Brave New Worlds started on a dare in Willow Grove Pennsylvania April\'s Fool\'s Day 1989. It was originally named the \"Comic Book Store\" until the shop moved to Jenkintown.
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Archive for the ‘Staff Picks’ Category
Random Retro Comic Review
Wonder Man #13
Gerry Jones (w) Jeff Johnson, Dan Panosian (a)
I never did read this issue when it originally premiered and I am sort of kicking myself now because the opening splash page is an good-old fashioned super-hero donneybrook at Four Freedoms Plaza with Wonder Man exclaiming “No! No one’s insane … but you Mutants!!”
How can this Infinity War crossover not be awesome with the cover and splash page teases?
Actually as crossovers go, this one is pretty tight. Jones does a terrific job of moving the Infinity War story forward in this issue while also giving Wonder Man a solo mission tied to the war, while we also see a couple of “B” and “C” stories about other characters in Simon’s life.
Since this issue was produced in the early 1990s, Marvel was at it’s height of including Wolverine in every book (he must truly be a Skrull!) and this issue of Wonder Man was no exception. Logan antagonizes and almost skewers the main character of the book.
Turns out Wonder Man is having some power issues, and of course it’s at the best time, right smack dab in the middle of another Thanos War. Meanwhile Logan is doing what he does best, couple of tough-guy qoutes, smoking a cigar, unleashing the claws and saying “bub” a lot.
This issue feels like a prelude to Secret Invasion as there are crazy duplicates of the heroes out there. Duplicate Reed leads the heroes to Four Freedoms Plaza only to try and eliminate them, while duplicate Iron Man is the reason for the splash page in the first place.
With the mutant hysteria in full gear (when is it not) Wonder Man takes off with Thor (Thunderstrike) and Hercules to track down a couple of missing Avengers. But he meets face-to-face with his duplicate who seems to have taken costume tips from Malice.
As far as an early 1990s random Marvel comic goes, this one is actually a lot of fun. Jones wrote an engaging issue while Johnson looked like he was having fun including everyone and the kitchen sink on several pages. The opening splash is just a lot of fun.
Until next time …
Check out previous Random Retro Comic Reviews below.
Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #40
Invincible Iron Man Volume 3 #37
What I Liked This Week
Fantastic Four #587Jonathan Hickman (w) Steve Epting (a)
I am beginning to feel like a broken record each month when certain titles come out. And Fantastic Four is definitely one of them, but what Hickman is doing with the fab four in my humble opinion is career defining – i.e. we will be talking about this stuff for years and years to come. By now, unless you live under a rock or do not have access to Yahoo! News you know this is the issue that someone dies.
Even though my introduction says one thing, I am by no means a genius, especially when it comes to figuring out these stories. But it really came to no surprise for me who wound up biting the bullet. It was really just logic, who’s death would have the biggest impact? And it was a heroic death, a true sacrifice and very touching. And it felt a little like a Hollywood blockbuster. That being said, I can not wait for the aftermath. The majority of the team has been separated for the past several issues, amping up the drama ten-fold.
Next month will be the final issue of the Fantastic Four, before a new title FF #1 debuts with Hickman. It’s never too late to start reading this game-changing run that Hickman has been penning.
Ultimate Doom #2
Brian Michael Bendis (w) Rafa Sandoval (a)
Talk about your double doses of Fantastic Four. We just watched one out the four die a heroic death in the regular Marvel Univsere, meanwhile in the Ultimate Universe, it looks a lot like one of the Fantastic Four has gone plum loco.
The third part of the three-book trilogy, Ultimate Doom feels like the final part, with all the action, drama and story moving at a quick, break-neck pace. With each issue we get a little closer to learning the truth about just what the heck is going on.
This is also another one of those titles that continuously makes me happy each month it’s released. Can not wait to see what Bendis has in store for the final two issues. And while it is only been about a year and half since Ultimatum, I really do feel Marvel has achieved its goal with the reboot plan of bringing readers things they would never expect in the new Marvel Ultimate Universe.
Avengers #9
Brian Michael Bendis (w) John Romita Jr, Klaus Janson (a)
No, it just seems like everything Bendis writes is amazing. And yes, that goes for this month’s Avengers as well. Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, has always attempted to be a power player, and for his part, Bendis always seems more than happy to help him on his way.
