“Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does whatever a spider can, spins a web, any size…”
Credits:
The Amazing Spider-Man -Issue # 683 (Ends of Earth part 2) -Marvel Comics
Writer: Dan Slott
Art: Stefano Caselli
Colorist: Frank Martin Jr
Letters: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Price: $3.99
Plot: (Major Plot Spoilers)
Doc Ock has been planning something big for over a year and Spidey knows it. Spider-Man knows the dying Doctor has gathered the latest version of the Sinister Six. This has been building for several issues. Peter has been creating tech to help him in his battle against the Sinister Six.
In the last issue, Doc Ock used Ock-Bots in space to demonstrate what life will be like in the future with global warming. Then he declares he can help prevent it from occurring with his technology. He gives the specs to the world to review.
Spider-Man know that Doc Octopus is up to much more than that. Spidey has had too many run ins with Doctor Octopus to believe the Doctor would be up to anything selfless. The Avengers are debating it when Spider-Man walks in and convinces them that they need to take action now.
This issue begins with the Sinister Six stealing various items for Doc Ock. None of them understand what the Doctor is doing or why they are running these errands.
The Avengers storm into the G8 Summit. The Nations are debating Doctor Octopus’ proposal including the President and Secretary Clinton. They have some of the greatest scientists and minds in the room. Former Vice President Al Gore has the floor of the summit and refuses to allow Spider-Man to address the group. Spidey punches him in the face and knocks him to the ground. Spidey reveals that Al Gore is really the Chameleon in disguise. Spidey knew it because of some of his new tech.
Iron Man attempts to take out the OctoTech with his own Stark Technologies. Doc Ock was prepared and reveals that his technology is superior to Iron Man’s.
The Chameleon is released in order to appease Doc Ock. Of course Spider-Man put a spidey tracker on him. The Chameleon lead the Avengers back to the Sinister Six. Spider-Man was prepared with his tech but so was Doctor Octopus. The items he had the Sinister Six pick up turn the tide. The Sinister Six wins the day.
Review:
Art:
Caselli does a great job of drawing Spiderman, the Avengers, and the Sinister Six. I really like the details on Doc Ock and how he is barely alive. You can see the wires going into his head, the blood on his nose, and massively wrinkled skin.
The backgrounds have good detail. There are a few beautiful scenes in the G8 Summit.
The image of Dr. Hawking was good. The resemblances of President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and former Vice President Gore were rough. Caselli can draw the fictional characters really well but not as good with real people.
The coloring by Frank Martin Jr is top notch. It really helps the whole issue pop.
Story/Plot:
This story has been building for sometime. Slott weaves the tale well. The plot is well designed and the art brings it out. It leaves me wanting the next issue now.
My REVIEW:
This is a great comic. The Amazing Spider-Man has been hitting on all cylinders for sometime. The stories have been better since they moved from three comics a month to two comic books monthly.
I am not a big fan of Spider-Man as a member of the Avengers or even the FF (Future Foundation- part of the Fantastic Four). I preferred it when he was a lone character but I also enjoy when teams up with different individuals. Historically he was never a group player. Now a days, he is in too many groups and often the group dynamics don’t seem to play with his strengths.
But saying all of that in the paragraph above, the Avengers did not take away anything from this comic book and did appear to add to the story.
I love the fact that the Sinister Six is now tough enough to take down the Avengers. Each member of this group has always caused Spider-Man problems. But in the past, when you put them together, Spider-Man usually defeated them with ease. I never understood why the Sinister Six had the Ninja affect (one Ninja- can kill anyone, numerous ninjas can’t beat up a child).
Loved this issue. I hope the whole 50th anniversary tour can hold hope the Amazing comics so far this year.
Grade: A-
