Category: MARVEL’s Hardcovers & Paperbacks

Written by Brian Reed

Art by Roberto De La Torre; Jimmy Palmiotti; Chris Sotomayor; & Dave Sharpe

Cover Art by Frank Cho & Jason Keith

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2007, this 136-page paperback compiles Giant-Size Ms. Marvel # 1 and Ms. Marvel # 1-5 (from 2006-2007).  Waking up from House of M’s alternate reality, veteran ex-Avenger Carol “Ms. Marvel” Danvers finds that she isn’t Earth’s greatest hero.  Still, she aspires to up her game to potentially become the world’s ‘best of the best’ — Marvel’s Top Gun, so to speak.  Encouraged by her closest friend, Jessica Drew, Carol seeks to establish a high-profile name for herself – even hiring the biggest-name publicist representing Marvel heroes. 

A seemingly routine night patrol pits Ms. Marvel into solo combat against rogue alien forces in rural Georgia, which ends in a tragic catastrophe.  Facing The Brood and a formidable alien energy-based threat, an injured Carol finds herself lucky to survive.  Yet, the dissolved House of M reality conjures up yet another rematch pitting nefarious British sorcerer Warren Traveler vs. his perceived worst nemesis: Carol.  Ms. Marvel will need Doctor Strange’s help and possibly her enigmatic pet cat: Chewie, to thwart the deranged Traveler once more.  The final few pages set up Carol’s recruitment into Marvel’s first Civil War.  

Guest stars include The Fantastic Four and Jessica “Spider-Woman” Drew, with cameos by Captain America, Sharon Carter, Emma Frost, Scott “Cyclops” Summers, & Iron Man.

Note: This title is also available in hardcover. 

REVIEW:

Standing out most is Marvel’s assignment of a top-flight art squad to imbue Best of the Best with stellar visuals.  Unsurprisingly, reality mirrors art, as Carol’s desired rise to first-tier status parallels Marvel’s efforts to make her its long-sought equivalent to DC’s Wonder Woman.  There’s even an off-hand jibe knocking DC’s discarded Supergirl/Linda Danvers incarnation thrown in for good measure to parallel Carol’s ascent from obscurity.

The weakness, however, lies with Brian Reed’s occasionally wonky scripting.  The basic storyline is okay re-familiarizing fans with Ms. Marvel as a solo powerhouse.  Still, relying upon a forgettable new enemy like the Traveler isn’t likely going to stoke much interest.  Reed might have tried depicting Carol’s triumph over Mystique or another major baddie (i.e. Doctor Doom) to better herald Ms. Marvel’s revitalized star power.  Aside from a few grisly images, the Carol & Doctor Strange vs. Warren Traveler arc is readable enough, but it doesn’t likely leave one craving more.

More significantly, Reed often succeeds in making Carol likably down-to-earth enough to again headline her own title.  The unappealing flip-side is Carol’s self-absorption on becoming a glamorous celebrity super-hero vs. fulfilling any genuine sense of moral obligation to the public.  For instance, it’s amusingly plausible to see Carol cringe, as an ultra-controlling publicist repeatedly intrudes into her personal life, complete with a camera crew, no less. 

Note: Carol’s 1977-79 debut series ran twenty-five issues.

It isn’t so cute when this same Carol doesn’t bother flinching, let alone express any regret, over at least three thousand innocent people being vaporized in spite of her heroics.  This gut punch convey, though a weary Carol understandably wants to get some sleep, that such mass casualties are just part of ‘another rough night at the office’ to be shrugged off.  Even if Reed didn’t intend this inference, it’s still a poor reflection of Ms. Marvel’s reckless brand of heroism.

Ultimately, Best of the Best signifies the first step towards Carol’s eventual re-vamping into Marvel Comics’ next Captain Marvel.  The excellent artwork, however, can only disguise Volume 1 so much as a less-than-compelling read.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In full-page format, the covers are included.  The Giant-Size one-shot cover artists are: Roberto De La Torre, Cam Smith, & Chris Sotomayor.  The Issues # 1-5 cover artists are Frank Cho & Jason Keith. Also included is Issue # 1’s variant by Michael Turner.  The last page displays some concept sketches from Roberto De La Torre.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           6 Stars

Written by Duane Swierczynski. Art by Manuel Garcia; Lorenzo Ruggiero; Bit; Jim Charalapidis; & Blambot’s Nate Piekos.

