Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane: Season 2 #1 – Review

By Terry Moore (writer), Craig Rousseau (art), Guillem Mari (colors)

If you read the subsequent Mary Jane series, this revamp might take a little getting used to. Liz no longer has blonde hair, Mary Jane’s dialogue is a bit more on the valley girl side, and Craig Rousseau’s art is nothing like Takeshi Miyazawa’s beautiful manga style.

I’m sure a lot of comic readers will welcome this artistic change, but I personally loved Miyazawa’s art. His attention to contemporary clothing styles and detailed (not to mention consistent) surroundings made Mary Jane’s world come to life. Rousseau seems to fumble around in this first issue as if he’s trying to find his footing. This is understandable, but you know – first impressions. Also the backgrounds and classrooms lack of any subtle details takes away a lot of the book’s personality.

I’ll not lie, the opening pages with Spider-Man as King Kong are pretty bad and had me worried. Terry Moore, who normally displays a lot of confidence in his writing seems to struggle to find the book’s voice during the first 10 pages.  Soon enough, however, he settles in and allows of the characters and humor begin to come through. By the end of the issue, I was pretty satisfied with what I’d read. If the Moore can keep the momentum going and Rousseau improve his art, this book can definitely go places.

Let’s be real: Terry Moore’s rendition of Mary Jane may not be perfect as Sean KcKeever’s, but I have faith that the book will work out under its new direction. Moore has a proven track record of writing young people and relationships so the potential is definitely there. It’s also Mary Jane’s sophomore year in high school – things change from one day to the next and I like how the characters have moved forward and progressed. Here’s hoping Moore and Rousseau can keep things fresh and entertaining. This series has been gone for too long. Welcome back! (Grade: B)

– J. Montes

Spider-Man: With Great Power #3 (of 5)- Review

By David Lapham (writer), Tony Harris (pencils), Jim Clark (inks), J.D. Mettler & Paul Mounts (colors)

Wow, this is the first issue of this mini-series that I actually didn’t hate! We finally get to see more of what will be Peter Parker’s supporting cast and we even get to see a monster or two. The wrestling career is still here, make no mistake, but it finally takes a back seat after the first half of the book (or so). From there, the story centers around Peter’s social life at school, his pursuit of Liz Allen, and how Uncle Ben discovers something awry. We also get our first look at the infamous “burglar”. The scene  as Peter lets him go into the elevator plays out fairly close to what we’ve seen in Amazing Fantasy #15, but David Lapham’s doesn’t disclose how he will play into Uncle Ben’s demise.

As with the previous issues, the wrestling career stuff is just atrocious. Not only is this detailed facet of Spider-Man’s life completely unnecessary, the cast of characters that inhabit this area are completely lame. His manager is a complete bimbo and his promoter seeks nothing but exploitation. Yet, Peter struts around with his cocky attitude and narrative with no regard to anyone but himself. Granted, there was some selfishness involved in the original story by Stan Lee, but this is just too extreme. And while I somewhat enjoyed the latter half of the issue with him working Liz Allen for a date – for her to give him the time of day and actually go to a nightclub with him is completely ridiculous.

Once again, what grounds this issue in “Spidey” reality are Uncle Ben, Aunt May, and J. Jonah Jameson. Lapham writes these characters with their classic characteristics. For someone who becomes so prominent in Peter’s life, it’s weird seeing Aunt May almost being kept in the shadows. I guess Lapham is trying to make this more Uncle Ben’s story. It works, too. I can’t help but feel for the guy.

Tony Harris does more incredible artwork in this issue. It’s, by far, the highlight of this series. He had to be happy to finally get out of the wrestling locker room and draw New York, monsters, and just more Spider-Man-esque stuff. The colors continue to be a big part of this book as well – J.D. Mettler and Paul Mounts create a world rich with color and what can I say? It’s just a feast to the eyes. Story wise, this book passes… barely. Art wise, it’s utterly beautiful. (Grade: C-)

-J. Montes

Ultimate Spider-Man #119 – Review

By Brian Michael Bendis (writer), Stuart Immonen (pencils), Wade Von Grawbadger (inks), Justin Ponsor (colors)

So Liz Allen’s the new Firestar, eh? I’m not sure how I feel about this, to be honest. My concern is that she’s already “too close” to Peter. Granted, this is an ensemble book of sorts, but there’s already one mutant in Peter’s supporting cast – do we need another?

