review by justin anderson

the plot: In the vein of Transformers #3, a property licensed from Marvel is pulled into having one of their characters included in a story just because it's being done by Marvel. Done "because NO ONE demanded it!"

But unlike Transformers #3, this appearance doesn't make me want to stab myself with a butter knife.

Ren and Stimpy are out of Powdered Toast. Placing an emergency call the Powdered Toastman for more, Spider-Man shows up, filling in for the missing hero. Using his web shooters for "use #102" of his web fluid, he produces 2 slices of toast. PTM's spare pair of elasti-shorts, worn under Spidey's costume, alert him to danger and he runs.

The danger being a mind-controlled PTM wrecking the city, Dr. Dough-Naught (a guy with a doughnut for a head) at the remote control. The two fight in a display of super powers, leaving Spidey encased in "membrane breading"(shot from PTM's nose). Thinging of those close to him, he wills the pwoer to break free. Soaking PTM with milk, Spidey finds himself taking a beating from Dr. Dough-Naught, using a lead pipe. PTM, downing a can of powdered toasy in a Popeye spoof, regains his senses and strength. The two heroes take out the bad guy.

Ren and Stimpy show up, suggesting the 2 heroes team up. Spidey says PTM isn't in his league, PTM puts him through a wall in return.

The story follows up with Ren and Stimy thanking Spidey for helping boost sales. Ren is in a Punisher shirt, stimpy dressed as Wolverine. They want to become his sidekicks. Their display of powers makes Spider-Man sick.

"Ask Dr. Stupid" opens with a question of "who's stronger" between the 2 heroes. Sniffing under their arms, Stimpy determines Spider-Man to be the "strongest".

the review: Five of five stars.

The art is cartoony. In some ways, reminiscent of artwork from the 1960's comic era and earlier. Though they don't make Spider-Man a complete cartoon, taking some observation of his character model.

There's no question it's not Spider-Man continuity. It's a clear humor story, possibly designed to make fun of such stories as Transformers #3. Direct dialog will often even slap at a few Spidey plot devices, such as teaming with Venom, a Spider-Armor suit, and how Spidey has to comment on his spider-sense.

And I don't recall ANY hero crossover story elsewhere ending with one putting the other through a wall.

Basically, an issue designed to poke fun at the usage of a popular character to sell a new comic, which Marvel had done before.

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