Spider-Man Reviews

Showing posts with label norah. Show all posts

Amazing Spider-Man 649

Posted by bps 27 November 2010

There was only one thing that I did not quite enjoy about this issue, which takes place at the start of the issue. I'm sure all who read it can agree that it ' not cool' to have Roderick Kingsley die a few pages into the book.

The story
It starts off with some anonymous person approaching Kingsley in a bar, acknowledging his past achievements as the Hobgoblin. While chatting with his anonymous recruiter, he accepts the offer upon hearing that Norman Osborn is out and in prison. The scene jumps to where Amazing Spider-Man 648 issue ended - the King Pin, hiring the Hobgoblin.

Accepting the offer, Kingsley, as the Hobgoblin goes to Norman's old hideout to look for new 'goblin' supplies. While looking through some of Norman's new "toys." Kingsley notices a hot cup of coffee. He searches to find who else is in the room and finds Phil Urich - Ben Urich's loser nephew who was helping move boxes for Norah is the last issue.

Phil explains how he came here to look for stuff that would help Norah in her story. (Obviously he has a liking for Norah). Kingsley proceeds to kill Phil. Phil, still having some Goblin powers - namely his sonic scream ends up killing Kingsley instead.

Next we see Norah, investigating the Goblin gang story. She tries to conduct an interview to learn more about them. Half way through the gang thinks she's a cop and decides to do away with her. Thats when Spider-Man and Black cat appear to save the day.

Norah uses the opportunity to interview the two heroes a little. Spidey doesn't entertain her, but Felicia does, trying to change her status quo to that of a good guy so she can join the Avengers possibly. We learn that Felicia knows Spidey is seeing someone else. At the end of it all, Spidey advises her not to talk to reporters. He then buzzes off, leaving Cat alone with nothing to do that night.

Spidey swings to his hotel, changes to Peter Parker and tries to relax. Just then Carlie, his girlfriend comes in. She apologizes for not seeing him stating that she had lots of work. Being a forensic scientist, she notices all kinds of things in Peter's room like his mixtures for webbing. Peter has a hard time explaining. Fortunately she receives a phone call from work and has to go off again.

The scene changes to the Bugle, now owner by Robbie. Phil asks Norah if she needs anything more about the goblin story. She says that the story is over and that there was nothing to it. Phil has a hard time trying to get her attention when Robbie's son - Randy comes in. We find out that Randy is dating Norah.

Changing the scene again, Aunt May appears at Peter's hotel and wakes him up for his first day at work. Aunt May is obviously very proud of her nephew. Peter is shown around the place and is designated his own lab where he can work on anything he wants privately. He is not required to report what he is working on unless he wants to. Peter immediately thinks of this place as a great place to stash his Spidey gear.

At Jameson's office, Captain America tries to convince Jameson that Spidey is really a hero. Jameson's son, John agrees with Capt, leaving JJ in a tight position. In another small scene, we see that Mac Gargan is dying without the Venom symbiote or his Scorpion costume.

Anyhow, soon after Peter gets used to his new working space, he finds that Horizon Labs - his employer, is being attacked by the Hobgoblin. Peter changes to Spider-Man and tries to fight him. The scene ends with the Hobgoblin/ Phil sonic screaming blood out of Spidey's eyes, nose and ears. It also appears as though Spidey is about to get his head chopped.

Thoughts
Overall I thought this issue was pretty good. Unfortunately, Kingsley comes and goes way too fast. The fact that Peter gets his own private lab just makes his job even cooler. I guess we don't have to think so hard about where the new Black Spidey costume in the next issue comes from?

Norah is turning out to be a cooler character by the issue, and Carlie is just getting weirder. I'm not sure how things will work with Carlie, and I sure hope they don't last too long.

Amazing Spider-Man 647

Posted by bps 05 November 2010

So, this is the real end of Brand New Day. The next issue will be Big Time, something that I'm sure many fans are looking forward to. This issue is a really long issue with lots of sub stories in it. Here's my attempt to review it at one go.

