Friday, September 10, 2004

Marvel Knights Spider-Man #6

It ain't easy being a super-hero. And being Spider-Man is tougher than most. Don't believe me? Then just check out Marvel Knights Spider-Man #6 by Mark Millar and Terry Dodson.

The trademark of the Marvel Knights Spidey series has been telling classic, Stan Lee-style Spidey stories with some modern twists. These stories are a bit more gritty, edgy and "realistic" than the early Spidey classics, but the other ingredients are all there: traditional recurring villains (Green Goblin, Vulture, Doc Ock, Electro, and the Shocker to name just a few), JJJ offering a reward for Spidey's identity, Aunt May in peril, lots of Marvel Universe guest appearances, and many more. Plus, though things do get a bit dark at times, there is still quite a bit of Spidey humor in the mix.

In the "Venomous" story running through this issue, Peter is trying to track down his missing Aunt May. In desperation, he turns to an imprisoned Green Goblin for help. Needless to say, Norman is not very helpful. But their conversation really spotlights the Goblin's icky and disturbing evil-ness. (Evility? Evilocity?) Logically, Spidey turns to some of the X-Men's telepathic folks for help. Meanwhile, something is going down involvingVenom and a huge gathering of the super-villain underworld that just can't be good----

Mark Millar's excellent scripts are also well-served by gorgeous art fromTerry and Rachel Dodson. The Dodsons' art is both moody and emotional. Plus, they draw a cool Spidey and a gorgeous Mary Jane. And if that isn't enough, the fill-in artist on this series has been Frank Cho of Liberty Meadows fame!

Classic Spider-Man stories with a modern sensibility and great art! What's not to like? If you've ever been a Spidey fan, or if you have ever wanted to give the spidery one a try, you should really check out Marvel Knights Spider-Man. And now is the perfect time, since Spider-Man is Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week! (It's guaranteed!)

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