Written by Fred Van Lente
Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli; Klaus Janson; Frank D’Armata; & Dave Sharpe
Cover Art by Stefano Caselli & Frank Martin
SUMMARY:
Published for November 2011 by Marvel Comics, this one-shot is a sequel to 1977’s Marvel Two-in-One # 32. Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards theorizes that Alicia Masters may possess an immunity to the airborne spider-virus due to the prior incident years ago in that issue. It’s up to Jessica Drew to penetrate ‘Spider-Island,’ find Alicia at Empire State University, and bring her back to Reed’s lab inside of an hour.
During her journey, Spider-Woman encounters old foe Gypsy Moth, now an upgraded mercenary hired to intercept her. As these long-time enemies battle, they both coax Alicia for cooperation. Deceived by Gypsy Moth’s telekinetic ruse, Ben “The Thing” Grimm attacks Jessica. With Ben’s help, Spider-Woman takes flight to pursue Gypsy Moth and rescue Alicia. Only Jessica’s insights into choosing to be evil gives her chance to save Ben’s beloved Alicia.
REVIEW:
Definitely well-played! In addition to mining Spider-Woman’s list of old foes, writer Fred Van Lente smartly plays off an obscure issue of Marvel Two-in-One to make its sequel a high-caliber showcase for Jessica Drew. The art team’s visuals are also remarkably good. For Spider-Woman’s fans (not to mention, nostalgia for Ben Grimm’s old monthly team-up series), this entertaining Spider-Island tie-in proves an excellent read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The first page summarizes the Spider-Island storyline to date. There’s also a full-page Spider-Island saga issue checklist. The issue ends with a nine-page supplement reprinting pages from the 2001 stories: “A Moment of Silence” and “Heroes,” as a 10th anniversary homage to America’s greatest heroes who served their country on 9/11. Among them being the firefighters, police, E.M.T.’s, federal agents, the U.S. Army, and volunteers who were there in New York City.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