Main Story
The opening scene is of a man who just got out of prison, getting a coffee at the same place that Rhino met Oksana. There we see a photo of Oksana in memory of her (She became the wife of the Rhino, who became good for a while, but died)

The next scene is of Peter and his moody friend Carlie. They were supposed to be picking costumes for a Halloween party. Carlie however is upset and does not want to go. She is upset at Peter for not making a move ( in short words). I am really not a big fan of Carlie, but lets carry on. Peter is then seen on the phone, explaining to Michelle how he will be late meeting Vin for his release from prison of some sort. Vin is Michelle's brother who was a dirty cop.

In the next scene, Peter walk out of the store alone, and witnesses a kidnap by Overdrive ( some goon who can change cars into awesome cars). Peter uses a Spider-Man Halloween costume, since his is in the wash, and goes after the crook and catches him ( in short).

Michelle is seen next, surprised to see Peter already with Vin, early for once. Vin talks about Carlie with Peter ( he used to have a thing for Carlie). Peter says that he doesn't think anything will result from his relationship with her though.

Vin is next seen at the police station, walking free, approaching Carlie, claiming he needs her to listen to him. That night, everyone arrives for the Halloween party, which is also the last time we will ever see Harry since he is going into hiding to protect his son.

Peter arrives at the party dressed as Jonah Jameson Jr. He then sees Felicia at the party with Vin, who looks stunning as ever ( at least for this art). This Felicia however turns out to be Carlie, dressed as the Black Cat. Apparently Vin convinced her to come to the party.

In probably one of the more interesting scenes, Vin approaches Harry saying that his father ( Norman) sends a message to take care of the kid. He then lifts his sleeve showing a tatoo of the green goblin. After seeing Carlie with Vin, Peter needs to go out to get some air. There he sees MJ, dressed as Jackpot, who to my disliking convinces Peter to get together with Carlie. With that, Peter walks in the house, finds Carlie and asks her to be his girlfriend. The first story ends with them kissing in the kitchen.

Story 2 - Honor thy Father

After the party, Vin walks out to be greeted by Harry. Harry, somehow electrocutes Vin, threatening him never to threaten his son again. He then punches Vin bloody, wipes his hands and walks off.

Story 3 - Stand off
This story was really a waste. We see Mayor Jameson making a new law stating that citizens are not to touch public property, and that such things, like repair, for instance are for those paid to do it. Later we see that a lamp post has fallen and is obstructing traffic. Spidey tries to move it but is stopped by the police. After much negotiating, Spidey says he will lift it, so that the traffic can flow until the crane comes. Then the crane can lift it.

He holds the lamp post till the crane is 5 mins away. He then puts it down as ordered by the police, only to have the mayors car crash right into it. Turtled in the car, Spidey refuses to help Jameson out until he revokes the new law he had just made. Jameson eventually agrees and things are set back to normal.

Story 4 - Norah last day
Peter notices Norah is having a bad day. He finds out that she is moving out of New York but does not want to tell why. That night, Spidey meets Norah, takes her around NYC, and then fishes out that Norah is leaving because her mother says she is not being a productive reporter in the city. Spidey advises her to stay and to help change the city as a reporter. The next day, Norah is back to normal, and is staying in NY.

Story 5 - American Hero
This story features Flash Thompson, former classmate of Peter, who looked up to Spider-Man. He went to the army and came back without legs. He recently wrote an article stating how he looked up to Spidey as an example to follow.

We see Flash by himself in an alley when he is attacked by muggers. He fights them off as much as he can till Spidey appears and helps him out. After the action the two chat. At the end of it all, we find that both parties look up to the other for inspiration.

Story 6 - You Again?
This is the story of Mia, the girl who kissed Peter at the very first issue of BND ( 101 issues ago) Apparently she was trying to get Harry's attention.

88 issues ago, she was standing outside the club waiting to catch a glimpse of Harry, hwom she is very much interested in.

