Category Archives: Spider-Man
Review: Scarlet Spider #6
Unfortunately, a discombobulated story and an odd sketchiness to the art finally bring a halt to the so-far fantastic Scarlet Spider series. Not that they make for a bad issue, mind you. But the stellar quality has definitely taken a dip. The villain comes out of nowhere, the supporting characters are a little off and the ending is rather abrupt.
Scarlet Spider #6
Plus this comic has nearly as many epilogues as Return of the King.
Comic rating: 3/5: Alright.
Sadly, this is also artist Ryan Stegman’s last issue of Scarlet Spider! The guy has been fantastic, infusing a lot of energy and style into the book. Sometimes it looked a little cartoonish for the grittier tales that writer Christopher Yost was trying to tell, but the art was clean, detailed and very cool. Stegman had a flair for highly energetic and dynamic action sequences. His fight scenes were awesome.
But for some reason, the art in this issue is a little grainy. The fight is still cool, but there’s just something off about the art…not sure if it’s intentional or not. The same thing could be said for the writing – it’s a little grainy. I’d say this issue feels a little rushed all around. It’s not bad, but it’s definitely a bump in the road.
Review: Ultimate Comics: All-New Spider-Man #11
Ultimate Spider-Man is firing on all cylinders, baby! Last issue was absolutely perfect in its tense dialogue and character study, and this issue is absolutely perfect with its fantastic action and excitement. If I haven’t declared it already, this is the issue where Miles Morales is cemented in my mind as a new and exciting Spider-Man. The pain of Peter Parker’s young, unnecessary death still hurts, but writer Brian Michael Bendis is at the top of his game telling a decidedly Spider-Man story with a new, fascinating protagonist.
Ultimate Spider-Man #11
Not that I’m saying Miles should replace Peter everywhere, but for a comic in the Ultimate Universe, this is an absolutely fantastic story.
Comic rating: 5/5: Great!
Everything works in this issue. The dialogue, the art, the action, the energy. This is Miles Morales finally getting into a fight that actually lasts more than a single punch. This is Miles being unable to come up with a good quip in the middle of a brawl. This is Miles actually getting smashed around – though he shrugs it all off fairly well. This kid seems untouchable so far. I suppose that’s one complaint I would have: Miles still hasn’t had any trouble being a superhero. I realize it would be horrible to put a kid so young into a good scrape, but not even his costume gets torn. Peter Parker was put through the ringer. Miles seems almost impervious.
And the teaser cliffhanger at the end is absolutely fantastic! Can’t wait for the next issue! Too bad the Ultimate Universe will be starting another stupid crossover soon. Poor Miles.
New Spidey Trailer Reveals Movie Still Coming Out
There’s a new international trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man, and it continues to be nothing impressive. I’m more annoyed than intrigued about the big secrets that are supposed to be revealed about Spidey’s parents and probably his origins. And that one crack about his weakness being “small knives” only gets worse with repeated usage. Basically it’s just yet another trailer with a few tiny scraps of new footage that simply don’t alter my assumptions about this movie. Still gonna see it though!
Review: Scarlet Spider #5
The latest issue of Kaine’s ongoing series (still weird to say it) is an entertaining one-off story that gets a little too big for its own good. Our hero saves the day in glorious fashion, but brief cameos by Iron Man, President Obama and the new SHIELD (featuring Fury Jr. and Coulson!) create a magnitude that is more jarring than exciting. If writer Chris Yost wanted to go this big this soon with his fledgling series, he should have given more time for the story to grow. Perhaps a two-parter.
Scarlet Spider #5
While this done-in-one story doesn’t feel rushed, it definitely feels like we’ve jumped into the middle of the action-packed story and are expected to catch up. And the flashbacks don’t provide nearly enough material to help in that regard.
Comic rating: 4/5: Good.
There’s also a new artist, Neil Edwards, who while not as good as regular artist Ryan Stegman, easily holds his own in the action department, and looks similar enough to Stegman that the change isn’t a problem. Although he’ll have to do, since Stegman got the bump up to the Fantastic Four. We won’t have him around much longer.
If nothing else, this issue is a fantastic look into Kaine’s mindset when it comes to being a superhero. He’s got a lot of great character moments throughout that show he’s not a goody two shoes like Spider-Man. He’s definitely an anti-hero, though the series hasn’t pushed him over the edge just yet. I’m sure it wants to maintain some level of decency in its protagonist. Still, he’s a lot of fun to read when he really lets the bad guys have it. And while I suppose I’d like to see Kaine interact with the rest of the Marvel Universe in time, this issue just gets too big too fast, but doesn’t do anything interesting with those high stakes – unless next issue follows up on some of these story ideas.
Join me after the jump for a full synopsis and review.
Marvel Superheroes are a Wacky Bunch
Somebody needs to give Imajunation a lot of money so that they can make a million more of these videos! A wacky, hilarious little clip show of wonderful Marvel superhero vignettes called ‘Disassembled’. DC may have the Super Best Friends Forever, but this video is almost as good. If you watch only one video on my blog, make it this one. Enjoy!
Henchman-4-Hire 