Iron Man: Kiss and Kill Written by Jim Ahearne. Art by by Brian Ching; Michael Atiyeh; & Dave Sharpe 

Compilation Cover Art by Travel Foreman & June Chung.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2011, this 96-page compilation reprints Black Widow # 6-8 and the Iron Man: Kiss and Kill one-shot (from 2010-2011).  In Houston, Texas, Natasha “Black Widow” Romanova goes undercover to protect vengeful Nick Crane, the son of a dead U.S. Senator.  Word is out that Crane intends to publicly expose her involvement precipitating his father’s controversial death. 

Facing Black Widow is a lethal impersonator, Fatale, whose mercenary stock in trade is helping her employer blackmail high-powered U.S. political players as expendable pawns.  Set across multiple Eastern European locales, with Crane as a reluctant ally, Natasha aims to neutralize the enigmatic threat pulling this scheme’s nefarious strings.

In Kiss and Kill, Natasha (with some help from Pepper Potts) prepares Tony Stark for an undercover mission into Russia to probe the theft of an experimental Iron Man armored suit.  A familiar old foe awaits them having baited an alluring deathtrap.  With Tony forcibly transformed into an Iron Man-shaped, guided missile, his perilous team-up with Natasha may well change the course of Avengers history. 

Notes: Despite Wolverine’s romantic pose with Natasha on Iron Man: Kiss and Kill’s cover, he is not even mentioned in the story.

REVIEW:

Oddly, the first page’s artwork depicting a ‘presidential’ flashback is an immediate credibility killer – this supposed U.S. President appears far too youthful and contemporary to actually be one.  If the artist meant to convey a JFK-like figure, the sleazy imagery simply isn’t believable … that is, unless he is supposed to be a president’s playboy son.  Murky visuals for the adult-friendly Issues # 6-8, otherwise, are more than sufficient. 

Yet, it is contrived plot twists that hamper writer Duane Swierczynski’s murder-mystery/espionage tale at the wrong times.  Primarily, Black Widow’s undercover team-up with Fatale rings false, given the script’s dire circumstances.  Also escaping virtually unscathed from plenty of intense (and sometimes explosive) violence multiple times is another familiar dose of salt readers must swallow.  Overall, the Swierczynski tale still merits a single read – opting for an inconclusive finish is fine in theory, but this one falls far short of reasonable satisfaction. 

Note: In dubious taste, without using actual names, Swierczynski’s script lifts the real-life 2006 radiation poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko.

In the Iron Man team-up, its visuals are easily this collection’s best asset.  Though the plot is somewhat implausible, Natasha & Tony’s reliable chemistry delivers the necessary fun.  A cameo by the original Avengers is also a nice touch. 

Overall, the content of Black Widow: Kiss or Kill should be welcomed by Natasha’s fans.  The flip side, regrettably, is that its skimpy page count is unjustifiable.  Had this title been supplemented by additional stories (i.e. some vintage Black Widow/Iron Man reprints), then one would make a far more convincing argument that Kiss or Kill is a keeper.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Foreman & Chung’s three covers (Issues # 6-8) are included in a full-page format.  The same applies to Brian Ching & Chris Sotomayor’s cover for Iron Man: Kiss and Kill.  There’s also two bonus covers: Scott Campbell & Brian Stelfreeze’s Issue # 1 variant (resembling Scarlett Johansson); and a vampire-themed Issue # 7 variant by Stephane Perger.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       5 Stars

Written by (See Below)

Art by (See Below)

Compilation Cover Art by Mike Mayhew

SUMMARY:

Released in 2006 by Marvel Comics, this 224-page retrospective compiles the following ten comics, which sometimes doubles as a character’s crime-fighting debut (see *).

• The Amazing Spider-Man # 86 (1970) – “Beware … The Black Widow!” Writer: Stan Lee, with Art by: John Romita; Jim Mooney; & Sam Rosen.  Debuting her trademark black jumpsuit, Black Widow attempts to learn the secret of Spider-Man’s powers.  Meanwhile, an injured Peter Parker fears that he is permanently losing his powers.