While this issues has a ton of exposition, you never really feel like the story is not moving. Meanwhile, Bendis connects the dots and allows us into the just how and why Robbins is on his current kick – collecting infinity gems. Some people collects stamps and comic books, not Robbins, he wants the shiny colors. Wonder what he would do if he existed in the DC Universe?
Honorable Mention The two-issue arc concluded in American Vampire #13 was a fun one and sets up future stories with Hattie’s quest to find her old pal Pearl. And while I am not a huge fan of the compilation story issues, it worked for Age of X Alpha, as it introduced readers to the players and their roles in what is the next big X-crossover event. Action Comics #897 shows the great difference between the Prince of Anarchy and Humanity’s savior, aka as The Joker and Lex Luthor, as Lex needs to sit down man-to-psycho and ask the old card for some people. Yeah, it goes well. Detective Comics #873 sees the end of Scott Snyder and Jock’s opening arc on the title, and it ends very strongly as Dick Grayson firmly entrenches himself as Gotham City’s Batman. And last, but certainly not least (I told you there was a lot of books out this week) Brian Wood’s The New York Five #1. Now under the Vertigo imprint, Five is the sequel to Wood’s briliiant Minx The New York Four that came out about two years ago. The story continues and it gets really interesting in a hurry. You do not need to read NY Four to enjoy this issue, but of course Brave New Worlds has copies in stock if you are so inclined. Okay, I have said way to much this week. Can’t wait to see what’s coming out next Wednesday.
My Pick
Danger Girl The Ultimate Collection
Scott Campbell (w/a) Andy Hartnell (w)
“If you don’t get that gun outta my face, an eye won’t be your only damaged organ.”
You might scoff. You might laugh. But for me, I was sold on Danger Girl as soon I arrived at page 5. Bruce Campbell’s (The Chin) introduction “hooked” me and then the character who I thought was Campbell in the story kept me turning the page.
Yes, Campbell’s drawings of the lovely ladies did not hurt, and he does have a penchant for drawing girls, curves and all. But honestly this story is just about the fun for me.
Abbey Chase is recruited by the spy agency Danger Girl to stop evil-doers from taking over the world (they never are interested in anything else are they?). Along the way they meet the most over-the-top characters ever collected or assembled in one story (and that includes the Austin Powers trilogy!).
But wait there’s more. There is action galore, and adventure that could put the Indiana Jones saga to shame (okay, I really can not back that up, but it’s a lot of fun). Plus witty dialogue and wordplay that would make Adam West and possibly Joss Whedon proud (okay, probably not up to Whedon’s standards but still there is a fun with the dialogue that is undeniable).
The book reminds me a lot of James Bond and there is a nice homage to the opening sequences of those movies on the introduction splash page introducing the story in chapter one. I also see it a little She Spies (the former campy syndicated television show starring Natasha Henstridge, which must have been influenced some part by this book) when I read Danger Girl.
Not to give too much away, but once you start reading the book you will realize what kind of a ride you are in fact in for as our heroine Abbey Chase is being held by two “goons” at gun point by a “friend” Donavin for “stealing” his gold mayan skull. Of course, hilarity and escape ensue with crocodiles, amazing acrobatics, eluding bullets, clothes being torn (in strategic places, natch!) that would make James Kirk blush, a speed boat chase, a helicopter and a jeep plummeting off a mountain that end the prologue on, of course, a cliffhanger.
The two best industry quotes that best described Danger Girl are “… a great summer movie waiting to happen*” and “Danger Girl is one of those damn rare comic books that jump-starts that bundle of nerves at the base of your skull and reminds you of how you felt when reading comics as a kid. Just pkain, old-fashioned fun … woof!#”
So what are you waiting for? Stop by either Brave New Worlds location and pick up Danger Girl The Ultimate Collection, and prepare to have a swell time, and of course, one hell of a ride. In fact, this book is the amusement parks of comic books (I just thought that one up).
Be careful, this one might not be for the younger audience out there as it does have suggestive material but it’s probably nothing you can not find on cable television today.
*Craig Perry, producer American Pie and Final Destination
#Adam Hughes
Check out previous “My Pick” selections below.
Thor by J. Michael Straczynski TP Volume 1
Completely Different
Now we do not want to assume what type of comics really get it done for you. Some people just read DC. Some just read Marvel. Others won’t touch super hero books or will only buy single issues. Well this month we have a treat for you. This book actually came out in 2009, but has been hard to find on shelves since it is always selling so well.