79 issues ago, we see her at the FEAST looking for Peter, still hoping he can get her close to Harry.

56 issues ago we see her still looking for Peter at Jameson's Campaign headquarters, where Peter was supposed to be.

52 issues ago, Mia is talking to Venom, who at that time is posing as Spidey, asking questions about Peter. Venom later eats her dog.

47 issues ago, Mia hopes to get Peter's attention by catching Aunt May's wedding flowers. Unfortunately for her, MJ appears and steals the show.

44 issues ago, she finally meets Peter outside the coffee bean and exchanges numbers with him. We later find out that it was actually the Chameleon posing as Peter.

In this issue, she appears in the kitchen, witnessing Peter and Carlie kissing. Annoyed and depressed, she goes outside to the hall where she meets Harry. Harry talks to her and explains how he's leaving for good. Upon hearing this, she gets upset and storms out the house.

Thoughts
This was definitely a fantastic way to end Brand New Day. Fortunately I have some time on my hands to do a review of such a long issue. (Even if it is a few days late) The issue ends with some previews for coming stories, featuring Spider-girl, and an Osborn series. See the video for Big Time on the right side bar.

ASM presents: American Son 4 of 4

Posted by bps 14 September 2010

The American Son mini is finally over. Honestly, I wish I had just read everything on Wikipedia. The story was good. While the build up was interesting, it didn't end with anything life changing, unfortunately. Everything goes back to normal. Almost as if the whole event never took place.

The Story.

Well, I forgot to mention at the end of my last review, ASM Presents: American Son 3 of 4, that Spider-Man was knocked out the window by Gabriel, after he gained control of himself. So this issue starts with Spidey, falling out of the window. He lands on a car that breaks his fall, just as some cops decide to blow a hole in the front door of the building to get in.

Unfortunately for them, this was no ordinary front door, and it did not bow open. Instead, it just made a loud noise, injuring the cops, while alerting Gabriel that people were trying to come in. Gabriel takes off in the America Son costume to attend to his 'visitors.'

Spider-Man, outside, is trying to help the injured folks, while Harry, now alone with Norah, tries to set her free ( She was tied to a chair). Gabriel comes outside to create some nuisance ( nothing Spidey can't really handle) See the image on right.

Gabriel later goes back to see his half brother, now alone, since Norah is gone. Harry has an ultimate showdown with Gabriel, pretty much using his brain to fight his half brother. Harry eventually wins, in the lamest possible way - He touches the American Son armor and tells it to disassemble. Obviously, the armor, which was designed for Harry, responds to him more so than it does to Gabriel. At the end of the issue, we see Gabriel in jail, receiving a package containing the American Son's helmet.

Thoughts

If anything substantial came out of this mini series, it is this:

Norah, throughout the mini, noticed that Harry was taking drugs. We later see that Norman, in jail, appears to be taking the same kinda drugs, probably to keep his mind stable. Could this mean that Harry is gonna be turning into the goblin soon again.

ASM presents: American Son # 1 review

Posted by bps 25 May 2010

This issue was pretty good, yet the outcome of the first story was totally unexpected. In general however, I believe that I will be enjoying this story. The story takes place after Siege, i.e. after Norman Osborn has been taken out. Sometime during Dark Reign, Norman recruited his son to wield the American Son armor. Harry used it to challenge his own father, while saving Spider-Man's life. See Dark Reign: American Son

The Story
It all starts the night after Norman is taken out. A man in a hood approaches a truck carrying the American Son armor. He pays the truck driver off and takes the armor. At this point, its pretty obvious that it has to be Harry. The next day, Harry is seen at the Coffee Bean outlet he owns. Harry has been having financial problems. The coffee shop is not doing so well either.

The next scene shows some thug threatening innocents in the bus. Soon after, someone in the American Son costume appears and saves the day. The whole scene appears on TV and Norah, the flirtatious girl who was investigating Norman's case during Dark Reign, seems a little confused by it all.

She is next seen at the Harry's Coffee shop. At first Harry is suspicious and tells her to get out. Norah explains that she just wants a cup of coffee and is not here for an interview. All the while, Norah is observing Harry's actions. She concludes that he does not look well enough to be a superhero.

Harry is later seen taking some pills at the back of his shop. Being the son of Norman Osborn, and the only person who can wear the American Son armor, he is being stalked by everyone, everywhere he goes. Harry, goes home to Mary Jane's apartment. MJ herself is getting a little worried about her friend who has been behaving strangely recently.

She then calls Peter and tries to get him to talk to Harry. Peter agrees to do it the next morning. Meanwhile, Harry lies in bed, taking more pills. He congratulates himself saying that he did a good job helping people today.

The next morning an agent in a suit appears. He explains how his partner was mutated into a monster by Norman. This monster was taken out and killed by the American Son in Age of Heroes # 2. Harry denies being a hero. The agent then states that he was not here to talk about his partner's death, but about a theft of three hundred thousand dollars worth of diamonds, which could only be stolen by the American Son.

Annoyed, Harry walks out the shop to the back alley, only to be greeted by Spider-Man. Harry refuses to talk to him as well and goes back into the shop. Sometime later, I assume, a man walks into Harry shop claiming to be Gabriel Stacy - the other son of Norman by Gwen Stacy. He then shoots Harry in the chest.

The second story
The events that take place in this second story occur before the events in the first story. It begins with Spidey wondering to himself how Harry is able to stay so cheerful despite what he has been through. Peter is helping out at the Coffee Bean because it brings back good memories - his days in high school.

Harry has been having problems with paying his rent, along with some other bills. To top it all off, there is a new competitor in town, just across the street. Peter sits with Harry discussing ways to shut their competitor down. Peter comes up with a few ideas which involve some help from their old friends.

Such ideas include:

Give out flyers at the University
Get Betty and Norah to write articles about Harry's Coffee Bean shop
and holding a rally in front of the shop

All seems to be going well until their competitor installs a 150 inch plasma TV in the store. At this point, Peter decides to do some 'Web Marketing' of his own. As Spider-Man, he steals Screwball's helmet. For those who do not know, Screwball's job involves disturbing Spider-Man to video record him with her helmet to put on the internet.

Anyway, he takes her helmet, swings by the Coffee Bean, and starts doing a small commercial for Harry, live on the internet. Screwball, not far behind catches up and the two fight for a bit. Harry eventually comes out of his shop and starts beating the heck out of Spider-Man. The crowd loves it, and even Screwball sticks around to record it all.

In the midst of it all, Mary Jane appears stating that she just canceled all her appointments to come visit the bean. With an all famous supermodel having a drink at Harry's shop, the public crowd into the Coffee Bean. Thus the Coffee Bean lives to see another day.

Thoughts
Harry Osborn has been quite an interesting character since Brand New Day. He's been portrayed as a wealthy young man, who no longer wants anything to do with his father. Somewhere along the line, Harry's luck ran out. He found out that his girlfriend was a crook, and the mother of his father's child. Worst still, he learned she was using him all along. Harry became homeless, and is now having financial problems. Most recently, he has moved in with Mary Jane, and is thought by the public to be her boyfriend.

Now, it appears as though Harry has just been killed by his step brother - Gabriel.What really annoys me is that both their girlfriends of Peter and Harry have slept with Norman and had children by him. What is up with this guy??

Anyway, I see a good story coming up.

Amazing Spider-Man 617

Posted by bps 14 January 2010

Amazing Spider-Man 617 was far above any expectations. Judging from the preview, the story did not seem all that fantastic. Similarly, the art, although not disgusting, was not impressive either. The finals stroke that caused the lack of expectation was the villain in hte issue - the Rhino.

As many can agree, the Rhino has never been the greatest threat, and like Electro, majority of his stories have not been too interesting. This story however is mind blasting, and is worth reading. The comic is split into two, related stories.

So, what is this story all about?

