The issue is… something. I think it’s a good something, but it’s very different than anything I’ve read in Spidey comics before. Like even more different than ‘Reign.’ I’m going to put spoiler tags, even though I’m not really spoiling anything beyond very mild hints of what’s in the book. spoilers:end of spoilers
This is not like a faux-horror book or just has horror-like elements… once you get past the halfway mark, it is straight up horror and there’s a couple panels (ahem… “dinner guest” scene) that are more graphic than anything I’ve ever seen in a Spidey comic.
The most conventional part of the book is the preview pages with Spidercide (I was a bit disappointed there was no backstory on why he’s back… everything with him is in the preview). I did find it funny how Ben referred to Spidercide as “brother” in his mini from last year while Peter pointedly says he’s “not his brother.” I don’t think Ahmed intended this, but it’s a happy coincidence showing the different ways Peter and Ben view the clones. Anyway… it’s a very small part of the story so if you’re buying it only for that you might be let down. But the rest of the book is something out of ‘The Twilight Zone’ and Peter doesn’t even suit up the whole issue. It first gets a bit weird and confusing, but still not too crazy… but then things get horrific from the “have you paid your fare?” splash page and it doesn’t let up until the end. I’m still figuring out how I feel about the book, but they definitely let the writer and artist go nuts. I think it’s worth a buy, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart (or people expecting a conventional Spidey comic).
Last edited by HypnoHustler; 10-16-2023 at 06:13 PM.
"The Enigma Force is not a tool to be manipulated by mortals. The Enigma Force comes to those it deems worthy. What temerity, what arrogance, makes you think you are worthy? Have you not all made mistakes? Unforgiveable ones?" - Captain Universe
"Call me an Avenging Angel, Baron, come to safeguard Earth...call me CAPTAIN UNIVERSE!" - Ray Coffin
"You're my heart, Mary Jane Watson...you're my jackpot." - Peter Parker
OK, I'm calling the bait and switch.
Sure the horror part of the book made for a good read. This is partly what I signed on for. However, the preview pages also lead me(us) to believe it was going to ALSO be about Spidercide to some degree.
This story arc isn't going to deal with him at all.
"Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" - Optimus Prime
Spider-Man should have been having a Halloween special for decades by now.
I remember the Wendigo short story by Charles Vess. That was a nice way to approach things.
Yep. The way Humanity Agenda ended was a perfect (and possibly intentional) easy out for everything that has happened to "Ben" since his return in Clone Conspiracy. Cos Marvel could just say that he never did, and it's been Spidercide the whole time. Yeah, that would mean Ben is still dead - but given how Spidey editorial have treated him since he came back, actually not coming back now feels like the much better option.
Assuming this book is set in the main continuity (I'm well out of the loop, so I don't know), Spidercide's brief appearance here effectively ruins that possibility, however monumentally slim the chances were that editorial would have ever used it anyway. And apparently for absolutely no reason too, given Spidercide's seeming absence for the rest of the story.
Unless his cameo here was at editorial's request, of course. For the specific reason of shutting that potential door.
"The rules of regeneration are known!"
"Sorry, what did you say? Did you mention the rules? Now, listen. A bit of advice: tell me the truth if you think you know it,
lay down the law if you're feeling brave, but never ever tell me the rules!!"