The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Bitten by a radioactive spider, nerdy Peter Parker is granted weird abilities, the proportionate strength and agility of a spider and the responsibility to do something with his powers. When his uncle dies unnecessarily at the hands of a street hood that Peter should have stopped, he makes a vow to use his skills to protect the innocent in a city of a million stories and a million dangers.

Anyone who has not seen the movie should avoid this review as it is riddled with spoilers…

Spider-Man is the golden boy of Marvel Comics. Dreamed up by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, his comic book series was an ingenious experiment in romantic drama and pulp action/adventure. A teenager gifted with superhuman strength, endurance and agility bit with a smart mouth to boot was an entirely new concept. Comic books were mainly populated at the time with square-jawed stoic champions of justice, making a lanky kid from the suburbs of New York all the more of an oddity. A gifted scientific genius, Parker lived in a world of Marvels in which he was a perpetual outcast. The Avengers were too noble, the Fantastic Four too much of a family and the X-Men too militant. Of all the Marvel superheroes, Spider-Man is the most attractive to awkward misfits which may explain his long lasting appeal.

In my previous articles on superhero movies I talked about how they can either have some cultural significance or act as a marketing tool for toy manufacturers. In the case of Spider-Man, I think he falls between the cracks. Even the best of his cinematic outings isn’t as moving or cerebral as the Dark Knight trilogy, yet his worst film is nowhere near the pandering of Batman & Robin. Full of intense action, unrequited love and drama, Spider-Man was custom-made for the modern motion picture. It just took a while for the movie industry to catch up.

With several decades’ worth of stories to pull inspiration from, there are many different angles to the web spinner. The Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy, for example, mainly drew from the look and feel of the John Romita Sr. comics, with the glamorous females and dynamic set pieces. They told an emotional story of young Peter Parker growing into a man in a world of mad scientists and horrific creatures. It’s a good story and it holds up well.

When Sony decided to start from scratch with the Amazing Spider-Man, I wondered what the point was. The previous trilogy was an enormous hit and made the comic book character a media darling for n entire generation. The only real reason to start over would be to tell a different kind of story and that is exactly what Marc Webb’s movie does.

Drawing instead from the early Ditko comics, this Spider-Man is lanky and spindly rather than buff and handsome with puppy-dog eyes as Toby Maguire was. This Spider-Man has an angrier, sharper edge and a drive toward justice that the Raimi/Maguire version lacked. He is also a mechanical and chemical genius rather than a mutant able to create webs from his arms. This Peter Parker has to work on his web shooters himself and develop schemes to take down enemies using the scientific method rather than luck and determination.

This is a decidedly different Spider-Man, more grounded in reality than the computer-generated and stylized world that Sam Raimi developed. I don’t want to cast judgement here as both work, but I am surprised at how tactile and realistic this Spider-Man looks in action.

In casting Peter Perker, the studio went with Andrew Garfield, whom I know from the magnificent Red Riding trilogy but others are familiar with from his appearance in the Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus. An accomplished actor, I was still a bit distracted by the fact that he was a good 10 years older than the teenager he was portraying. Even so, the script made good use of the high school setting and established Peter as an angry confused kid with lots of pent up emotions and nothing to do with them.

Raised by his aunt and uncle, Peter Parker lives a secluded and protected life, but even so he is picked on and judged by his classmates, often the butt of a joke. He is gifted and brilliant, but it seems that he will never live up to his potential because he is too weedy and insecure. Even when the blonde bombshell Gwen Stacy shows interest, he cam’t bring himself to make a move. Again, Peter Parker is an emotional mess, but in this instance his anxiety is closer to the surface as opposed to the all-American sweetheart that Maguire portrayed.

The mystery of Peter’s parents plays a strong role in the film (and upcoming sequel), which some may be surprised to hear is a unique idea. In the comics, Peter’s parents are all but ciphers that few writers have ever bothered to explore. making Peter’s father the linchpin of the plot is inspired and also reinforces the importance of scientific intelligence. Peter uses his brains throughout this film, something that was sadly lacking on the Raimi trilogy. Seeking out an old colleague of his father’s, Peter encounters Dr. Curtis Conners who is on the brink of a brilliant discovery in cross-species genetics, but lacks a key piece of information. Researching his father’s notes, Peter gives up the info to Conners who in turn experiments on himself, becoming the Lizard.