The Story

To save myself some time, I suggest you take a look at the preview for this issue before continuing to read. The preview ends with Peter Parker having a nightmare and being told by Michelle that she forgot to wake him early as was asked to.

Spider-Man is then seen swinging in the cold, over what used to be the DB, to the Frontline ( his current working place. ) His boss, Ben Urich, offers Peter a full time job at the Frontline with a higher pay, due to increased business resulting from the destruction of the DB. Norah overhears the conversation and book Peter as her photographer.

Elsewhere the a figure shaped like the Rhino is seen staring at images of Spider-man fighting the Rhino. Over the phone, a person asks if he is ready to ascend.

Peter and Norah end up at a casino where Norah manages to win some big bucks. The relationship between Peter and Norah goes on as she constantly flirts with him as she has been doing in the past issues.

While at the casino, the two bump into the Rhino, without his suit. Peter learns that the Rhino, aka, Sytsevich, ( his real name) now works a decent job at the casino as a bouncer. As Peter ponders on how he can change to Spider-Man and keep Norah safe, another cool suited Rhino breaks into the building demanding a fight with Sytsevich.

At the right moment, Peter finds some space to get changed and interferes in the discussion between the two Rhinos. Annoyed that Sytsevich will not fight, he throws a live horse at him. The Rhino is then seen with blood and bits of horse all over his only good work suit. The new Rhino then walks off giving the old Rhino time to prepare and suit up.

After filing a police report, Sytsevich is next seen at nite preparing to suit up. Spider-Man, however is able to convince him not to. The story ends with the new Rhino furious that there was no fight between him and the original. It is later revealed that the person on the other side of the phone in this new Rhino's hideout is none other than the Kraven Family.

The Second Story

This story fills in the gap for readers wondering how the Rhino became good and found a wife. It is a simple, yet touching story. The Rhino essentially surrenders himself. His skin is then surgically removed by S.H.I.E.L.D. After pleading guilty to all crimes, he is sentenced to 25 years in prison. Due to extreme coorperation throughout his term, including not escaping when given the opportunity, he is released early, not even serving a fraction of his sentence.

His first stop outside of prison is a small restaurant where he meets a friendly waitress. The waitress explains how many convicts come to that restaurant and majority of them fall in love with her as she is the first women they have seen in years. Not wanting to hear anything about love, the Rhino leaves the restaurant.

He then tries to find an honest job, but fails miserably due to his criminal record. As he is about to resort to returning to crime, he sees the waitress who first served him at the restaurant. After s short conversation with the girl, he changes his mind about returning to crime and buys the girl some dinner.

Personal Thoughts
Overall, an awesome story line that was completely uncalled for. The issue could be a whole lot better with better art. In fact, I believe that it is possible to like Norah as a character, if it wasn't for the lame art in almost every issue she appears in.

Peter Parker's personal life once again becomes even more messed. Aleksei Sytsevich aka the real Rhino, has made tremendous steps to change since Brand New Day. Essentially, this is a great issue to the new year.

Story: 9/10
Art: 4/10

Dark Reign: The list- Amazing Spider-man

Posted by bps 21 November 2009

Dark Reign: The list Spider-man is the best Spider-man related comic I have read since Who was Ben Reilly? (Amazing Spider-Man 608,609,610) The story as we know involves Norman Osborn going through a checklist of things he wants done. As the cover page suggests, the last thing on his list is to kill Spider-man.

The art for this comic is spectacular. After reading comics with weird art like Amazing Spider-Man 611 and Amazing Spider-Man 612, this comic is like a pain killer. In the preview, we can see that Peter Parker is upset with himself for allowing Norman Osborn to rise to the power he currently holds. He, much like is American Son, is planning to take Norman down once and for all, through the press, again.

The story
The preview ends with Peter consulting with other "Frontline" staff, including Norah who managed to sneak into the Avengers Tower in American Son, on ways to expose Norman. Apparently, Norah had stolen some blueprints to the Avengers Tower during her last visit.

