Spider-Man: Lifeline #2 synopsis
Spider-Man: Lifeline #3 synopsis

the plot: When additional fragments from the time tablet that was at the center of a Maggia gang war are found, a fight to get the pieces emerges as Boomerang, Man Mountain Marko and the Eel all fight to get the pieces and Spider-Man's caught in the middle.

the review: This was an odd, though unexpectedly pleasent surprise. Looking at preview pages I honestly thought it was a remake of Amazing Spider-Man #70-75, and then later set a short while after those issues given the style of artwork. To my surprise Spider-Man: Lifeline is set in modern continuity and it really works. Steve Rude's artwork is retro, yet really great to look at. It's moreso classic than even Lee Weeks, whose artwork I refered to as 'classic Spidey' in another review.

The artwork, great as it may be, wouldn't be much without solid writing, and Fabian Nicieza really shines here. His writing is perfectly fit for Rude's artwork. The story relies mainly on character thoughts and words, rather than exposition, which works out fine given the smooth detail of Rude's art. The story was also very easy to follow, and despite having not read the original stories I was still able to follow things. It seemed slightly odd though that Silvermane would not want the tablet again since he has managed to reform himself. Mind you last time he got it he was turned to dust, so then....

Forgive me if this review is a little spotty, but I'm a little ill so I'll cut to the chase: This was a well drawn easy to follow book. Without giving away my age, I'll say I wasn't around to buy the Lee/Romita issues the first time they came around, so being a big Spidey fan it was nice to see the next closest thing over here. If want to read a Spidey book that feels like it's right out of 1969 pick up Spider-Man: Lifeline #1.

Spider-Man: Lifeline #1 gets **** out of *****

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