In talking about the Lizard, arguably the most ambitious CG villain to fight Spider-Man to date, I should bring up the special effects. Webb had stated that he wanted to step away from the 360 camera angles and hyper-realistic visuals that made the Raimi films so distinctive, Instead, we are given more tactile visuals which was a very risky decision. The Lizard must look believable and real at all times and in my opinion this was accomplished very well. The action sequences and Spider-Man fight scenes seem to be very sparingly enhanced with technological trickery and are therefore more impressive to my eye. In any case, this film needed to show movie goers a new kind of Spider-Man, one that stood out against the glittering imagery of the previous three films.

The central plot hinged mainly on the responsibility of science with Conners/The Lizard taking his discovery to an extreme and Parker/Spider-Man attempting to use his powers to help others. It was interesting to see Parker’s growth from vigilante as he hunted down his uncle’s killer become tempered by a kind of sanity as he realized he was interfering with the law more than helping it. His relationship with Gwen Stacy was an interesting twist as she became more than a lobve interest and instead a full-on confident and associate. Bold move there.

There were a couple of sore points for me but at least they moved the plot forward. I could have done without the prolonged sequence where Spider-Man saves a young boy from an SUV and offers up his mask so that the boy can ‘feel strong.’ It felt like an advertisement for the Target exclusive mask. The reunion with his ‘regular Joe’ dad (played by former 80′s star C. Thomas Howell of the completely undefendable Soul Man) was even sappier yet at least that plot thread developed further.

The fights between Spider-Man and the police as well as the sewer sequences and high school battles were astounding and made the character exciting all over again. The relationship between Gwen and Peter was far more interesting and believable for me than the Mary Jane/Peter Parker love story ever was and I think it has more depth to it as well. I was very wary of this film but hoped for the best. As it stands I was not blown out of my seat, but I was pleasantly surprised and look forward to the forthcoming Marc Webb films.

Throughout the movie, Norman Osborn acted as a kind of wraith, pulling strings off-camera and acting as the motivating factor in the development of the cross-species genetic trials. The work pioneered by Conners and Peter’s father should have saved Osborn from some mysterious ailment. At the conclusion, we see Conners confronted by a strange ‘Man in the Shadows’ who pumps the troubled scientist for information on how much Peter knows about his father. When Connors urges the mystery man to leave Peter alone, it is clear that is not in the cards. I’m tickled pink that anyone could think that this mystery man was anyone BUT Norman Osborn, but there it is. No doubt the mystery of Peter’s parents will continue to grow as the scientific advancements of his father’s research bears bitter fruit in the form of other monstrosities.

It should be spectacular.

Check out Spider-Man’s new costume

Via CBR.com:

Official Press Release

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Spider-Man’s all new Spider-Armor, debuting in Amazing Spider-Man #656, from the superstar creative team of Dan Slott and Marcos Martin. Peter Parker may have hit the Big Time, but that hasn’t stopped new villains from terrorizing Manhattan. What kind of foe would prompt Spider-Man to suit up in this high-powered costume? Find out in Amazing Spider-Man #656!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #656
Written by DAN SLOTT
Penciled & Cover by MARCOS MARTIN
Captain America 70th Anniversary Variant Cover by JOE QUESADA
Rated A …$3.99
ON SALE IN MARCH!

Fan-favorite scribe Dan Slott (Thing: Idol of Millions, She-Hulk) has only been the writer of Amazing Spider-Man but already has earned a strong following, His blend of humor, action and sharp plotting has made the comic a must read. The latest developments hint at some major surprises including a brand new wardrobe for the web spinner. fans have already seen two other neon-style outfits, but the latest image debuts a new suit of armor that is something else entirely.

This marks Spider-Man’s fourth new costume that has been announced for Slott’s first story ac, Big Time. The two ‘neon’ costumes have been adapted for the Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 game while one of them has already been solicited as a minimate in the upcoming Shadowland set.

Thoughts?

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/igyo

New releases 10/20/10

For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.

Not sure where your local comic shop is? Try comicshoplocator.com!

(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)

If you can’t make it to the shop, just click on any of the images below to be taken to an online retailer. I don’t get any referrals for these sales, I’m just doing my bit to spread the word on some neat products.