This issue picks up where last month’s left off. Liz is flying around, freaking out, and Iceman comes to her rescue. Completely confused and in denial about the possibility of being a mutant, Liz flies off. Kenny, acting upon his suspicions of Peter being Spider-Man, tells him to go after Liz. In a moment of hesitation, Peter confirms Kenny’s theory and does what he’s told. The list of people knowing Peter’s identity continues to grow.

Eventually, Spidey catches up with Liz and Iceman (who went after her too). They explain to her the choices she’ll soon have to make in her life. This moment is particularly funny as Peter continuously tries to give her the “With great power,” spiel only to be interrupted time and again. This whole revelation with Liz’s new found powers plays out exactly as it should until it’s interrupted by an expected guest.

Brian Bendis once again delivers some top notch dialog. Sure, the story doesn’t advance as much as I’d like, and the beach sequence is a little too stretched out, but because the writing is so well done, I can let it go. Stuart Immonen’s art doesn’t blow me away like it did last issue, and there’s a few panels where Spidey’s head looks really weird, but problems aside, his art is solid throughout.

All the formalities are out of the way, now let’s see some action!  (Grade: B-)

-J. Montes

Spider-Man: With Great Power #2 (of 5) – Review

By David Lapham (writer), Tony Harris (pencils), Jim Clark (inks), J.D. Mettler (colors)

*sigh* I want to love this book. I really do. Spider-Man’s my favorite character, the creative team is incredibly talented, and yet, this book fails on so many levels. David Lapham’s story is such an enigma; it’s just frustrating. I can’t remember having this much disdain for Peter Parker. Instead of the sweet tempered kid, we get a pompous jerk who is completely caught up in himself.

Now, I know it took a disastrous turn of events to make Peter realize his mantra of responsibility, but in this mini-series you don’t even want to root for him. He’s a complete jerk and I was honestly cheering for him to fail. The only people I genuinely care about are Aunt May and Uncle Ben. The disrespect and crap Peter puts them through is just outrageous.

Once again, the only beacon of light comes from Tony Harris, Jim Clark, and J.D. Mettler. Every page they do is just pure magic. Props also go out to Joe Caramagna for making the lettering pop out in a flamboyant, but fun way. I love David Lapham as a writer and artist. But this story just isn’t working for me. I’ll keep reading, hoping things improve, but my doubt is running high. I can understand if you’re trying to teach Peter Parker a lesson in humility, but this is ridiculous. A person this pompous doesn’t deserve to wear that outfit.

Marvel says it wants Spider-Man to be care-free and fun again, but this book is anything but. Peter Parker is a complete emo, filled with teenage angst and zero charisma. (Grade: D)

– J. Montes

Ultimate Spider-Man #118 – Review

By: Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), Stuart Immonen (Pencils), Wade Von Grawbadger (Inks), Justin Ponsor (Colors)

I love Mark Bagley’s body of work on Ultimate Spider-Man. When I think of the title, his name will always be synonymous with it, much like Romita Sr. and Ditko and Amazing Spider-Man. But Stuart Immonen’s art, while drastically different than Bagley’s in style, knows how to flow with Brian Bendis’ script.

A look at the first page in Ultimate Spider-Man #118 clearly shows this. The way Pete can’t focus on his studies because of Harry’s death and how the shadows begin to set in his room really makes for a powerful opening. No words are needed because the panel speaks so powerfully for itself. The line work he puts in his characters remind me much of Leinil Yu (I think it’s the eyes, too), and his attention to detail, especially in the mall scene, is meticulous. Kudos to Justin Ponsor who does a great coloring job. His colors really amplify the mood of the book and bring a lot of life to Immonen’s work.

This issue marks the beginning of the “Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends” story arc, and it’s a perfect place for readers to jump on. Bendis does a ton of character work this issue and it’s such a good read. It’s all driven by the characters’ thoughts and there’s lots of “Aaaarghh’ss” to be read, but it’s hilarious. Everyone has their concerns and problems, and Bendis just nails the life of a young person. Johnny Storm arriving at school to cause trouble with everyone is downright hilarious and Firestar’s identity is sure to surprise! Month to month, Ultimate Spider-Man delivers. This issue is no different. (Grade: A)

– J.Montes