Here is today's Guest Reviews from the guys at Spider-Man Crawlspace for Marvel's Superior Spider-Man #20. I have also added my rating after each review. If you have any questions about my rating or want to discuss anything just leave me a comment.
Superior Spider-Man #20 - Spidey Still Standing
From the fallout of NECESSARY EVIL, comes new beginnings and new twists that will be felt in the pages of Spider-Man for years to come! SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #20 is where it all starts! Do NOT miss this one!
It's the first ever adventure for the Superior Spider-Man and the Black Cat. Felicia Hardy always cared for the Spider more than the man. But what happens when that man is Otto Octavius?
Plus: A day Otto has been waiting for is finally here. Is the world ready for "Dr. Peter Parker"... and what he plans to do next?
Preview
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Plot
While presenting his thesis, Peterpus gets called out by Doctor Nose that his presentation is ripped off from Otto Octavius’ work. SpOck swears revenge. Meanwhile Angelina Brancale a.k.a. the Stunner has awoken from her coma (brought upon when she helped the Hand in resurrecting Otto from his death by Kaine back in the Clone Saga) and after learning that Otto ruined all of her hard work by getting himself killed again swears vengeance on the Spider-Man. Specifically the Superior version.
Review
When I first read this issue I was ready and willing to give it an “A”. Compared to most other Superior scripts, I felt that Slott had juggled the balls of plot in a way that was both intriguing and upped the ante which made for a really engaging comic. Developments were made in which I wasn't expecting, characters were moving forward in their respective plots, and a new wrinkle has been added in the aftermath to Amazing #700. I thought this was a very strong issue and, despite a few niggles here and there, didn't think anything glaring was keeping it from earning its full grade.
Of course Chris and Ryan had to ruin my fun by being so good at what they do, that they really forced me to take a second look. In doing so I’d discovered some stronger negative qualities that hurt Superior issue #20 more so than I had realized. This is still in my opinion one of Slott’s better issues in terms of pacing and progression. The “Slott-isms” are still there but by this point I have been beaten over the head with them so often that I've practically given up caring. However certain logical fallacies weigh this issue down just enough to keep the string of “B” grades consistent (Spoilers).
This issue was apparently hyped up to the nth degree, as with most Superior issues. I use the term “apparently” because in all honesty I wasn't paying much attention to the buzz, so when the cloud of disappointment began to circulate, I couldn't go along with it as I didn't feel the same. The one thing everyone can agree on is that Felicia/Black Cat was hyped with a seductive cover and all, only for her to be dropped by Ock in two pages. I can see people’s consternation with that, but in the business of reading comics there has been an unfortunate trend of misleading covers that draw the reader in before pulling a bait a switch. Admittedly I was expecting this issue to be Felicia-heavy, but the fact that it wasn't didn't bother me. I am interested in what Brad thinks of it though…
Images Unplugged Rating
Cover & Solicit - 5
Art, Colors & Inking - 5
Layout & Flow - 4
Story - 4
Verdict - 4.4 (9/10) - (Buy Superior Spider-Man) SAVE 10%
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