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Spectacular
Spider-Man
The Hunger Part One
1/SEP/2003
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Pencils: Humberto Ramos
Inks: Wayne Faucher
Colors: Studio F
Letters: Randy Gentile
Price: $2.25 US/R26.50 SA
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This spells the long awaited return of the blockbuster creative
team that brought us the ‘Return of the Goblin’
story arc in Peter Parker Spider-Man. Humberto Ramos and Paul Jenkins
hit the ground running with the first issue of the new ongoing Spectacular
Spider-Man Series.
Peter Parker is settling down and relaxing with his newfound friends
at his block of flats. Meanwhile another victim is found paralysed
by a strange ‘Vampire-like’ stalker
victimising the streets of New York. Venom has
returned and this time it seems he’s worse than ever…
The storyline is quite simple in nature and has its touches of ‘Spider-Man’
style humour which keep it fresh and quick-witted. I was disappointed
that Jenkins used back-story [ see ‘Return of the
Goblin’ arc, Peter Parker Spider-Man # 44-47]
in this first issue as that always quickly stunts readership. With
references to the Green Goblin and his history with Flash Thompson
and then again with his references to the early days of both Eddie
Brock and Venom, it seems the story is already
bogged down in continuity.
It would be great if more writers could grasp the sales
concept behind a first issue and make initial arcs more
reader friendly. Although an enjoyable read the story has no real
hook and reads as a pretty straightforward comic so far.
The real reason behind my heightened interest in this new release
is most definitely the artistic talents of Humberto Ramos.
Having just finished his work on ‘Out There’
it seems that this will be my next place to get my monthly fix of
Ramos goodness. In what looks like a rushed ending to ‘Out
There’ in order for Ramos to get this new project off the
ground leaves me expecting a lot from the artist in this series.
So far he has delivered a good steady first issue. He can do better
though and this still looks a little rushed compared to some of
his early ‘Out There’ work and his previous shot at
Spider-Man in the aforementioned ‘Return of the Goblin’
storyline.
A nice start but with somewhat rushed looking artwork
in parts and a pretty straight forward storyline. Here’s hoping
both parties settle down and are able to take a bit more time and
develop this one into the masterpiece it could be.
Score 7/10
Reviewed By:Iain Duncan
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Comic Reviews