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Vertigo Resurrected #1

Vertigo Resurrected #1
By: Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarallo, Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis, Jim Lee, Phil Jimenez, Bernie Wrightson, Tim Bradstreet
‘Shoot,’ Warren Ellis’s much-talked about, but never published story, involving schoolyard killings leads this mega-sized VERTIGO RESURRECTION Special.

 

Also included are rarely seen tales exploring the disturbing depths of horror, war, romance and science fiction by Brian Azzarello, Brian Bolland, Garth Ennis, Grant Morrison, Jim Lee, Peter Milligan, Bill Willingham, Bernie Wrighston and more!
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Star Wars Figure Coll Mag #09 Chewbacca

Star Wars Figure Coll Mag #09 Chewbacca
The extraordinary history of Star Wars is presented in an exceptional magazine and figurine collection.

 

Each episode of the six-film series has contributed memorable characters to the saga – and to pop culture. Characters ranging from Princess Leia Organa to General Grievous are represented in this collection, and each figure is sculpted under the direct guidance of Lucasfilm to create an exceptional series of figurines at 1/32-scale. The magazine perfectly complements the collection of miniatures, with biographies, anecdotes, images, and more, all obtained from the Lucasfilm archives. Continue your collection with Chewbacca (#9) and R2-D2 (#10).
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Bond Villains

Bond Villains
Witness the Masterminds, the Henchmen, and the Killing Machines. Bond Villains focuses upon the gallery of rogues Bond has bested in his 23-film career. Includes spectacular movie images capturing classic Bond moments and enhanced with memorable script quotations and fascinating props.
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Project Superpowers Chapter Two TPB Vol. 02

Project Superpowers Chapter Two TPB Vol. 02
By: Alex Ross & Jim Krueger, Edgar Salazar
The incredible story of Project Superpowers concludes here! Collecting issues 7-12 of the acclaimed series, creators Alex Ross and Jim Krueger clear the decks and set the stage for more thrilling adventures to come!

 

In these issues you’ll find out the ultimate fate of our heroes, witness the re-birth of the Claw and watch as the mad god Zeus wreaks havoc across the world! Plus: the birth of a new world order and a shocking twist in the story of The Supremacy!
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Star Wars: Boba Fett with Han in Carbonite Statue

Star Wars: Boba Fett with Han in Carbonite Statue
The Bounty Hunter has his quarry – Han Solo has been frozen in Carbonite. Boba Fett is flanked by two accompanying Stormtroopers as he leads the way. Each figure stands approximately 7″ tall and is keyed into a themed display base measuring 11″ in diameter.

 

Frozen in suspended animation, Han Solo appears to levitate above the base. Cast in polystone, this limited edition collectible comes with a matching, hand-numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
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Green Lantern Logo Green Previews Exclusive Zip-up Hoodie

Green Lantern Logo Green Previews Exclusive Zip-up Hoodie

Batman Logo Blk Previews Exclusive Zip-up Hoodie

Batman Logo Blk Previews Exclusive Zip-up Hoodie
Bundle yourself against the chill winds of autumn with these hoodies featuring the colors and logos of your DC Comics favorites!
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Spirit #7

Spirit #7
By: David Hine, Jan Strnad, Moritat, Richard Corben, Ladronn
‘Frostbite’ concludes with all-out gang war in the streets! Just how far will the Octopus go to take back control? You won’t believe your eyes – and neither will the man on the receiving end of the Octopus’s fury!

And in the SPIRIT: BLACK & WHITE co-feature, Jan Strnad and Richard Corben bring you a Halloween treat – Central City’s favorite dead man battling a werewolf!

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Showcase Presents Superman TPB Vol. 01 New Printing

Showcase Presents Superman TPB Vol. 01 New Printing
By: JERRY SIEGEL, BILL FINGER, CURT SWAN, DICK SPRANG, CURT SWAN, GEORGE KLEIN
Back in print, this volume collects SUPERMAN #122-133 and ACTION COMICS #241-257, featuring the birth of the Silver Age Superman mythos.

