WebSpinners:
Tales of Spider-Man #12WebSpinners:
Tales of Spider-Man #12
Likes: Is that a great cover or what?
J.G. Jones has been turning in some excelent pencils in this
trilogy. His pencils mathched Jenk
ins mood perfectly.
Another positive aspect of the book was the comic panels being
flashed back in Peter's nightmare. It was very inventive
incorperating the original Romita pencils from the 1960s with
Jones.
Another plus was the fact that writer Paul Jenkins ignored all of
John Byrne's "Chapter One" origin, and went back to the
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko classics for inspiration. Bravo!
Dislikes: I was expecting a lot more out
of this double-sized conclusion. One of my pet peeves in comics
are dreams and flashbacks. I really can't stand when a character
dreams of the past and then the story takes place during the
characters dreams. I think the reason I don't like that plot
device is because these character do what WE dream about. How
many of you have wanted to fly,or have super-strength? These
characters have all these abilities,but it seems like a waste to
spend the whole comic in their dreams.
Another dislike was the fact that the Chameleon didn't show up in
the comic at all. It was all flashbacks and dreams of past
stories. It seems as though Jenkins didn't have enough for a
three parter, so padded out the story.
Rating: Two and a half web heads out of
four. This should have been a two parter storyline
WebSpinners: Tales of Spider-Man # 11
Paul
Jenkins is once again proving his excelent writing abilities.
This was by far the best Spider-Man story of the month, and is
shaping up to be the best storyline of the year with Spidey.
The Cameleon kidnaps MJ and takes her to that bridge Spidey knows
all too well. He lost his beloved Gwen Stacey to the Goblin on it
all those many years ago.
Jenkins then throws us a one,two punch. First off the Chameleon
was just faking MJ being there,his morphing abilities were able
to create the illusion. Then, the villian drops that he loves
Peter and that he's obsessed with him. The two then break out in
mad laughter. This one two punch was great. Sudden plot turns and
humor, one can' t go wrong.
The Chameleon then plunges off the bridge, and Spidey can't save
him. You'd think he'd practice more since he's been over this
routine so many times in his mind.
Jenkins nailed the peronalities of Spidey and the Chameleon. I
wish all the mainstream titles were written this well. I'm in a
generous mood, so this great issue is getting four out of four
web heads. Go out and pick up this trilogy. This book does not
deserve to be the worst selling Marvel Comic!
WebSpinners: Tales of Spider-Man #10
This was the
absolute best Spider-comic this month. The Marvel Knight writer
Paul Jenkins steps into this anthology series and he is much
welcome. Jenkins brings us into the life of the crazed Chameleon.
The Chameleon knows the secret identity of Spider-Man, and is
going to extract revenge for years of hatred.
Outstanding stuff and the dialog was right on. I loved when he
called up Spider-Man on his cell phone and told him his identity.
All he had to say was , "I was your first." We all know
this because of the Chameleons first appearance was back in
Amazing Spider-Man # 1 all those years ago.
We have the cameleon impersonating Peter infront of Aunt May,and
then goes to pick up Mary Jane from a model shoot. If all the in-continuity
comics were written like this, the Spider-titles would be in
great shape. Unfortunatly this title is one of Marvel worst
sellers. It's a shame good writing like this doesn't sell.
So for this outstanding book I'm giving out three and a half web
heads. I can't wait for the second two parts of this trilogy.
Bravo Mr. Jenkins.
WebSpinners:
Tales of Spider-Man # 9
Joe Kelly ends his all
too brief Spider-Man tenure with this great tale. I hope Macchio
takes note of his excelent writing abilities and hires him soon
to take over a Spider-Title. I really think he could turn around
the devestation brought on by Mackie and Byrne.
This issue wrapped up all the dangling plotlines brought about by
the previous two issues. Peter had to dump Liz from the prom and
hook her back up with Flash. Unfortuantly he also lost Betty,
plus MJ canceled on him. I tell you Peter sure can't get a break,
his alter ego though did. Spidey found a cure for the ailing
Sandman that was terrorizing NYC.
All in all a great issue and the best yet of this title. Now if
only the artwork would have picked up a bit, then this would have
recieved four out of four.
WebSpinners:
Tales of Spider-Man # 8
Mr. Joe, I was
meant to write Spidey,Kelly returns with this excelent tale.
This was easily the best regular Spider-Title of the
month, and it shows that great writing is what Spidey needs.
Kelly has a knack for writing humorous dialog and that was
evidenced on page one. Only J. Jonah Jameson would ask Betty
Brant to get his glasses out of the toilet. Funny stuff Joe, it's
much needed on the Spider-Titles.
The issue continued Peter's dillema with the school prom. He was
worried about not getting a date, but now has three. Liz Allen,
Betty Brant and that lil unknown niece of Anna Watson named Mary
Jane. Meanwhile as the soap opera continues the Sandman is
fighting off the new potion Spider-Man threw on him. Spider doesn't
have an antidote,but the stuff is killing the Sandman.
Kelly is a talent and Macchio would be insane not to sign him up
for more. Preferably one of the main titles. This issue gets
three and a half web heads out of four. The half gets taken off
for the artwork. Romita or Oliffe would be more appropriate.
WebSpinners: Tales of Spider-Man
# 7
What's this, a Spider-title with
no guest stars? A Spider-Title with humor and excitement? A
Spider-Title that is actually entertaining? You bet your sweet
Aunt Petuna!
Writer,and fan favorite, Joe Kelly steps into the Spider-verse
and shows Mackie and Byrne up. This title had it all and proves
to me that Spider-Man isn't the problem in the books lately, poor
writing is.
