OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE: SPIDER-MAN 2004 (2004 MARVEL Comics)

Written by Jonathan Couper-Smartt

Art by (See Below)

Cover Art by Salvador Larrocca & Richard Isanove

SUMMARY:

Marvel Comics released this 48-page character guide in 2004.  In addition to individual power rating grids, the following characters are profiled (including physical descriptions, special skills, and paraphernalia/weapons):

1. Black Cat (artist: Terry Dodson)
2. Carnage (artist: Mark Bagley)
3. Daily Bugle (artists: Mark Bagley & Mike Mayhew)
4. Digger (artist: John Romita Jr.)
5. Doctor Octopus (artists: Staz Johnson & Mark Bagley)
6. Electro (artist: Steve Ditko)
7. Ezekiel (J. Scott Campbell)
8. Green Goblin (artists: John Romita Jr., Terry Dodson, & Alex Ross)
9. Hobgoblin (artists: John Romita Jr. & Brett Breeding)
10. Lizard (artists: Damion Scott & Gabriele Dell’Otto)
11. Morlun (artist: John Romita Jr.)
12. “Aunt” May Parker (artist: John Romita Jr.)
13. Sandman (artist: Mark Bagley)
14. Scorpion (artist: Mark Bagley)
15. Shathra (artist: John Romita Jr.)
16. Shocker (artist: Kyle Hotz)
17. Spider-Man (artists: John Romita Jr.; Jae Lee; & Kaare Andrews)
18. Spider-Man’s Costumes (artist(s): not identified)
19. Gwen Stacy (artists: Tim Sale & Gil Kane)
20. Supporting Cast: John “Kiwi Kid” Anderson; Betty Brant; Caryn Earle & Barker; Gloria “Glory” Grant; J. Jonah Jameson; John Jamseon; Liz Osborn; Joe “Robbie” Robertson; Randy Robertson; Jill Stacy; Eugene “Flash” Thompson; NYPD Det. Neil Garrett & NYPD Lt. William Lamont (artist(s): not identified)
21. Venom  (artist: Mark Bagley)
22. Vulture (artist: Mark Brooks)
23. Mary Jane Watson (artist: J. Scott Campbell).

REVIEW:

For Spider-fans, this handbook’s production qualities are excellent.  Writer Jonathan Couper-Smartt provides concise, kid-friendly character biographies that well-anchored by high-caliber visuals.  Though the material will seem long outdated, the handbook is a solid addition to any comic book collection.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A bibliography specifies specific issue numbers for major events in a character’s history.  The power ratings (scale: 1-7) are specified.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars