Written by (See Below)
Art by (See Below)
Cover Art by Rom Lim & Paul Mounts
SUMMARY:
In 2005, Marvel Comics released this 104-page compilation to launch a Spider-Man-related anthology series. Mostly consisting of reprints, Spider-Man Family would typically produce one new story as the lead feature. In this case, it’s a MC2 adventure starring May Parker’s Spider-Girl. The six Spider-tales included are:
Old Enemies Never Die! Writers: Tom DeFalco & Ron Lim, with Art by: Ron Lim, Norm Rapmund, Avalon Studios’ Rob Ro, & Dave Sharpe. In the MC2 Universe, teenager May “Spider-Girl” Parker is mildly amused (her middle-aged dad, less so) that a spoofy ‘Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham’ cartoon video has resurfaced. Hearing of Spider-Man & Araña’s team-up vs. the animated show’s nefarious distributor years before, a suspicious May soon finds herself in a similar predicament. Yet, is MC2’s present-day Araña a Spider-Friend or foe?
Spider-Woman # 20 (1979): “Tangled Webs.” Writers: Mark Gruenwald & Steven Grant, with Art by: Frank Springer, Mike Esposito, Pete Costanza, & Nelson Yomtov. Cover Art by: Frank Springer & Frank Giacoia. In Los Angeles, a guilt-stricken Jessica Drew is compelled to return stolen cash she swiped overnight from her ex-employer’s safe. Standing in Jessica’s way is her first-ever encounter with a visiting Spider-Man. The future New Avengers inevitably face off in battle.
Marvel Tails Starring Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham # 1 (1983): “If He Should Punch Me!” Writer: Tom DeFalco, with Art by: Mark Armstrong, Joe Albelo, Steve Mellor, Rick Parker, & John Morelli. Cover Artist: Steve Mellor. Introducing the Spider-Ham alternate reality, Spider-Ham & Captain Americat are secretly Daily Beagle journalists Peter Porker and Steve Mouser. Sent by J. Jonah Jackal to investigate a sabotaged video arcade (or lose their jobs), the duo pursue the culprit: the hooded Masked Marauder. Interwoven into this ‘mystery’ is the origin of the Hulk Bunny.
Spider-Man 2099 # 1 (1995). Writer: Peter David with Art by: Rick Leonardi, Al Williamson, Rick Parker, & Steve Buccellato. Cover Artists: Rick Leonardi & Al Williamson. In the 2099 alternate reality, Alchemax geneticist Miguel O’Hara reveals in flashbacks how he inadvertently becomes a vampire-like Spider-Man for a new age. Note: The only parental advisory is that O’Hara lashes out in one scene — inadvertently giving his girlfriend a swollen black eye.
Untold Tales of Spider-Man Annual # 1 (1997): “The Devil and Mrs. Parker.” By Fred Hembeck. In a five-page prequel spoof, future super-heroes Petey Parker (with his Aunt May) and Matt Murdock literally bump into one another.
Untold Tales of Spider-Man # 1 (1995): “To Serve and Protect?” Writer: Kurt Busiek, with Art by: Pat Oliffe, Al Vey, Richard Starkings, Comicraft, & Steve Mattsson. Cover Art by Pat Oliffe & Al Vey. An inexperienced Spider-Man plays with fire trying to apprehend the Scorcher’s mercenary gang.
REVIEW:
For a hodgepodge formula, it’s balanced and generally well-played. Exuding nostalgia, this opener’s best asset easily is the first-ever Spider-showdown between Jessica Drew and Peter Parker. Most of these tales hold up well, though Spider-Man 2099 isn’t as appealing as one might expect. Still, Miguel O’Hara’s origin tale displays an intriguing mix of futuristic Marvel technology and old-school Universal monster movies. The detriment is that O’Hara spews so much distracting sarcasm that writer Peter David doesn’t develop his supporting cast sufficiently for needed contrast.
While the Scorcher tale is a good read, MC2’s Spider-Girl/Spider-Man/Araña caper scores some big in-joke points. The chemistry between Spider-Girl and Araña seems promising, as the sequel (look for 2008’s Amazing Spider-Girl # 17) can attest to.
As for the eye-rolling comedy relief, take from it only what you will. The Petey Parker/Matt Murdock spoof is faintly amusing at best for those who recognize what’s supposed to be Daredevil’s accidental origin. As for Spider-Ham’s insipid debut, all this reviewer can succinctly impart is: don’t admit to reading it (and just purge it from your mind). Even the kindergarten crowd it’s meant for might deem this wacky send-up insulting to their intelligence. Still, Spider-Man Family # 1 has enough quality material to keep Spider-fans of any age readily entertained.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The covers are reprinted in full-page color.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
