is the penultimate chapter leading into the crossover’s finale: Spider-Women Omega.

Note: Artists Javier Rodriguez & John Tyler Christopher produced this issue’s variant cover (no image is available here).

REVIEW:

Writer Dennis Hopeless concocts a surprisingly entertaining plot, no matter if it’s unlikely that Jessica would initiate an impromptu brawl (with her infant son in such close proximity).  The other contrivance one must accept is how Spider-Gwen conveniently learns Earth-65 Jesse Drew & Cindy Moon’s relevant secrets. 

Still, the chemistry of Jessica facing off against her enigmatic ‘twin’ is enjoyably well-played.  Even more significantly, the art squad’s visuals are excellent.  Jessica Drew fans, as a whole, should find Spider-Woman # 7 a welcome read.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The credits page includes a brief Spider-Women synopsis-to-date.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8 Stars

Written by John Marc DeMatteis

Art by Luke Ross; Dan Green; RS & Comicraft’s Kiff Scholl; & John Kalisz

Cover Art by Luke Ross

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Son of the Hunter, Part 3,” Marvel Comics released this issue for January 1998.  In the Kravinov Manor’s graveyard, Kraven the Hunter’s resurrected ex-lover, Calypso, resorts to her voodoo powers to pit Spider-Man vs. a vengeful Aloyshia Kravinov (Kraven’s son) in vicious combat to the death.  An uneasy truce is later declared in this three-way vendetta, but all may not be what it seems. 

Elsewhere, it’s evidently up to Grizzly & Gibbon’s hapless tag-team to thwart the White Rabbit and her thugs in their latest heist.  Something sinister is also brewing with Professor Angst at The Ravencroft Institute, as he seeks a worthy adversary to squash Spider-Man.

At the Parker home in suburban Forest Hills, Queens, an eye-rolling Mary Jane blows off her Aunt Anna’s infuriated accusations that a perpetually-absent Peter must be cheating on her.  In her husband’s bewildered presence, what shocker does an exasperated Mary Jane finally resort to in order to disprove her aunt’s theory?   

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of long-time Spider-scribe Tom DeFalco, writer John Marc DeMatteis deftly spins multiple sub-plots keeping readers entertained and off-guard with some terrific plot twists.  The art squad’s likable visuals further bolster this issue’s appeal.  For Spider-fans (especially re: his long history with Kraven the Hunter and now his feuding heirs), The Spectacular Spider-Man # 253 delivers a welcome read.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The two-panel, fold-out cover’s interior introduces Spider-Man to newcomers.  It also provides this issue’s cast list, along with a summary of the “Son of the Hunter” arc to date.  Marvel’s “Bullpen Bulletins” column is included later in the issue.  The last page is the “Spectacular Spider-Mail” column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7 Stars

Written by Reginald Hudlin

Art by Billy Tan; John Sibal; Avalon’s Ian Hannin; & VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Steve McNiven

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Wild Blue Yonder, Part One,” Marvel Comics released this issue for June 2005.  “Crusher” Creel (aka The Absorbing Man) abruptly escapes prison, as, in disgusting fashion, Spider-Man later fails to apprehend him. 

Looking for enforcer work, Creel finds himself a mysterious female associate and apparently a new boss in the nefarious Owl.  At Avengers Tower, an unusually edgy Peter suspects that Logan/Wolverine has made a pass at his wife, Mary Jane – even hinting at his teammate’s propensity for redheads. 

Left without work teaching summer school, Peter finagles a full-time gig back at The Daily Bugle.  Curiously enough, he is paired as a tag-team with mild-mannered reporter Ethan Edwards to investigate Spider-Man’s current activities.  A subsequent New Avengers workout ends in a shocking cliffhanger. 

Appearing in cameos are New Avengers Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Woman, Luke Cage, and, in a more extended role, Wolverine.    

