Written by John Marc DeMatteis
Art by Luke Ross; Dan Green; RS & Comicraft’s Kiff Scholl; & John Kalisz
Cover Art by Luke Ross
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Son of the Hunter, Part 3,” Marvel Comics released this issue for January 1998. In the Kravinov Manor’s graveyard, Kraven the Hunter’s resurrected ex-lover, Calypso, resorts to her voodoo powers to pit Spider-Man vs. a vengeful Aloyshia Kravinov (Kraven’s son) in vicious combat to the death. An uneasy truce is later declared in this three-way vendetta, but all may not be what it seems.
Elsewhere, it’s evidently up to Grizzly & Gibbon’s hapless tag-team to thwart the White Rabbit and her thugs in their latest heist. Something sinister is also brewing with Professor Angst at The Ravencroft Institute, as he seeks a worthy adversary to squash Spider-Man.
At the Parker home in suburban Forest Hills, Queens, an eye-rolling Mary Jane blows off her Aunt Anna’s infuriated accusations that a perpetually-absent Peter must be cheating on her. In her husband’s bewildered presence, what shocker does an exasperated Mary Jane finally resort to in order to disprove her aunt’s theory?
REVIEW:
Reminiscent of long-time Spider-scribe Tom DeFalco, writer John Marc DeMatteis deftly spins multiple sub-plots keeping readers entertained and off-guard with some terrific plot twists. The art squad’s likable visuals further bolster this issue’s appeal. For Spider-fans (especially re: his long history with Kraven the Hunter and now his feuding heirs), The Spectacular Spider-Man # 253 delivers a welcome read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The two-panel, fold-out cover’s interior introduces Spider-Man to newcomers. It also provides this issue’s cast list, along with a summary of the “Son of the Hunter” arc to date. Marvel’s “Bullpen Bulletins” column is included later in the issue. The last page is the “Spectacular Spider-Mail” column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