• *The Cat # 1 (1972) – “Beware the Claws of the Cat!”  Writers: Linda Fite & Roy Thomas, with Art by: Marie Severin; Wally Wood; & John Costanza.  Before she became Tigra and passed on the costume to Patsy Walker’s Hellcat, young widow Greer Nelson was the masked Cat.  Seeking to avenge her now-deceased mentor, the Cat infiltrates their psychotic benefactor’s Chicago high-rise to ruin his plans for a mesmerized army of enhanced female Cats.  Greer’s origin as the Cat is revealed. 

• *Shanna the She-Devil # 1 (1972) – “Shanna the She-Devil.”  Co-Writers: Carole Seuling & Steve Gerber, with Art by: George Tuska; Vincent Colletta; & John Costanza.  Including her origin, Dr. Shanna Hara is now the compassionate protector of jungle animals.  With her adopted jungle cats, she fiercely guards the African wilderness from nefarious ivory poachers out to kill a herd of elephants.

• *Ms. Marvel # 1 (1972) – “This Woman, This Warrior!” Writer: Gerry Conway, with Art by: John Buscema; Joe Sinnott; Marie Severin; & John Costanza.  Spinning out of Marvel’s original Captain Marvel series, Carol Danvers is hired as J. Jonah Jameson’s new magazine editor.  Plagued by partial amnesia, Carol and her heroic alter-ego, Ms. Marvel, are unaware of each other.  Mary Jane Watson guest-stars, as Ms. Marvel must rescue an abducted J. Jonah from the Scorpion’s wrath.  Peter Parker and Robbie Robertson appear in Daily Bugle cameos.

• *Dazzler # 1 (1976) – “So Bright This Star.”  Writer: Tom DeFalco, with Art by: John Romita Jr.; Alfredo Alcala; Glynis Wein; & Joe Rosen.  Alison Blaire needs a quick career boost, as she unknowingly crosses path with a new rival: Asgard’s nefarious Enchantress.  Guest stars include: Spider-Man; The X-Men (Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler, & Kitty Pryde); & The Avengers (The Beast; Captain America; Iron Man; & the Wasp).    

• The Uncanny X-Men # 151-152 (1981) – “X-Men Minus One! / The Hellfire Gambit.”  Writer: Chris Claremont, with Art by: Jim Sherman; Bob McLeod; Josef Rubenstein; Bonnie Wilford; Don Warfield; Tom Orzechowski; & Janice Chiang.  Taking advantage of Kitty Pryde’s departure, the Hellfire Club, along with multiple Sentinels, attacks the X-Mansion.  Among those taken captive are Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Colossus, and Wolverine.  Even worse, having secretly body-swapped with Storm, Emma Frost infiltrates the X-Men.  Kitty may be the team’s last hope.

• Avengers # 221 (1982) – “New Blood.” Writers: Jim Shooter & David Michelinie; with Art by: Bob Hall; Brett Breeding; Christie Scheele; & Janice Chiang.  Seeking to boost the team roster, Thor approaches Spider-Man while  Captain America & Iron Man check up on Hawkeye.  The Wasp hosts an afternoon party attended by Black Widow; Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew); the She-Hulk; the Invisible Woman; and Dazzler.  One of them becomes a first-time Avenger.      

• Uncanny X-Men # 182 (1984) – “Madness.”  Writer: Chris Claremont, with Art by: John Romita Jr.; Dan Green; Glynis Wein; & Tom Orzechowski.  Overwhelmed by Carol Danvers’ stolen memories, Rogue instinctively rescues  battered SHIELD agent Michael Rossi from homicide aboard its own heli-carrier.  However, Rossi is Ms. Marvel’s one-time lover, and he has no idea of Rogue’s bizarre connection to his beloved Carol.

*Uncanny X-Men # 244 (1989) – “Ladies Night.”  Writer: Chris Claremont, with Art by: Marc Silvestri; Dan Green; Glynis Wein; & Tom Orzechowski.  Introducing Jubilee, this X-tale has its female members (Storm, Dazzler, Psylocke, & Rogue) enjoying downtime at a glamorous L.A. mall.  Complicating the fun is the M-Squad (think Ghostbusters-meets-the original X-Factor team), as these bumbling mutant hunters are hired to capture perpetual mallrat Jubilee.      