Asterios Polyp
David Mazzucchelli (w/a)
The 2010 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Novel – New!, David Mazzucchelli tells a story about a man who sees everything in his life go up in flames. Everything he owned, the world he lived in is now gone. Does he attempt to pick up the pieces and rebuild (he was living a nice New York City life) or does he decide to take a different path and rise from the ashes?
“What’s that noise?”
Past collides with the present as he attempts to find out what went wrong in his life and how he lost the love of his life.
Asterios Polyp is something completely different for the regular comic book reader and worth taking a chance on as it really is a masterpiece. Pay close attention how Mazzucchelli singles out certain characters and uses geometric shapes to tell his tale.
This is the journey of Asterios Polyp. You have been warned.
Remember Me?
Remember Marv from Sin City? It’s been about five years since the successful movie adaptation of Frank Miller’s black-and-white noir world hit the screens and breakout of a certain unkillable man named Marv.
“Is that the best you can do, you pansies?”
It is fitting that our first introduction to Sin City in the very first book, on the very first page is Marv. In “The Hard Goodbye” we are introduced to this enormous oak tree of a man who is enjoying the simple pleasures of the world. Unfortunately when he wakes up, Goldie is dead and a crazy ride of a story begins.
Miller was at his best when writing and drawing Sin City and “The Hard Goodbye” was the perfect hook to pull us into this world of deceit, murder, corruption, heart, hard-luck and yes, even love. And Marv epitomized it all.
Marv will go on to be mentioned or appear in all seven installments, however the first is really the only one in which he is in the spotlight. Volume’s two “A Dame to Kill For” he helps out Dwight on his task, and Marv also goes onto appear in short stories “Silent Night” and “Just Another Saturday.”
“This isn’t some barroom brawl or some creep with a gas can looking to torch some wino. This is big and I’m right in the middle of it and there’s no place I’d rather be.”
Marv’s been setup and promises “the hard goodbye” when he finds out who did this to Goldie, with him own predicament being mostly a second thought. He is Tick-like in his nigh-invulnerability and has an uncanny ability to survive multiple (and I do mean multiple) gunshot wounds, but still manages to get himself captured on many of occasion.
He uses some interesting interrogation techniques, sticking the head of a would-be informant into a toilet bowl, or scraping their face along the ground while he drives a car holding the informant outside the door – ouch!
At the end of the day, Marv is more a victim of his circumstance than anything. Yes, he has lived a hard life, all the people who reside in Basin (Sin) City have, but he is set up and forced to become an unlikely hero, a hero who will do anything to find justice.
PARENT’S BE WARNED HOWEVER, as this book is meant for mature readers. Sex, nudity, drugs, extreme violence are all trademarks of this collection.
Hopefully now that we have reintroduced Marv to you, you will take a look at his saga and that of the other characters of Sin City. All seven Dark Horse Comics volumes are on sale now at both Brave New Worlds locations!
Second Look
Star Wars A Long Time Ago … Omnibus Volumes 1-3
Dark Horse Comics
Roy Thomas, Archie Goodwin, David Micheline, Plus Others (w) Harold Chaykin, Walt Simonson, Carmine Infantino, Al Williamson, Plus Others (a)
So where were we? Oh yes, a long time ago, in a time not too far away Star Wars fans could only relive the adventures of their favorite movie either through the action figures (and their own imaginations – I was always have full-scale, epic battles), through the LP (records for those of you too young to know what an LP stands for) that told the story of the movie (cut up from the movie with the actors dialogue – this was awesome) or they could read the Marvel Comic book, which featured all-new original stories.
We have been spoiled these past 10 years as Dark Horse Comics has really taken the Star Wars license and done wonderful things with it, expanding the original universe with new and fully developed layers that tell the stories that did not hit the screen. In fact, they have created all-new characters from background scenes in the prequels, including the story of the enigmatic Jedi Knight Qunilan Vos (who Lucas recently including in his Clone Wars animated series). Dark Horse has really added their unique stamp to the Lucas mythology.
And while Dark Horse Comics is the reason for this post, reprinting the original Marvel issues from my childhood, it is really a celebration of Marvel Comics, and more specifically Roy Thomas, Harold Chaykin and Archie Goodwin. These are the men that met with Lucas before the original Star Wars hit theaters in 1977 to plan the official movie adaptation (which is included in Volume 1 of the Omnibus). Star Wars Insider 122 (on sale at Brave New Worlds) has a great interview with Thomas and Chaykin regarding that meeting.
