Written by Tom DeFalco
Art by Ron Frenz; Brett Breeding; Jose Rosen; & Paul J. Becton
Original Cover Art by Ron Frenz & Brett Breeding
Marvel Tales Cover Art by Scott Kolins
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Introducing the Sinister Syndicate!,” Marvel Comics released this issue for September 1986. At Coney Island, mercenaries Spider-Man & Silver Sable must face the combined onslaught of the Beetle, Rhino, Boomerang, Speed Demon, and Hydro Man dubbing themselves ‘The Sinister Syndicate.’ Amidst the fight, a cash-hungry Spidey has a flashback explaining why he agreed to take freelance work partnering with Sable – specifically, capturing Jack O’Lantern for a bounty.
Upon his initial refusal, Peter Parker changes his mind to help with Flash Thompson’s increasing legal defense woes. Another of Flash’s woes is Betty Leeds, who must decide between an incarcerated Flash and her estranged husband, Ned. Elsewhere, other players such the Kingpin, Mary Jane Watson, Roderick Kingsley, the masked Rose, and the mysterious Hobgoblin make appearances in interwoven sub-plots.
With an injured Spider-Man and Silver Sable wearing down, the overpowering Syndicate moves in for the kill. As an unmasked Jack O’Lantern gloats, another wildcard may be entering Coney Island’s battle royale: the Sandman!
This issue was subsequently reprinted as Marvel Tales # 288 for August 1994.
REVIEW:
Deftly working multiple sub-plots, writer Tom DeFalco spins a thrill-packed Spidey adventure. Further bolstered by the art squad’s solid visuals (minus Mary Jane’s hideous 80’s hairdo), The Amazing Spider-Man # 280 is a welcome gem for Spider-nostalgia fans. Definitely recommended!
Visually, its Marvel Tales # 288 reprint appears freshly re-inked, as compared to the faded Issue # 280.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The original issue has a “Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist,” and a single-page “The Spider’s Web” letters-and-answers column. Its Marvel Tales counterpart has its own “Bullpen Bulletins/Checklist,” and a full-page reprint of the Frenz/Breeding cover.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