This title collects

SUPERMAN #122-133, ACTION COMICS #241-257
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Hulk #26

Hulk #26
By: Jeff Parker, Gabriel Hardman, Ed McGuinness
It’s god versus Hulk as MODOK’s apocalyptic SCORCHED EARTH protocol continues, because one doomsday is never enough! To save the world, Red Hulk needs the mightiest Avenger, and THOR has just the right tool for the job – the matchless MJOLNIR! But when the God of Thunder’s hammer drops, how much of Thor’s wrath will fall on Red Hulk himself?

From the sensational hit creative team of JEFF PARKER (THUNDERBOLTS/FALL OF THE HULKS ALPHA) and rising star GABRIEL HARDMAN (MONSTER-SIZE HULK)!

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Loki #1 (of 4)

Loki #1 (of 4)
By: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Sebastian Fiumara
The true origin of Thor’s archenemy and Marvel’s most unpredictable villain! He is the lie-smith; he is the shape-changer; he is the fire that burns.

The God of Mischief and Trickery, Loki. Meet the mirthful, beloved young man that made all the Asgardians laugh…until the first time he killed. Discover the gnarled roots of his twisted, unrelenting hatred of the Asgardians. And learn the chilling truth of why he’ll never be stopped…

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Batman Beyond #5 (of 6)

Batman Beyond #5 (of 6)
By: Adam Beechen, Ryan Benjamin, John Stanisci, Dustin Nguyen
Terry McGinnis is in for the fight of his life as he faces off against Hust for control of Neo-Gotham. But when the true identity of Hush is revealed and Bruce Wayne is targeted, Terry’s life — and Batman’s — will never be the same!
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Astro City The Dark Age Book 02: Brothers In Arms HC

Astro City The Dark Age Book 02: Brothers In Arms HC
By: Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson, Alex Ross
In the concluding volume of THE DARK AGE, collecting BOOK 3 #1-4 and BOOK 4 #1-4, two brothers, one good and one evil, must deal with family secrets and social upheaval, involving heroes from Jack-In-the-Box to the Blue Knight and the unsettling events leading to the final fate of the mysterious Silver Agent.

Find out why this era was so troubled through the eyes of two men who survived the its depths!

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Peanuts: Snoopy Then and Now Figure Set

Peanuts: Charlie Brown Then and Now Figure Set

Peanuts: Then and Now Figure Set
The year 2010 marks the sixtieth anniversary of Charles Schulz’s enduring creation Peanuts.

When the strip debuted in 1950, the look and style of the characters were different than today. All of the many licensed products have reflected today’s look; few, if any, are in the original style.

As Dark Horse’s contribution to the anniversary, we decided to bring the original look back with these twin-packs of small vinyl figures. Each set shows the characters as they were in the old days and what they are like now.

We found poses taken straight from the strips, and these specific panels will be depicted on the packaging. All four are in a running pose, which makes them look well placed together as a set.

Each figure measures close to four inches in height and is on a grass-green base (not pictured). Sculpted by the great talents at Yoe! Studio.
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Stan Lee Soldier Zero #1

Stan Lee Soldier Zero #1
By: Paul Cornell, Javier Pina, Trevor Hairsine, Dave Johnson
STAN’S BACK! The Publishing Event of the Year! Stan Lee, the most colossal force in the history of comics, teams up with BOOM! Studios to deliver a brand new line of superhero comics!

The great innovator of our industry brings his inimitable talents back to the direct market in an explosive line of comics that nobody is prepared for!

In this first ongoing series, Soldier Zero, Stan teams up with critically acclaimed writer Paul Cornell (Action Comics, Doctor Who) and artist Javier Pina (Superman, Batman) for a dramatic, action-packed superhero scorcher.

When an alien parasite falls to Earth, wheelchair-bound college student Stewart Travers becomes infected, and goes through super-human changes that no mortal could imagine. Forced into a galactic war that’s chosen Earth as the battlefield, Stewart defends the front line as Soldier Zero! Half-Human. Half-Alien. All Weapon.

