Written by Peter David
Art by Todd Nauck; Robert Campanella; Lee Loughhridge;
& VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Art by Mike Wieringo; Mike Manley; & Paul Mounts
SUMMARY:
Concluding “I Hate a Mystery, Part 3 of 3,” Marvel Comics released this Spider-Man Unmasked issue for December 2006. Flash Thompson takes command to lead his students safely out of a booby-trapped Midtown High School. He then returns to find the endangered school nurse, Miss Arrow. Perusing a newspaper upside down, Spider-Man gladly steps aside to allow these two rival Mysterio impersonators battle amongst themselves. The lucky winner inevitably gets to take on Spider-Man.
Revealing his demonic existence, the third Mysterio hints at Miss Arrow’s own dark secret that she may not even be aware of. Spider-Man & Flash tangle with the victorious Mysterio impostor, whose mind-bending powers can even mesmerize victims into committing suicide. Striking out at a hiding adversary, Miss Arrow reveals a glimpse of her true nature.
REVIEW:
As with the previous issue, this storyline finds writer Peter David in an inspired mood. Action, ghoulish surprises, and patented Spider-humor are all on full display. In that sense, Issue # 13 is a terrific Halloween-themed update on Stan Lee’s brand of entertainment.
Case in point: David smartly plays up colleagues Peter & Flash’s uneasy alliance in the same high school where they were once the worst of rivals. Hence, their chemistry is reminiscent of a Marvel Team-Up where the character depth for both of them gets equal service, including some poignant maturity expressing past regrets.
As seen in the cover image, the art team’s visuals are again pitch perfect. Best of all, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man # 13 is a gem for fans (particularly adults) in search of some surefire Spider-Man magic.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Including an image of Issue # 12’s cover, the first page is a handy summary-to-date of this Mysterio storyline. The last page is a “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Mail” letters-and-answers column, with a thumbnail cover reveal of the next issue.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
