(2008 Cover Date Issues - Most current first)

January 30, 2008

Spider-Man makes an appearance in New Avengers Annual #2.
Spider-Man makes a guest appearance in Mighty Avengers #8.

Story
A new storyline begins "Spider-Man And His Amazing Friends", which is a nod to the animated series from the 1980's, as well as the one-shot comic by the same name. Obviously we know that Iceman has been introduced long ago as a member of the X-Men, but Firestar has yet to be introduced, or has she? Lots of teen-angst in this issue, with loads of supporting cast interaction. Even though we do not see Peter Parker in the Spider-Man costume, the issue is still very enjoyable. Peter, Kong, Mary Jane, Liz Allen, Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), and Kitty Pryde are all brought quickly into this storyline in the first third of the comic. On the ground of Midtown High, they are all joined by Iceman, who goes there to see his ex co-member of the X-Men Kitty Pryde. All the heroes seem to know each other pretty well, and all seven of them plan on going to the beach that night. While all seven teenagers have a great time at the beach, emotions change fast, when one of the teens bursts out in flames. Yea, you probably think it's Johnny Storm (the Human Torch), and if that is the case, well you are wrong!

Art
Very Good.
Best Page: The last double-page spoiler spread.

Continuity Police
No tickets given.

Spoilers
It is revealed that Kong figured out that Peter Parker is Spider-Man.
Liz Allen bursts out in flames unexpectedly and in front of everyone.

January 23, 2008

Ultimate Spider-Man makes a seven page guest appearance in Ultimates 3 #2.
Alternate zombie version of Spider-Man makes an appearance in Marvel Zombies II #4.

Story
The first writer's arc of "Brand New Day" comes to a quick end after only three weeks, as Spider-Man appears to be dead on the floor of a hotel room with a bunch of other underworld crime figures. Remember, Peter decided to go after the "Spider-Mugger" that has terrorized much of the city in recent times, and now has possession of one of Spider-Man's web-shooters. Somehow, Spider-Man got sidetracked when he discovered the plot of a new crime boss by the name of Mr. Negative. When Spider-Man attempts to warn the victims of Mr. Negative, he is attacked by them. Within minutes, Spider-Man and the entire crime family are exposed to a deadly gas, released by Mr. Negative. Of course we learn that Spider-Man did not die from the gas, as this issue opens up, and it becomes apparent that only those with a Karnelli bloodline would be affected by the gas. Spider-Man goes off to save anyone else with the Karnelli bloodline, just as Harry Osborn passes by in his limousine. Spider-Man learns that the Karnelli children were all sent off with their mothers to some type of circus for the day, and he arrives at the circus at about the same time as Mr. Negative and his Inner Demon henchmen. Spider-Man and the Inner Demons slug it out for a couple pages, before Spider-Man discovers were Mr. Negative hid a gas bomb set to go off in seconds. What does Spider-Man do? Just look at the cover! The only difference is that Spider-Man uses some bungee cords instead of his own weblines, to catapult the bomb as far away as possible. Everyone rushes out of the circus tent and runs for their lives. Just when it appears that everyone is safe, Mr. Negative takes a child hostage, and threatens her in front of Spider-Man. Mr. Negative now wants to use Spider-Man's blood to create a new batch of "Devil's Breath", as he is now running low on the Karnelli blood. Mr. Negative plans to use this new batch to keep Spider-Man in line, as he can now kill anyone in the Parker bloodline. The issue ends with a couple of spoiler-revelations.

Next issue comes out in two weeks and with a new creative team: Marc Guggenheim and Salvador Larroca.

Art
Excellent.
Best Page: The final page shot of Spider-Man swinging away.

Continuity Police
No tickets given.

Spoilers
Harry Osborn still has a burning hatred for Spider-Man.
Dexter Bennett now runs the Daily Bugle after buying out Jameson.
We learn that Mr. Negative is an older man and has super strength.
Mr. Negative turns out to be Mr. Li, the man who volunteers with Aunt May at a shelter.
Spider-Man discovers the "Spider-Mugger" dead in an alley at the end of the issue.

