| January’s Spider-Man | Sunday January 8, 2006 |
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
The dates are based on the official monthly solicitations are and incredibly subject to scheduling change.
04/01
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #11 – Spidey vs. The Mad Thinker? The intrigue surrounding this scenario sells this issue alone.
Spider-Girl #94 – featuring The Avengers this is probably a good issue to catch if you are a Scarlet Witch or Hawkeye fan as they make special appearances. But remember, this does not fall in normal continuity.
Spider-Man Unlimited #13 – The solicit says ‘two hilarious tales’ this issue. With Rhino in one and Peter falling ill (originality police on stand by) in the other, we will just have to see.
11/01
18/01
Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man #4 – Peter David returns to his title picking up the pieces of Peter’s rebirth. Is he more Spider, or Man?
Marvel Knights Spider-Man #21 – Carrying straight on from FNSM #4, Hudlin has the opportunity to make or break The Other in this penultimate chapter. Sadly, Pat Lee pencils.
New Mangaverse #1 (of 6) – Written by C B Cebulski but these Manga projects never really kick off! Unless you are dead set on enjoying this style from the outset, then don’t bother Japanese.
25/01
Amazing Spider-Man #527 – Mike Deodato’s last issue which brings The Other to a conclusion and brings a new dawn to Spider-Man. At least for a few months.
New Avengers #14 – Following Bendis and Cho’s last issue how can you miss this? A superb comic book that concludes the Spider-Woman arc.
Spider-Man/Black Cat: Evil That Men Do #6 (of 6) – The series finally comes to an end. Only get this if you have the rest.
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane #2 – Still not sure that this will succeed as an ongoing series but if anyone can do it McKeever can.
Ultimate Spider-Man #89 – This comic has not been this good in a long time. Bendis and Bagley continue the Silver Sable arc.
TRADE PAPERBACKS
Marvel 1602: New World – This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and is as not as strong at the previous Neil Gaiman series, but is worth a look if you have some spare cash and want to try something different. It is basically the modern Marvel characters written in a 1602 context. Collecting Marvel 1602: New World #1-6
New Avengers VOLUME 2: The Sentry – Not the strongest arc ever written by Bendis, it procrastinates and features too much Emma Frost. The pencils of McNiven are superb, but not really tested in the latter two parts and the procrastination surrounding The Wrecker is in fact the best bit! If you want to know more about The Sentry, a little about the New Avengers and a lot more about the brilliant artist Steve McNiven then get this. Featuring a guest appearance by Paul Jenkins! Collecting New Avengers #7-10 and New Avengers: Most Wanted Files
Spider-Girl VOLUME 5: Endgame – The daughter of Spider-Man vs. the son of Wolverine! This is nothing if not original! This digest collects Spider-Girl #22-7
Spider-Man vs. Silver Sable VOLUME 1 – She is not the greatest Spider-Man foe and this is not the greatest collection, but worth a look if you plan on picking up the new Silver Sable mini series. Collecting Amazing Spider-Man #265 and #279-281 and Spectacular Spider-Man #128-129
Ultimate Annuals VOLUME 1 – Even if you buy this just for Ultimate Spider-Man Annual then it is worth the cover price, but if you happen to read the other three annuals in the volume then you will be reading a total of FOUR amazing annuals that will probably sell the other series to you with ease! Collecting Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1, Ultimates Annual #1, Ultimate X-Men Annual #1 and Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual #1
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Highlight of the Month is easily New Avengers #14. The last issue was absolutely superb, combining Bendis’ work on Secret War and the upcoming Civil War and Spider-Woman series all at once. Plus at was drawn by Frank Cho in his most stylish Marvel outing to date. Behind New Avengers is Bendis’ other title Ultimate Spider-Man, which is on a roll right now and is really building towards something special for #100, and Amazing Spider-Man in which The Other concludes and fans can finally make up their minds if it was all worth it…!
TRADE OF THE MONTH
Spend your hard earned cash on Ultimate Annuals VOLUME 1 this month. The Ultimate Spider-Man chapter opens up a completely new road for Peter Parker, is drawn by the wonderful Mark Brooks who really captures the mood of the title and written by the-returned-to-form Brian Michael Bendis. Also featuring outstanding creators Mark Millar, Jae Lee, Brian K Vaughan, Tom Raney and Steve Dillon.
Adam Rivett |
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