The next scene is most humorous as Norman is explaining to his secretary how he is going to kill Spider-man. He walks into the room and finds Spider-man sitting there, conviniently downloading some files into a pendrive.

Iron patriot grows furious and their reunion evolves into an ultimate showdown between the Iron Patriot and Spidey. Spider-man's humor during the fight never ceases to amaze me. After being hit by one of Iron Patriots beams, the public take it upon themselves to beat the friendly neighborhood Spider-man, as usual.

Elsewhere we see people all over New York watching the fight. Some rooting for Iron Patriot, while others, including Harry, supporting Spider-man. The fight ends with Spider-man barely making an escape in the crowd of civilians.

While searching the crowd, Norman spots Peter Parker who was sending the files in the pendrive to all his contacts, from the media. Norman, as the Iron Patriot tries to hurt Peter but is forced to stop when Peter explains that he is an American tax paying citizen. Make sure you read the panel below.

The story ends with Norah, absolutely mad at Peter for sending the files on the pendrive to Betty Brant, reporter of the DB, as well.

Following this, we see Ben Urich and Jessica Jones a couple of years ago ( Pre OMD), investigating an old murder by Norman Osborn, leading them to his office door. Upon reaching there however, they bump into the Green Goblin himself.

At this point the art changes, much to my liking, resembling the art during the JMS run.

This is essentially just an old story in which Luke Cage, boyfriend of the pregnant Jessica Jones, takes down Norman Osborn with Spider-man and exposing him as the Green Goblin. Ben Urich, now the owner of Frontline was the one who wrote the article exposing Norman Osborn for the Daily Bugle back then.

Personal thoughts - This comic was most enjoyable, and unexpected, even to the point of adding some old stories in with what I call 'good art.' Its interesting to read words like 'Daily Bugle' appearing, and 'Parker!' coming out from the mouth of the Goblin.

Amazing Spider-man 612

Posted by bps 19 November 2009

The story is divided in two stories. In my opinion, the comic makes the reader feel that he is back in the 1960's ( At least the first story does). Reason for this being that the art in the comic is very much like the art in the 1960's Spider-man cartoon. Others have commented that the art is very 'Vertigo' Styled.

It is implied that the first story takes place soon after Spider-man has spent some time with the Avengers. This could possibly be in New Avengers 59 , or Ms Marvel 47.
Before continuing, you may want to catch the preview for this issue here.

First story
At the beginning, focus is mainly on Electro and what he has been going through in more recent times. Such include a dysfunction in his powers, searching for a cure, and being treated like a freak by everyone else. Thankfully he is seen in this comic, mostly without his 'mask.'

In the meantime we find that Dexter Bennet, owner of the DB ( former Daily bugle ) is requesting a bail out for his dying company. Electro, tired of being accused a criminal is set on exposing to the public the real criminal - big shots like Dexter Bennet who is using the taxpayers money to bail out the DB.

Coming back to Peter, we learn that Peter never got drunk in Amazing Spider-Man 600, yet, he had a hangover the day after and was unable to remember what happened - i.e. his one night stand with Michelle. He was unknowingly drinking apple ginger ale the whole time, not champagne.

Anyhow, Peter finds out eventually from Michelle that Electro has gained the trust of the people and is protesting against Bennet. Spider-man obviously is not about to let the villain wonder around New York and attempts to stop him. Surprisingly, Electro seems to be able to counter attack all of Spider-man's moves. Spider-man is thrown down into the angry mob, who think Spider-man is Bennet's hired gun against Electro.

Second Story
The second story features Mary Jane, Black Cat, and Norah. Unfortunately, the art for this story has to be gross. This story focuses on Spider-man and the Black Cat. Peter wonder's where his relationship with Felicia is going as she does not really care about anything he does "out of the suit."

While trying to make some conversation with Felicia, Spider-man mentions that he bumped into his ex that morning. His Parker luck did not help him too much there though. As much as Spider-man fans would want to see Mary Jane in a comic, the art simply throws you off. I must highlight the terrible art.