The intergalactic war hits Earth this October in a new ongoing series from Stan Lee and BOOM! Studios! Featuring covers by fan-favorite artists Trevor Hairsine (X-Men), Dave Johnson (Punisher) which will be shipped randomly!
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Muppet Show #11

Muppet Show #11
By: Roger Langridge
Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-nominated run continues! You’ll find more spooky themed Muppet hijinks than you can shake a giant Beaker at after Beaker undergoes some electrifying experiments that would make a giant Mary Shelley blush.
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Ragman Suit Of Souls (One Shot)

Ragman Suit Of Souls (One Shot)
By: Christos N. Gage, Stephen Segovia, Jesus Saiz
Rory Regan has long struggled to reconcile the burden he carries as the Ragman, protector of society’s forgotten, with his own strained faith. Could the souls he has consigned to redeem themselves within his mystic suit have the answers he needs about what lies beyond – and about the mysteries kept from him by his own father?

Christos Gage (STORMWATCH: PHD, Avengers: The Initiative) and Stephen Segovia (Wolverine) provide a look inside one of the DCU’s most peculiar Super Heroes in this standalone one-shot!

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Legion Of Super Heroes #6

Legion Of Super Heroes #6
By: Paul Levitz, Yildray Cinar, Wayne Faucher
The first storyline ends here after issue #5′s shocking last page! (Didn’t see that one coming, didja?) Legion leader Cosmic Boy makes a drastic decision, that will affect the next year’s worth of LEGION stories.

And the quest to build up the 31st century Green Lantern Corps continues!

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Final Crisis Legion Of Three Worlds

Final Crisis Legion Of Three Worlds
By: Geoff Johns, George Perez, Scott Koblish
Superstar writer Geoff Johns and legendary artist George Pérez deliver the Crisis of the 31st century as the Legion of Super-Heroes reaches out for help against a powerful foe they can’t beat alone.

From the moment Superman landed on Earth until the end of time, the Time Trapper has sought to erase Superman’s impact on the universe. But the Legion of Super-Heroes have always been there to stop the relentless villain. Now, one Legion isn’t enough as the Time Trapper taps a twisted mirror image of The Boy of Steel from a parallel Earth long dead: Superboy-Prime!

Who will answer the Legion’s call for help? With ties to INFINITE CRISIS, FINAL CRISIS and the history of the DCU, this collection of the 5-issue miniseries is not to be missed!
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Classic Marvel Figure Coll Mag #133 Drax Destroyer

Classic Marvel Figure Coll Mag #133 Drax Destroyer
Bring on the Bad Guys!

These fully-authorized, hand-painted lead figurines are sculpted by master craftsmen and based on original pieces of Marvel artwork. Each 3 1/2″ figurine is individually numbered, comes stamped with the Marvel official logo, and comes packaged in its own box.

The accompanying magazine provides a detailed history and background on the featured character, including exclusive images and interviews. The fabulous characters featured this month are Annihilus (#132) and Drax the Destroyer (#133)!
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DC Superhero Figure Coll Mag #66 Black Lightning

DC Superhero Figure Coll Mag #66 Black Lightning
The ultimate collection for comics fans, the DC Superhero Collection Figurine Magazine brings together DC Comics’ greatest heroes and villains!

Official figurines of the characters, both good and evil, are cast in lead, individually hand-painted and numbered to form an authentic collector’s edition. Each comes with a 20-page magazine providing detailed history and background on the featured characters, including exclusive images and interviews. Choose this month from Black Lightning (#66) or Cosmic Boy (#67).

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Morning Glories #3

Morning Glories #3
By: Nick Spencer, Joe Eisma, Rodin Esquejo
While the rest of the Glories prepare for their first day of classes, Jade finds herself trapped in the Nurse’s office and about to undergo a ghastly procedure. But when she attempts to make her escape, she stumbles across the deadliest secret yet found within the hallowed halls of Morning Glory Academy!

Continuing the most hotly anticipated new series of the year! It’s Runaways meets Lost from the writer of FORGETLESS, SHUDDERTOWN, and EXISTENCE 2.0!