January 16, 2008

Story
Only a week later, and we get the very next issue of Amazing Spider-Man. Last issue was the first installment of "Brand New Day", with plenty of changes in the Spider-Verse. The issue ended rather dramatically with Daily Bugle publisher J. Jonah Jameson collapsing from a heart attack. Yea, we all know he probably won't die, but Peter Parker doesn't know that, and he opens up this issue giving the old man CPR. After the paramedics arrive, Joe Robertson gets everyone back to work, and that includes Peter Parker. Robertson informs Peter that the Bugle needs Spider-Man on the front page again. Remember: Peter has has currently quit donning the Spider-Man costume, as he does not want to help the Daily Bugle make money by featuring Spider-Man on the front page. Anyway, Peter dons the costume once again, and swings back into action. His first bit of action is to look for the "Spider-Mugger" that we met last issue. The "Spider-Mugger" stole one of Peter's web-shooters last issue, thinking that it was a watch, and is now attempting to fence it off to a member of the Maggia. The "Spider-Mugger" discovers what he really has, and then takes it "off the market". Spider-Man tracks his spider tracer to a member of the Maggia, who has just been kidnapped, and he follows them all to Chinatown, where he discovers that Mr. Negative has begun some strange blood extraction "procedures" on Mr. Karnelli, the Maggia member. As Spider-Man fight off some of Mr. Negative's henchmen called the Inner Demons, he sets his eyes on something very familiar to him: Something that looks very much like the Ancient Tablet (from Amazing Spider-Man #68-75), a lemurian tablet that was the Tablet of Life and Time. This tablet however, is the Tablet of Death and Entropy. Mr. Negative plans to use the tablet as a poison, as it contains a formula for brewing the "devil's breath", but then Spider-Man goes and breaks the tablet into small tiny pieces. Unfortunately, Mr. Negative wrote the formula down, and has created some actual batches of this "devil's breath". Mr. Negative makes his way to where a big Maggia family meeting is taking place, and he plans on wiping them all out. Spider-Man rushes on over to the hotel where the meeting is taking place, but he is too late to stop Mr. Negative.

Next issue comes out one week after this issue, and is scheduled to be published three times a month now.

Art
Excellent.
Best Page: The full page shot of Peter donning the Spider-Man costume again and swinging away.

Continuity Police
No tickets given.

Spoilers
Harry Osborn now owns the Coffee Bean coffee Shoppe, where the old gang used to hang out.
Marla Madison, under power of attorney, sells the Daily Bugle over to Dexter Bennett.
Mr. Negative apparently met Spider-Man once before, but as who?
Mr. Negative places the "Devil's Breath" poison into the hotel's vents.
The entire Maggia family and Spider-Man appear to be dead from the poison on the final page.

January 9, 2008

Spider-Man villains the Rhino, the Vulture, Swarm, and more appear in Punisher War Journal V2 #13-15.