REVIEW:

Though writer Reginald Hudlin coherently juggles multiple sub-plots, what doesn’t make sense is his scripting of Peter as a self-absorbed jerk.  The art squad’s mostly uneven visuals certainly don’t help, either, as Peter & Mary Jane inexplicably resemble teenagers.  Though the “Wild Blue Yonder” arc later improves, this first installment fails to impress.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The last page previews the cover for Issue # 14, along with Black Panther # 3 and X23 # 5.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    5 Stars

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

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

Flashback Art by Mark Brooks; Jaime Mendoza; & Brian Reber

Cover Art by Gary Frank & Richard Isanove

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Skin Deep, Part 1 of 4,” Marvel Comics released this issue for February 2005.  High school teacher Peter Parker briefly advises scientist/inventor Charlie Weiderman in his former classmate’s efforts obtaining a sizable grant from Tony Stark.  After Charlie awkwardly exaggerates to Stark the level of Peter’s involvement, Stark trusts Peter’s friend at his word. 

Peter recalls how his new high school classmate, Charlie, was mercilessly bullied and was likely abused at home.  Worse yet, young Peter was grateful that the hapless Charlie became the favored target of the same bullies who had previously tormented him.  Despite their personality similarities, Peter regrets even joining at times to his lonely classmate’s detriment.     

In the present-day, Peter is instantly suspicious when Stark Enterprises contacts him for a project update.  Specifically, Stark’s company erroneously believes he is supervising Charlie’s liquid body armor experiments.  Realizing that Charlie’s deceptions include testing vibranium without proper safety measures,  Peter angrily gives his ambitious friend an ultimatum.  Yet, it may be too late.        

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of Stan Lee-Steve Ditko’s Spider-Man plot playbook, writer J. Michael Straczynski solidly updates the concept.  Specifically, one can sense what’s coming from the get-go: how young Peter’s friend secretly displays a darker, more ruthless side before later succumbing to a bizarre science-related disaster. 

Still, Straczynski’s choice to devise the plot from an adult Peter’s remorseful perspective is well-played.  Clearly, Straczynski excels at making Peter’s down-to-earth personality relatable to fans — i.e. his own shame re: poorly treating Charlie years before.  Such attention to plausible personality traits makes it easier to forgive this storyline’s general unoriginality.      

Furthermore, including the use of actor Jason Priestley‘s likeness to model Peter’s facial features, this issue’s art squad does excellent work.  Despite all its formulaic elements, The Amazing Spider-Man # 515 still delivers a terrific read.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Marvel’s Joe Quesada offers a brief “Cupo’ Joe” column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7  Stars

Written by Tom DeFalco

Art by Ron Frenz; Brett Breeding; Jose Rosen; & Paul J. Becton

Original Cover Art by Ron Frenz & Brett Breeding

Marvel Tales Cover Art by Scott Kolins

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Introducing the Sinister Syndicate!,” Marvel Comics released this issue for September 1986.  At Coney Island, mercenaries Spider-Man & Silver Sable must face the combined onslaught of the Beetle, Rhino, Boomerang, Speed Demon, and Hydro Man dubbing themselves ‘The Sinister Syndicate.’  Amidst the fight, a cash-hungry Spidey has a flashback explaining why he agreed to take freelance work partnering with Sable – specifically, capturing Jack O’Lantern for a bounty. 

Upon his initial refusal, Peter Parker changes his mind to help with Flash Thompson’s increasing legal defense woes.  Another of Flash’s woes is Betty Leeds, who must decide between an incarcerated Flash and her estranged husband, Ned.  Elsewhere, other players such the Kingpin, Mary Jane Watson, Roderick Kingsley, the masked Rose, and the mysterious Hobgoblin make appearances in interwoven sub-plots.    

With an injured Spider-Man and Silver Sable wearing down, the overpowering Syndicate moves in for the kill.  As an unmasked Jack O’Lantern gloats, another wildcard may be entering Coney Island’s battle royale: the Sandman!        

This issue was subsequently reprinted as Marvel Tales # 288 for August 1994.

REVIEW:

Deftly working multiple sub-plots, writer Tom DeFalco spins a thrill-packed Spidey adventure.  Further bolstered by the art squad’s solid visuals (minus Mary Jane’s hideous 80’s hairdo), The Amazing Spider-Man # 280 is a welcome gem for Spider-nostalgia fans.  Definitely recommended!   

