Month: April 2021

Written by Len Kaminski

Art by Marc Silvestri; Art Nichols; Bob Sharen; & Rick Parker

Cover Art by Mark Beachum & Art Nichols

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Profit of Doom,” Marvel Comics released this issue for January 1987.  Partnering with Daily Bugle international journalist Joy Mercado on assignment to Belfast, Ireland, Peter Parker realizes that a group of local terrorists dubbed ‘The Black Hoods’ are linked to the shady Roxxon Corporation. 

Searching for an informant’s missing brother, Peter & Joy are taken captive by masked thugs.  Learning of Roxxon’s devastating particle beam cannon now up for sale, Peter has at least two greedy adversaries he needs to worry about.  As Spider-Man, it’s time to settle the matter.    

REVIEW:

Taking Spider-Man inside politically-turbulent Belfast is a fresh idea that certainly has some potential.  Instead of super-villains, writer Len Kaminski pits him against double-dealing terrorists-for-hire and a mega-weapon in the wrong hands.  Kaminski’s scripting is predictably heavy-handed, but the overall storytelling suffices for a decent read. 

As the cover image spells out, Spidey’s black costume is this issue’s most dynamic visual element.  Hovering between average and slightly above-average, the artwork holds its own supporting Kaminski’s plot.  Web of Spider-Man # 22 isn’t memorable, but it works for those readers needing a Spidey fix.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page “Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist” column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6 Stars

SUMMARY:

Featuring talent new to the Spider-Man mythos, Marvel Comics released this issue for July 2006.  The two Spider-tales are “Heroes and Villains” and “Bride of the Lizard.”   

“Heroes and Villains.”  Writer/Illustrator: Klaus Janson, Colors: Steve Buccellato, and Letters: Dave Sharpe.  In New York City, pre-teen skater Ethan is excited to show a skeptical new friend his Spider-Man collection, including action figures.  More so, Ethan reveals his family’s own surprising connection to Spider-Man.

“Bride of the Lizard.”  Writer: Merrrill Hagan, with Art by: Adam DeKraker, Cam Smith, Sotocolor’s A Street, & Dave Sharpe.  While Spider-Man does what he can to help, Curt Connors’ wife, Martha, contemplates her troubled marriage after Dr. Connors becomes the Lizard yet again.  

REVIEW:

Both tales are nice reads, but, in terms of storytelling, they’re frankly unremarkable.  As far as visuals go, the best element is Jay Anacieto’s 3D-like cover image.  Still, both art squads contribute solid work to help make Spider-Man Unlimited # 15 a satisfying-enough experience for Spider-fans of any age.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page presents a brief cast list, credits, and quick bios for: Klaus Janson, Merrill Hagan, and Adam DeKraker.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              6 Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by David Finch; Danny Miki; & Frank D’Armata

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this issue for May 2006.  With separate guest creative teams, the issue features two original Spider-tales: “Without a Trace” and “S.C.U.D.S.”   

“Without a Trace.” Writer: C.B. Cebulski, with Art by: David Finch (oddly credited as ‘Danny’ Finch), David Miki, Frank D’Armata, & Dave Sharpe.  Peter’s ex-flame, the Black Cat (Felicia Hardy), coerces his reluctant cooperation breaking into the Latverian Embassy overnight for a mysterious theft out of Doctor Doom’s own bedroom safe.  In spite of his initial skepticism, Spider-Man is stunned once this retrieval’s implications sink in. 

“S.C.U.D.S”  Writer: Joe Reitman, with Art by: Ron Garney, Bill Reinhold, Avalon’s Matt Milla, & Dave Sharpe.  Known only as ‘Stan,’ a resentful city employee assigned to cleaning up Spider-Man’s crime scene ‘messes’ bears a looming grudge.   

REVIEW:

As seen in “Without a Trace,” David Finch again demonstrates one of the industry’s best (maybe the best) visual styles. His cover image further bears this perception out.  Though writer C.B. Cebulski pens an otherwise satisfying Spider-caper, what’s noticeable is his inclusion of some mild sleaze/sexual innuendo with Finch’s help. 

