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ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #22
Recommended (8/10)
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Marvel Comics
"Reflections of..."
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Pencils: Mark Bagley
Inks: Art Thibert
Colors: Transparency Digital
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Editor: Ralph Macchio
"Jay Leno & Spider-Man: One Night Only! (Don't Forget to Tip Your Waitress), Part One"
Writer: Ron Zimmerman
Pencils: Greg Capullo
Inks: Danny Miki
Colors: Avalon Studios
Letters: Comicraft
Editor: Axel Alonso
Price: $3.50 US/$5.75 CAN |
Reflections: Bendis brings the series full circle, delving into questions that were left outstanding after the first story arc. The return of the Osborns and the super-hero genre elements are certainly entertaining, but once again, the book draws its true strengths from the more grounded, character-driven aspects of Bendis's strong script. Bendis and the editors on the book are to be commended for focusing on the book's strengths while providing a gateway into the world of the Ultimate version of Spidey for non-comics readers who might seek out a quality wall-crawler book after seeing the upcoming big-screen take on the young hero.
Now that he's grounded, Peter finds it even more difficult to balance school, his private life and the super-hero thing. A rotten day brightens considerably, though, when Harry Osborn returns to school. Harry's feeling better after recent tumultuous events in his life, and he invites Peter over to dinner. It turns out Norman Osborn wants to speak with young Parker, and Peter's mind begins to race? Does he know his secret identity? Is he actually the green-skinned monster than trashed the high school? Attempts to duck out on the dinner fail, forcing Peter to enter into an uncertain confrontation.
Bagley has yet to falter in his efforts on this title. His detailed background, angular character designs and eye for action never fail to entertain. The color studio really gets to flex its muscles in the issue's climactic scene, reinforcing the creepy mood with muted colors that add to the darkness.
The creators provide exciting introductory and concluding sequences in this issue, but the real "action" revolves around Harry's return to school. Peter and Mary Jane's excitement to see him really helped to drive home the strength of their friendship with him. Harry's battle of wits with Flash Thompson was a kick as well, and it rang true.
Leno: This is one of two new backup features that are debuting in the back of several new Marvel releases. The other one -- "The Call of Duty" -- was well-crafted, and I look forward to following it. This one, on the other hand, is ill-conceived. An implausible premise, clunky dialogue and distracting art makes for an unpleasant read.
Looking to take a day off, Jay Leno has agreed to do a GM commercial in New York... if Spider-Man takes part in the shoot as well. No one, including Leno, expects ol' Webhead to turn up, but what they don't know is that J. Jonah Jameson has charged freelance photographer Peter Parker to find Spidey and get him to show up.
Well, it seems Marvel has Todd McFarlane handling the art chores on a Spider-Man story... sort of. Capullo's over-exaggerated style is obviously inspired by McFarlane's work, but the figures are so twisted and over the top so as to rob them of a plausible look. Sometimes, less is more (just check out Andi Watson's comic work for proof). Kemp's colors are far too gaudy as well.
There's little in this story that's believable. The premise boasts the simplicity and forced quality worthy of a subpar Silver Age story. The dialogue is far too plentiful and expositionary, and just about every character (several of which go unidentified) are jerks. And on top of that, it's just not funny.
Note: Since the backup story appears in several of this week's Marvel Comics releases, it does no factor into the rating for this review.
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