Check out the ugly Peter Parker and Mary Jane below

This second story could be so much better if the art was good. It ends with Peter meeting someone in the office that sounds and smells like the Black Cat, but goes by the name Ashley Moon. Not to mention causes him to have some 'Bad Luck.'

The only real relationship that is visible between the Black Cat and this Ashley Moon are the green eyes. It is highly possible that Felicia is simply wearing a wig. Nonetheless, as I have pointed out before, Felicia, normally has blue eyes.Read this article I wrote a while back.

Image below: Ashley Moon

Ever since Amazing Spider-Man 606, the Black Cat has suddenly had blue eyes, which bothers me particularly because the green eyes are supposed to be one of the ways to differentiate Mary Jane when she is drawn by different artists. For eg, no one would ever know that it was Mary Jane in the panel above if it were not for her green eyes.

Now apparently the green eyes are what connects Ashley Moon to Felicia. Apart from this, Norah is also featured in this story, almost hiding none of her mixed feelings toward Peter.

Personal Thoughts
As in the review for Amazing Spider-Man 611, I am lacking any personal insight to this comic as the art is just too distracting. Overall, very disappointing in my opinion. Very poor story and art. I need to read some old Spider-man comics.

The first story was reasonably fine. The story was nothing special, nonetheless it is building the foundation for a good story that we are not yet seeing. Electro's character is magnified here, providing a refreshing new view on his character.

As far as the second story is concerned, if you want to read a good story with the Black Cat, do not read this. If there is anything to like about this comic is that we can pretty much confirm Spidey still has not let go of Mary Jane. Unfortunately enough, the sudden appearance of this Ashley Moon has once again blank out all hopes of Peter getting back with Mary Jane anytime soon.

Could it be possible that this is Mephisto's idea of giving Peter a 'chance at happiness?' After all, he is the devil, and I am certain that the devil would not want a happy clean marriage ahead for Peter Parker. So instead, he decides to keep putting sluts in Peter's way to keep him temporarily "happy." Any thoughts?

Other than that - rated 3.5/10 by bulletproofsponge

American Son - Quick summary

Posted by bps 18 November 2009

With the release of Dark Reign: The List - Amazing Spider -man today, it was only sensible to review the last Norman Osborn/ Spider-man confrontation which took place in Amazing Spider-man 595 - 599 in a series called American Son.

Dark Reign: The list -Spider-man is essentially a spin off from the American Son series. Prior to this series, Harry was dating a girl called Lily, whose father was running for Mayor.

It was later learned that Lily was in fact the unknown goblin resembling villain known as Menace. Peter, already working for the Front Line at the time, wanted to nail Osborn with the press, as will most probably be the plan in The List.

Due to the lack of available legal proof against Osborn, Spider-man resorts to a physical battle and consults Wolverine before doing so. In the meantime, Peter is also having problems with his new 'brother-in-law' to be, Jonah Jameson - the mayor.

Norman Osborn was trying to recruit his son - Harry to join his Dark Avengers. Peter obviously took this opportunity to beat the hell out of Norman, threatening him to leave Harry alone. In the meantime Lily, in her goblin form appears at Harry's apartment and explains that she is pregnant with his son. In order to help find a cure, Harry agrees to join his fathers Avengers.

Without knowledge of Lily being pregnant, Peter approaches his friend trying to convince him not to join the Dark Avengers. Norah, in the meantime has been trying to investigate whatever she can on Norman Osborn and manages to get access to the Avengers tower.

After beating and capturing Mac Gargan, the new venom who has been posing as the Dark Avenger's Spider-man, Spidey uses a special suit designed by the Fantastic Four and guises himself as Venom.

Spider-man learns that Norman plans on making Harry the new Captain America for his Dark Avengers. Eventually Daken smells Spider-man out and the two battle. The fight ends with Harry appearing. Spider-man is then exposed and tortured. Lily in the meantime is permanently turning into the menace, being unable to change back to her normal form, which further stresses Harry.