Kelly presents an important tale set during Peter Parkers high
school days. In the issue Parker's school is gearing up for the
senior prom. In the background the Sandman is up to his dasterdly
doings at the U.N. and gets taken out by a new formula invented
by good old Pete.
The dialog was excelent in this comic. Kelly has a knack for
smart alec characters. This is proven every month in the Deadpool
comic. I love the line where Spidey talks to his Spider-sense,
"Thank you Spider-Sense. Daddy loves you!"
The only fault I could find in the book, and there was not much,
was Sears and Smith's artwork. If they could of gotten Ron Frenz
or Pat Oliffe to draw this book, it would have added even more. I'm
giving the book three and a half Spider heads out of four. This
was the best Spider book in recent memory. Make Joe Kelly a
permanent Spider-writer!
WebSpinners:Tales of Spider-Man # 6
This final chapter of the Surfer
crossover is kind of a let down. Spidey,way out of his best
element, is in the Microverse fighting Psycho Man and tons of
bugs. Once again Spidey works best as an urban hero. Swinging
around NYC and fighting crooks, Doc Ock,Venom etc. He doens't
work well in mysterious worlds fighting cosmic heroes. I don't
ever recall a good off world Spidey story. The exception was the
classic 1984 Secret Wars.
The 1960's feel was once again appreciated and Giffen does an
excelent job. Two out of four web heads.
WebSpinners:Tales of Spider-Man # 5
This retro, 1960 flashback
continues and the Psycho Man is the villian behind the Surfer's
madness. Cameo's by Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. make for a fun
book.
In the last issue Spider-Man was helpless at the feet of the
Surfer. Luckily he is saved once the Surfer comes to his senses.
Hey what did you expect this story was a tale of Spidey's set in
the past.? So we know he's always going to be alright. Good issue,but
not as strong as the first. I've always had a problem with Spidey
fighting people way out of his league,such as Cosmic heroes. Two
and a half web heads out of four.
WebSpinners:Tales of Spider-Man# 4
Just what we need more guest
stars. Gotta love em, or in my case hate em. However this
particular appearance by the Silver Surfer wasn't that bad. This
issue started off a 3 issue series that concludes the storyline
that happned in Silver Surfer Vol 1 # 18, circa 1968.
Evidently the Surfer is going nuts and it's up to Spidey to stop
him from destroying NYC. Good luck Spidey this guy is waaaay out
of your leage. Some nice cameo appearances from Gwen Stacey and
her father and sprinkled in this issue. Also a plus is the retro
style of artist Giffen. It seems as though he specifically drew
the comic in the late 1960's.
A solid beginning for a new storyline.
WebSpinners:Tales of Spider-Man # 3
Here is the conclusion of a
really neatly crafted DeMatteis lost tale of Spidey's past. I
have never seen this much character development in old Mysterio
and it was fun to get inside his brain. DeMatteis is going to be
missed on the regular Spider titles. Here's hoping they tap him
for a few more WebSpinners tales, he's a natural.
Well old Fish-Bowl head got his virtual reality device to
transform New York City into his own paradise. Starting out as
ancient Egypt then progressivly changing. Even into the the
setting of an old Clint Eastwood spaghetti western. An added
bonus of this comic is to see our favorite web head in a cowboy
hat!
DeMatteis chronicaled an interesting fight between Spidey and
Mysterio. Since reality was warped their figures transformed too.
Spidey and MagO became robots,fish, even equations in a bad math
class I've had too many off. Real inventive stuff. That
originality aside their were a few downsides. Zuli's art being
the biggest. I really am not a fan of his artwork. Infact he
draws one of the worst Peter Parker's I have ever seen. But still
it was a good read. Two and a half web heads for this one.
WebSpinners:Tales of Spider-Man#
2
I'm really enjoying
this Mysterio storyline. It's amazing what good storytelling can
do. It can even overcompensate bad artwork. DeMatteis weaves a
web of a tale about Mysterio's early beginnings. Just the thought
of J.Johnah thinking he's in hell and has to listen to a devil
that looks like Spider-Man is worth the price of admission.
Another amusing aspect was the fact that Mysterio had to put on
his fish bowl to ask a girl out to dinner. It was funny but
poinent how these characters do hide behind their masks. Our
Webbed wonder in particular.
Plus you have to love that a rubber duckie made it on the cover.
His but was on fire none the less. 3 Spidey heads out of 4.
DeMatteis is the man!
WebSpinners:Tales of Spider-Man # 1
It looks as though the "Untold
Tales of Spider-Man" title is living on. All be it in a
different title,but I like this title's concept. Different
creative teams give their spin on the Web Slinger.First out of
the box is J.M. DeMatteis and Michael Zulli.
The story is well told,and I've never been this interested in
Mysterio before. The flashback of living with Aunt May in his
early years of being Spidey was also a plus. I loved the
experiment that blew up in the basement and almost dripped on May's
shoulder.
A real turn off was Zulli's artwork.
I'm all for new and exciting peoples take on the Wall-Crawler,but
this is not the style for Spidey. Sorry Zulli but take a look at
the back of the same book to see how Spidey was meant to be drawn.
The hightlight of the book was seeing John Romita Sr. drawing
Spider-Man again. He drew a great tale of Gwen and Peter's last
date before she was killed by the Green Goblin. This outstanding
story by DeMatteis saved the book from getting two and a half
stars for bad artwork. A full 3 Spidey heads out of 4 for this
great potential book.