Story
Forget everything you have read regarding "One More Day", the very controversial story that preceded this brand new start for Spider-Man. "Brand New Day" starts right here, and it is an excellent "jumping on" point for new readers. Many of the reader's reactions to Peter and Mary Jane's "breakup" have been quite angry, and the opening page to this issue does nothing but add gasoline to that fire: Peter is locking lips with some unknown young hottie in a club, before the scene quickly changes to a mugger wearing a Spider-Man mask. The man holds up a man and steals his wallet, and we learn from a newscast that this man has been named the "Spider-Mugger". We also learn that Spider-Man has not been seen or heard from in months, and guest J. Jonah Jameson has the opinion that Spider-Man is to blame for "inspiring" the likes of the mugger. Jameson's paper, the Daily Bugle, is not doing to well these days. The circulation of the paper is at an all-time low, due to the fact that there is no Spider-Man to write about anymore. Finally back to Peter Parker, who is still living with his Aunt May, but has been recently been looking for a new apartment and job. Peter doesn't really have much luck in finding a job, and to make matters worse, there appears to be a new villain on the scene: Mister Negative. It appears that Mister Negative has made some strange deal, where he received a suitcase filled with some sort of mysterious message in a foreign tongue. Change again, to the club where Peter was making a new "friend". Harry Osborn, back from the dead, is also at the club with his entourage. It turns out that the girl was using Peter in order to get closer to the rich and famous Osborn entourage. Anyway, Peter makes a getaway through the men's room window to get away from the girl, where he strangely bumps into Carlie Cooper outside. Guess who they meet next? They just happen to be the next victim's of the "Spider-Mugger", and he steals Peter's wallet and web-shooters (the mugger thinks that this is a watch). After ditching Carlie. Peter chases after the mugger, but in plain clothes. It appears that Peter does not want to to offer any material for the Daily Bugle to use, by suiting up as Spider-Man again. The chase ends up going nowhere, as Peter finds himself in a homeless shelter where his Aunt May volunteers. The issue ends with Peter making a visit to the offices of the Daily Bugle, where he and J. Jonah Jameson get into a heated argument over a stopped paycheck.

Lots going on this first issue of "Brand New Day". Lots of sub-plots, new characters, plenty of mystery. While very well written, I still can't help but feel disconnected to this "new" Peter Parker and "Spider-Verse". It may take some time to get used to. This issue also includes a two-page pin-up style spread by John Romita JR, a three-page Jackpot story by Marc Guggenheim, a three-page Aunt May story by Bob Gale, and a three-page Harry Osborn story by Zeb Wells. Plenty of extra material for that extra buck. This issue also has a variant cover by Bryan Hitch, and a sketch cover variant of the regular cover.

Next issue comes out one week after this issue, and is scheduled to be published three times a month now.

Art
Excellent.
Best Page: The full page shot of Peter and an array of Spider-Man villains.

Continuity Police
No tickets given.

Spoilers
Mister Negative may possibly be Mr. Martin Li, a man who volunteers with Aunt May at a shelter.
J. Jonah Jameson is attempting to stop a buyout of the Daily Bugle, and is short on capital.
J. Jonah Jameson appears to have a heart attack on the final page of the issue.

January 4, 2008

Spider-Man related characters Norman Osborn and Venom (Mac Gargan/ Scorpion) appear in Thunderbolts #118.

December 28, 2007

Story
BEWARE: NO SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW

After some delays, we have finally arrived at the final part of "One More Day". From all the chat room buzz and internet talk, it is clear that this issue is the most controversial Spider-Man comic book to be published since "Amazing Spider-Man" #121 (death of Gwen Stacy) almost 35 years ago.

A little recap before this reality-altering issue: After Peter has revealed his secret identity of Spider-Man to the world after the "Civil War" crisis, Peter and his family was not exactly as safe as before (to put it lightly). Aunt May was shot from an assassin hired by the Kingpin, with a bullet that was meant for Peter. After spending the better part of a year in the hospital/ coma, Aunt May continued to hang in there. Peter was determined to save her, and searched for help far and wide. After a visit with Doctor Strange, and no remedy in hand, Peter was at wit's end. Unbeknownst to Peter, he has been followed for some time my a mysterious little girl who offers to save his aunt. It took awhile, but the little girl finally revealed herself to be none other than Mephisto, Marvel's version of Satan, and he had a bargain on the table for Peter and Mary Jane to contemplate: In return for saving Aunt May's life, Mephisto wants Peter and MJ's marriage. Peter will not consciously remember the bargain or the life he lived to that point, but there will be a very small part of his soul that will remember. He will have exactly till midnight tomorrow to reach his decision.