While Spider-man is not having the best luck, Norah is doing a good job of making her was around the tower.

The Dark Avengers have a hard time getting the costume off of Spider-man - another feature of the suit. However, using some of Tony Stark's technology, Norman was able to solve the problem. At this point, while waiting for the molecules of the suit to 'stabilize,' Norman explains how Lily was pregnant, with his own son. She was simply a tool to get Harry to join the Avengers. At the same time, Harry, who has finally got a cure for Lily, finds out the news himself. (With Norah spying on them).

Full of hate, Spider-man breaks loose and starts a fight. Without his energy however, he begins to fade out quickly. Before Norman can remove Spider-man's mask, he is hit hard by what we later find out is Harry, in the Captain America costume.

The entire issue following features the intense battle between the two. Harry ends it, but is convinced by Peter not to kill him. Killing him would result in finally becoming the son that he always wanted.

Norah returns extremely happy and enthusiastic about writing the story. She then receives an email that changes her decision about writing the story.

There has been no mention of Lily in the ASM comics since the American Son series finished. Dark Reign: The list-Spider-man will continue where this left off in the final battle, for now, between Norman Osborn and Spider-man.

Amazing spider-man # 606 review

Posted by bps 24 September 2009

Who is the Black Cat?
Felicia Hardy. She is hot, very shallow, loves Spider-man, but not Peter Parker. At one point she was beginning to change her character to on that actually cares. At current, she's forgotten who Spider-man's secret identity is ( How is that even possible?) and it appears she is back to her old self.

In this comic, she denotes Spidey as "only good in the sack." That pretty much explains a bit about their past now doesn't it? Spider-man used to date her until she found out his identity and broke up. As I mentioned, she was, and is not into Peter Parker. She is a good crook.

Why does Peter like her?
Why wouldn't he? She's hot, smooth, sexy, and wants him. Unfortunately, there isn't much more to the Black Cat apart from her physical aspect. Although there are times in past comics where she does actually care about Spider-man.

Spoiler Summary

It starts, as in the preview, with Madam Web. Peter, in the meantime is having problems with the girls - Michelle, Norah, and MJ. MJ only had good intentions of breaking some ice with Peter. The preview explains what happened there. He's becoming a lil like archie now don't you think?

Next scene, Spider-man is taking out his frustrations on a poor mugger. When more bad luck fall upon him... before he can mention" Brand New Day." How queer. At this seen, the artists chooses to zoom in on a gargoyle/ demon type statue. Interesting huh?

When he bumps into the Black Cat. She is on a 'mission' of some sort. They chat about their previous relationship. Apparently Peter's breath gets choppy when he's horny and the Black Cat's breath get choppy when she tells the truth. Whatever.. this is useful info to understand image I posted below

We find out that the place they are breaking into belongs to Dexter Bennet. We find a 'stoned' corpse in his house and then *boom* out comes some felon called Diablo. There is an explosion in the place and Spider-man jumps out.

It still bugs me as to what happened to the bad guy. But the next thing we know, Black cat walks out just fine and walks off with a book.

Do not forget, the Black Cat is still some kind of a bad guy. She may have something to do with it.

Anyway, Spider-man gets all dramatic and chases after her. Looks like he forgot about the bad guy too. DUMB. It ends with Peter knowing fully well he shouldn't be kissing Felicia. But after the terrible day he's just had, he decides to give in to his body, and face whatever happens next.

Also, this whole Spidey/ Black cat romance in being recorded on tv.. Live. And guess who sees it.

Check out the scene below.

This issue is all about Spider-man not using his brain. He just foolishly falls for the Black Cats sex appeal =p Obviously Spider-man is gonna regret this later on. We'll see what happens.

It is sad for MJ though. She is the only one who really loves Peter,besides Aunt May. If I hadn't read what MJ was doing in LA in Amazing Spider-Man # 605, I would not like this issue. But since Mary Jane could date someone else. I think Peter should be allowed this dance.

Just try reading this comic without thinking about One More Day.

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