Note: A sequel, Women of Marvel, Volume 2 is also available in paperback form.

REVIEW:

There’s a welcome surplus of early-to-mid ‘70s pro-feminism inhabiting this collection’s first half.  All good intentions aside, these dated adventures deliver some kid-friendly nostalgia that holds up okay by contemporary standards.  The visuals are consistently good quality – safely in the mid-B range.  The sole detriment that could be construed as predictably sexist are the heroines’ skimpy and/or skintight costumes. 

Among the oldest stories, Ms. Marvel’s debut works best, as it presents the partially-amnesiac Carol Danvers as a promising new heroine with instant star appeal.  The Spider-Man crossover is an ingenious move by having Ms. Marvel first tangle with a reliable Spider-baddie in the Scorpion.  By contrast, Dazzler’s solo debut is hampered by its overload of guest stars, which makes obvious that Marvel lacked confidence in this X-Men spin-off’s sales potential.  

Re: the book’s second half, most notably, Chris Claremont’s two-part X-Men tale is a welcome gem from forty years ago.  It has everything that X-fans enjoy about that era. Even if it isn’t the best-written, the all-star Avengers romp is undoubtedly the most fun to read, as far as some Marvel-style humor.

That leaves the last two X-Men tales.  Short of hardcore Rogue fans, “Madness” is worth exploring once, but its Carol Danvers memory-siphoning plot is creepier than actually being entertaining.  As for “Ladies Night,” depending on a given reader’s mood, either the story is an amusingly light-hearted X-caper meant as filler, or it’s just plain insipid – take your pick.      

Marvel admirably goes to the effort of freshening up the archival artwork, so one can’t complain about the top-flight production values.  For old-school fans, Women of Marvel, Volume 1 works its magic – long before these characters’ lives become excessively convoluted for casual enjoyment.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The covers are re-produced in a full-page format.  The artists aren’t credited, at least beyond what little can be read off each image.  The last page shows the artistic evolution of Mayhew’s compilation cover.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7 Stars

Written by Kurt Busiek.

Art by Steve Epting; Alan Davis; Ian Churchill; Yanick Paquette; Al Vey; Mark Farmer; Norm Rapmund; Ray Snyder; Tom Smith; Rick Starkings; & Comicraft’s Albert’s Deschene and Saida Temofonte.

Avengers: The Ultron Imperative – Written by Kurt Busiek; Roy Thomas; Roger Stern; & Steve Englehart.

Avengers: The Ultron Imperative – Art by John Paul Leon; Paul Smith; Tom Grummett; Karl Kesel; John McCrea; James Hodgekins; Jim Starlin; Al Milgrom; Pat Oliffe; Livesay; Jorge Lucas; Mike Royer; Klaus Janson; Don Heck; Jerry Ordway; Barry Windsor-Smith; Jim Cheung; Cam Smith; Kieron Dwyer; Rick Remender; John Estes; Paul Smith; Hi-Fi Design; & Comicraft.

Compilation Cover Art by Alan Davis; Mark Farmer; & Tom Smith.

SUMMARY:

Released by Marvel Comics in 2005, this 232-page compilation consists of Avengers # 36-40, Issue # 56, Annual 2001; and Avengers: The Ultron Imperative (all from 2001-2002).

• # 36 (“No Rest for the Weary”): Ms. Marvel, Iron Man, & the Vision are summoned from their assignment rounding up alien fugitives.  Ex-3D Man Hal Chandler’s wife comes to Avengers Mansion to confront Triathlon.  Hank Pym is mysteriously abducted.  Pagan and Lord Templar attack Avengers Mansion.  Captain America needs emergency help against Bloodwrath in Slorenia. 

• # 37 (“Scorched Earth”): The team (Cap, Iron Man, Captain Marvel {Monica Rambeau}, Wonder Man, & Scarlet Witch) must take drastic measures vs. Bloodwrath.  The team’s other half (Ms. Marvel, Jack of Hearts, Triathlon, Wasp, & the Vision) face off vs. Pagan and Lord Templar.  The question is: who is impersonating Hank Pym/Goliath?