It was not until issue number seven that Thomas and Chaykin were able to tell their first all-new story – Han and Chewie go off on a solo adventure, coming up against Crimson Jack, Miss Sunshine and a Rabbit (yes a real human-like rabbit) bounty hunter. Those were truly special stories.
They were the first to play in the universe that almost all of us dream of playing in today. There were a lot of kooky stories and everything was based on the first movie – Luke Skywalker’s Dad was not Darth Vader! and other fun discrepancies. But that is the awesomeness of these stories. It’s not canon, and probably never was supposed to be. However, there were some seeds planted that grew into expanded universe characters or main players in the animated series (Thrawn, Yuzakhan and the Night Witches!).
Each Omnibus contains about 27 issues of the Marvel run. Volume 1 is the first 27 and also reprints the original Star Wars movie adaptation. Volume two contains issues 28-49, Giant-Size Annual 1 and the complete Empire Strikes Back adaptation while Volume three (released this week) features issues 50-67 and King-Size Annual 2. All three books takes us through the 1970s and into the 1980s where the only official tales were the original movie and the first and only sequel.
Nostalgia aside, these issues were really fun and featured some interesting guest writers (Chris Claremont) and artists (Michael Golden). Plus Carmine Infantino drew a ton of issues and his stuff was amazing on the title. Some interesting notes – issue 19 is titled “The Empire Strikes Back” but has nothing to do with the sequel as C3-P0 holds an unconscious Luke with Stormtroopers converging, issue 34 features a Han-Leia lip-lock, the Read Queen saga starting in issue 35. Issue 45 is the first post Empire story with Luke and R2-D2 stand-alone story while the next issue features a cape-wearing Lando.
If you are a stickler for continuity, these books are definitely not for you. But if you want to have a good time and enjoy all things Star Wars, my question really is – why haven’t you picked these up yet?
All three volumes are no currently available at Brave New Worlds.
Check out previous Second Look’s below.
New Mutants Return of Legion TP
What I Liked This Week
Supergirl #60
Nick Spencer, James Peaty (w) Bernard Chang (a)
Fresh, original and intriguing is what I call Spencer’s (and Peatty’s) debut on Supergirl this week. With a character (and her famous cousin) that have seen it all, Supergirl #60 provides something a little different. Unfortunately all the interest and excitement have more to do with the “B” and “C” stories than with our actual heroine.
Both writers do a great job of setting up future tales with a pair of Harvard students who create a new superhero tracking app for smartphones. It’s a great idea, and one that we might actually put to use today with appearances of so-called heroes on our streets. However, it seems these creators have more nefarious reasons for the app (enter menacing bwah-ha-ha).
Then there is Lois Lane and (another) Cadmus story. But it takes a quick and dark turn that makes you realize the stakes are higher and perhaps different than what we are used to in a super-book.
Granted, Spencer and Peatty give the title character enough to do (and you have to wonder what it has to do with the other stories) that I would qualify their debuts this week on the book as an unqualified success. This is a great jumping on point for anyone looking to get into Supergirl or even to check out a DC book. Plus the $2.99 price point is awesome on this one.
Amazing Spider-Man #652
Dan Slott (w) Stefan Caselli (a)
It’s two-for-two for Amazing Spider-Man and the third time in five issues (I think) that Slott’s Big Time arc has hit all the right buttons for me (and appeared in this column). Slott has undone the past several years of blah with Spidey to make the title fun again. I have said it before and I will say it again, if you dropped this title after One More Day, now is the time to jump on board again.
After a successful opening arc, Slott moves onto his next tale with a new artist (they will change with each arc) and Caselli does not miss a beat, picking up where Humberto Ramos left off.
What ultimately makes a Spidey book successful is the supporting cast, and Slott has done a terrific job of incorporating all the people in his life back into the story, none more than this week’s issue.
In fact, there is very little Spider-Man, until we need him most. The story also gives a huge shout out to where it all started for our hero (and not the story you are thinking) as the Spider Slayer returns, organized and in charge.