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Tokyo Underground 2: Toy and Design Culture in Tokyo

Tokyo Underground 2: Toy and Design Culture in Tokyo

The definitive book on toy shopping in Tokyo is back! Updated and expanded, this refreshing guidebook covers the essentials of travel to Japan without getting bogged down by extraneous information. Dispelling a few common myths along the way, Tokyo Underground 2 leads you on a highly entertaining tour of the neighborhoods in Tokyo known for toys and pop culture. To make the most of your time there, the stores highlighted within are ranked in terms of their importance and contain helpful descriptions of their specialties. Meet the characters that inhabit this world, from designers to eclectic toy shop owners. Find out where to eat and how to round out your toy purchases with the coolest in books, magazines, designer t-shirts, sneakers, music and more. Includes stunning photography, well-thought-out maps, and a specialized lexicon of terms and phrases to help you along on your tour of this fun and fascinating city. Providing advice about what to pack, where to go, and how to read subway maps and make telephone calls, Tokyo Underground 2 covers every step of your adventure with straightforward, useful information. As much a treasure map as a travel guide, Tokyo Underground 2 breaks down the countless confusing barriers that face visitors to Tokyo, and simplifies the journey to its essence. Tokyo is a fascinating city where skyscrapers are juxtaposed with ancient temples and the streets are packed with trendy teenagers, grey-suited businessmen, and hip urban professionals. But finding the best among Tokyo’s 13 million inhabitants spread over 850 square miles and 23 sub-cities can be daunting — especially when the coolest shops may be located down a hidden flight of stairs or obscured by the flashing lights of the neighboring ramen shop. A comprehensive resource, Tokyo Underground 2 makes the most secret shops and the coolest destinations accessible in a single book for the first time ever, offering a true insider’s glimpse into the absolute latest in Tokyo toys, trends, and culture.
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Chaos War #2 (of 5)

Chaos War #2 (of 5)
By: Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente, Khoi Pham, Brandon Peterson
The premiere event of the fall continues!

When the greatest threat the Marvel Universe has ever seen lays waste to reality and brings Earth’s mightiest heroes to their knees, who you gonna call? That’s right: the all-new, all-different, all-divine GOD SQUAD!

The fan-favorite team from SECRET INVASION returns, led by Thor and Hercules. And check out the cosmic heavy-hitters they choose to round out their sacred strikeforce: Galactus, Silver Surfer, Venus, Sersi and Hellstorm!

Plus: After the shocking death of a major Marvel character last issue, you’ll never believe who the Chaos King has next on his hit list!
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Daredevil #511

Daredevil #511
By: Anthony Johnston, Andy Diggle, Roberto De La Torre, John Cassaday
A SHADOWLAND TIE-IN.

Hell’s Kitchen has exploded into rioting, looting, and all-out chaos, and Daredevil is responsible for it all. As the leader of the Hand and controller of Hell’s Kitchen, Matt Murdock knows that conquest of New York is within his grasp. But one of his oldest friends goes to Shadowland to make one last ATTEMPT to save the Man Without Fear from walking the path from which there is no turning back.

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Steve Rogers Super-soldier #4 (of 4)

Steve Rogers Super-soldier #4 (of 4)
By: Ed Brubaker, Dale Eaglesham, Carlos Pacheco
It’s the conclusion of the hardest-hitting Steve Rogers story in years! With the Super Soldier Serum about to be sold on the black market, Steve Rogers must risk all to stop every terrorist nation on earth from creating armies of their own supermen.
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Spider-Man Grim Hunt Prem HC

Spider-Man Grim Hunt Prem HC
By: JOE KELLY, J.M. DEMATTEIS, FRED VAN LENTE, PHIL JIMENEZ, MICHAEL LARK, MAX FIUMARA, PHILLIPE BRIONES, LEINIL YU
Several years ago, one of Spider-Man’s greatest enemies, Kraven the Hunter, stalked his last prey, dying with a violent, misbegotten honor. Now, two women claiming to be his wife and daughter have tracked Spider-Man, through the urban jungle, weakening him through the Gauntlet while they prepare to attempt an unholy resurrection.

They’re hunting Spiders…and Spider-Man’s friends and namesakes are in their sights. J.M. DeMatteis, author of the classic ‘Kraven’s Last Hunt’ returns to the Amazing Spider-Man with Max Fiumara to explore an unknown confrontation between Kraven and Spidey’s violent doppelganger KAINE.

Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #634-637, GRIM HUNT PROLOGUE and material from WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #7 & SPIDER-MAN ORIGIN OF THE HUNTER.
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Marvel Zombies 5 HC

Marvel Zombies 5 HC
By: Fred Van Lente, Kano, Arthur Suydam
MACHINE MAN IS BACK!

