Text Written by Mike Fichera; Rob London; & JD Korejko
Cover Art by J. Scott Campbell & Edgar Delgado
SUMMARY:
Published by Marvel Comics for December 2010, this 28-page one-shot promo summarizes recent Spider-Man storylines and profiles some new guest characters. The 13-page Spider-Man storyline summary begins with Aunt May’s near-death from a Kingpin-hired sniper through to infant Stanley Osborn’s abduction by the Chameleon. The summary alludes to the then-current “Origin of the Species” storyline, as well as the subsequent one entitled “Big Time!”
Two-page spreads separately summarize origins and storylines for Black Cat, Jackpot, Kaine, Menace, Harry Osborn, and Anya Corazon’s Spider-Girl. Handbook of the Marvel Universe-style profiles are provided for: Extremist; Michele Gonzales; Jackpot (Sara Ehret); J. Jonah “Jay” Jameson, Sr; Sasha Kravinoff; Redeemer; Rhino II; Jimmy Natale’s Vulture; and Norah Winters.
REVIEW:
Well-designed for its intended audience, the text is a decent read. Quite frankly, perusing its plot spoilers might save parents the grief of spending considerable money on back issues or collected editions that may contain some kid-unfriendly material. One problem, however, is that the summaries don’t identify specific issues or the issue numbers in which a storyline actually occurs.
Still, the accompanying artwork sampled from these stories is excellent, as are the Marvel Universe profiles. As a handy reference guide, Spider-Man Saga is worth keeping in any comics collection (even if only for its cool cover image).
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The front inside cover provides an archived credits list of thirty writers and fifty-five artists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