• # 38 (“Above & Beyond”): Guest appearances include Thor, Quicksilver, Firebird, & Black Knight.  Including a cameo from the nefarious Taskmaster, the team has multiple ongoing assignments.  Ms. Marvel & the Vision enjoy a date night.  The Avengers’ next crisis is evident: Kalkhimthia, Greece is now overrun by an army of Hulks. 

• # 39 (“Condition Green”): In New York City, Silverclaw tangles with Diablo.  In Greece, the outmatched Avengers could desperately use Bruce Banner’s intervention to end the threat of multiple rampaging Hulks. 

• # 40 (“Thoom”): Including a Doc Samson cameo, the dual battles from Issue # 39 continue.  As Silverclaw’s fight vs. Diablo rages on, the Avengers face a skyscraper-sized Hulk.  It’s time for Bruce Banner’s Hulk to enter the fray.  Two more villains make their latest appearance. 

• The Ultron Imperative: The team (including Pym’s Yellowjacket & Hawkeye) faces a double-threat in Ultron and Alkhema’s metallic armies.  Hawkeye faces a heartbreaking ultimatum. 

• 2001 Annual: Full-page artwork includes homages to Cap’s ‘Kooky Quartet;’ Giant Man, Thor, & Iron Man vs. the Vision; the Avengers ‘Heroes Reborn’ era; a double-page battle scene; and the Silver Age Avengers vs. the Hulk.  “House Cleaning” has Jarvis e-mailing the team’s government liaison, Duane Freeman, on the team’s latest extraordinary complications. 

• # 56 (“Lo, There Shall Come … An Accounting!”): It’s Audit Day!  Facing a Stark Foundation audit with potential I.R.S. complications, team members are interrogated re: questionable invoices, especially for public property damage.  Guest Avengers include She-Hulk, the Beast, Thor, and U.S. Agent.  

REVIEW:

If judged solely on the impressive page count, this collection is a reliable option for Avengers fans.  Outside that perspective, there isn’t necessarily a must-have among these reprints.  It’s really a matter of just enjoying the solid Avengers plotting with terrific production values (including consistently good visuals). One just has to keep in mind this book is clearly meant for Marvel loyalists. 

For instance, various sub-plots, like the Hank Pym abduction, aren’t resolved here before shifting to The Ultron Imperative.  Keeping track of the roster’s revolving door might also throw off some casual fans.  Even so, these compiled stories aren’t boring, as they are at least provided in chronological order.   

The closest approximation to a storytelling gem is saved for last.  Suffice to say, an audit, Avengers-style, is at least worth checking out.  With that in mind, Avengers: Above and Beyond is appropriate for middle schoolers and up.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Full-page reproductions of the various covers are included.  A four-page Avengers roster lists all members up to the addition of then-Captain Britain (Kelsey Leigh) in 2004.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7 Stars

Written by Gerry Conway; Jim Shooter; Roger Slifer; & David Michelinie.   

Art by George Pérez, with Mike Esposito; John Tartagalione; Duffy Vohland; Pablos Marcos; Ricardo Villamonte; Joe Rubenstein; Jack Abel; Dan Green; Gene Day; Petra Goldberg; Jim Shooter; Don Warfield; Carl Gafford; Ben Sean; Joe Rosen; Denise Wohl; Elaine Heinl; & John Costanza. 

Cover Art by presumably George Pérez (No Official Credit Provided).

SUMMARY:

Released in 2004, this glossy 112-page compilation reprints 1^st series Avengers Annual # 6, Issues # 161-162, Annual # 8, and Issue # 201 (in chronological order).  The original issues were first published by Marvel Comics between 1976 and 1980.  This collection’s Avengers roster consists of: Captain America; Scarlet Witch; Hawkeye; Quicksilver; Beast; Vision; Ms. Marvel; Black Panther; Iron Man; Thor; Wonder Man; Wasp; and Hank Pym as both Ant-Man and Yellowjacket.  Also appearing in guest roles are the Golden Age Whizzer, Thundra, Doctor Strange, the Two-Gun Kid, and the original Squadron Sinister.