Zombies of the multiverse, watch your rotting backs! To obtain a cure for the zombie virus for Morbius the Living Vampire, Aaron Stack, Agent of ARMOR, must traverse alternate realities hunting down the plague in all its myriad forms…with a most unusual (but somehow oddly appropriate) partner!

First up: in the Alterniverse known as ‘The Territory,’ the Old West never died. But when the greatest gunslingers of Marveldom – Two-Gun Kid, Phantom Rider, Kid Colt, and many others – rise from their graves in Boot Hill, the stage is set for a High Noon showdown with flesh-eating outlaws the likes of which you’ve never seen! Also featuring a trip to Camelot to battle the original Black Knight!

Collecting MARVEL ZOMBIES 5 #1-5.

Parental Advisory
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New Mutants #18

New Mutants #18
By: Zeb Wells, Leonard Kirk, Dave Wilkins
‘FALL OF THE NEW MUTANTS’

If there are ‘No More Mutants’ who are the mysterious folks who are ripping the New Mutants apart? All we know is they’re part of Project Purgatory and far more deadly than anything the New Mutants have had to face before. Do not miss the ‘FALL’ brought to you by Zeb Wells (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and Leonard Kirk (DARK X-MEN). Part 4 (of 5).

 

Savage Art: 20th Century Genre and the Artists that Defined It

Savage Art: 20th Century Genre and the Artists that Defined It
Savage Art showcases the popular period illustration which prefigured and helped create the violent visual language in today’s popular aboveground cinema, comic books, and ultra-violent multi-million copy video games. Featuring disturbing illustration by pulp artists Walter Baumhofer, Rafael de Soto, Jerome Rozen, and others, this beautifully produced full-color collection documents Depression-era masculine violence, in fantasy and reality, as depicted on the covers of popular literature.
About the Author
Tim Underwood, Arnie Fenner and Cathy Fenner have edited numerous collections of genre art over the past twenty years. Frank Robinson is the author of numerous thriller and SF novels. He co-authored Pulp Culture: The Art of Fiction Magazines, a renowned reference book on pulp art and literature, and co-edited Art of Imagination.
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Alter Ego #97

Alter Ego #97
We examine the other guys – the non-EC Horror Comics of the 1950s! From Menace and House of Mystery to The Thing!

We’ll take an in-depth look at some classic horror gems, with vintage art and artifacts by Bill Everett, Dick Briefer, Steve Ditko, Joe Maneely, Gene Colan , Mort Meskin, Shelly Moldoff, Russ Heath, Bob Powell, Jack Cole, Simon & Kirby, Bob Fujitani, and others!

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The Peanuts Collection: Treasures from the World's Most Beloved Comic Strip

The Peanuts Collection: Treasures from the World’s Most Beloved Comic Strip
This fully authorized, one-of-a-kind illustrated bookcelebrates the 60th anniversary of the world’s most beloved comic strip characters. A compendium of rare materials from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and family archives, The Peanuts Collection comes in a sturdy slipcase and features high-quality reproductions of original sketches, comics, and photographs from the world of Peanuts. Removable film cels, stickers, and booklets are included, as well as reproduction prints of Peanuts artwork ready for framing. Written by Peanuts aficionado Nat Gertler, with quotes from Schulz family members and a foreword by daughter Amy Schulz Johnson, the text offers insight into the making of the comic strip and its impact beyond the realms of newspapers and books to film, television, and popular culture. The Peanuts Collection is a must-own keepsake for anyone who loves Snoopy and the gang.
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Mark Waid on Spider-Man

Spider-Man readers are in for a real treat as Mark Waid takes over the writing chores in Amazing Spider-Man issues 578 and 579.

The story is fairly straightforward as Spidey is down on his luck on a horribly rainy day in the Big Apple. Thinking that things could not get worse and that he is for a long wet walk tp Project FEAST where Aunt May awaits, he is surprised by the fortuitous arrival of a Metro Transit card with exactly one ride left on it.  On the hasty ride a pretty girl flirt innocently with him on board the cramped train. This makes for one of the most hilarious moments I have seen in a Spider-Man comic in ages as Peter questions his luck (and probably his sanity) as the girl reveals that she is a model looking for a photographer. It turns out she had just missed her photo shoot and is almost completely naked under her raincoat, looking for a make-up photo opp. I mean, what are the odds, right?

