Written by Tom DeFalco
Art by Rick Leonardi; Bob Layton; Jose Rosen; & Nel Yomton
Cover Art by M.C. Wyman & Bill Anderson
SUMMARY:
Reprinting 1986’s Amazing Spider-Man # 282, Marvel Comics released this issue for October 1994. It’s entitled “The Fury of X-Factor!” New York City is abuzz re: fugitive Flash Thompson’s overnight forced jailbreak. Yet, The Daily Bugle’s Robbie Robertson is skeptical that an unmasked Flash is really the nefarious Hobgoblin.
Having suffered a lingering concussion vs. the Rhino, Spider-Man is found unconscious at home by a worried Mary Jane Watson. Despite her efforts, a woozy Peter Parker suits up again to track down Flash, as he’s convinced of his old classmate’s innocence. Robbie also persistently does what he can for Flash’s defense.
Meanwhile, J. Jonah Jameson hires the mutant-hunting X-Factor (secretly Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Angel, and, restored to his Silver Age look, the Beast) to neutralize Spider-Man. Trying to protect their fellow hero, the original X-Men inadvertently tangle with a delirious and confused Spider-Man, who, nonetheless, recognizes them. While X-Factor settles accounts with Jameson, Robbie plays a different game of hardball vs. his ethically-challenged boss. After conferring with a familiar Spider-Friend, Spider-Man continues his quest to find Flash.
Note: Marvel notes that this installment is the second-to-last issue of their long-running Spidey reprint series.
REVIEW:
It’s like a mid-80’s Marvel nostalgia festival. In that sense, Spider-Man’s high-profile, new black-and-white costume meets the original X-Men, now rebooted as the controversial X-Factor. Every creative element is well-played, in terms of both the writing and the visual components. Pitching a formulaic Marvel hero vs. hero misunderstanding, writer Tom DeFalco makes the fight sequence plausible that Spider-Man would desperately hold his own against five veteran X-Men.
Also meshed into DeFalco’s scripting are five well-played sub-plots: Mary Jane, Robbie, Flash (he’s off-screen), the X-Factor crossover, and J. Jonah all make vital contributions. Of course, an added bonus is a welcome scene between two old Spider-Friends; it doesn’t even matter that their animated TV series friendship is left unacknowledged.
Beyond DeFalco’s inspired writing, the art squad’s visuals are excellent, even as a reprint. The inking, for instance, looks terrific. Impressively, the new cover image (which is far more exciting than the original for Amazing Spider-Man # 282 ) overcomes the stigma of reselling a Spidey tale from nearly a decade before. For all practical reasons, Marvel Tales # 290’s back-issue entertainment value is definitely worth re-discovery!
Note: An odd visual is seeing an iced-up Iceman driving a van (that’s an unique talent!)
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The full-page “Bullpen Bulletins” includes a quick profile on artist Andy Kubert. In full-page format, the cover of Amazing Spider-Man # 282 is reprinted.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
