An Old Birds Tale...

Looking through my collection this week and I came upon this Amazing Spider-man, written by Dan Slott and that got me thinking, how long has he been behind the friendly neighbourhood Spider-man? It has been for some time, the modern time spider we all know and love has been crafted and moulded by Slott for sometime now. I think to the upcoming Spider-verse arc that is coming up and I wonder on how far ahead have the writers and editors been planning these events, I am curious about all the little hints and clues as well, the things we may have overlooked. And since I've been enjoying the current run of ASM, I decided to take a look back at this issue, spanning just after the events of "Spider Island" and with a classic Spidey villain, the Vulture! Although this time he's got a flock of Vultures at his disposal to do his dirty work, he is old or lazy or both, who knows with that guy? So how bad can it be for our hero, let's find out...

We see Spider-man with his new ex girlfriend, Carlie Cooper investigating the recent "accidents" from teens literally falling from the sky. The theory is these are teens who have been de-powered after the events from Spider Island, were everyone in Manhattan had Spider-man powers and also eventually transformed into giant hairy spiders. Meanwhile we see the Vulture getting his gang ready for another robbery, letting the newest member of his group understand the situation he is in and who is really pulling the wings around here. We see that while each of these young hooligans are under the Vulture talon per say, they enjoy the benefits and the powers that come with it, the money and the respect as VIPs at their hideout club. As they fly off for the next heist, Spider-man and Carlie connect the dots and are off to stop the Vulture and his crew. Action ensues and we see the fight break out between the spider and the vultures, the young ones and the really really old one...who I gotta wonder, how old is he? I mean shouldn't he, you know retire or something, especially if one punch from Spider-man could turn him into dust. But no, actually he ends up throwing a large water container at Spider-man and ends up getting away. The ending though is pretty great, with both Carlie and Mary Jane meeting up to talk about Peter. The look on his face as he has the feeling something bad is going to happen is pretty priceless. Sucks to be Parker.

The whole issue had a really nostalgic feel to it, really felt like watching an episode of the cartoon Spider-man. And in some ways, isn't that we want from our web headed hero? The art and the writing feel perfect for this kind of story, it's a light hearted comic book adventure, if you looking for something dark and gritty call Frank Miller or something. In retrospect, maybe that's why some people didn't like Spider-man Reign, the book was pretty dark. But I really liked it and will definitely review it here when I find myself a copy. The one thing though out of a light hearted Spider-man book, is that it is something you can share with the younger generation and in many ways, we need to get the kids involved with comics, make them care and love the characters. And also, let them find the other characters as well, the other books aside from the mainstream classics. And while it may not be the most epic story ever written, it's a good light hearted super hero read. Worth a check out for every Spider-man fan. An easy read is what was needed after the events of Spider Island and this one fits the bill just right. 

So remember, while it may not do much for the bigger picture, I can't find any problems with issue 675, any problems without being a super nit picky comic book guy. And trust me, no one wants to be that guy. The only thing I would say is to find issue 674 first, only because it completes the entire story. And since it has been some years now, you should be able to find this one at a really low price. That's all the time I have for today, going to go grab a coffee and look through some more potential books to read and review. But as always I am open to any and all suggestions in the comment section below, be sure to subscribe and tell others about this page, until then, keep chasing the storm.

Future Spider...

I am starting to really try and figure out my approach to one-shot stories in comic books. I mean I know going in that it's going to be a one time deal, the story starts and finishes in the same book, and most of the time it will be some side adventure, although I have read a lot of good Annual books that have a big character development that carries over to the main story or something big has an affect on the world. So with that being said, I am scratching my head on how to review last weeks release, part of the Marvel 100th Anniversary series that's going on this month, Spider-man! And off the bat, they give you a run down on what's been going on in the story so far, apparently this is the last issue of an 8 issue story, I wouldn't mind seeing the rest of these being made one day perhaps. But our hero, Peter Parker is arguing with Eddie Brock over the control of the "Techno Symbiote" suit, which means it's like Venom but it gives you control over all technology and in a future world, that's a pretty useful thing to have. But before they can decide who keeps this great power, bam, Kingpin shoots Brock and takes the suit for himself. Not really a spoiler here though guys, this is actually the cover for the book, gives you an idea of what to expect going in.

I will say this much though, this book looks incredible! With artist In-Hyuk Lee pages you see a very cool digital art, which for a story based in the future really works, it makes sense. The futuristic world created is one that seems possible and near, no flying cars in sight but plenty of bright lights and great looking city designs. The ability to control technology with the suit is a big deal here, especially in this kind of world, there is an interesting commentary here on our dependence on technology. The writer Sean Ryan creates a situation that leaves the Kipling in complete control of the entire city and possibly the entire world if left to his own devices. And while this does work for a story and I would have liked to seen more of this world, I am still left wondering on how necessary this book is at the end of the day? What does this do for the Spider-man legend? Even with a massive multiverse Spider-man story coming soon this year, how does this change anything? Was it meant to at all?

I will say that the book looks great and it is a decent read as well, feels a little short but when you only have one issue to tell a story, that will happen. But if you can't afford to get the extra book here and there, you aren't missing out too much. And this applies for the three different Marvel 100th Anniversary books out there, unless you can and you are a die hard fan of said series, no reason to stop you here, a lot cool ideas are presented in a different world with the characters you know and love.Wait for a collection book, that might be coming out in a few months as well. But clearly in my opinion, if you are going to do a one shot comic, make sure it has a lot to give, Superman: Doomed for example was a one shot that set in motion the big events leading to all the current Superman titles. You can tell a bigger story in one issue, you just have to play the cards right.

So that's my take on Marvel 100th Anniversary Spider-man, let me know what you guys thought, did you like it more and why, did you want to see more of this story and it's world? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to subscribe, got more comic book reviews coming up and ChileanStorm news and updates as well, so be sure to check it all out. That's all the time I have for today, I will see you guys later on in the week, until then keep chasing the storm!