Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Art by Angel Medina; Scott Hanna; Avalon’s Dan Kemp; & Cory Petit
Cover Art by Angel Medina
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Feral, Part 2 of 5: Cat Scratch Fever,” Marvel Comics released this issue for May 2006. The Lizard and now a Lizard Jr. are on a deadly dual rampage, as even Spider-Man suffers a gory wound. Defending her injured friend, Felicia Hardy’s Black Cat faces Dr. Curt Connors’ Lizard in vicious combat at point-blank range. Also on the loose is Vermin, who has suffered a relapse into animalistic impulses.
At Stark Tower, Mary Jane Watson-Parker and Aunt May are targeted by an enigmatic threat posing as John Jameson. Both Spider-Man and Black Cat are bewildered by her reckless impulse for bloodthirsty action. A rifle-wielding bystander’s response may result in a heartbreaking tragedy.
REVIEW:
As a parental advisory, this issue’s violence and gore content isn’t appropriate for pre-teen readers. Aside from that, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s dark “Feral” storytelling is consistent with a sci-fi/horror film, as there’s multiple grisly predators at large. For adults, this issue takes some intriguing twists, no matter if they’re predictable in the horror genre.
Including a well-played cover image, the art squad’s visuals are generally high-caliber. Unsurprisingly, there’s at least one suggestive pin-up pose included for Black Cat. Perhaps the more eyebrow-raising quirk is artist Angel Medina’s propensity for over-exaggerating character noses, as if reminiscent of cartoony witches. For instance, one such close-up panel makes Mary Jane and May’s facial features (and even their ages) far too similar – an oddity in itself.
Still, once all creative factors considered, The Sensational Spider-Man # 24 most likely won’t disappoint adult fans eager for a ghoulish read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