Midnight tomorrow is approaching quickly as this final part opens up with Peter waking up from a dream (why on earth is he sleeping with so little time left?), and he finds Mary Jane in the bathroom. They begin to re-hash much of what has already been covered, and it becomes pretty obvious that Mary Jane is more prepared to commit to Mephisto's bargain than Peter. As expected, Mephisto appears before them, and their decision must be made soon. Peter asks Mephisto just how exactly the bargain will work, and Mephisto explains to him that not only will the marriage be "erased" from everyone's minds, but also the revelation of his secret identity to the world. Mary Jane butts in and demands that Peter be given a chance at happiness, then proceeds to whisper something into Mephisto's ear, in a scene reminiscent of the final scene between Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson in 2003's movie "Lost In translation". Suddenly, Mephisto declares that time is running out, and must need an answer from Mr. Parker. After a couple of irritating "bongs' go off in the background, Peter reluctantly agrees to the bargain, but he and Mary Jane are in for one last shock: Mephisto reveals that the mysterious little girl who greeted Mephisto earlier is the future daughter of theirs, the child they will now never have. Peter then goes berserk, just as the final "bongs" go off, and then he realizes that he better make his last farewell to Mary Jane. Everything goes dark.

Cut to a much brighter scene, where Peter Parker awakens from his bed, in a scene very similar to the beginning of this issue. He rushes down the stairs to the kitchen below where his Aunt May is alive and well making breakfast (yes, wheat cakes). Peter is running a bit behind, and off he goes on his bicycle to a surprise party to be given to a friend of his. He arrives at a penthouse, parks his bike, and up the elevator he goes. When he comes out, he is greeted by Flash Thompson. Mary Jane is there as well, but there appears to be some kind of rift between her and Peter, and they don't appear to be on speaking terms. The recipient of the party has arrived, and the large crowd prepares themselves for the surprise. Out of the elevator walks out Harry Osborn. Yep, that's right, Peter's friend who died in the pages of "Spectacular Spider-Man" #200 is now alive. Harry has also brought along a couple of new supporting characters with him: His new girlfriend, Lily Hollister, who definitely catches Peter's eye. Also Lily's best friend Carlie Cooper, who appears to be more interested in Peter than he is of her. This "Brand New Day" portion of the comic, closes with what appears to be a very innocent little toast to what else? "A Brand New Day"!

This issue also has an (Aunt) May Parker profile, as well a partial reprint of "Amazing Spider-Man" Annual #21, which featured the wedding of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson. This issue also has a gorgeous variant cover featuring Mephisto by artist Marko Djurdevic. "Brand New Day" begins in full force with next issue: "Amazing Spider-Man" #546. Also remember that this title will now be published three times a month as opposed to the usual monthly schedule.

Long-Awaited Commentary (yea right):

I have no idea where to start, so I will just ramble on. My major concern is probably the same as so many other long-time readers in that continuity has been toyed with and altered immensely. Every story/ comic since Peter and Mary Jane were married in "Amazing Spider-Man" Annual #21 appears to now be meaningless. Yes, in a sense they still happened, but they definitely have much less meaning than before. Much of this area has been argued to death on message boards and the like, and at this point, there really is no point in spending any more "effort" talking about it. What is done is done. Time to move on to "Brand New Day" for better or worse.

What will "Brand New Day" offer us? Well, a new beginning for one, as some preview pages of the first issue is presently online and it looks pretty good. For the long-time ticked off reader, and there are plenty of you, there is always reason for "hope" in the "comic world". "Hope" meaning that Peter and Mary Jane could very well reunite down the road. There were plenty of mysterious things in both the "One More Day" part and the "Brand New Day" part of "Amazing Spider-Man" #545. First off, the deal was made with the "devil", and we all know how those things go. What did Mary Jane whisper to Mephisto? Is there any connection between the two pics of Peter awakening in just about the same pose? What exactly is this rift between Peter and Mary Jane in "Brand New Day"? What the heck was going on that toast on the final page? Why has another Osborn come back from the dead in the end of a very controversial story? (remember, Norman came back at the end of the Clone Saga). Did something happen in the pages of "Amazing Spider-Man" Annual #21 that we should take a closer look at? I could go on, but it is interesting to note that the creators involved in "Brand New Day" have about one and a half years "outlined". Three issues a month for eighteen months comes out to 54 issues. Beginning with issue #546, this takes us right up to the 600th anniversary issue, and we all know that something special is usually planned for such landmark issues. Who knows, maybe I'm as wrong as a rock, although I did predict the "shelf life" of the identity reveal when it took place in "Civil War" #2. This is a comic book. Anything can happen, and even though I run a large Spider-Man web-site, I have never took things from the pages of Spider-Man comics very seriously. Things can change one issue later.

