SPIDER-MAN/BLACK CAT: THE EVIL THAT MEN DO #2
"Part Two: A Ruse By Any Other Name..."
Recommended (8/10)
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Marvel Comics
Writer: Kevin Smith
Pencils: Terry Dodson
Inks: Rachel Dodson
Colors: Lee Loughridge
Letters: Comicraft
Editor: Axel Alonso
Price: $2.99 US/$4.75 CAN |
This book boasts Smith's trademark sense of humor, from Spidey's fat jokes to a drug dealer's Poindexter-ish assistant. It makes for a fun read, but what really draws one into the book is another one of Smith's trademarks: characterization, especially when it comes to relationships. There are elements in the book that don't sit well -- the low-brow double-entendres don't play well, for example, and the breast- and butt-thrusting art is way too over the top -- but overall, it's an enjoyable read.
As Spider-Man and the Black Cat puzzle over how "Mister Brownstone" manage to get his client and friend to overdose before the heroes' eyes, the criminal in question is atr Carnegie Hall, receiving an award from the city for his charity work. The party's crashed by a gun-for-hire, though, and it serves as a nice distraction for the two costumed heroes and former lovers, who find their reunion to be more than a little awkward.
The Dodsons' cheesecake art is, to put it mildly, distracting, but I also find it suits the Black Cat. Smith is writing her as a thoroughly sexual being, empowered and confident. Flaunting her physical assets is in keeping with that characterization. Furthermore, the Dodsons capture the sense of fun and freedom that the title characters enjoy in their costumed roles.
Smith unveils his villain here, robbing him of the sense of mystery in which he was surrounded in the first issue. It's a smart move, as the core plot in which he is involved doesn't seem all that complex. I think I know the secret to "Mr. Brownstone's" business already, to be honest. Though the plot hinges too much on coincidence, I did appreciate the fact that Smith presents us with a drug-dealing bad guy who doesn't fit the stereotypical drug-dealer image.
Ultimately, this second issue stands out as stronger than the first for one simple reason: Smith focuses on the title characters' past relationship and the awkwardness and desire they feel now for one another. In other words, he treats these characters as people first, and super-heroes second. Smith doesn't sugar-coat Felicia's determination to seduce Peter, and he captures authentic voices for them... especially in the thought captions.
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