Written by (See Credits Below)
Art by (See Credits Below)
Cover Art by John Livesay & Lee Loughbridge
SUMMARY:
As a 2007 Target exclusive, this 96-page paperback reprints single stories from one-shots: Spider-Man Family # 1 (2005); Spider-Man Family Featuring Amazing Friends # 1 (2006); and Spider-Man Family Featuring Spider-Clan # 1 (2006).
“Old Enemies Never Die!” Writers: Tom DeFalco & Ron Lim; Art by Ron Lim; Norm Rapmund; Avalon Studios’ Rob Ro; Dave Sharpe; and cover artists Ron Lim & Paul Mounts. In the alternate-reality MC2, teenager Spider-Girl (May Parker) investigates a resurfaced animated cartoon DVD parodying her retired father, Spider-Man. A flashback features Spider-Man teaming up with Araña. Also making appearances are Miguel (Araña’s mentor), Spider-Ham/Peter Porker, a female Jack O’Lantern, and MC2’s Peter Parker.
“Opposites Attack!” Writer: Sean McKeever; Art by Patrick Olliffe, Casey Jones; Kano; Nick Dragotta; John Livesay; Vince Russell; Alvaro Lopez; Art Monkey’s Melanie Olsen; & Lee Loughridge. Cover Art is by Livesay & Loughridge. In a witty homage to the Spider-Man And His Amazing Friends’ animated series 25th Anniversary, Spider-Man mingles with Iceman (Bobby Drake) & Firestar (Angelica Jones). The happily-married webslinger comically plays matchmaker for a literally hot-and-cold romance. Supporting characters include Mary Jane Watson-Parker; Shocker; Beetle; and Video Man.
“Elemental Evil.” Writer: C.B. Cebulski & Art by Skottie Young; Jean-Francois Beaulieu; & Virtual Caligraphy’s Randy Gentile. The cover art is uncredited, but the artist might be Young. In a dark, manga-like alternate reality, young Peter Parker overcomes a second tragic death to pursue his ominous destiny. Awaiting him is the demonic, ninja-like Spider-Clan.
Note: Despite their presence on the cover, neither Spider-Man 2099 nor the vampire bat appear in this collection.
REVIEW:
The first two stories are very much on their game, as both the plotting and artwork exceed expectations. What’s even better is that both of these tales balance the right amount of self-parody and in-jokes with quality storytelling. Both are welcome reads for Spider-fans, regardless of age.
However, the dark nature of “Elemental Evil” makes it a dubious choice, in terms of kid-friendly entertainment. Considering a homicide victim is skewered by a giant spider, Marvel Comics should have reconsidered why its bleak, horror-themed ambiance is a poor fit vs. the two more upbeat, kid-friendly stories. Still, should one find this book at a decent price, Marvel: Spider-Man Family is well worth the price of admission.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Each issue’s cover art is mostly reprinted in a full-page format. Two-page Marvel Handbook reprints are for Electro (Max Dillon) and Hobgoblin (Roderick Kingsley), though, oddly, neither character appears in this compilation.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