In “No Final Victory!,” after the Golden Age Whizzer’s assault on Avengers Mansion, a wounded Scarlet Witch is evidently hospitalized.  While Yellowjacket & Wasp sympathize with the Whizzer’s plight, the Beast searches for the zombie-like Wonder Man.  Iron Man & Captain America track the nefarious Serpent Crown cross-country to the Living Laser’s new lair.  To avert a nuclear explosion, the team must contain the Whizzer’s radioactively unstable son, Nuklo.

“Beware the Ant-Man!” has an amnesiac Hank Pym back in his original Ant-Man identity, as he is now consumed by an insane rage.   Worse yet, Ultron assaults Avengers Mansion to seemingly kill several Avengers.  “The Bride of Ultron!” continues the storyline, as Ultron manipulates an unhinged Pym to transform the captive Wasp into a metallic ‘Bride of Frankenstein.’ Thor returns to help the short-handed Avengers rescue the Wasp before Ultron’s nefarious experiment creating Jocasta is completed. Even Wonder Man & Thor’s combined brawn is barely enough to hold Ultron to a violent stalemate.

For his wife’s birthday, Yellowjacket hides a special gem in “Spectrums of Deceit!,” as it’s the deactivated power prism formerly belonging to the Squadron Sinister’s Dr. Spectrum.  Nefariously possessing the Wasp as a new Dr. Spectrum, the symbiotic prism now schemes to possess Thor.  With three Avengers dispatched to an unknown fate, the again short-handed team seeks help to free the Wasp in time.  Worse yet, a corrupted Thor tangles with an outmatched Iron Man.     

In a short finale, “Bully!” has the Avengers’ Edwin Jarvis spending his time off defending his elderly mother’s neighborhood from a local thug.  

Parental Note: In the Wasp’s torturous ‘brain-drain’ sequence, Marvel subtly changes the original art to depict her in a gray bodysuit, so this time it isn’t implied that she is nude. 

REVIEW:

It’s a welcome treat to enjoy George Pérez’s visual magic unencumbered by wear-and-tear deterioration, if one were reading the original back issues.  While his style here isn’t as immaculate as it would become by the mid-80’s, there’s still ample evidence re: why he is among the industry’s best-ever pencillers. 

Not only is Pérez in vintage 70’s Marvel form, the various writers deliver entertaining (and kid-friendly) stories that spread a wealth of screen time among the characters.  Impressively, the continuity in characterization of this cast (i.e. developing Wonder Man’s fear of death; Pym’s emotional instability; Beast’s wacky humor) appears seamless between these stories.  The only peculiarity re: its inclusion is the Jarvis tale, as it’s just obvious filler.  Showcasing Jarvis is okay on its own merits, but this particular story is at most a single read. 

The bottom line is that old-school fans will appreciate the unconvoluted Avengers storytelling from that era.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a two-page introduction to the fourteen Avengers chronicled (each getting a quick synopsis), including one each for Hank Pym (as Ant-Man and Yellowjacket).  In a full-page gallery format, all five covers are included.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

Written by Peter David

Art by Rich Buckler; Brett Breeding; Phil Felix; Bob Sharen; Josef Rubinstein; Kyle Baker; Pat Redding; George Roussos; Nel Yomtov; M. Hands; & Rick Parker

Cover Art by Rich Buckler & Bob McLeod

SUMMARY:

Reprinting 1985-86’s Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man # 107-110, Marvel Comics released this 96-page compilation in 1990.  Introducing a new Spider-villain (the Sin-Eater), the issue titles are: “Original Sin;” “Sin of Pride;” “He Who is Without Sin;” and “All My Sins Remembered.” 

After her childhood is glimpsed in flashback, the NYPD shockingly discovers one of its best captains: Jean DeWolff, brutally murdered in her own home.  Having just collared three punks who mugged a defenseless senior citizen, Spider-Man is stunned getting word of DeWolff’s grisly death.  Advocating for these same hoodlums to be released on pre-trial bond, defense attorney Matt Murdock encounters an embittered Peter Parker.  In their costumed alter-egos, neither Spider-Man nor Daredevil can prevent the ruthless ‘Sin-Eater’ from brazenly killing a judge inside the courthouse and escaping into the New York streets. 

