Written by Reginald Hudlin
Art by Billy Tan; John Sibal; Avalon’s Ian Hannin; & VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Art by Steve McNiven
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Wild Blue Yonder, Part One,” Marvel Comics released this issue for June 2005. “Crusher” Creel (aka The Absorbing Man) abruptly escapes prison, as, in disgusting fashion, Spider-Man later fails to apprehend him.
Looking for enforcer work, Creel finds himself a mysterious female associate and apparently a new boss in the nefarious Owl. At Avengers Tower, an unusually edgy Peter suspects that Logan/Wolverine has made a pass at his wife, Mary Jane – even hinting at his teammate’s propensity for redheads.
Left without work teaching summer school, Peter finagles a full-time gig back at The Daily Bugle. Curiously enough, he is paired as a tag-team with mild-mannered reporter Ethan Edwards to investigate Spider-Man’s current activities. A subsequent New Avengers workout ends in a shocking cliffhanger.
Appearing in cameos are New Avengers Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Woman, Luke Cage, and, in a more extended role, Wolverine.
REVIEW:
Though writer Reginald Hudlin coherently juggles multiple sub-plots, what doesn’t make sense is his scripting of Peter as a self-absorbed jerk. The art squad’s mostly uneven visuals certainly don’t help, either, as Peter & Mary Jane inexplicably resemble teenagers. Though the “Wild Blue Yonder” arc later improves, this first installment fails to impress.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The last page previews the cover for Issue # 14, along with Black Panther # 3 and X23 # 5.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
