Synopsis
As Loki and Spidey eat hotdogs on a rooftop they are interrupted by the appearance of Morwen who asks Spidey for his answer – to take the power she wishes to give him or to die by her hand. Loki recognises the body that Morwen has possessed as one of his earthly daughters. As Spidey refuses, Loki offers himself to her but she refuses. Morwen takes Spidey’s refusal and Loki’s intervention personally and she attacks Loki for bringing a sense of order to the proceedings (order?). The magic flies, with Spidey caught in the middle. Loki initiates telepathic communication with Spidey and they come up with a plan. Spidey lands a ball of webbing on Morwen’s face and jumps in to attack. Meanwhile Loki searches for the spirit of his daughter within Morwen. He succeeds in vanquishing the presence of Morwen and saves Spidey from certain death. Loki then vanishes with the unconscious body of his daughter. Later, when Spidey checks up on the name Tess Black (the daughter) he finds her house empty. Loki meets him and tells him to keep an eye out for her, giving Spidey her real address.

Highlight
The full page shot of Spidey trapped by Morwen and Spidey being an ‘agent of chaos’!

Comments
Although this is another magic related story, it provides further evidence that this is one of the top books around. Those who think that there are not enough of the original villains within this book do not read Spectacular to compliment Amazing. Spectacular is designed to be the more smash-and-grab type stories, the oncoming Knights title will be the hard-hitting storylines so I think it seems perfectly natural to let Straczynski go with what he does best. This issue is an example of the kind of stories he can write and write well.

His use of Loki, and his relationship with Spidey is what shines within this issue. There are links to his relationship with Dr Strange, with the same kind of humour being used, and the humour helps this issue move. The threat of Morwen doesn’t seem that bad, seeing as Loki is a god an all, but when Straczynski and JRJR create the scene when Loki is pinned down by the spikes of spell the sense of threat really comes to light. Also, in regards to how Loki is handles, it is nice to see him as less of a villain and more of a being with emotions, who clearly cares for his daughter and will even trust a creature of ‘chaos’ (such a funny bit!) in order to save her.

The pencils are stunning. JRJR always seems to know how to handle the depiction of magic (and yes he has had enough practice at it) and this issue is no different. The whole page shot of Spidey being pinned against the wall, and even the knife she is going to use to kill him, are beautifully drawn and really show how out of depth Peter is with all of these threats. The final page also sums up the relationship between the two characters and that there now remains some link to be used in a further possible issue. The colourist, Mark Milla, should also be mentioned as it is his use of colour and contrast that bring the magical scenes to life.

Not much wrong with this issue, but you have got to trust Straczynski with where he is going with these little magical issues and just enjoy JRJR whilst we still can!

Rating
Cover – 4 / 5
Issue #504 Overall – 4 / 5

Reviewed by Adam Rivett

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