Written by (See Below)
Art by (See Below)
Cover Art by David Finch; Danny Miki; & Frank D’Armata
SUMMARY:
Marvel Comics released this issue for May 2006. With separate guest creative teams, the issue features two original Spider-tales: “Without a Trace” and “S.C.U.D.S.”
“Without a Trace.” Writer: C.B. Cebulski, with Art by: David Finch (oddly credited as ‘Danny’ Finch), David Miki, Frank D’Armata, & Dave Sharpe. Peter’s ex-flame, the Black Cat (Felicia Hardy), coerces his reluctant cooperation breaking into the Latverian Embassy overnight for a mysterious theft out of Doctor Doom’s own bedroom safe. In spite of his initial skepticism, Spider-Man is stunned once this retrieval’s implications sink in.
“S.C.U.D.S” Writer: Joe Reitman, with Art by: Ron Garney, Bill Reinhold, Avalon’s Matt Milla, & Dave Sharpe. Known only as ‘Stan,’ a resentful city employee assigned to cleaning up Spider-Man’s crime scene ‘messes’ bears a looming grudge.
REVIEW:
As seen in “Without a Trace,” David Finch again demonstrates one of the industry’s best (maybe the best) visual styles. His cover image further bears this perception out. Though writer C.B. Cebulski pens an otherwise satisfying Spider-caper, what’s noticeable is his inclusion of some mild sleaze/sexual innuendo with Finch’s help.
Case in point: 1. a happily-married Spider-Man twice openly/jokingly admires Black Cat’s backside; and 2. in the conclusion, Mary Jane Watson-Parker unnecessarily appears in her bra and panties. Mary Jane’s seductive invitation to Peter for marital sex might as well count as a third instance. In this sense, parents ought to peruse “Without a Trace” first to judge its kid-appropriateness.
“S.C.U.D.S.” would be an ideal back-up story for an ongoing Spider-title. An embittered Stan’s attitude is a keen way of setting up the tale’s double-twist ending. Joe Reitman’s scripting is solid, along with the art squad’s visuals.
Overall, Spider-Man Unlimited # 14 is a terrific read. Considering the excellence of Finch’s visuals, its sole detriment, however, is a needless reliance on ‘good girl art’ in the first tale.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Along with a cast listing, the first page’s credits include brief bios for C. B. Cebulski, David Finch, Joe Reitman, & Ron Garney.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
