Written by Daniel Quantz & Todd Dezago Based upon Original Stories by Stan Lee & Steve Ditko
Art by Mark Brooks; Jonboy Meyers; Michael O’Hare; UDON; Pat Davidson; Derek Fridolfs; UDON’s Danimation; Larry Molinar; Virtual Calligraphy’s Randy Gentile, & Cory Petit
Cover Art by Mark Brooks & Unidentified Collaborator
SUMMARY:
Published as a Target exclusive in 2004, this 96-page episodic compilation assembles Marvel Age: Spider-Man # 5-8 from the same year. The original Stan Lee/Steve Ditko tales updated from the mid-1960’s are:
- “Face-to-Face With the Lizard!” Anxious for a getaway, Peter Parker cons his way into investigating a mysterious lizard-man in the Florida Everglades. Unfortunately, for Peter, J. Jonah Jameson tags along for trip. The tale revisits Spider-Man’s first encounter with the Lizard.
- “The Return of the Vulture.” Escaping prison, the Vulture seeks revenge on an injured Spider-Man. Their high-flying feud leads to a showdown inside The Daily Bugle.
- “The Terrible Threat of the Living Brain!” Peter contends with an A.I. robot composed of ‘techno-plasm’ gone amok during a demonstration at his high school. Complicating the matter for Peter is a boorish Flash Thompson trying to egg him into a fistfight.
- “Spider-Man Tackles the Torch!” The high-profile debut of a metro teen center inadvertently pits friendly rivals Spider-Man and Johnny Storm/Human Torch against each other.
- “The Man Called Electro!” A major Spider-villain makes his electrifying debut. Peter also faces a financial crisis trying to pay for a critically-ill Aunt May’s hospital stay.
Note: The original Lee-Ditko stories took place in Amazing Spider-Man # 6-9 (1963-64).
REVIEW:
The unique magic of Lee/Ditko’s Spider-Man finds some new life. Even with necessary modern tweaks, these tales transport readers to a far simpler world where a rookie Spider-Man is still a very relatable high school kid. The rudimentary artwork meant to be kid-friendly is okay, but it isn’t really much of an asset.
For elementary schoolers, Marvel Age: Spider-Man – Everyday Hero packs a solid read. The bigger upside is that it’s a cost-effective alternative to tracking down old Marvel Tales reprints (Issues # 3-7 and later within # 138-149) re: the original Spider-capers.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The Marvel Age covers are included – each in a full-page format. The last page has black-and-white sketchbook designs for Peter Parker; Liz Allen; Big Man; and Enforcers Ox & Montana.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
