The Amazing Spider-man #692
It’s nice to be reminded that there are things in this world that are older than I am. This issue commemorates Spider-man’s 50th birthday. However when most people who turn fifty take this time to reflect, Spider-man spends most of his time looking at the future. #692 is a double sized issue that has the first half being the beginning of a new storyline and the introduction of a new character. Peter Parker’s science experiments accidentally give a kid super powers while the class was on a field trip (sound familiar?). The kid is classified as an “Alpha Level Threat” (whatever that means), so he is given the call sign, Alpha. While their origins are similar, this Alpha kid is everything Parker is not. To be honest, he is kind of a turd. Though, that is probably the point. However I’ve never really liked the jerk to super villain storylines. Villains are just far less interesting when they’re not genuinely evil. This story might end up being good, but it’s just one of those you have to hold out on.
The second half of the comic is a few side stories that are a tad on the sentimental side. The stories themselves are okay, but they are a little transparent in the message that Spider-man is hero because deep down he is just a nice guy. I get, understand, and believe in the message, but Parker is more interesting when they explore his sense of sacrifice and his guilt complex. If you’re not already reading Spider-man, then I don’t really see how these extra stories will make you pick it up. It just feels like another comic than the slam dunk we would expect from someone turning fifty. Spider-man just seems happy not to need a cane.
Super Crooks #4 (of 4)
“Super Crooks” is “Ocean’s Eleven” if everyone had super powers. There I said it. It’s a cute little book that can be fairly clever at times, but hardly the most original thing writer Mark Millar has ever come up with. This finale in particular unfolds rather nicely and features the best writing and art of this short series. The only gaping flaw it has is that you slowly start to realize that there is no danger. Minor spoiler ahead, you’ve been warned. At the beginning you think that things have gone sideways, but you discover that everything was going according to plan. I’ll give Millar credit that everything revealed is believable. It’s not one of those stupid bullsh*t plans that would have never actually worked. The book’s own narration even pats itself on the back for it’s “out of the box thinking”. However its clever plan is a strength because it’s smart, but it’s also a weakness because any tension the book builds up is released once the danger is removed. This is why most plans go wrong in movies because no one panics when things go according to plan. I still think it’s a great book, but Millar would be wise for things to go completely F.U.B.A.R. in the sequel.
On a personal note I’m super depressed that I’m not going to Dragoncon in Atlanta this weekend. You chumps who think that Comic-con is the sh*t don’t know what you’re missing. It’s a weekend long fan run party that never stops until Monday morning that is filled with ubernerds, Wookies, and hot goth chicks. It’s like Burning Man for nerds.
Also, in a shameless plug to myself, check out Bruce Osborne on Facebook. I post/link all my stuff there, including chapters on a book I’m working on. Feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button as if you’re an addict.
I also write publish works of fiction on my Bruce Osborne Blog. Feel free to read, follow, or even hate my stuff. I don’t care if people like it, only that they read it.
There are too many movies for me to review in full, so I created a twitter account to give brief opinions on the many movies I view. If you wish to read my smart ass remarks, follow M.O.V.I.E. Reviewer @MutantOpossum.
 Spider-Man Movie Po… $18.00
|
 Symbiote Spider-Man… $34.99
|
 Spider Man Gold Pla… $4.00
|
 Spider-Man Mask $100.00
|
 Kick-Ass Upcycled C… $6.00
|
 Custom Made to Orde… $26.00
|
 YOUR Custom Costume… $250.00
|
 1X 2X 3X Handmade … $169.99
|
