The Spectacular Spider-Man #112 - March 1985

As a festive treat, here's a review of a 1985 Spidey story. This is fun story that concludes the ongoing sub-plot of the robbing Santa Claus from the past few issues. In this issue, written by Peter David, 'Santa' is out to rob the son of Bambi, one of Peter Parker's neighbours, on Christmas Eve night. It doesn't go totally to plan, however, as Pete is sleeping next door and is awakened by a huge jolt in his spider-sense. Obviously he puts an end to Santa's hold-up of Bambi but 'Santa' gets away. Only to bump into the real Santa Claus. The real St Nick teaches Bad Santa the error of his ways off-panel, turning Bad Santa into Good Santa as he gives out presents to children in the Bugle lobby. Black Cat returns full of Xmas joy this issue, by stopping thieves of mink coats. Instead of returning them she shows some goodwill (though wouldn't returning the coats be a nicer gesture?), and gives a couple of cold bag ladies them to wear. The main theme running through the story is that Pete is lonely, even taking time to share a Coke (and points out it's not New Coke) with his black costume. Of course, as all Spidey Xmas tales go, he ends up at Aunt May's for dinner. A further side-plot, which I expect to be developed on in future issues is of an abusive father and his son's teacher. The art is pretty good in this story and it has a different idea to other Christmas. The cover is awesome, I've posted it here and hope you like it too.

Marvel Legends #1 - December 2006 - £2.50

Out last Thursday (21/12) was Marvel Legends #1, the all new Collector's Edition from Panini UK. The title came about when Panini lost their DC licence to Titan Magazines and Batman Legends was pulled from their publishing schedule (more on that in another entry). The format of this CE is somewhat straightforward. 3 stories per issue, 1 Captain America, 1 Iron Man, 1 Thor. The choices of story however are rather odd. Due to Avengers Disassembled beginning next month in Panini's Avengers United one might think the tie-ins would be featured. This is not the case. Instead we get Vol 5 of Cap, Iron Man from 1999 and the very, very recent (TPB out this week) Thor: Bloodoath mini series. This doesn't mean the comic is bad though.

Captain America's story is an instant hit. Steve Epting pencils and does so effectively. He creates the style of an action thriller with his dynamism during the fight scenes but does just as well with the talky bits. His use of shadows across the faces of familiar characters retains pieces of intrigue. As Ed Brubaker writes the characters so well, showing a darker Captain America, the art accompanies this superbly. The writing is consistently good throughout and the ending is a shock when the seeming villain of the story meets a sticky end. This is the best part of this issue and likely the best part of the CE to come.

Iron Man is obviously a set-up for a story but I still can't shake the feeling that we are unnecessarily going back in time. Where Cap's tale was up-to-date, fresh and presented what makes Marvel's newest comics so popular we were sent back to the old days when Marvel was regularly consulting it's bank manager. The story itself is enjoyable, and the art fits well but they could have done better.

Thor went back in time also, but this was a newly written story telling a tale of Thor' past. I generally disapprove of these 'Hidden Years' style comics but this is much different. I was suprised that I wasn't moaning to myself about Scott Kollins artwork which has been shown so many times over the last year in the CEs that if the receives royalties for it he'd be having a good Christmas. I think it was because his art was enhanced by very good colouring from Wil Quintana. Bit disappointed with the lack of 'thous' and 'yons' (they're what make Thor IMO) but there was a very nice 'I say thee nay' in there.

Overall this was quite an impressive debut. I should also mention that it has a very nice shiny cover. I doubt that will a recurrence though.

Next issue will have part 2 of Cap's 'Out of Time' saga, Thor: Bloodoath Part 2 and the continuation of the Iron Man story that ends on a cliffhanger.

Upcoming reviews: Batman Legends Vol 2 # 1, Runways TPB Vol 2, Marvel Holiday Special 2006.

Welcome!!!!

Welcome to this, my new blog devoted to previews and reviews of comic books! Old and new, UK and US, singles, graphic novels and trades - everything is here! My first review is coming shortly and will look at the new Panini Marvel Collectors' Edition Marvel Legends.