Plus the end will leave your mouth agape. Trust me, you will not see this coming, or maybe you will. You comic readers are becoming a jaded bunch.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #40
Joss Whedon (w) Georges Jeanty, Andy Owens (a)
It’s funny how a little change can do wonders for a title. Once you start reading the final issue of season 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you realize you are not in for the typical ride that has been the past 12 issues or so.
In my opinion there has been too much going on. It’s been too big. Issue #40 serves like the finale to season four of the television show, almost a jumping on point, slowing things down again. The war is over, the aftermath continues to unfurl and the Scoobies are left to pick up the pieces, as they usually do.
This one seems to get back to basics, complete with a vampire staking an all. If you are like me, the past couple of arcs have been overwhelming with a lot going on. Whedon addresses this issue in the book (which he penned) and directly in a letter at the conclusion of the issue.
It all makes me excited for the start of season 9, which cannot get here soon enough. Still, as finales go, this one offers a lot of closure on the 40-issue saga.
Honorable Mention Just wanted to throw a couple of shout-out’s to Invincible Iron Man #500 and a few others. I like what Fraction attempted to do with this milestone issue. When it comes to milestones, writers try to go big and very often the story can get lost in the attempt. Fraction however tells three separate tales that are all interconnected – which in my opinion are the best ones (think Star Trek The Next Generation finale). Another great jumping on point for those interested in getting started on a new book, one that has been awesome since the first day Fraction started.
Also take a look at Brian Michael Bendis’ Scarlet #4 and Mark Millar’s Superior #4. These titles are both unique in their own right and offer very compelling stories. Scarlet is all about upsetting the status quo, that of the world in which she exists and what I believe we as readers have fallen into the trap to expect. Meanwhile, Superior is one of those stories that take’s its origins from another more famous tale that we are all too familiar. Enjoy!
2 Books I Wanna Read Tomorrow
I’m back again for another look into some comics I’m looking forward to reading. 1 is an old standby for me but the other one, well to be honest, is in a series I’ve never read before.
Random Retro Comic Review
All Star Comics #68 (Volume 1, September 1977)
Paul Levitz (w) Joe Staton, Bob Layton (a)
“Frankly Fate, I’ve had enough of your crying cosmic calamity every time we have a tough case!” Jay Garrick, Earth 2 Flash
Before Marvel launched it’s Ultimate universe. Before DC gave us the Elseworlds. Before Joss Whedon gave us Firefly, Serenity and their ‘verse there was the DC Comics multiverse. And once upon a time, readers were delivered monthly tales from Earth-2 where Bruce Wayne was police commissioner of Gotham City and Golden Age Hawkman roamed the skies as a member of the Justice Society of America in a costume that today would make us all come up with some truly tasteless jokes (a couple of which I recall all too fondly when the All-Star Comics DC Direct action figures came out a few years back).
For the uninitiated, we are of course referring to DC Comics’ All Star Comics, specifically, issue #68, which featured the legendary Justice Society of America, complete with Golden Age Hawkman and the current roster you are familiar with today (albeit with a bit different look) – Power Girl, Jay Garrick as the Flash, Alan Scott as the Green Lantern, Wildcat, Dr. Fate and more.
And before Marv Wolfman and George Perez brought him back in the Crisis of Infinite Earths, the Psycho Pirate was wrecking havoc with the JSA, and of course their emotions, controlling Scott and leading the team to despair to make his getaway.
Meanwhile, a very civilian Wayne after watching the Green Lantern hold his airport hostage and then battle his teammates has great concerns over just how the JSA is doing business. But that is a story for another issue (cliffhanger anyone?).
Not only does this issue give readers a chance to be in the upcoming Superman movie, it also features travel across the multiverse into Earth 1! And before there was a GPS system or even Google maps, there was the JSA computers, which could not find Green Lantern on Earth 2 – maybe they did need the new-fangled GPS or Google maps? Can you guess where he was?
None of the above however rivals the Green Lantern’s debut in the issue, when he holds Gotham Airport for what he is owed – demanding one million dollars. And he means it. Of course he is not in his right mind, thanks to one Mr. Levitz and a certain pirate.
Couple of interesting notes, the more things change the more they stay the same as Power Girl still is the one attempting to keep the team together in “Divided We Stand” as Psycho Pirate threatens to tear the team apart.
GL uses his ring to conjure salad tongs to take down a British Airways jet and a old school radio microphone, complete with a GL, to give Gotham his list of demands.
