Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Art by Angel Medina; Scott Hanna; Avalon’s Dan Kemp; & VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Art by Angel Medina; Scott Hanna; & Matt Milla
SUMMARY:
Entitled “The Strange Case of …, Part One of Three,” Marvel Comics released this Back in Black tie-in for April 2007. Now a high-profile fugitive, Spider-Man busily probes a bizarre series of Spider-impersonators. An unknown culprit is costuming abducted young men like Spider Man and somehow providing them a seeming replica of his spider-powers. These would-be Spider-Men are then set loose late at night. What’s even worse is that one of them, Ethan Myers, is mutating into some spider-like creature.
Another imitator tragically suffers the instant loss of his artificially-generated powers. Trying to help cure Ethan’s horrific metamorphosis, Spider-Man recruits Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards and Dr. Curt Connors for help. The police sense an opportunity to finally snare the elusive Peter Parker. As another victim is forcibly recruited for more Spider-experimentation, a familiar villain is revealed.
Note: Marvel Knights 4 # 28 is referenced, as the previous time Reed Richards met Nurse Christine Palmer under tragic circumstances.
REVIEW:
In homage to Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s first installment takes some intriguing twists. The art squad’s interior visuals are excellent, but they’re also appropriately grotesque considering this particular storyline. Furthermore, the cover image is an excellent asset.
For fans of Spider-Man in horror-themed adventures, The Sensational Spider-Man # 35 provides a welcome read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
