Month: March 2021

Written by Peter David. Art by Ronan Cliquet; Rob Stull; John Kalisz; & VC’s Cory Petit.

Back-Up Feature Written by Peter David. Back-Up Art by Colleen Doran; José Villárubia; & Todd Klein.

Cover Art by Barry Kitson.

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this 48-page annual for July 2007.  Entitled “Sandman: Year One,” the backstory of William Baker is revealed, as to why he becomes the raging Sandman.  Taking after both his alcoholic blue-collar mother and the perennial jailbird father who abandons him, lonely Billy Baker gradually transforms into a hardened punk/small-time crook/ex-jock by adulthood. 

Taking the alias of ‘Flint Marko’ as something of a homage, the embittered Sandman shifts his life’s ongoing failures to a hatred of Spider-Man.  Betrayed by his girlfriend and his long-time best friend, Baker secretly reconnects in prison with the man he believes is his long-estranged father.  Of course, Spider-Man is blamed for ruining their fugitive father-son bonding.  Ultimately, the Sandman remains as dangerous as ever. 

REVIEW:

Including some glimpses of implied nudity, this deep dive into Sandman’s psyche isn’t a necessary read.  Frankly, it’s more like of blah ‘Too Much Information’-type story.  The Sandman’s evolution from a bullied youth to perennial criminal loser might well apply to any number of Marvel and DC’s super-villains.  Suffice to say, despite decent writing and pretty good visuals, this Sandman origin tale is for die-hards only.  The issue’s pertinent value comes from its thought-provoking back-up feature.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Entitled “Leah,” this six-page tale depicts a homeless young girl’s adoration of Spider-Man in wintry New York City.  With the story’s only dialogue, the final page is a mix of realistic heartbreak and poignancy.  The artwork is nicely conveyed.  Suffice to say, the sentimentality behind “Leah” isn’t addressed often enough by the comics industry.  Packing an emotional wallop, it’s the only reason this reviewer even purchased this issue.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  6 Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Rom Lim & Paul Mounts

SUMMARY:

In 2005, Marvel Comics released this 104-page compilation to launch a Spider-Man-related anthology series.  Mostly consisting of reprints, Spider-Man Family would typically produce one new story as the lead feature.  In this case, it’s a MC2 adventure starring May Parker’s Spider-Girl.  The six Spider-tales included are:    

Old Enemies Never Die!  Writers: Tom DeFalco & Ron Lim, with Art by: Ron Lim, Norm Rapmund, Avalon Studios’ Rob Ro, & Dave Sharpe.  In the MC2 Universe, teenager May “Spider-Girl” Parker is mildly amused (her middle-aged dad, less so) that a spoofy ‘Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham’ cartoon video has resurfaced.  Hearing of Spider-Man & Araña’s team-up vs. the animated show’s nefarious distributor years before, a suspicious May soon finds herself in a similar predicament.  Yet, is MC2’s present-day Araña a Spider-Friend or foe?

Spider-Woman # 20 (1979): “Tangled Webs.”  Writers: Mark Gruenwald & Steven Grant, with Art by: Frank Springer, Mike Esposito, Pete Costanza, & Nelson Yomtov.  Cover Art by: Frank Springer & Frank Giacoia.  In Los Angeles, a guilt-stricken Jessica Drew is compelled to return stolen cash she swiped overnight from her ex-employer’s safe.  Standing in Jessica’s way is her first-ever encounter with a visiting Spider-Man.  The future New Avengers inevitably face off in battle. 

Marvel Tails Starring Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham # 1 (1983): “If He Should Punch Me!”  Writer: Tom DeFalco, with Art by: Mark Armstrong, Joe Albelo, Steve Mellor, Rick Parker, & John Morelli.   Cover Artist: Steve Mellor.  Introducing the Spider-Ham alternate reality, Spider-Ham & Captain Americat are secretly Daily Beagle journalists Peter Porker and Steve Mouser.  Sent by J. Jonah Jackal to investigate a sabotaged video arcade (or lose their jobs), the duo pursue the culprit: the hooded Masked Marauder.  Interwoven into this ‘mystery’ is the origin of the Hulk Bunny.

Spider-Man 2099 # 1 (1995).  Writer: Peter David with Art by: Rick Leonardi, Al Williamson, Rick Parker, & Steve Buccellato.  Cover Artists: Rick Leonardi & Al Williamson.  In the 2099 alternate reality, Alchemax geneticist Miguel O’Hara reveals in flashbacks how he inadvertently becomes a vampire-like Spider-Man for a new age. Note: The only parental advisory is that O’Hara lashes out in one scene — inadvertently giving his girlfriend a swollen black eye.

Untold Tales of Spider-Man Annual # 1 (1997): “The Devil and Mrs. Parker.”  By Fred Hembeck.  In a five-page prequel spoof, future super-heroes Petey Parker (with his Aunt May) and Matt Murdock literally bump into one another.

Untold Tales of Spider-Man # 1 (1995): “To Serve and Protect?”  Writer: Kurt Busiek, with Art by: Pat Oliffe, Al Vey, Richard Starkings, Comicraft, & Steve Mattsson.  Cover Art by Pat Oliffe & Al Vey.  An inexperienced Spider-Man plays with fire trying to apprehend the Scorcher’s mercenary gang.