Levitz keeps the story moving with quick dialogue, although boy was this team a bunch of whiners. Meanwhile Staton turned in his usual strong work with Layton finishing. Loved the panel of Power Girl jumping into the air searching for a fleet-footed Flash. The panel comes complete with a “Spoinng!” as if on a spring. Although many current readers maybe disappointed that Staton keeps PG’s backside pretty much covered in her one-piece, leg-exposed costume.
A couple of epilogue’s later, complete with a cameo by Earth One’s Green Lantern Hal Jordan, and the rest is history. But issue #69 looks to be just as promising. Just let me dig that out of the back issue box to find out just what Commissioner Wayne is up to.
Check out previous Random Retro Comic Reviews below.
Batman Legends of the Dark Knight #40
Invincible Iron Man Volume 3 #37
What I Liked This Week
Daredevil Reborn #1 (of 4)Andy Diggle (w) Davide Gianfelice (a)
Another week another book that brought apprehension when I thought about reading it. And I am happy to report that I enjoyed this story by Andy Diggle. It makes up for the mess that was Shadowland. Talk about a no event. Granted, it did leave a whole lot on Hand ninja hanging out in NYC and working for the Kingpin (see this week’s Spider-Man), but I mean ninjas are like dogs now, they are everywhere. But I digress …
Daredevil Reborn #1 felt a little retread in that it’s not a terribly original idea. Matt Murdoch stars as a drifter (a blind one at that) where the locals “encourage” him to leave town. When the local constable shows up, they have the same reaction (ala John Rambo – oh no, good thing this book did not star Sylvester Stallone). Of course he does not leave town (where is the fun in that) and of course he finds something (oh, a mystery).
And while I may seem to be a little critical of the way the story was written, every tale needs that hook or as George Lucas calls it, macguffin. For Diggle, this one is it. And to be honest, you are reading the story not so much for the mystery, but the journey that Murdoch is on his road to salvation and being rebirth – and that is why this story stuck with me.
Plus we get to see Murdoch teach a blind kind how to flip a coin. And to be honest, I think we can all use a skill like that, even if we do have 20-20 vision.
Notable Fun Moments in Comics This Week
While none of the below titles are so awesome to be noted above, there were a couple of time during each of them that I thought, “that was cool” or “that was fun” and even on ocassion made me chuckle out loud (a nice hearty guffaw while reading a comic around people is always a conversation starter. So without further ado let’s take a look.
Red Robin #19 is a title I can never put my finger on. I always pick it up, and always walk away enjoying what I read. Fabian Nicieza and Marcus To tell a good story. This one stars Tim Drake and with a dearth of bat titles on the market can be easy to overlook, especially after the fun that is Batgirl. This month’s issue takes place in Tim’s head however and is an interesting tale watching him begin the book in a classic Batman & Robin adventure (think Adam West TV series). Check this out for a little nostalgia and stay for the rest of the story.
Speaking of Batgirl, issue #17 is like the previous ones, a fun time. This issues sees the return of Damian as the two team-up. As always, Bryan Miller seems to be having a blast writing these characters when they go head-to-head, and I know I enjoy reading them. This is a real heartfelt moment as Damian goes undercover and Stephanie realizes some things that probably none of us ever thought about when it comes to the new boy wonder. If anything, the last page is the best part and worth the $2.99 cover price alone.
Honorable Mention goes out to Birds of Prey #8. Part two of the Death of Oracle storyline, the Calculator is pissed and he is going to find out who Oracle is if it kills all of the Birds of Prey. Guillem March does the art on this issue, and it is superb. There’s an interesting “B” story running with the Penguin and Hawk, but the main tale is why you should pick this book up. Lots going on, just when you thnk the book is going one way, it zags. Then you go to take breath, and it zigs. Come to think of it, this book may have deserved a higher rating this week.
And last but certainly not least, Amazing Spider-Man #651 (mentioned above re: all those crazy ninjas, who I hear are getting their own reality show soon) closes the door on the opening “Big Time” arc. All is well in Peter Parker’s life. Wish we could say the same for his alter-ego who now has to take on a new Hobgoblin and the Kingpin, in the same book. Of course he gets some “help” from his new “partner” the Black Cat. I have written this before, but if you have not given Spidey a chance in awhile due to One More Day, Brand New Day or One Moment in Time (which was miserable, thank you Joe Quesada), give Big Time a shot. It’s a good read and should renew your faith in all things webhead.