Case in point: 1. a happily-married Spider-Man twice openly/jokingly admires Black Cat’s backside; and 2. in the conclusion, Mary Jane Watson-Parker unnecessarily appears in her bra and panties.  Mary Jane’s seductive invitation to Peter for marital sex might as well count as a third instance.  In this sense, parents ought to peruse “Without a Trace” first to judge its kid-appropriateness. 

“S.C.U.D.S.” would be an ideal back-up story for an ongoing Spider-title.  An embittered Stan’s attitude is a keen way of setting up the tale’s double-twist ending.  Joe Reitman’s scripting is solid, along with the art squad’s visuals. 

Overall, Spider-Man Unlimited # 14 is a terrific read.  Considering the excellence of Finch’s visuals, its sole detriment, however, is a needless reliance on ‘good girl art’ in the first tale.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Along with a cast listing, the first page’s credits include brief bios for C. B. Cebulski, David Finch, Joe Reitman, & Ron Garney.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              8 Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Salvador Larroca & Liquid!

SUMMARY:

Showcasing talents new to the Spider-Man mythos, Marvel Comics released this issue for January 2006.  The two Spider-tales are “Amends” and “Private Conversation.” 

“Amends.”  Writer: Christos N. Gage, with Art by: Mike McKone, Larry Stucker, Sotocolor’s J. Brown, & Dave Sharpe.  Digging deep into Spider-Man’s collection of dubious foes, a remorseful Big Wheel seeks to become his new crime-fighting partner.  Against Stilt Man and then the Shocker, Spider-Man bemusedly finds that some back-up can be a migraine just waiting to happen.

“Private Conversation.”  Writer: Tom Beland, with Art by: Sean Phillips, Avalon Studios, & Dave Sharpe.  High school teacher Peter Parker finds outs that a favorite student, Paul Sidorsky, has experienced a sudden tragedy that he readily empathizes with.  Spider-Man responds by arranging a confidential meeting for Paul to meet with some special counselors.  Guest stars include Captain America, Luke Cage, Iron Man, Daredevil, the X-Men’s Kitty Pryde, the Young Avengers’ Cassie Lang/Stature, and three representatives of the Fantastic Four.   

REVIEW:

In terms of storytelling, both Spider-tales are decent reads.  “Amends” has some comedic bits, as Big Wheel’s absurdity (not to mention, a self-help group for hapless super-crooks) is nicely played.  Spider-Man’s embarrassment in battle is also amusing enough.  If anything, an extra boost comes from this first tale’s visuals.  They are this issue’s next-best element following the catchy cover image. 

In a change-of-pace, “Private Conversation” has a poignant premise, including Peter and young Paul’s mutual interest in various aspects of science.  Writer Tom Beland’s scripting means well, but a question mark is unaddressed.  Specifically, why wouldn’t Spider-Man and his pals be actively hunting down a thief, who has committed a double-homicide? 

Indicating the random crime happened too fast (and that the unknown culprit still hasn’t been caught) is meant to be realistic, but it’s also a plotting cop-out.  Considering their vast resources for detective work, Spider-Man and his super-friends could frankly be doing more than an exclusive counseling session for an orphaned teen.  Hence, as the case  is evidently left to the police, then one might construe finding the killer isn’t on the heroes’ priority list.  The artwork is fine for this story, but the visuals don’t compensate much for an otherwise unsatisfying resolution.   

Spider-Man Unlimited # 12, as a whole, should appeal to Spider-fans of all ages.  However, it isn’t a must-have.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page supplies credits, including quick bios for Christos Gage, Tom Beland, and Sean Phillips.  The Daily Bugle’s “Pulse” column offers three Issue # 1 cover reveals for these mini-series: Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk; Spider-Woman: Origin; and Son of M.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6 Stars