Despite their best efforts rousting the criminal underworld for answers, Spider-Man & Daredevil are stymied by the elusive Sin-Eater.  As the murders continue, J. Jonah Jameson is next on this serial killer’s hit list, along with any bystanders in the way.  Once the culprit’s identity is discovered, Spider-Man’s furious vengeance (mirroring the public’s outrage) is opposed by Daredevil.  With the Sin-Eater’s fate at stake, a new status quo between Spider-Man and Daredevil is reached.

REVIEW:

It’s a far cry from the kid-friendly Amazing Spider-Man # 16 where Spider-Man & Daredevil’s first-ever face-off/team-up has them clobbering the Ringmaster’s Circus of Crime.  Case in point: clichéd mind control isn’t necessary this time to pit Daredevil vs. an emotionally unhinged Spidey in heavy-handed fashion.  Instead, it’s their opposing takes on the notion of judge, jury, and executioner.  Considering the controversial times (i.e. the 1984 Bernhard Goetz subway incident and subsequent trial) during which this storyline occurred, this unexpected mini-feud between Marvel icons is compelling.    

Peter David’s grim scripting, despite some eye-rolling ploys (i.e. how two suspects are conveniently next-door neighbors), makes it plausible that the sadistic Sin-Eater is a formidable adversary.  Along with quick scenes hinting at future plots (i.e. the Santa creep), David smartly assembles one of the best Spider-Man/Daredevil team-ups ever.  Well-played depth includes a sub-plot reminiscent of Goetz’s predicament and even a throwaway Cagney & Lacey in-joke.  All told, there’s enough realism to meld Spider-Man with a Gotham City-like crime noir thriller. 

The author’s bookend commentaries acknowledge that subtle hints are dropped re: Sin-Eater’s identity.  Yet, Spider-Man (and readers, too) will be shocked once the chilling truth unfolds.  Daredevil’s detective-like presence is therefore welcome for Spidey’s foray into Law & Order territory.  The only caveat is that this storyline’s use of Death Wish-style violence (unusual for mid-80’s Marvel outside of The Punisher) will likely catch parents off-guard.  It’s crass misjudgment by Marvel not to include some parental forewarning on behalf of Spidey’s younger audiences.

Visually, the art squad scores high marks for above-average consistency.  There’s just two oddities: 1. Daredevil is much larger than an average-sized Spider-Man in their shared panels – this visual doesn’t jive with their official heights and weights; and 2. Seen briefly, DeWolff’s present-day mother and step-father are depicted as if they’re her age vs. logically appearing a generation older.  For the most part, the inking is solid.  Above all, Rich Buckler’s penciling looks terrific, especially as compared to some of the lazy junk Marvel and DC peddled in that same era. 

Despite its contrivances, the startling impact of “The Death of Jean DeWolff” on 80’s Spidey storytelling can’t be overstated.  As David reiterates, for drama’s sake, no popular supporting player’s safety should be deemed off-limits in comics.  Like Gwen Stacy and her police captain father before her, DeWolff is another sacrifice in the Spidey mythos adhering to this harsh line of reasoning.  Make no mistake: the uneasy pendulum between the legal system and Jean DeWolff’s senseless, real-world violence makes for an intriguing read. 

Note: Though it may be a fluke in this reviewer’s copy, pages 91-92 are accidently flipped.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The table-of-contents include thumbnail images of the four covers.  David provides both a brief foreword and a behind-the-scenes afterword.  Though his afterword is insightful, David’s callousness (a shrug at DeWolff’s fate) is off-putting.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7½ Stars

Written by Jonathan Couper-Smith; Syd Barney-Hawke; & Seth Blederman

Art by (See Below); & John Romita, Jr. (first page)

Cover Art by (Uncredited)

SUMMARY:

Published as a 2004 Target exclusive, this 96-page compilation is similar to an Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe.  Materials are duplicated from a separate Spider-Man encyclopedia.  The applicable characters have a power grid (on a scale of 1-7) specifying: intelligence, strength, speed, durability, energy projection, and fighting skills.  Including archival artwork, the detailed character profiles and artists are the following:

Note: Including the same cover image, the 240-page hardcover version is 2003’s Marvel Encyclopedia, Vol. 4: Spider-Man.  