REVIEW:

For a hodgepodge formula, it’s balanced and generally well-played.  Exuding nostalgia, this opener’s best asset easily is the first-ever Spider-showdown between Jessica Drew and Peter Parker.  Most of these tales hold up well, though Spider-Man 2099 isn’t as appealing as one might expect.  Still, Miguel O’Hara’s origin tale displays an intriguing mix of futuristic Marvel technology and old-school Universal monster movies.  The detriment is that O’Hara spews so much distracting sarcasm that writer Peter David doesn’t develop his supporting cast sufficiently for needed contrast. 

While the Scorcher tale is a good read, MC2’s Spider-Girl/Spider-Man/Araña caper scores some big in-joke points.  The chemistry between Spider-Girl and Araña seems promising, as the sequel (look for 2008’s Amazing Spider-Girl # 17) can attest to.   

As for the eye-rolling comedy relief, take from it only what you will. The Petey Parker/Matt Murdock spoof is faintly amusing at best for those who recognize what’s supposed to be Daredevil’s accidental origin.  As for Spider-Ham’s insipid debut, all this reviewer can succinctly impart is: don’t admit to reading it (and just purge it from your mind).  Even the kindergarten crowd it’s meant for might deem this wacky send-up insulting to their intelligence.  Still, Spider-Man Family # 1 has enough quality material to keep Spider-fans of any age readily entertained.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The covers are reprinted in full-page color.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7½ Stars

Lead Feature Written by Steven Grant. Lead Feature Art by Sal Buscema, Jose Rosen, Bob Sharen, & Mark Powers.

Back-Up Feature Written by Steven Grant. Back-Up Art by Walter McDaniel, Vince Evans, Dave Sharpe, & Michael Higgins.

Cover Art by Sal Buscema & Malcolm Jones III.

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Screaming Crimson,” Marvel Comics released this issue for December 1993.  In New York City, Peter Parker has an awkward discussion with a hospitalized Flash Thompson.  As Spider-Man, he soon stumbles into a visiting Shroud’s shakedown of four gun-runners during a ‘transaction.’  The battle evidently shifts to Issue # 208, as Spider-Man & Shroud must tag-team vs. vs. the mystical ‘Screaming Masks of Cytorrak’ that physically possess their mortal pawns.        

REVIEW:

Steven Grant’s plotting is simply business-as-usual (including a Felicia Hardy cameo), but this storyline is still a decent read.  The Shroud’s presence is welcome – yet, seeing his face spelled out is something of a letdown.  The character is more enigmatic with his upper facial features hidden by his hood (i.e. see his mid-80’s guest spots in West Coast Avengers).  While the lead feature’s artwork is sufficient, the back-up art squad wins, as in terms of a better effort.  The cover image is another winner. 

Even if Spectacular Spider-Man # 207 isn’t a must-have, it might spark nostalgia from Spider-fans re: the old Marvel Team-Up series.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In the five-page back-up feature entitled “New Values,” J. Jonah Jameson’s latest rant has his Daily Bugle staff squirming.  Facing off vs. an indignant Robbie Robertson, Triple-J makes a surprise announcement.  As full-page formats, regular columns “Bullpen Bulletins” and “Spectacular Spider-Mail” are included.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       6 Stars

Written by Paul Jenkins

Art by Mark Buckingham; D’Israeli; & Virtual Calligraphy’s Cory Petit

Cover Art by Mark Buckhingham

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Final Curtain,” Marvel Comics released this short-lived series relaunch’s finale for June 2005.  Visiting Uncle Ben’s gravestone for Christmas, Peter Parker has a heart-to-heart chat with his uncle’s spirit.  Including some childhood memories, Peter gets his uncle’s ‘feedback’ about his choice to become Spider-Man. 

Most significantly, his uncle has his own theory re: Peter’s sense of failure, as to why he really became the masked hero.  Linked to this revelation is Peter’s humiliating childhood memory dating from a first-grade play he blundered in.  Peter is left to make peace with this remnant of his past.  Meanwhile, May makes her own pilgrimage to her late husband’s grave.     

REVIEW:

One could deem Paul Jenkins’ scripting of Issue # 27 guilty of being excessively sentimental.  Then again, it’s certainly a triumph in comparison to depicting mindless R-rated violence.  In classy fashion, the poignancy of this tale resonates as a fitting and original tribute to Ben Parker’s ongoing relevance in the Spider-Man mythos.  Both the roles of Ben and May are well-played in Jenkins’ story, as are the glimpses of an orphaned Peter Parker’s childhood growing up without his parents.  

Consistently well-produced, the art team’s visuals (including the cover image) are ideal for this tale.  The concluding curtain call is also an inspired touch, as Spider-Man’s world, like his fans, exists in his dreams, too.  Suffice to say, “The Final Curtain” is nicely played for Spider-fans of any age.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page is a three-paragraph introduction to Spider-Man.  Marvel’s Joe Quesada offers a “Cupo’ Joe” column that covers the upper half of a two-page spread.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars