Written by (See Below)
Art by (See Below)
Cover Art by Alex Saviuk
SUMMARY:
Released in 1994 by Marvel Comics, this 64-page annual consists of a lead Spider-Man story, along with three back-up tales of varying lengths – one of which is a prelude to Black Cat’s first mini-series.
Spider-Man: Shriek, Rattle, & Roll (32 pages). Writers: Terry Kavanagh & Mike Lackey, with Art by: Jerry Bingham, Tom Palmer, Steve Dutro, & Freddy Mendez. Continuing out of Spider-Man Unlimited # 1, this ‘Maximum Carnage’ sequel depicts Spider-Man uneasily observing Shriek’s transfer into the revamped Ravenscroft Institute. While Warrant and his boss, Reynard, scheme to take advantage, Shriek and four fellow super-powered inmates initiate a desperate jailbreak. All that stands now between them and freedom is Spidey and security director John Jameson. Also making appearances are two other Ravenscroft staff members: psychiatrist Dr. Ashley Kafka and counselor Edward Wheelan (formerly Vermin). Shriek’s next appearance is announced for Amazing Spider-Man # 390.
Warrant: Daze and Confusion (6 pages). Writers: Terry Kavanagh & Joey Cavalieri, with Art by: Alex Saviuk, Don Hudson, Sergio Cariello; & Joe Andreani. Warrant goes gunning for action, as the hypnotist, Daze, tries coercing a mesmerized Senator Gaines into committing a supposed suicide from his high-rise office.
Black Cat: Tabula Rasa (9 pages). Writer: Mike Lackey, with Art by: Sergio Cariello, Keith Williams, & Bob Sharen. Setting up Black Cat’s four-issue Chimera Lost mini-series, the elderly Black Fox dares casing Felicia Hardy’s apartment to reclaim a stolen necklace. Suffice to say, an infuriated Black Cat isn’t to be trifled with.
Prowler: The Power of Resistance (8 pages). Writer: Joey Cavalieri, with Art by: Vince Giarrano, Steve Dutro, & Bob Sharen. Probing a series of truck hijackings, the Prowler confronts the vicious street gang, ‘The Broken Skulls.’ Among them is an unexpectedly familiar face. Worse yet, a new high-tech foe emerges: the Resistor.
REVIEW:
In a business-as-usual way, the whole package is solidly written for pre-teens-and-up. Still, the visuals are the top asset, as the different artistic styles are all well-illustrated. Of the four tales, Black Cat’s caper and the Spidey vs. Shriek showdown are the most welcome reads. Further, “Tabula Rasa” sports this annual’s best visuals presenting Felicia Hardy as the Marvel Universe’s answer to Catwoman. Shriek makes an intriguing Spider-foe, even if spearheading a 5-1 handicap against Spider-Man is still too easy for him to overcome. As a fresh Marvel nemesis scoring plenty of ‘screen time,’ Shriek, at least, lives up to her potential.
As for the other two stories, they are decent perusals. Between them, Prowler’s adventure prevails, as far as superior graphics go. For Spider-fans, Web of Spider-Man Annual # 10 delivers the necessary goods, in terms of a traditional comics annual. Even Annual # 10 isn’t a must-have, it’s worthy of any comics collection.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In full-page format are seven high pin-ups: Spider-Man (artists: Vince Giarrano & Paul Becton); Black Cat (artist: Steve Geiger); Prowler (artists: Bill Reinhold & Linda Lessmann); Cardiac (artists: Mark Tenney, Keith Williams, & Paul Becton); Nightwatch (artists: Tenney, Williams, & Becton); Solo (artists: Tom Lyle, Sam DeLaRosa, & Paul Becton); & Puma (artists: Sam Buscema & Paul Becton). The pin-ups are terrific, though Geiger’s Black Cat is easily the most stylish.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