Black Cat (Terry Dodson)

Betty Brant (Steve Ditko)

Burglar (Steve Ditko)

Carnage (Mark Bagley & Lee Weeks)

Chameleon (Luke Ross & Steve Ditko)

Spider-Man’s Costumes (Uncredited)

The Daily Bugle (Tim Sale)

Daredevil (Joe Quesada)

Disruptor (Uncredited)

Doctor Doom (Uncredited)

Doctor Strange (Unicredited)

Doctor Octopus (Steve Skroce & John Romita, Jr.)

Electro (Steve Ditko)

Ezekiel (John Romita, Jr.)

Green Goblin (Humberto Ramos; Tim Sale, & John Romita, Jr.)

Hobgoblin (John Romita, Jr. & Brett Breeding)

Crusher Hogan (Uncredited)

Hulk (Uncredited)

Human Torch II/Johnny Storm (Skottie Young)

Hydro-Man (Francisco Herrera)

J. Jonah Jameson (Joe Madureira)

John Jameson (Dean Haspiel & John Romita)

Kingpin (Alex Maleev)

Kraven the Hunter (John Romita, Jr.)

Ned Leeds (Ron Frenz)

Lizard (Tim Sale & Todd McFarlane)

Morbius (John Romita, Jr.)

Mysterio (Joe Quesada)

Harry Osborn (Todd McFarlane & Tim Sale)

Liz Allan Osborn (Luke Ross)

Ollie Osnick (Uncredited)

Outlaws (Uncredited)

Ben Parker (Paul Ryan)

May Parker (Francisco Herrera & John Romita, Jr.)

Richard & Mary Parker (John Romita)

Punisher (Leinil Francis Yu)

Rhino (Staz Johnson)

Robbie Robertson (Michael Gaydos)

Sandman (John Romita, Jr. & Mark Bagley)

Scorpion (Darick Robertson)

Shocker (Francisco Herrera)

Sinister Six/Seven (John Romita, Jr.)

Spidercide (Uncredited)

Spider-Hulk (Uncredited)

Spider-Lizard (Uncredited)

Spider-Man (John Romita, Jr.; J.G. Jones; Terry Dodson; John Romita; & J. Scott Campbell)

Spider-Man 2099 (Chris Batista)

Spider-Girl/May Parker (Casey Jones)

Mangaverse Spider-Man (Skottie Young)

Ultimate Spider-Man (Mark Bagley)

Spider-Mobile (Ross Andru)

Spider-Morphosis (Uncredited)

Spider-Phoenix (Uncredited)

Spider-Signal (Uncredited)

Spider-Slayers I-XIX (Uncredited)

Spider-Tracers (Steve Ditko)

Spider-Woman I/Jessica Drew (Art Adams)

Spider-Woman II/Arachne/Julia Carpenter (Uncredited)

Spider-Woman III/Martha “Mattie” Franklin (Uncredited)

Spider-Woman IV/Charlotte Witter (Uncredited)

George Stacy (Gil Kane)

Gwen Stacy (Tim Sale)

Mendel Stromm (Mike Wieringo)

Symbiote (John Romita, Jr.)

Flash Thompson (Tim Sale)

Tinkerer (Steve Ditko)

Tombstone (Gregg Schigiel)

Venom (John Romita, Jr.)

Vulture (Mike Wieringo)

Wasp I/Janet Van Dyne (Uncredited)

Anna May Watson (Uncredited)

Kristy Watson (Uncredited)

Mary Jane Watson (J. Scott Campbell; Humberto Ramos; Tim Sale; & John Romita)

Web-Shooters (John Romita, Jr.)

REVIEW:

For Spider-aficionados, no matter how outdated it seems, this compilation is high-caliber. Both the writing and accompanying artwork deliver the necessary goods and then some.  Age-appropriate for kids, it’s a handy resource for fans seeking a quick reference on various Spider-Man-related characters from that era.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Spider-Man’s profile has a timeline of historic limits, including thumbnail cover images of specific issues.  The last page has a power grid explanation defining specific limits.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8½ Stars