This issue also marks the end of the run for writer J. Michael Straczynski, who interestingly has a writing credit coming up for the Clint Eastwood directed movie "The Changeling" coming out later this year starring Angelina Jolie. JMS' run lasted from "Amazing Spider-Man" #471 through 545, as well as a few other spider-titles. I have thoroughly enjoyed the first half of his run, especially the Morlun/ Ezekiel issues, Aunt May's discovery of Peter's identity, the four-part old gangster-monster story, and the Loki story. I honestly did not enjoy the later part of his run as much, as there were just too many "events", cross-overs, and other issues that tied into other books or events. These events may have limited his ability to tell the stories he wanted to.

In ending, no matter how you may feel about "One More Day", go out and give "Brand New Day" a chance. It is not the fault of the creators involved in how that previous "chapter" ended. There will be a rotating/ changing writer-artist team each month/ story/ etc, with many talented creators involved. If anyone needs any convincing of just how talented, go and pick up the "Spider-Man/ Human Torch" #1-5 mini series from 2005 or trade paperback. Written by Dan Slott, and in my opinion, this was the most entertaining set of Spider-Man stories to come along in a long time. In fact, issue #3 stands out as one the funniest issues in memory (maybe tied with "Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man" #4!). Mr. Slott will be kicking off "Brand New Day". Maybe we should just enjoy the ride here, and see where this all takes us. I get the feeling that we may once again hear the words "face it, Tiger...You just hit the Jackpot!"

Art
Excellent.
Best Page: Easily the double-page spread of Peter and Mary Jane's life together.

Continuity Police
No tickets given.

Spoilers
Why bother?

Story
The finale to the "Death Of A Goblin" storyline is finally here, and yes a Goblin does indeed die! Norman Osborn has been on the loose for some time now, after escaping the super-prison located at the Triskelion. Norman has since "sold" a story to the the world that he was illegally arrested and imprisoned by Nick Fury, and that his son Harry was taken away from him for no reason. Well, at the end of last issue, Harry was heard from, when he appeared to tell the world that his father is a sick man, and a liar who killed Harry's mother. This issue opens up with a blacked out Peter Parker, slowly gaining consciousness in his house. Norman Osborn was just there in his living room talking to him from last issue, so what happened? After Peter regains his short-term memory, he realizes that Norman transformed into the Green Goblin after seeing his son on television with his version of "Daddy Dearest". The Goblin punched Peter across the room, and quickly exited the house to obviously go after his son. Peter gets his strength back, changes into Spider-Man, and swings on over to where the action is: The SHIELD Helicarrier. The Green Goblin lands on the Helicarrier intent on finding his son, whom SHIELD agents are trying their best to conceal. In a matter of seconds, Harry transforms into the Hobgoblin, and the battle we all have been waiting for is on. Just after they begin going head to head, Spider-Man arrives and joins in the fun. After a couple pages of more fighting, things start to get out of hand, and well just like the title says: Its a "Death Of A Goblin". Pretty straight forward story that began with an interesting "Norman using the media" angle, and ended up with just another shock death ending.

Art
Very Good.
Best Page: The two-page spread with the Green Goblin and Hobgoblin beginning to battle.

Continuity Police
No tickets given.

Spoilers
Harry's statement was only broadcast to the one TV where his father would see it.
Harry Osborn/ Hobgoblin is killed at the hands of his own father.