Of course things go bad from there as a massive explosion traps one of the train cars beneath the city streets, Parker included. Trapped with a  heavily guarded jury en route to a mob case, Spider-Man comes face to face with the Shocker… and the threat of suffocation.

“I’ve always loved The Shocker for all the wrong reasons,” the writer [Mark Waid] told CBR News. “I love the cushy costume. I love the weird, untraditional color scheme. I like the vibrational powers. And I like the fact that he’s pretty clean to drop into a story without having to explicate a ton of back-story.”

“Going into #579, Shocker’s in the same boat as the rest–he’s trapped under the river with only minutes to live and only Spidey to guide them to safety,” Waid explained. “You’d think that would make him easier to deal with. You’d be mistaken. Guy’s a jerk. And, it’s worse–the battle with The Shocker has weakened the tunnel roof far beyond the capability of Spidey’s webs to repair. Shocker’s the only one who can blast ‘em out–but to where? And with what, now that Spidey’s had his way with Shocker’s gauntlets?

But things get more complicated as one of the jurors is revealed to be none other than Peter’s former boss J Jonah Jameson’s father. That’s right you fans of alliteration, JJJ is actually JJJJ. Parker finds it hard to believe that the honorable elderly man could have raised such a grouch.

I have been greatly enjoying the new ‘Brand New Day’ Spider-Man series, but the addition of Mark Waid to the writer rotation is a stroke of genius.

If you are looking for a good gift idea for your comic book fan out there, a subscription to Amazing Spider-Man could be key.

Back to the salt mines for Spider-Man 4 and 5

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Nevertheless, Sony Pictures is going head first into a pair of sequels to their Spider-Man franchise while the iron is hot thanks to Iron Man and The Dark Knight. The reason that I opened with the statement on repeating mistakes is that there is no franchise to date that has managed to deliver three films in a row, never mind 4. Added to that the fact that both Spider-flicks are going into production at the same time (much like the two Back To The Future films) and you have a recipe for disaster.

Raimi recently confirmed that Toby Maguire will be returning to the part (despite the fact that he seemed bored with it in the latest installment) and Kirsten Dunst will be in Spider-Man 4. Personally if I never see dodgy-eyed Dunst in another film it will be too soon. The first two Spider-Man films are nearly perfect in all respects save for the failure to capture the character of Mary Jane Watson, a comic book starlet that everyone wants to know. A jazzy-dialogued hipster, MJ served a unique role that not many other supporting characters ever did, readers actually liked her. As opposed to Lois Lane who has struggled for a reason to exist since her introduction, MJ’s appearance in an issue of Amazing Spider-Man is enough to get readers interested.

Added to the MJ problem is a rising tendency for Raimi’s Spider-Man films to be light and fanciful, even to the point of several musical numbers breaking up the hastily assembled action sequences. Again, the first two Spider-Man films are exquisite melanges of mood and action whereas Spider-Man 3 is an exquisite corpse by morons. The script was passed around the room and each person added an idea… that failed to build on anything that the previous person added… until the result was a directionless mess. It is common practice to ‘up the ante’ in these sequels which will probably mean more than one villain, which raimi has already shown he cannot do. I’d love to be proven wrong (a film featuring Kraven would be brilliant!), but we’ll see.

It has also been announced that playwright David Lindsay-Abaire has been hired to write the script for Spider-Man 4, his first super hero work. I would prefer Michael Chabon who punched up the most successful of the Spider-Man movies, but we’ll see what this new guy can do. These things almost always end up being massively rewritten by committee anyway, so I’m not sure that it will matter.

The rumor is that Hollywood is anxious to duplicate the success of The Dark Knight (the film that saved the movie industry) and is interested in making Spider-Man 4 and 5 more character driven and brooding. The angle can work for Spider-Man but I maintain that the absurdity of Peter Parker‘s life is the best approach. The bit in Spider-Man where the Green Goblin dies and begs Peter to not tell Harry that his dad was a super villain is just movie gold. I feel that the removal of Spider-Man‘s secret identity secret from Mary Jane was done too soon as frankly I enjoy watching Peter Parker squirm in abject solitude, but the damage is done now.

What do you, the reader think of this news? What do you want to see in the next two sequels?