Visually, its Marvel Tales # 288 reprint appears freshly re-inked, as compared to the faded Issue # 280. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The original issue has a “Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist,” and a single-page “The Spider’s Web” letters-and-answers column.  Its Marvel Tales counterpart has its own “Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist,” and a full-page reprint of the Frenz/Breeding cover.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars

Written by Danny Fingeroth

Art by Alan Kupperberg; Vince Colletta; Art Nichols; Rick Parker; & Bob Sharen

Cover Art by Al Milgrom

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for May 1987, this issue is entitled “Sudden Impact.”  Concluding a two-part tale guest-starring Julia Carpenter’s Spider-Woman, the two heroes barely evade the Wrecker (now packing the raw power of the entire Wrecking Crew).  Including his efforts to provide for his terminally ill mother, the Wrecker’s origin is revisited.  Meanwhile, the outmatched Spider-Man & Spider-Woman quarrel over chasing after Wrecker once more, as no other major-league heroes are available. 

After springing his powerless cronies from jail, the Wrecker is ambushed by one of his own cronies.  Going alone, Spider-Man is trapped in a literal power grab between the feuding Wrecker and Thunderball.  Having witnessed the death of Wrecker’s ashamed mother, Spider-Woman may be an overpowered Spider-Man’s only hope for survival. 

REVIEW:

Meant to stoke interest in Spider-Woman’s upcoming mini-series, Danny Fingeroth’s storytelling this time is merely passable.  In a rare change-of-pace, Spider-Man & Spider-Woman make virtually no impact battling the Wrecker or his brawny pals in either issue.  That’s about the extent of plot twists one gets. 

Visually, Issue # 126’s artwork is underwhelming, with the last page being its best.  While the overall artwork often surpasses the previous issue, there’s a few sloppy panels that appear amateurish.  There’s also an inking gaffe: Julia’s young daughter appears in a cameo with blond hair, which contradicts the black hair she sports in Issue # 125. 

This kid-friendly issue is an okay read, but Issue # 125 tells a slightly better story.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      5 Stars

Written by Danny Fingeroth

Art by Jim Mooney; Vince Colletta; Art Nichols; Rick Parker; & Bob Sharen

Cover Art by Bob Hall & Al Milgrom

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for April 1987, this  issue is entitled “Wrecking Havoc!”  Pressured by J. Jonah Jameson and his crabby landlady, a cash-strapped Peter Parker intends to confront Julia Carpenter’s elusive Spider-Woman for answers and a potential payday. 

Meanwhile, in Denver, Colorado, having been extorted into an undercover role as a fugitive, Spider-Woman is overpowered by The Wrecking Crew.  She’s no match for them in a fight over a computer disc containing data re: building a super-bomb.  Struggling as a single mother, Julia’s origin starting with Marvel’s original Secret Wars is reviewed in flashback.

Trailing her adversaries to New York City, Julia finds herself in a rematch with an irritated Wrecker (who now possesses the full raw power of his entire Crew).  It’s revealed that the Wrecker’s motivations stem from an effort to financially aid his terminally ill mother.  Even a conscientious Spider-Man’s intervention isn’t enough to keep both heroes from being pummeled by this Thor-caliber thug and his mystical crowbar.  The issue ends in a cliffhanger going into Issue # 126.   

REVIEW:

Both Danny Fingeroth’s storytelling and the art squad’s visuals prove sufficient.  The cover image is this issue’s best selling point.  Though Issue # 125 has too few surprises, it still makes for a fairly good read.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   5½ Stars

Written by J. Michael Straczynski

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

Cover Art by Terry Dodson; Rachel Dodson; & Edgar Delgado

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics for October 2005, climaxing this New Avengers arc is the story entitled “Extreme Measures.”  Having infiltrated HYDRA’s underground New York base, Spider-Man faces several hundred HYDRA thugs, not to mention their four in-house Avenger impersonators (Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, & Hawkeye). Spidey valiantly holds his own until Iron Man, Jessica Drew’s Spider-Woman, Luke Cage, and Steve Rogers’ Captain America arrive as the much-needed cavalry 

Yet, even their combined firepower can’t thwart a HYDRA missile from launching.  Reminiscent of Bucky several decades before, Spidey desperately tries to defuse it in time.  Ending on a cliffhanger, the storyline carries over to Issue # 524.     

REVIEW:

In terms of both J. Michael Straczynski’s plotting and the art team’s visuals, Issue # 523 exudes top-caliber Marvel entertainment.  Absolutely recommended!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        9 Stars