December 19, 2007

Spider-Man 2099 cameo flashback appearance in Exiles #100.
Spider-Man makes an out of continuity appearance in What-If Civil War #1.
Spider-Man makes several appearances in the Marvel Holiday Special 2007.
Spider-Man makes an out of continuity appearances in Marvel Adventures The Avengers #19.

December 12, 2007

Spider-Man make an appearance in New Avengers #37.
Spider-Man makes an appearance in Spider-Man Family #6.
Spider-Man makes an out of continuity appearances in Spider-Man/ Red Sonja #5.

Story
This double-sized issue marks the 10th anniversary of Spider-Girl, a book that faced cancellation numerous times, but survived due to its intensely loyal fan following.

The story revolves around Mayday Parker's "special day" -- the day she returned to her parents as a baby after being kidnapped shortly after her birth. However, a number of her deadliest villains return to ruin her special day, including the Dragon King and Mr. Nobody. Or do they? And what do the Hobgoblin and the Mindworm have planned for Spider-Girl? When the two villains kidnap a doctor who intends to help Mayday's baby brother Ben with his hearing loss, they may find out they have more than they bargained for!

This issue also features appearances by just about every supporting character in the Spider-Girl universe - and that's a lot!

Reviewed by Bruce Buchanan.

Art
An outstanding effort
Best page: the splash page. We also get nice pin-up from original Spider-Girl artist Pat Olliffe

Continuity Police
No tickets given.

Spoilers
The "Villains", including Dragon King and Mr. Nobody, are illusions created by the Mindworm to torment Spider-Girl.

December 5, 2007

Spider-Man makes a guest appearance in World War Hulk: Aftersmash #1.

Story
Spider-Man and baseball. What a great combination! Ever wondered why young Peter Parker never took advantage of his great physical abilities, and display them in a sport? Well, this issue of Marvel Adventures brings us a very entertaining story about Peter Parker, the baseball star! Forest Hills Elk's Star outfielder Flash Thompson misplays a routine fly ball, and his error turns it into a bases-clearing double. His Elks Manager benches him, where he quickly turns his attention to young Peter Parker the spectator. Flash whips a baseball at Peter's head, but with use of his spider sense, Peter quickly turns around and catches the ball barehanded. This in turn, catches the attention of the manager, and Peter Parker the spectator, is now Peter Parker starting shortstop. Reluctant at first, Peter decides that refusing to try out might be just as suspicious as displaying his powers in public. In the field, Peter looks like Ozzie Smith, and at the plate he does his best Cal Ripken impersonation. After Peter's display of "greatness", Flash's hatred of Peter has grown, since it is he who Peter has replaced. In a later game, Peter gets the attention of Norman Osborn, who happens to sponsor their opponent, the Midtown Academy Aussies. Norman's son Harry happens to be the Aussie's star pitcher and hitter. Harry happens to hit a laser between third and short, but a diving catch by Peter Parker puts a stop to an Aussie comeback, and secures the win for the Elks. Norman is not too happy about this, and he later suits up as the Green Goblin to try and help Peter land on the "disabled list" (I wish NY Mets ownership knew someone like Norman near the end of last year). Peter changes into Spider-Man, and the two battle it out for a couple of pages, while the Elks and Aussies play a game that has playoff ramifications. Just as Spider-Man is about to be thrown off the scoreboard by the Goblin, he "catches" some luck, and quickly webs the Goblin up. Peter misses the game, but what about his baseball career? Very fun story. Only one minor complaint: Peter's "unassisted triple play" was not an unassisted one since he threw to the first basemen for the last putout.

Art
Very Good.
Best Page: The page where the Green Goblin attacks Peter Parker.

Continuity Police
No tickets given.

Spoilers
The Green Goblin is knocked out by a long home run baseball hit by Flash Thompson.
Thompson's home run broke up a perfect game by Harry Osborn.
Peter is off the team due to a "broken arm" he received "falling down stairs".

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